Havana Cuba 6 Day Itinerary

6 Days in Havana: A Vibrant Itinerary

This itinerary offers a taste of the vibrant culture, history, and cuisine Havana has to offer. It’s just a suggestion - feel free to customize it based on your interests!

Day 1: Old Havana Charm

  • Morning: Explore Habana Vieja (Old Havana), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the cobblestone streets, admire the colonial architecture, and learn about the city’s rich past at the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Havana, or the Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution).
  • Afternoon: Relax on the terrace of a casa particular in Havana Vieja with a refreshing mojito. Enjoy the views and soak up the atmosphere while sipping this iconic Cuban cocktail.

Accommodation: Consider staying in a charming casa particular, a private guesthouse offering a unique and authentic Cuban experience.

  • Tip:

Barter for a good price when booking your casa particular. Many hosts are willing to negotiate, especially for longer stays.

Where to Eat:

  • Dinner: Enjoy a delicious meal at La Guarida. This iconic restaurant, housed in a stunning former mansion, offers traditional Cuban cuisine with a modern twist and breathtaking views from its rooftop terrace.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for limited internet access in Cuba.
  • The US dollar is not accepted as currency. Use Euros, Canadian dollars, or exchange your money for the local currency (Cuban Convertible Peso - CUC) before you arrive.

Day 2: Old Havana & Revolution

  • Morning: Explore the historical landmarks of Habana Vieja, such as the Plaza de la Catedral, the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution) to delve into Cuba’s tumultuous history, from the colonial era to the 1959 revolution.

Day 3: Havana’s Art & Culture

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Cuban art at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Cuban Art) in Havana.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Cuban meal and live music at El Floridita, a historic bar and restaurant known for its invention of the “Daiquiri” cocktail.

Day 4: Beyond the City Walls

  • Morning: Explore the vibrant art scene outside of Havana Vieja at the Taller Experimental de Gráfica Contemporánea (TEG), a center for contemporary art in Havana’s Vedado district.

  • Things to Consider:

    • Carry cash for tips and small purchases.
    • Be aware that many goods are scarce or unavailable in Cuba, so pack accordingly.
    • Learn basic Spanish phrases like “Hola” (hello), “Gracias” (thank you) and “Por favor” (please).

Day 5: Havana’s Beaches & History

  • Morning: Relax on the white sands of Playa Santa María del Mar or Santa María del Mar Beach. Enjoy the sun, the sand, and a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara for a glimpse into the life of this iconic revolutionary figure.

Day 6: Havana’s Rhythms & Flavors

  • Morning: Explore the Havana Cathedral and its surrounding historical district, experiencing the city’s rich colonial history.
  • Afternoon: Take a cooking class at Casa de la Trova to learn the secrets of traditional Cuban dishes like ropa vieja and arroz con pollo.

Where to Eat:

  • Forada: Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner in this charming restaurant with its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful views.

  • Transportation:

    • Walking: Havana Vieja is best explored on foot, allowing you to discover hidden plazas and alleys.
    • Classic Cars: Experience the city’s iconic charm by taking a ride in one of the classic American cars (taxis) that are ubiquitous in Havana.
    • Taxis: You can hail a “taxi clásico” for a unique and memorable journey through the streets of Havana.
    • Public Transportation: Public transportation in Havana is readily available but often crowded and unreliable.

  • Tip: Haggling over prices with taxi drivers is expected.

Where to Stay:

Airbnb: For a truly immersive experience, consider staying in a private casa particular. These are often charming colonial homes or apartments, and the hosts can provide valuable local insights and recommendations.**

**These are just suggestions for where to stay and what to do in Havana. You can tailor this itinerary to your interests by adding more specific activities based on the locations and options available during your travel dates.

Day 7: Relax and enjoy a traditional Cuban breakfast of café con leche, pan dulce, and fresh fruit juice.**

Where to Eat:

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a refreshing “café con leche” (coffee with milk) and “pan dulce” (sweet bread) at a local “paladar” (privately owned restaurant).
  • Lunch/Dinner: Try a “pastelito” (small pastry) for lunch or a delicious seafood meal.

Enjoy the vibrant culture of Havana with a visit to:

  • Habana Vieja: Explore the cobblestone streets and experience the city’s history and architecture.

Transportation:

  • Taxi:

    • Classic cars: A classic car ride is an experience in itself! Enjoy the nostalgia and charm while cruising around.
    • Bicycle/Scooter Rental: For a more adventurous approach, rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the city at your own pace.

Day 8: Day Trip to Viñales

  • Where to Eat: Enjoy a traditional Cuban lunch in the heart of Viñales.

Other things to consider: *

Learning some basic Spanish phrases before you go will be helpful.

  • Learn about “comida criolla”: This is what Cubans call their traditional cuisine, and it’s often a delicious (and affordable) way to eat in a “paladar”.

  • Enjoy the unique atmosphere of a “paladar”: These are smaller, more intimate restaurants that offer a taste of local Cuban culture.

  • Learn about the “Havana Cocktail” scene:

For transportation:

  • Classic car tours: A popular way to explore Viñales is with a guide who can take you around in a classic car and explain the history and culture of the area.

  • Horseback riding: Explore the countryside on horseback for a more authentic experience.

  • Public transport: You can use public transportation like “guaguas” (buses) or shared taxis to travel between Havana and Vinales.

  • Learn about “casas particulares” in Viñales: These are often family-run guesthouses that offer a unique way to connect with locals.

  • Enjoy the beauty of the valley: The stunning scenery of the Viñales Valley is best experienced by exploring its trails, visiting its tobacco farms, or taking a boat trip on the river.

Consider these for transportation:

  • Driving yourself:

    • Rent a car: A good option if you want to explore at your own pace and see more of Cuba beyond Viñales.

  • Cycling:

    • Rent a bicycle in Havana.

Enjoy a traditional Cuban “lunch”:

  • Bicycle tours: You can enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley while riding in a jeep tour, cycling through the countryside, or exploring local caves on a cave exploration tour.
  • Horseback riding:

Where to stay:

  • Hotel Nacional de Cuba: Enjoy a luxurious stay and stunning views.

Other things to see:

  • Cayo Coco: This island off the coast of mainland Cuba is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water, making it a popular destination for tourists.

  • Enjoy the local culture: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the “Viñales” town and enjoy the fresh air.

Enjoy:

  • Hotel Nacional de Cuba: This historic hotel in Havana offers a glimpse into the city’s glamorous past.

Other transportation options:

  • Take a tour: Explore the island by car or bike, enjoying a leisurely ride through its charming towns and lush countryside.

  • Public transport: Enjoy the unique experience of riding in a classic American car from Havana to the countryside.

Other:

  • Local Markets: Engage with Cuban vendors and locals at the bustling markets.

Enjoy the journey, it’s part of the adventure!