Havana Cuba 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Havana Itinerary: A Taste of the Cuban Spirit

This 3-day itinerary offers a glimpse into the vibrant culture and history of Havana, focusing on key attractions and experiences while offering flexibility for independent exploration.

Day 1: Old Havana Charm

  • Morning: Explore Old Havana (Habana Vieja)

    • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Cuban breakfast at Cafe El Gato Negro in the heart of the old city. Enjoy fresh bread, strong coffee, and delicious pastries.
    • Activities:

      • Stroll along the cobblestone streets of Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, and Plaza de la Catedral.

      • Admire the colonial architecture of Havana’s Cathedral (Catedral de San Cristóbal) and the historic squares like Plaza de Armas and Plaza de la Revolución.

      • Visit the Museo de la Revolución to learn about Cuba’s history and the Cuban Revolution.

      • Enjoy a walking tour through the narrow streets, exploring hidden gems along the way.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch: Grab a bite at El Cocinero, a popular restaurant housed in an old-fashioned cooking oil factory, now converted into a trendy space with delicious food and live music.
    • Activities: Immerse yourself in the vibrant street art scene of Callejón de Hamel. This alleyway transforms into a celebration of Afro-Cuban culture on Sundays when they host drumming and dancing performances.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Savor a delicious meal of fresh seafood and Cuban cocktails at La Guarida, a restaurant with a stunning rooftop terrace and a view over the city.
    • Enjoy a traditional Cuban dinner in a “paladar” (privately owned restaurant) like this one, known for its authentic cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.

  • Other Activities:

    • Enjoy a live music performance.
    • Take a salsa dancing lesson in the evening.
    • Immerse yourself in the bustle of Havana’s nightlife at a venue like the famous La Casa de la Música.

Day 2: Havana’s Revolution

  • Morning: Explore the historical landmarks of Old Havana.

    • Breakfast: Indulge in a local “cafecito” (strong espresso) and “pastelito” (sweet pastry) at a small bakery like El Louvre.
    • Activities:

      • Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to see their collection of Cuban art, from colonial times to contemporary works.

      • Take a stroll along the Malecón, Havana’s famous seawall promenade, and enjoy the view and the sea breeze.

  • Dinner: Dine at Habana Compás, a restaurant known for its delicious Cuban cuisine and live music.

Day 3: Beyond the City Walls

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in the Havana’s history of the Cuban Revolution with a visit to Plaza de la Revolución and see the iconic José Martí Memorial.

  • Activities: Explore the vibrant culture and nightlife beyond Havana’s historical center.

    • Enjoy the sunset views from the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a historic hotel with stunning rooftop bar and a panoramic view of the city.

  • Lunch: Savor the flavors of Cuban cuisine at Paladar Los Mercaderes, known for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere.

  • Dinner: Experience a traditional Cuban “guajiro” (farmer) dinner at Los Amigos. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with delicious food, live music, and a chance to see the beauty of Havana’s countryside setting.

Things to know:

  • Currency: Cuba uses two currencies: the Cuban Peso (CUP) for locals and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) for tourists. Ensure you have CUC available for transactions.
  • Connectivity: Internet access can be limited in Cuba, so download offline maps and translation apps before arriving.

Other things of interest:

  • Havana’s Beaches: Enjoy a day at one of Havana’s beautiful beaches like Playas del Este or Santa María del Mar.
  • Ernest Hemingway’s House: Explore the home and gardens of the famous author, who spent many years in Cuba.
  • Old Havana Walking Tours: Discover the hidden history and vibrant culture of the city with a guided tour.

Things to do (Beyond Day 1 & 2):

  • Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Explore their collection of Cuban art, from colonial times to contemporary works.
  • Explore the Malecón: This famous seawall promenade offers stunning views and a chance to see the local fishermen setting up for the day.
  • Take a salsa dancing lesson: Experience the rhythm of Cuba and learn some basic dance moves.

Accommodation:

  • Casa Particulars: Consider staying in a Casa Particular (a private guesthouse) for an authentic Cuban experience and affordable prices. They offer a unique opportunity to connect with locals and get a taste of everyday life.

  • Casa Havana: Stay in the heart of Havana’s Old Town at this charming colonial hotel, enjoy its beautiful rooftop terrace, and soak up the atmosphere of the city.

  • Other Options:

Havana has many hotels for all budgets, from luxurious hotels to more affordable options like casa particulares.

Things to do (beyond the usual):

  • Wander through Fusterlandia: A unique neighborhood created by artist José Fuster as a vibrant tribute to Cuban culture and identity.

  • Explore the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Immerse yourself in the world of art history, with collections spanning from the 16th century to modern times.

  • Stay in a casa particular: For a more immersive experience, consider staying in one of the many vibrant neighborhoods like Centro Habana or Vedado, where you can find authentic Cuban accommodations and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Other things to do:

  • Take a trip to the Havana Museum, which focuses on the city’s history and development.
  • Visit the Museo de la Ciencia (Museum of Science) for a fun and educational experience.
  • Explore the National Capitol Building, a stunning architectural masterpiece in Havana.

Things to do:

  • Explore the vibrant streets of Havana:

Take a stroll down Calle Obispo, the oldest street in Havana, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city’s historical center.

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at a paladar.

Things to note:

  • This itinerary focuses on “cultural immersion” in Old Havana. For other experiences, like exploring the vibrant nightlife of Havana, you may want to adjust it accordingly.

  • There are plenty of hotels with varying levels of comfort and amenities.

  • Other Experiences:

    • Explore the art scene: Immerse yourself in the world of art beyond the museums by visiting the colorful murals and art installations in the “Fusterlandia” neighborhood.
    • Experience the vibrant nightlife at a bar or club in the evening.
    • Enjoy a live music performance:

Havana is renowned for its musical culture, so catch a live salsa band playing at one of the many venues in Old Havana or enjoy some traditional Cuban music on a rooftop bar overlooking the city.

Tips for finding unique experiences:

  • Ask your host/hostess: If you’re staying in a casa particular, they are often great sources of local knowledge and can recommend hidden gems and authentic experiences.
  • Explore beyond the tourist spots: While Old Havana is a fantastic place to start, venture into other parts of the city like Miramar or Vedado for a glimpse into everyday Cuban life.

Other tips:

  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases: Even though English is spoken in many places, knowing some basic Spanish will make your interactions with locals even smoother and more enjoyable.
  • Bring extra cash: Credit cards are not widely accepted in Cuba, so it’s best to bring enough US Dollars or Euros for your stay.

Enjoy your time in Havana!