Where to Stay in Havana 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Havana is a time capsule - a city where 1950s American cars cruise past crumbling colonial palaces and revolutionary slogans. Tourism infrastructure is limited compared to other capitals, but this rawness is part of the appeal. Casas particulares (private homestays) offer authentic Cuban hospitality and are often better than state hotels. Internet and credit cards are limited - bring cash.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
The quintessential Havana experience - walking among restored colonial plazas, vintage cars, and Hemingway's haunts. Most tourists spend their time here, and the concentration of casas particulares and renovated hotels makes it the most practical base. Magic happens in early morning and evening.
Habana Vieja
Centro Habana
Vedado
Miramar
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • State-run hotels often have poor service and dated facilities - casas particulares usually better
- • Centro Habana has amazing atmosphere but some blocks are rough - research exact location
- • Some renovated boutique hotels have inconsistent electricity/water - read recent reviews
- • Jineteros (hustlers) target tourists in Old Havana - be wary of unsolicited help
Understanding Havana Geography
Havana stretches along the Malecón seawall. Old Havana (colonial) is in the east, Centro Habana (authentic chaos) in the middle, Vedado (1950s) to the west, and Miramar (diplomatic) further west. The Malecón connects Centro Habana and Vedado along the waterfront. Transport is by classic car taxis, bicitaxis, or walking.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Havana
Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
Best for: UNESCO colonial architecture, plazas, museums, classic cars, Ernest Hemingway sites
"Crumbling colonial grandeur frozen in time with classic American cars"
Pros
- Historic atmosphere
- Main attractions
- Walkable plazas
- Authentic Havana
Cons
- Tourist-focused
- Can be overwhelming
- Persistent hustlers
- Some areas rough
Centro Habana
Best for: Authentic Cuban life, Malecón seawall, local atmosphere, budget casas
"Raw, authentic Havana with crumbling buildings and real neighborhood life"
Pros
- Authentic experience
- Budget-friendly
- Malecón access
- Real Cuba
Cons
- Rough around edges
- Less maintained
- Some safety concerns
- Limited tourist facilities
Vedado
Best for: 1950s mansions, University, Coppelia ice cream, Hotel Nacional, nightlife
"Faded Mafia-era glamour with grand hotels and tree-lined avenues"
Pros
- Less touristy
- 1950s atmosphere
- Good nightlife
- Grand architecture
Cons
- Far from Old Havana
- Sprawling
- Need transport
- Some areas rundown
Miramar
Best for: Embassies, luxury hotels, quiet residential, modern Cuba
"Diplomatic quarter with grand mansions and modern hotels"
Pros
- Quieter
- Luxury hotels
- Modern restaurants
- Less chaotic
Cons
- Far from center
- Less authentic feel
- Need taxi everywhere
- Disconnected from real Havana
Malecón
Best for: Iconic seawall, sunset views, local gathering spot, photography
"Havana's living room - where everyone gathers at sunset"
Pros
- Iconic views
- Sunset magic
- Local atmosphere
- Free entertainment
Cons
- No hotels on Malecón itself
- Nearby areas vary
- Can be rowdy at night
Accommodation Budget in Havana
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Hostal Chez Nous La Habana
Old Havana
Charming casa particular (B&B) in historic Old Havana with comfortable rooms, rooftop terrace, and warm Cuban hospitality close to all major sites.
Casa 1932
Centro Habana
Charming antique-filled guesthouse in a restored 1930s mansion near the Malecón, featuring eclectic vintage decor, spotless rooms, delicious home-cooked Cuban meals, and warm hosts eager to share local insights.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
El Encanto de Perseverancia
Central Havana
Romantic boutique hotel in a lovingly restored colonial home offering air-conditioned rooms, free breakfast, and concierge service in a walkable spot near Paseo del Prado, the Malecon seawall, and local shrimp restaurants.
El81 Guesthouse
Havana Centro
Stylish modern guesthouse in a prime central spot with bright rooms featuring private terraces and ocean views, rooftop lounge for dining and drinks, plus attentive service for tours and restaurant recommendations.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Iberostar Grand Packard
Habana Vieja
Luxury waterfront hotel with rooftop pool, classic Cuban elegance, and excellent service by Cuban standards.
Iberostar Selection Parque Central
Habana Vieja
Modern hotel on Parque Central with rooftop pool, reliable service, and excellent location.
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana
Habana Vieja
Cuba's first true luxury hotel in restored 19th-century building with rooftop pool and international standards.
Royalton Habana Paseo del Prado
Habana Vieja
Contemporary luxury in restored landmark overlooking Paseo del Prado with rooftop bar and modern design.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Casa Vitrales
Centro Habana
Stunning restored mansion with incredible stained glass windows, colonial furniture, and warm Cuban hospitality.
Casa Abel (Restaurant & Cigar Bar)
Habana Vieja
A legendary cigar-themed restaurant and lounge in Centro Habana, owned by a 'Habano Man' award winner, offering authentic Cuban cuisine and a dedicated smoking room.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Vedado
Legendary 1930s hotel where the Mob met and celebrities stayed. Gardens, ocean views, and living history.
Hotel Conde de Villanueva
Habana Vieja
Restored 18th-century mansion dedicated to cigar culture with intimate courtyard and tobacco shop.
Smart Booking Tips for Havana
- 1 Book casas particulares through reliable platforms - Cuba's internet makes direct booking difficult
- 2 Bring enough cash (EUR preferred) for entire trip - US cards mostly don't work
- 3 High season (December-April) and New Year's are busy - book 2-3 months ahead
- 4 Wi-Fi is limited and expensive - some hotels have better connectivity
- 5 Tips and tourist tax may need to be paid in cash on arrival
- 6 Consider booking some meals with your casa - home cooking is often best
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.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Havana.
Updated: February 25, 2026
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