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.
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.
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, Copelia 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
Casa Vitrales
Centro Habana
Stunning restored mansion with incredible stained glass windows, colonial furniture, and warm Cuban hospitality.
Casa Abel
Habana Vieja
Excellent casa particular with helpful hosts, great breakfast, and prime Old Havana location.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Saratoga
Habana Vieja
Restored 1930s hotel overlooking Capitolio with rooftop pool and excellent service by Cuban standards.
Iberostar Parque Central
Habana Vieja
Modern hotel on Parque Central with rooftop pool, reliable service, and excellent location.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Vedado
Legendary 1930s hotel where the Mob met and celebrities stayed. Gardens, ocean views, and living history.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski
Habana Vieja
Cuba's first true luxury hotel in restored 19th-century building with rooftop pool and international standards.
SO/ Paseo del Prado
Habana Vieja
Contemporary luxury in restored landmark overlooking Paseo del Prado with rooftop bar and modern design.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Hostal 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
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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More Havana Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Havana: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.