On This Page
"Step out into the sun and explore Old Havana (Habana Vieja). February is an ideal time to visit Havana. Immerse yourself in a blend of modern culture and local traditions."
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Why Visit Havana?
Havana enchants as the Caribbean's time-capsule city where pastel-colored colonial buildings crumble romantically along narrow streets, 1950s Chevrolets and Cadillacs cruise as taxis (yank-tanks lovingly maintained since pre-embargo days), cigar smoke wafts from doorways where salsa rhythms pulse, and socialist propaganda murals declaring 'Viva la Revolución' contrast with nascent capitalism in paladares (private restaurants) serving mojitos and ropa vieja. Cuba's capital (pop. 2.1 million) changed dramatically after the 1959 revolution and the break in US diplomatic relations in 1961, creating bizarre time-warp where Soviet-era Ladas share roads with horse carts, ration books persist alongside upscale restaurants.
CUP is the domestic currency, but payment in foreign currency has expanded in recent years (including USD-linked channels), so visitors often encounter multiple payment systems. Old Havana (Habana Vieja) concentrates UNESCO colonial splendor: Plaza de la Catedral's baroque cathedral, Plaza de Armas book market, Castillo de la Real Fuerza fortress, and endless photogenic streets where laundry hangs from balconies and kids play baseball in alleys. El Malecón, Havana's iconic 8km seawall promenade, hosts nightly gatherings where Habaneros socialize, waves crash over walls, fishermen cast lines, and sunset paints everything gold.
Take classic car tours ($32–$53 / CUP 763–CUP 1,272/hr) in restored convertibles, sip mojitos at Bodeguita del Medio (Hemingway's hangout—touristy but obligatory), and climb Capitolio dome for city views. Vedado neighborhood offers modern Havana: Revolution Square with Che Guevara's iconic face on Ministry building, Tropicana cabaret show ($$$ but spectacular), Hotel Nacional's terrace mojitos, and Coppelia ice cream park (local institution—long queues but authentic). Yet Havana's soul lives in music: salsa, son, rumba pulse from Casa de la Música, Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC—factory-turned-art-space-nightclub), and informal neighborhood peñas.
Daiquiris flow at El Floridita (another Hemingway spot), while rum tours at Havana Club Museum ($8.48 / CUP 203) explain Cuba's national drink. Day trips reach Viñales Valley (3hrs, tobacco farms and mogotes—limestone karst hills), or beach resorts east (Varadero 2hrs, Playas del Este 30min—locals' beaches). Cuba's challenges frustrate: internet limited and expensive, scams proliferate (jineteros offering 'authentic' experiences), bureaucracy thick, and supplies sporadic (restaurants run out of menu items, shops lack basics).
Yet Havana seduces with resilience, warmth, and feeling like nowhere else on Earth. With tourist card (visa, $27–$106 / CUP 636–CUP 2,543 depending on source, now tied to electronic D'Viajeros registration), Cuban peso (CUP) as sole legal tender but heavy dollarization in practice, limited English outside tourism, cash-only economy (US credit cards don't work!), and costs higher than expected ($53–$106+ / CUP 1,272–CUP 2,543+/day with middling lodging), Havana delivers bucket-list experience requiring patience, humor, and fascination with the world's most famous socialist experiment clinging to ideals while adapting to reality.
What to Do
Colonial Havana
Old Havana (Habana Vieja)
UNESCO World Heritage colonial heart with four main plazas. Plaza de la Catedral features baroque cathedral, Plaza de Armas has a book market, Plaza Vieja showcases colonial architecture, and Plaza de San Francisco leads to the harbor. Wander narrow streets like Obispo and O'Reilly where colorful buildings crumble romantically and laundry hangs from balconies. Free to explore. Go early morning (07:00–09:00) for best light and fewer crowds, or evening when locals come out.
El Capitolio
Cuba's former Capitol building (modeled after Washington DC), now home to the Cuban Academy of Sciences. Interior is stunning—marble halls, gilded ceilings, and a replica diamond marking Kilometer Zero. Guided tours currently cost around $24–$35 / CUP 565–CUP 848 per person (card often preferred). Can climb dome for city views. Allow 1-2 hours. Tickets bought at office opposite building. Afternoon light is beautiful on the exterior for photos.
