Cuba · 2026 itinerary
Havana 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Havana: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A cobbled square in Havana Vieja, dominated by the 18th-century San Cristóbal Cathedral. The uneven stones and baroque facade are worth seeing close up even if you skip the interior.
🕐 Always open
Free entry💡 Go early (8-9am) before tour groups arrive. The adjacent Museo de Arte Colonial costs a couple of CUP but gives rooftop views of the plaza for free once you're inside.
Hotels near Plaza de la Catedral →The 8km seafront promenade running along Havana's northern coast. Locals fish, play dominoes, and hang out at all hours. Good at sunset when it's cooler.
🕐 Always open
Free entry💡 Start at the Hotel Nacional end, walk east towards Havana Vieja during late afternoon when the breeze picks up. Watch for crumbling seawall sections after storms.
Hotels near Malecón →Las Avenidas · ££
Castillo de Jagua · ££
Deeper Into Havana
A small shady park with a life-size bronze statue of John Lennon sitting on a bench in Vedado. A tribute after his music was banned in Cuba in the 1960s. The park has benches, trees, and a relaxed vib
🕐 Always open
💡 Take a bus or taxi from central Havana (about 15 mins). No security or fences around it; it's a regular neighbourhood park. Best visited late afternoon when it's cooler and the sun makes the bronze glow. The nearest cafe sells decent iced coffee.
Housed in the former Presidential Palace, this museum covers Cuban history from colonial times through the 1959 revolution. The bullet holes in the walls are from a 1957 attack on the palace. Entry is
🕐 Tuesday–Sunday 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00)
💡 Skip the overpriced audio guide. Bring small CUP notes for the locked donation boxes in some rooms. The Granma Memorial outside (the yacht used in the 1956 landing) is free to view through the fence; you can see it from outside the museum grounds.
La Carreta
La Roca
Final Favourites & Departure
A massive former cooking-oil factory turned into a multi-floor art and music venue. Galleries, live music, bars, and performance spaces spread across three leve
💡 Arrive by 8pm on Thursday or Friday to avoid huge queues. Pay in CUP at the door if you have it; the card machine sometimes fails. Check their Facebook page for schedule changes.
La Torre y El Emperador
Montecatini
Getting Around Havana
Hop on the Malecón route—bus P5 or P7 pass through Old Havana. Payment is by coin or phone card only; exact change essential. Expect the bus to be packed and hot during peak hours.
Cheapest official airport transfer, but only runs from Terminal 3. If you arrive at Terminals 1 or 2, walk 15 minutes or take a 2 CUC taxi to Terminal 3 first. Space is first-come, first-served.
Hail private yellow-tagged cars—not official taxis—for the true local fare of 10–20 CUP per person. Tell the driver 'Vedado' or your intersection. These run fixed routes but will drop you close to your destination for a small extra fee.
Pre-book through your casa host for a reliable 25 CUC fixed rate. Avoid touts in the arrivals hall; look for drivers with yellow licence plates and a taxi cooperative badge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Havana?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Plaza de la Catedral and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Havana?
See our full best time to visit Havana guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Casa Allegro, Hotel Copacabana, Chateau Miramar. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.