Havana, the captivating capital of Cuba, offers travelers a unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious hotel in Havana, a charming boutique hotel, or the authentic experience of staying in a casa particular, this city has something for everyone. From the iconic Malecon seawall to the bustling streets of Old Havana, every part of the city promises an unforgettable experience.
As you plan your trip to Cuba, one of the most crucial decisions is deciding where to stay in Havana. The city’s diverse areas, each with its own character and charm, cater to different travel preferences. Stay in Old Havana to immerse yourself in the historic heart of the city, or opt for the lively El Vedado neighborhood, known for its art scene and nightlife. Miramar, on the other hand, is one of the best places to indulge in luxury hotels and resort-like accommodations. Alternatively, consider staying in a casa particular, a unique opportunity to experience the warmth of Cuban hospitality while exploring the city’s hidden gems and things to do in Havana.
Best Places to Stay in Havana: Quick Guide
- 🏰 For first-time visitors: Old Havana
- ✨ For history buffs: Centro Habana
- 💎 For luxury: El Vedado
- 🏞️ For beach lovers: Miramar
- 🌃 For tropical vibes: Playa
- 🌺 For local experience: Habana del Este
1. Old Havana (Habana Vieja): Historic Heart of Havana 📜
🗺️ Time capsule: You can’t visit Havana without spending time in Old Havana – it’s the beating heart of the city and an absolute must-see. As soon as you step into the narrow, winding streets, you’re transported back in time. The crumbling-but-colorful colonial buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and classic American cars create a scene straight out of the 1950s.
🌉 Wanderlust: In our opinion, the best way to experience Old Havana is to simply get lost wandering the cobblestone labyrinths. Around every corner, you’ll stumble across another stunning plaza or architectural gem. Don’t miss the iconic Plaza Vieja, with its photogenic fountain and Baroque buildings. The Catedral de San Cristóbal is also a highlight – I loved admiring the intricate facade while sipping a mojito at one of the outdoor cafes.
🏛️ Can’t–miss: Some key attractions not to miss are the Museo de la Revolución, housed in the former Presidential Palace, and the imposing El Morro fortress guarding the entrance to Havana harbor. I’d also recommend taking a tour of one of the old cigar factories to learn about Cuba’s famous exports.
🎶 Vibrant streets: While the historic sights are amazing, what I love most about Old Havana is the infectious energy that pulses through the streets. Everywhere you go, there’s music drifting out of doorways, locals socializing on the street corners, and the smells of Cuban cuisine wafting through the air. It’s pure sensory overload in the best way.
🍽️ Iconic eats: Some of Havana’s most legendary bars and restaurants are found here, like the famous La Bodeguita del Medio and El Floridita – both former haunts of Ernest Hemingway. I’d recommend: La Guarida – Dine in this incredibly atmospheric paladar (private restaurant) set in a beautifully dilapidated mansion, El Del Frente – Cozy outdoor bar with live music every night, El Rum Rum de la Habana – Lively club spinning Cuban beats until the early hours.
🚶♂️ Explore on foot: Old Havana is easily walkable, and I’d actually recommend exploring on foot as much as possible to not miss any of the tucked-away plazas and photogenic streetscapes. Just be prepared for uneven cobblestone streets.
2. Centro Habana: Authentic Havana 🌸
🏘️ Local life: As you wander the streets, you’re surrounded by crumbling Art Deco buildings, concrete apartment blocks, and the frenetic day-to-day life of Habaneros going about their business. Laundry hangs from balconies, kids play stickball in the streets, and elderly residents gather on stoops to chat and watch the world go by. It’s a fascinating glimpse into ordinary Cuban life.
🌊 Iconic promenade: The soul of Centro is undoubtedly the Malecón, the iconic seaside promenade that stretches for miles along the coast. I loved strolling along here, watching the fishermen trying their luck and taking in the incredible views of the ocean crashing against the seawall. It’s the perfect place to sip a cold Cristal beer as the sun goes down.
📍 Nearby sights: While Centro Habana itself is light on major tourist attractions, it’s conveniently located just a short walk from many of Havana’s top sights in Old Havana and beyond. The impressive Capitolio Nacional building, reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol, is right on the edge of the neighborhood and well worth a visit.
🚌 Getting around: One of the biggest advantages of staying in Centro Habana is that it’s easily walkable to many of central Havana’s top attractions and nightlife areas. We rarely needed to take a taxi or public transit when going between Centro, Old Havana, and El Vedado.