Castillo de la Real Fuerza
16th-century fortress (Cuba's oldest) with maritime museum. Moat, drawbridge, and La Giraldilla weather vane (symbol of Havana) on the tower. Entry about $3.06–$5.12 / CUP 73–CUP 123. Less crowded than other sites. Takes 1 hour. Good morning visit—combine with Plaza de Armas book market next door.
Iconic Havana Experiences
Classic 1950s Car Rides
Havana's iconic pastel-colored Chevys, Cadillacs, and Buicks—'yank-tanks' frozen in time since pre-embargo days. Hire for photo tours (around $31–$51 / CUP 735–CUP 1,215/hour) or longer trips. Convertibles best for photos. Negotiate price before getting in. Most concentrate around Old Havana and Parque Central. Ride along the Malecón at sunset, through Vedado, and past Revolution Square. Touristy but genuinely fun and unique to Cuba.
El Malecón Promenade
Havana's iconic 8km seawall and seafront boulevard stretching from Old Havana to Vedado. Locals gather here at sunset to socialize, fish, and watch waves crash over the wall. Walk or drive the length—especially beautiful at golden hour. Free. Go late afternoon into evening (17:00–20:00) when it's most alive. Bring a bottle of rum from a shop and join the scene. Can get wet when waves are big!
Hemingway Trail
Follow Papa's footsteps: Bodeguita del Medio for mojitos (touristy but historic, walls covered in signatures), El Floridita for daiquiris (around $5.12 / CUP 123, 'cradle of the daiquiri'), and Finca Vigía (his house-museum, 30 min south, around $5.12 / CUP 123 entry—can't enter house but peer through windows). Add Hotel Ambos Mundos (room 511 where he wrote). Half-day activity. Morning or afternoon. Literary pilgrimage essential for Hemingway fans.
Revolutionary & Cultural Havana
Revolution Square
Massive plaza with iconic Che Guevara mural on Ministry of Interior building and Camilo Cienfuegos on Ministry of Communications. José Martí Memorial tower in center (can climb for views, around $2.06–$3.06 / CUP 49–CUP 73). The site where Fidel gave speeches to millions. Takes 30 minutes unless you climb tower. Go morning for best photos—stark and impressive but somewhat barren. Combine with classic car tour through Vedado.
Live Salsa & Music Venues
Salsa, son, and rumba pulse through Havana nightly. Casa de la Música (two locations: Miramar and Centro) for serious salsa (around $10–$20 / CUP 246–CUP 480 cover, locals and tourists mix, dancing after 22:00). Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC) is coolest spot—factory-turned-art-space-nightclub Thursday-Sunday around $2.06–$5.12 / CUP 49–CUP 123, galleries + live music + DJ. Callejón de Hamel for Afro-Cuban rumba Sunday noon (free, authentic). Tip musicians $1.06–$2.12 / CUP 25–CUP 51.
Museo de la Revolución
Cuban history from independence through Castro's revolution, housed in former Presidential Palace. Granma yacht (used in revolution) outside. Revolutionary perspective throughout. Official admission around $8.25 / CUP 198 for foreigners, but as of 2024 much of the main interior collection is closed for renovation—mainly the outdoor Granma Memorial and some exhibits are accessible. Check current status locally before planning a long visit. English labels limited—guide helps if sections are open.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: HAV
- From :
Best Time to Visit
November, December, January, February, March, April
Climate: Warm
Entry Requirements
Entry rules vary by passport
Check requirements| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C | 19°C | 4 | Excellent ((best)) |
| February | 28°C | 20°C | 4 | Excellent ((best)) |
| March | 30°C | 20°C | 5 | Excellent ((best)) |
| April | 31°C | 22°C | 6 | Excellent ((best)) |
| May | 32°C | 23°C | 13 | Wet |
| June | 32°C | 24°C | 22 | Wet |
| July | 33°C | 25°C | 17 | Wet |
| August | 33°C | 25°C | 21 | Wet |
| September | 32°C | 25°C | 22 | Wet |
| October | 31°C | 23°C | 17 | Wet |
| November | 29°C | 22°C | 9 | Excellent ((best)) |
| December | 27°C | 20°C | 6 | Excellent ((best)) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Historical avg. 2020–2025
Travel Costs
Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (February 2026): February 2026 is perfect for visiting Havana!
