{"id":29665,"date":"2024-05-23T16:39:26","date_gmt":"2024-05-23T23:39:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bucketlistjourney.net\/?p=29665"},"modified":"2025-07-01T11:20:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T18:20:19","slug":"havana-bucket-list-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bucketlistjourney.net\/havana-bucket-list-things-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Havana Bucket List: 51 Things to Do In Cuba\u2019s Capital"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Heading to Havana and looking for the best bucket list things to do while you\u2019re there? <\/strong>Keep reading because I\u2019m sharing my top picks for this city that is a blend of the old and new, where vintage cars and crumbling Spanish colonial architecture mix with kitschy galleries and a booming nightlife. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP: Though there are still some light restrictions for Americans traveling to Cuba<\/strong><\/a>, when you make it there you will find it filled with character, culture and friendly people with incredible things to see, do and eat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to See & Do<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Spend an Evening at Fabrica de Arte Cubano<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fabrica de Arte Cubano<\/strong><\/a> (the Cuban Art Factory) is a cutting edge hotspot where sophisticated gallery rooms cohabitate with multimedia performance spaces. The large warehouse space that used to be a former cooking oil plant, now has been transformed into the hippest place in town where live events happen (like tango classes and symphony performances) while interesting art expos line the white walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fabrica<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Make sure to order the oversized house mojito (a jumbo 40 ouncer for $10!). It was the best mojito I had in Havana, yep I\u2019m gonna say it \u2013 even better than the most famous place to drink this classic beverage, Hotel Nacional<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: Right next door is <\/em>El Cocinero<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, a great place for dinner before or after your Fabrica de Arte Cubano visit!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"inside<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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2. Attend the Ballet at the Gran Teatro de La Habana<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso<\/strong> is a prestigious theater in Paseo del Prado Street in Havana, built in the neo-baroque style between 1907 and 1914. Named after the legendary ballerina Alicia Alonso, the theater serves as the home of the Cuban National Ballet Company, which she founded in 1948.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are best known for their “Cuban ballet” style, which mixes classic ballet with elements from Cuban folklore and culture. This gives their performances a unique twist, especially to classic ballet like ‘Giselle’ and ‘Swan Lake.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Gran<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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3. Ride in a Vintage Convertible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It would almost be a sin to leave Havana without taking a ride in a snazzy classic convertible-it\u2019s the top thing to do. Havana is essentially a living museum for classic cars after American cars were imported into Cuba for about 50 years in the early 20th century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vintage<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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We took a fun Vintage Classic Car Tour<\/strong><\/a> and it included a 3-hour ride in one of these babies. Otherwise, there are a dozen drivers with their beautiful cars in front of Hotel Inglaterra at Parque Central<\/strong><\/a> ready to take you wherever you want to go. The cost typically ranges around $50 CUC per hour depending on the tourist season and your destination. But, always try to negotiate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vintage<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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4. Have a Peek Inside Catedral de San Crist\u00f3bal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Catedral de San Crist\u00f3bal (or Havana Cathedral) in Old Havana is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This 18th-century Baroque-style cathedral was once owned by the Jesuits, but it was later turned over to the Diocese of Havana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing I’ve noticed about it is its two unequal towers, one of which is taller than the other. No one really knows the reason why that is, but it certainly adds to its charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The interior is nothing to write off about either, boasting a blend of Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Complementing it is a collection of religious art, sculptures, and decorative elements, such as paintings of three scenes from the Bible: The Delivery of the Keys, The Last Supper, and The Ascension, which you can see above the main altar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun fact: Christopher Columbus’ remains were once housed inside the cathedral before it was relocated to Seville Cathedral in Spain.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Catedral<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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5. Take a Cocotaxi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cuba\u2019s capital offers more than just classic automobiles; you can also take a brilliant yellow Cocotaxi for a ride around the city! In Havana, these bright yellow, coconut-shaped tricycles with backseats for two, are a dime a dozen (well, maybe not a dime, but definitely affordable!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