3. El Vedado: Upscale and Modern 🌇
🌃 Upscale vibes: For a taste of a more modern, upscale side of Havana, head to El Vedado. This chic, cosmopolitan neighborhood feels worlds away from the time-warped streets of Old Havana with its trendy restaurants, bars, theaters, and shopping.
👐 Elegant streets: As you stroll along La Rampa, the lively main street, you’re surrounded by elegant 20th century mansions, art nouveau apartment buildings, and leafy plazas. It has a decidedly more sophisticated, bourgeois vibe compared to other parts of Havana. This is where the young, fashionable Cubans come to see and be seen.
🎭 Cultural hub: El Vedado is also the cultural heart of the city. We spent many a night soaking in shows at the famous cabaret clubs like the Tropicana, catching live music performances, or just bar-hopping along La Rampa. The nightlife here is unbeatable.
🗿 Iconic sights: While nightlife is El Vedado’s biggest draw, there are plenty of interesting sights and attractions too. You can’t miss the iconic Plaza de la Revolución, where Che Guevara’s iconic face gazes down from the iconic plaza. Nearby is the impressive Cementerio de Colón, a sprawling cemetery where you could spend hours wandering the maze of ornate tombs and mausoleums.
🏫 University charm: I also loved strolling around the beautiful University of Havana campus and grounds. It’s the oldest university in Cuba, dating back to 1728, with a charming blend of Baroque and neo-Classical architecture.
🚶♀️ Getting Arround
- Walkable avenues: With its grid-like layout of wide avenues, El Vedado is a very walkable neighborhood. However, the distances between sights can be farther than you’d expect in the Caribbean heat.
- Hop-on tours: Taxis are readily available to get around, but I’d actually recommend taking advantage of the hop-on-hop-off double decker bus tours that run through the area. It’s an easy way to get oriented and see the top sights.
- Hotel shuttles: Many hotels in El Vedado also offer free shuttle services to Old Havana and other areas, which can be super convenient for getting around. Just check with your accommodation about schedules and routes.
4. Miramar: Beachside Luxury 🌊
🏖️ Beachside glitz: For those looking for an upscale, resort-style experience in Havana, Miramar is likely your best bet. This ritzy neighborhood along the coast feels more like Miami than Cuba, with its glitzy hotels, residential high-rises, and palm-lined streets.
💰 Affluent scene: As you cruise along the Avenida Quinta, you’ll pass gleaming embassies, foreign businesses, and some of Havana’s most luxurious hotels and private clubs. This is where Havana’s elite come to see and be seen, sipping mojitos at the swanky beach clubs and marinas.
😎 Lavish escape: While Miramar may lack the gritty authenticity of other Havana neighborhoods, I have to admit there’s something incredibly alluring about its beachside glamour. Waking up to views of the Florida Straits, spending lazy days by the pool or beach, and enjoying world-class amenities is a nice change of pace from the hustle of downtown.
🍽️ Upscale dining: Despite its residential feel, Miramar has no shortage of dining and entertainment options, especially if you have deep pockets. The neighborhood is home to Havana’s highest concentration of upscale international restaurants, serving everything from French cuisine to Japanese teppanyaki. A few standouts I’d recommend are Naón ‘El Palacio de los Matrimonios’ for its romantic ambiance and NaRa for delicious Asian fusion fare.
🚖 Far from the center: One downside of staying in Miramar is that it can feel quite removed from many of Havana’s top attractions concentrated in Old Havana, Centro, and Vedado. You’ll likely need to rely heavily on taxis or rental cars to get around, as public transit is limited.
5. Playa: Coastal Getaway ⛱️
🏝️ Coastal escape: For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Havana, Playa offers the perfect beachside retreat just west of the city center. This laid-back coastal area has a distinctly different vibe from the rest of Havana, with a relaxed, vacation town feel.
🌴 Tropical vibes: As you drive along the waterfront Avenida Playa, you’re surrounded by stretches of sandy beaches, swaying palms, beach bars, and seaside resorts. The ocean breezes and slower pace immediately put you in a more chilled-out, tropical state of mind.
☀️ Lazy beach days: We loved being able to easily walk from our casa particular right onto the beach to spend lazy days swimming, sunbathing, and sipping cold mojitos from the beach clubs. Playa strikes that perfect balance of having a tranquil, away-from-it-all feel while still being just a short drive from Havana’s sights and nightlife.