Practical Information
Getting There
José Martí International Airport (HAV) is 15km southwest. Official airport taxis around $26–$31 / CUP 622–CUP 735 (30-45min, agree price before leaving—meter scams common). Classic car taxis negotiate around $20–$41 / CUP 480–CUP 989. Colectivos (shared taxis) cheaper but rare at airport. Many casas arrange pickup around $20–$26 / CUP 480–CUP 622. International flights via Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam. From US: American, Delta (limited, book early). Most connect through Mexico, Panama, Canada. Americans must travel under 1 of 12 approved categories—tourism not allowed but 'Support for Cuban People' covers most activities.
Getting Around
Walking: Old Havana and Vedado compact and walkable. Taxis: classic cars (around $31–$51 / CUP 735–CUP 1,215/hr for tours), yellow official taxis (around $2.06–$5.12 / CUP 49–CUP 123 start + meter, but often negotiate flat rate—agree before entering), or colectivos (shared taxis, cheap but fixed routes). Bici-taxis (bicycle taxis): short trips, negotiate around $2.06–$5.12 / CUP 49–CUP 123. Coco-taxis (yellow coconut-shaped): touristy, fun, same price as taxis. Buses: confusing, crowded, mostly for locals. Vintage car tours essential experience. Viazul buses for long-distance to Viñales, Trinidad (book ahead online). Rental cars possible ($64–$106 / CUP 1,526–CUP 2,543/day) but fuel scarce, insurance complicated, not necessary for Havana.
Money & Payments
Cuban Peso (CUP, $). Exchange rate: $1 ≈ 24 CUP. Official exchange differs from street rates (street rates often much higher). Economy has expanded foreign currency usage. Bring ALL CASH (euros, GBP, CAD—no US credit cards). Exchange at CADECA or banks. ATMs unreliable. Tipping: 10% restaurants, $1.06–$2.12 / CUP 25–CUP 51 for services, $5.3–$11 / CUP 127–CUP 254 for guides.
Language
Spanish is official. Very limited English outside upscale hotels and tour guides. Translation apps essential (but internet limited!). Young people in tourism have basic English. Learn: Hola, Gracias, ¿Cuánto cuesta?, La cuenta por favor. Communication challenging—basic Spanish very helpful.
Cultural Tips
Cash ONLY: bring everything you need, count change carefully (shortchanging common). Internet: expensive and limited—buy ETECSA cards around $1.06–$5.12 / CUP 25–CUP 123/hr to access wifi hotspots (parks, hotels), slow speeds. Don't drink tap water. Scams: persistent jineteros offer tours, casas, taxis (inflated prices)—politely but firmly decline, book accommodations advance. Rations: locals receive rationed food (libreta), tourists pay market prices. Photos: ask permission, especially for classic cars (some charge). Salsa: take classes around $10–$15 / CUP 246–CUP 367, clubs after 22:00 (Casa de la Música around $10–$20 / CUP 246–CUP 480 cover). Machismo: women face catcalls (ignore). Revolution: locals have complex feelings—avoid political debates. Hemingway trail: touristy but fun (Bodeguita del Medio, El Floridita, Finca Vigía museum). Music everywhere: tip musicians ($1.06–$2.12 / CUP 25–CUP 51). Paladares (private restaurants) better quality than state places. Power outages occasional. Cuban time: relaxed pace, patience essential. Resilience and humor define Habaneros—embrace the chaos!
Get an eSIM
Stay connected without expensive roaming. Get a local eSIM for this trip starting from just a few dollars.
Claim Flight Compensation
Flight delayed or cancelled? You might be entitled to up to $707 in compensation. Check your claim here at no upfront cost.
Perfect 4-Day Havana Itinerary
Old Havana Colonial Heart
Classic Cars & Revolution
Hemingway & Beaches
Markets & Culture
Where to Stay
Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
Best for: UNESCO colonial architecture, plazas, museums, classic cars, Ernest Hemingway sites
Centro Habana
Best for: Authentic Cuban life, Malecón seawall, local atmosphere, budget casas
Vedado
Best for: 1950s mansions, University, Coppelia ice cream, Hotel Nacional, nightlife
Miramar
Best for: Embassies, luxury hotels, quiet residential, modern Cuba
Malecón
Best for: Iconic seawall, sunset views, local gathering spot, photography
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Havana
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Cuba?
What is the best time to visit Havana?
How much does a trip to Havana cost per day?
How many days do you need in Havana?
Can I use credit cards in Cuba?
Is Havana expensive?
Is Havana safe for tourists?
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
This guide combines personal travel experience with comprehensive data analysis to provide accurate recommendations.
Ready to Visit Havana?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
