What to do in Havana

Havana, Cuba's magnificent and utterly enchanting capital, offers visitors an absolutely extraordinary experience that seamlessly blends five centuries of fascinating colonial history, incredibly vibrant Afro-Cuban culture, pulsating salsa rhythms, and breathtakingly beautiful architecture that creates one of the world's most photogenic and romantic cities.

Start your unforgettable Cuban adventure by thoroughly exploring the magical Old Havana (Habana Vieja), a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage site where you can spend hours wandering through narrow cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved colonial palaces painted in brilliant tropical colors, discovering hidden courtyards filled with bougainvillea, and relaxing in historic squares like the magnificent Plaza de Armas where local artisans sell vintage books and handcrafted souvenirs under ancient ceiba trees.

Don't miss taking a leisurely and romantic stroll along the world-famous Malecón, the spectacular 8-kilometer curved seawall that serves as the beating heart of Havana's passionate social life, where locals gather every evening to fish, play dominos, practice salsa moves, and watch breathtaking sunsets paint the sky in brilliant orange and pink hues over the Straits of Florida.

Visit the stunning baroque Cathedral of San Cristóbal with its asymmetrical bell towers and the fascinating Museum of the Revolution housed in the opulent former Presidential Palace to immerse yourself completely in Cuba's rich and tumultuous history spanning from Spanish conquistadors to modern times.

In the magical evening hours when the city comes alive with music, enjoy authentic live son and salsa performances at legendary historic venues like the atmospheric La Floridita, the famous art deco bar where literary giant Ernest Hemingway used to spend countless hours sipping his perfectly crafted frozen daiquiris while writing and people-watching.

Experience the ultimate Havana adventure by taking a thrilling ride through the city's tree-lined boulevards in one of the hundreds of lovingly maintained iconic American vintage cars from the 1950s - brilliant pink Cadillacs, mint-green Buicks, and cherry-red Chevrolets that have become rolling symbols of Cuban ingenuity - to discover elegant modern neighborhoods like Vedado with its stunning art nouveau mansions and the famous Hotel Nacional overlooking the sea.

The imposing National Capitol building with its magnificent dome inspired by the US Capitol and the ornate Great Theatre of Havana, home to the world-renowned Cuban National Ballet, are absolutely unmissable architectural stops that showcase the incredible grandeur and cultural sophistication that have made Havana one of the Caribbean's most celebrated and beloved destinations for over a century.