First time · Havana

First time in HavanaLa Habana

Havana is a cash-and-slack city: do the old squares and the Capitolio in the morning, keep a cool midday, carry enough cash for the whole stay, and treat power cuts and fuel shortages as part of the plan.

Everything here is a short version of the Havana guide. Prices and hours are estimates: check before you rely on them.

The honest verdict

Havana's sights are close together and easy to walk by day, but the trip runs on cash, patience and a host who books your rides. The trips that go wrong arrive late with no booked car, rely on a card that does not work, or pack a day too tightly for a city where buses and taxis stop when fuel or power runs short. Four clusters cover a first visit: Habana Vieja, the Prado and Capitolio, the Malecón and La Punta, and Vedado.

From the airport

José Martí International Airport (HAV)

Fastest and cheapest: Pre-booked car through your host to the door · about 35 min · about CUP 12,000

Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.

Airport-to-bed timings →

How long to stay

2 days: Habana Vieja and the Prado/Capitolio, Vedado in the evening
3 days: Four clusters, mornings and evenings only, with a midday break
5 days: Four clusters + a Viñales or beach day + one slack day

Itineraries by length →

Three mistakes to avoid

Do not photograph police, military or government buildings.(Survive · red lines)
Power cuts are frequent: carry a torch, a power bank and drinking water.(Survive · safety)
Ask before photographing people; some will expect a tip.(Survive · red lines)

Scams and safety →

Money and SIM

Budget day: CUP 10,000–18,000 excl. bed
Cash: Do not plan on ATMs: bring the full trip budget in cash in small, clean notes and split it between two places on you.

Money, SIMs and apps →