How to plan a trip to Havana Cuba?

Havana is a destination that captivates with its friendly people and streets lined with weathered, colourful buildings that tell stories of times gone by. In addition, the city is famous for its live music, which resonates in every café and corner of the city, and its vibrant art scene. It’s definitely one of the destinations that has surprised us the most, and because we want you to enjoy your trip too, we’ve written this post with the best tips for planning your trip to Havana.

Further on you can read about the necessary documentation to travel to Cuba depending on where you are travelling from, the best way to get to and around the city, the most recommended neighbourhoods to stay in or the most typical dishes among many other travel recommendations. Are you ready to set off to discover Havana?

1. Prepare your travel documents for Havana

To travel to Cuba for tourism purposes you need to apply for a visa, but depending on where you are travelling from, you will need to apply for either the Green Visa or the Pink Visa:

Green or Blue Visa:

• is the standard visa that citizens from all over the world can apply for as long as they are not travelling from US airports. The visa covers a maximum stay of 90 days with the possibility of extending the stay for an additional 30 days (up to 90 days for Canadians).

Pink Visa:

• This visa allows entry to Cuba from US airports regardless of the traveller’s nationality. The visa covers a stay of 90 days maximum with the possibility of extending the stay for an additional 30 days (up to 90 days for Canadians). Please note that if you make a stopover in the United States, even if it is only for a few hours, you will need to apply for the Pink Visa in addition to the ESTA. And remember that, to travel from the United States, you will also need an authorisation from the Office of Foreign Assets Control. In this post you can find out about the procedures and documentation you will need if you are travelling from the USA: What do I need to travel to Cuba from the United States?

There are several ways to apply for a visa to travel to Cuba: when purchasing a flight ticket with US airlines, in person at the embassy or consulate, with a travel agency, upon arrival in Cuba, or online. Each process requires a minimum amount of time in advance, and prices also vary.

To give you an idea of prices, the online visa for Europeans costs €35, while the US visa costs about $103. Read more in detail about visas to Cuba in this post: Cuba travel visas: How to get a visa to Cuba?

We remind you that from the moment the visa is issued, it is valid for six months. So, you cannot apply for it too far in advance if you want it to cover your entire holiday.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Havana

The best months to enjoy Havana are November to March because temperatures are more pleasant and there’s no risk of hurricanes. However, you should also bear in mind that this is high season and prices tend to be higher. Also, if you don’t look in advance, you may have trouble finding accommodation.

Travelling in summer is generally not recommended because of high temperatures and the risk of hurricanes. Still, it’s a good option if you prefer a quieter, cheaper and less touristy trip.

3. Find out how to get to Havana

Havana is the main gateway to the country, so it’s well connected internationally. Here are all the means of transport at your disposal:

• Airplane: this is the most efficient way to get to Havana. José Martí International Airport is the main entry point with flights from many international cities. Airlines such as Cubana de Aviación, Air Canada, and Air Europa operate.
• Car: if you’re already in Cuba, you can rent a car to drive to Havana. Local companies such as Cubacar and Rex offer really cheap rental services that invite you to tour the island by road.
• Bus: Viazul is a popular option for travel from other Cuban cities to Havana. You can book your tickets online, the best option if you want to secure your seat.

From José Martí International Airport to the centre of Havana there are several transport options:

• Taxi: this is the fastest and most comfortable method. Prices start at 25 CUC (approx. 23€).
• Public bus: the P12 route connects the airport with the Capitolio in the centre for less than €2.

Public transport in Havana includes buses and collective taxis (almendrones). Prices are very cheap, but the system can be confusing for tourists. We got lost on a couple of occasions, but ask around and you’ll get anywhere. Another option is to get around by taxi. They’re so cheap, it’s usually worth it for the convenience. Taxis charge around 1-2 CUC for short journeys within the city.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Havana

To stay in Havana is to immerse yourself in a city where time seems to stand still. Accommodation options range from historic hotels to ‘casas particulares’, where you can get a more authentic experience. Especially in neighbourhoods such as El Vedado, many pre-revolutionary mansions now serve as lodgings that combine historic charm with Cuban hospitality. Whatever your preferences, you’re sure to find the ideal place to stay. With the Passporter App you can start comparing accommodation on Booking today.