💃 Cultural immersion: While the beach is definitely Playa’s biggest draw, there’s still plenty to see and do in the area. We had an absolute blast one evening taking a salsa dance lesson at one of the local studios. It was the perfect way to experience Cuba’s vibrant music and dance culture.
🍹 Beachside dining: You’ll also find no shortage of beachside restaurants and bars where you can indulge in fresh seafood, ice-cold beers, and live music. Calle 16 is lined with lively spots that really get going at night. A few favorites were Salón Rosado de la Tropical for its breezy terrace and El Aljibe for its quirky pirate ship vibe.
🚌 Getting Arround
- Getting there: One downside of staying in Playa is that it can feel quite removed from central Havana, especially if you don’t have your own transportation. Taking a taxi back and forth can quickly get expensive.
- Hotel shuttles: However, many hotels offer reasonably-priced shuttle services to Old Havana and other neighborhoods. This can be an easy way to enjoy Playa’s relaxing beachside setting while still being able to experience the cultural sights and nightlife downtown.
6. Habana del Este: Suburban Living 🏡
🏘️ Suburban authenticity: For an authentic taste of suburban Cuban life, consider venturing out to the Habana del Este neighborhoods east of the city center. This residential area has a distinctly different feel from tourist-centric districts like Old Havana and Vedado.
🚶♀️ Local rhythms: As you drive through the leafy side streets, you’re surrounded by simple concrete apartment blocks, bustling local markets, and parks where kids play pickup soccer games. It’s a world away from the grand plazas and baroque churches of central Havana.
👀 Glimpse of daily life: I loved getting a glimpse into everyday life here, watching residents going about their daily routines – shopping at the produce markets, gathering at park benches to play dominoes, or lining up for rations at the local bodegas. It’s a fascinating look at how ordinary Cubans live.
🏖️ Beachside hangout: While light on major tourist attractions compared to downtown, Habana del Este has its share of interesting sights and diversions. The real draw is simply experiencing a slice of authentic Cuban life off the beaten path. One highlight is the gorgeous stretch of beaches at Playas del Este, lined with beach parks and restaurants popular with locals. We spent a fun afternoon walking the malecón, snacking on coconut treats from vendors, and taking in the lively scene.
🏰 Historic fortress: History buffs shouldn’t miss the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, an impressive 17th century fortress guarding the entrance to Havana Bay. You can tour the grounds and learn about its role in defending against pirates and foreign invaders. The nearby Quinta de los Molinos is also worth a stop to see the beautifully preserved colonial-era farmhouse.
🚌 The Сar is required: Getting out to Habana del Este does require some extra effort compared to central Havana neighborhoods. Public buses run to the area, but routes can be confusing and infrequent for visitors. Your best bets are either taking a taxi, which can get pricey, or renting a car to easily explore at your own pace.
Where to Stay in Havana, Cuba
Havana offers a diverse range of accommodations and neighborhoods to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget. Whether you seek luxury resorts, historic hotels, or budget-friendly casas particulares, this vibrant city has something for everyone. Each area offers its own unique charm, from the colonial splendor of Old Havana to the modern sophistication of Miramar and the lively street culture of Centro Habana. By exploring these neighborhoods, you’ll experience the true essence of Havana and create unforgettable memories.
❓ FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Havana for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is an excellent choice as it offers easy access to many of the city’s top attractions, historic landmarks, and vibrant street life.
Are casas particulares (private homestays) safe and comfortable?
Yes, casas particulares are generally safe and comfortable options for budget travelers. They offer an authentic Cuban experience and a chance to interact with locals. However, it’s always advisable to research and book reputable casas particulares.
What is the best time to visit Havana?
The best time to visit Havana is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is generally pleasant, with cooler temperatures and less humidity.
Is it necessary to book accommodations in advance?
It is highly recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or for popular hotels and casas particulares. Availability can be limited, and booking early ensures you secure your preferred accommodation.
Are there any safety concerns in Havana?
Havana is generally a safe destination for tourists, but as with any major city, it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash, and stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
How do I get around Havana?
Taxis, classic car tours, and public transportation (buses and shared taxis) are the main modes of transportation in Havana. Walking is also a great way to explore the city’s neighborhoods, especially in areas like Old Havana and Vedado.
