Nine things to do in Havana

| 4 min read

Nine things to do in Havana

From spotting vintage American cars to exploring the old city center and sipping mojito’s in Hemingway’s favorite bars, here’s a list of things to do when in Havana.

1. Explore the historical center of Havana

The Havana Vieja district has so much to offer you could easily spend a day or two here. Roam the streets and marvel at the colorful, colonial buildings. Have a cocktail in one of the bars that line the squares while people watching or act cultural and check out one of the museums.

We joined a Qué Bola Havana city tour to explore the center and learn about its historical background.

Things to do in Havana, Cuba

2. Take a photo of the Capitolio Nacional

One of the most famous landmarks of Havana, the Capitolio Nacional is a copy of the Capitole in Washington DC. It is situated next to Parque Central, a small park where you can take a break under the shade of the trees.

Things to do in Havana, Cuba

3. Do your own mojito research

Which bar serves the best mojito’s according to you? Our favorite was Más Habana, which serves large, delicious cocktails. During happy hour you even get two for the price of one!

But make sure to check out the others too. El Dandy, Jibaro, La Floridita… There are plenty to choose from!

Things to do in Havana, Cuba

4. Take a salsa class

Apart from its mojito’s, Cuba is also known for its passionate Cuban salsa dancing. Cubans can shake their hips like no other on the rhythmical sounds of salsa music. The island is basically one big dance floor, which makes it the perfect setting for tourists to pick up some salsa moves. Which is exactly what we did, by taking a salsa dance class in Casa de Sono.

Things to do in Havana, Cuba

5. Enjoy the rooftop view at Hotel Ambos Mundos

Frequently visited by Hemingway, Hotel Ambos Mundos is a large hotel situated in the heart of Habana Vieja. Take the elevator to the top for a breathtaking view of the center. While you’re there, why not order a cocktail from the rooftop bar and hang around for a while?

Things to do in Havana, Cuba

6. Visit Fusterlandia

Jose Rodriguez Fuster felt so inspired by Gaudi & Picasso that when he returned from his trip to Europe, he decided to start his own artistic project in Cuba. He covered his house with mosaic tiles and proceeded to doing the same for his neighbours. The results is a ceramic wonderland which consists of about 80 houses plastered in mosaic imagery and design, aptly named Fusterlandia.

Things to do in Havana, Cuba

7. Check out the Callejon de Hamel

A small, colorful alley dedicated to Afro-Cuban culture, Callejón de Hamel is full of street art and sculptures made out of found objects. Expect to find walls adorned with mosaics and paintings, sculptures, a bench made of old bathtubs… The artist behind this mix of surrealism, cubism and abstract art is Salador Gonzáles Escalona.

Things to do in Havana, Cuba Things to do in Havana, Cuba Things to do in Havana, Cuba

8.Watch vintage American cars

Although you can pay to be driven around in a American car, it can be just as fun to watch them while roaming through the streets of Havana. They definitely make for some good shots.

Things to do in Havana, Cuba

9. Take a ferry to the other side around sunset

Take a ferry to Casablanca and walk from the Christ of Havana towards Castillo del Morro while marveling at Havana’s skyline. Although many city guides recommend strolling on the Malecón (where you’ll suffocate from the exhaust fumes), the experience from the other side is way more romantic and relaxing.

Things to do in Havana, Cuba Things to do in Havana, Cuba Things to do in Havana, Cuba

Comments

Do you have questions? Did you experience something similar? Did you notice a mistake? Please share!

Pin it for later