Best neighbourhoods to stay in Havana:

• Habana Vieja: this is the historic heart of the city, ideal for exploring on foot and immersing yourself in history. The price is rather steep
• Central Havana: more authentic and less touristy, with easy access to key sites. Prices are average to cheap.
• El Vedado: residential area with green spaces and lively nightlife. The price is high without being excessive
• Miramar: a more exclusive and modern area, with luxurious residences and embassies.
• Chinatown: a touch of oriental culture in the Caribbean, with budget accommodation options

5. Where and what to eat in Havana?

Havana’s cuisine is a rich combination of flavours that reflects the island’s cultural mix, combining Spanish, African and Caribbean culinary techniques. The ingredients you’ll see most often are rice, beans, plantains, cassava, pork and seafood, which are often seasoned with local herbs and spices, resulting in simple but tasty dishes.

These are the dishes you can’t miss during your stay in Havana:

1. Ropa Vieja: shredded beef with tomatoes, peppers and onions.
2. Moros y Cristianos: rice with black beans, a classic of Cuban cuisine.
3. Roast suckling pig: roast pork marinated in sour orange juice and spices.
4. Ajiaco: thick soup with various meats and vegetables.
5. Yucca with mojo: boiled yucca served with a garlic and lemon sauce.

Besides its food, Havana is famous for its drinks, with the Mojito being the most iconic drink. When you go to order a mojito in a bar, tell the waiter your preferences so that he can prepare it to your liking.

6. Choose the activities you want to do in Havana

Havana is a lively city rich in history, culture and colonial architecture that invites you to spend a minimum stay of three to four days to immerse yourself in its daily life and soak up its way of life.

But in addition to getting a feel for Havana and its streets, there are many points of interest worth including in your itinerary:

1. Old Havana: this is the historic centre of the city, full of colonial squares and cobblestone streets.
2. Malecon: the famous seafront promenade, ideal for sunset strolls and watching local life.
3. Plaza de la Revolución: a huge square known for its political events and concerts.
4. The Capitol: inspired by the Capitol in Washington D.C., it is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Price of visit: 3 CUC.
5. Castillo del Morro: a 16th-century fortress offering panoramic views of Havana’s harbour. Price: 6 CUC.
6. Museum of the Revolution: located in the former Presidential Palace, it offers a glimpse into Cuba’s political history. Price: 8 CUC.
7. Gran Teatro de La Habana: an impressive theatre building where ballet and other performances are presented. Price: Guided tours for 5 CUC.
8. Hamel Alley: is an alley famous for its street art and rumba on Sundays.
9. Fábrica de Arte Cubano: a space for contemporary art and music, ideal for interacting with local artists. Entrance fee: 2 CUC.
10. Havana Cathedral: located in the Plaza de la Catedral, it is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture.

In this post you can read much more about everything to do and see in Havana: Things to see and do in Havana Cuba

7. Organise a trip with friends to Havana

Exploring Havana with a group of friends can be a unique experience as it combines the thrill of discovering the Cuban capital with the pleasure of being accompanied. Travelling with friends has many advantages, such as enjoying the local festivities, sharing transport, sharing expenses or always having someone to take your photo with you 😉

However, if you’ve ever travelled with friends, you’ll also know that some challenges or disagreements due to different interests can make choosing activities difficult. The Passporter app offers the perfect solution by allowing you to plan a trip to Havana as a group, making it easy to organise and ensuring that every friend is involved in the process. The experiences of other travellers serve as inspiration, and the platform becomes an album of shared memories thanks to the possibility of uploading photos. We tell you about it in this post: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Havana

• To travel to Cuba it is necessary to apply for a visa which can be processed online: Cuba travel visas: How to obtain a visa to travel to Cuba?
• Remember that if you are travelling from the United States you will need to apply for a different visa and travel authorization: What do I need to travel to Cuba from the United States?
• The currency used in Cuba is the Cuban peso.
• Although Spanish is the predominant language, English is also widely understood.
• It is advisable to carry a first-aid kit with essential medicines, due to possible shortages in pharmacies.
• Remember that credit and debit cards issued by US banks are not accepted in Cuba; therefore, it is necessary to carry cash for exchange into local currency.
• Be covered for medical emergencies with compulsory travel insurance. Choose a good travel insurance, for example, Mondo.
• To avoid health problems, drink only bottled water and avoid ice.
• Sun protection is a must, along with appropriate clothing for the heat that also protects you from sun exposure, and staying well hydrated is vital.
• Keep your travel documents accessible at all times.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Havana

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Havana.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Havana