P.S. There are black Cocotaxis too, but those are mainly for locals. Stick to the yellow ones for a tourist-friendly ride! Oh, and before you ride one, make sure you agree to a price. The usual fare for a ten-minute ride should be somewhere around $5 and $10.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cocotaxi\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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6. Smoke a Cuban Cigar in Cuba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cuban cigars are known to be one of the finest in the world, so you don\u2019t want to miss trying one in Havana. You can get cigars throughout the city, but there\u2019s a decent selection at Partagas Cigar Factory<\/strong><\/a> right behind the Capitol building. Though the \u201cfactory\u201d part has moved to a different location, you can still buy your Cuban and then head to their VIP room to smoke it. Or grab a cigar and a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio<\/strong><\/a>, just like Hemingway did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIPS: If you want to learn more about cigars, take the Cigar Trail<\/a> tour, that will teach you everything you need to know about Cuban Cigars. Also, ff you\u2019re not into smoking cigars, you can at least take a photo of the Cuban women around the old town who will pretend to smoke a cigar for about $1 CUC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cuban<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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7. Hit the Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Okay, so Havana is amazing \u2013 the architecture, the music, the mojitos \u2013 but after a couple of days, I felt the water calling my name. Luckily, Playa del Este<\/strong><\/a> is a quick car ride away (just 18 kilometers east of Havana). And let me tell you, it’s a beach lover’s dream come true! While this string of beaches is not as developed as other Cuban beach destinations (like Varadero), Playas del Este more than makes up for it with its beauty and relaxed vibes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Playa Santa Maria del Mar<\/strong><\/a>, maybe the most well-known of the lot, is among my top choices because of its calm waters, energetic vibe, and accessibility to restaurants, water sport rentals, and beach chairs. Playa Guanabo<\/strong><\/a> (which is the farthest one of the group), is also a great choice because of its soft sand, clear waters, and plenty of resorts and restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8. Explore the Old Mansions in Vedado<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Back in the mid-1900s, the grand mansions in Vedado<\/strong><\/a> were once the homes of the city’s wealthy elite. But with Fidel Castro’s rise to power in January 1959, the mansions were given as homes to families (sometimes even multiple families) based on their size as part of his reform to promote equality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, while most of these mansions are in a state of disrepair (although families still live in them), the good news is some of them are being restored and repurposed for new uses, like being turned into Casa Particulares (which is kind of like a B&B) and Paladares (family-run restaurants). Take a walk around and see how many of these mansions you can find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9. Explore Old Havana<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

La Habana Vieja or Old Havana, an UNESCO World Heritage site<\/a><\/strong>, is the historic center of Cuba\u2019s capital city. It is in the heart of Havana and the #1 place to visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Old<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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You can easily spend hours aimlessly strolling through the narrow streets taking in the colors and history attached to them. There are countless historic colonial buildings, cutting-edge galleries, restaurants, shops and lovely plazas to explore. This is also where you will find many of Hemingway\u2019s famous stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Old<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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When I first arrived, I took the Old Havana Walking Tour<\/strong><\/a> in order to catch my bearings, but then just happily roamed on my own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Old<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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10. Stroll Paseo del Prado<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Havana’s Paseo del Prado is an iconic promenade that dates back to 1772. Nicknamed “El Prado” by locals, it stretches for approximately 2.1 km north-south, separating Centro Habana from Old Havana. Breathe in the ocean air as you stroll along the Malec\u00f3n (Havana’s seaside walkway) and end your walk at Parque de la Fuente de la India, where a stunning white marble statue honors Habana, the city’s indigenous namesake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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11. Marvel at Fusterlandia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

About a half hour west from central Havana, Cuban artist Jos\u00e9 Fuster created a masterpiece of mosaic tilework in his home and the surrounding neighborhood \u2013 Fusterlandia<\/strong><\/a>. It is street art unlike any I have ever seen! His home is decked out in a rainbow of bright colored tiles that has spilled over to the surrounding houses as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s an Instagrammers dream!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fusterlandia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

TIP: It\u2019s a couple dollar donation to get into Casa de Fuster<\/em> located in the district of Jaimanitas, but you will need to choose a way to visit there. The easiest and quickest way is to take a yellow taxi or vintage car, this is what I did and it cost around 20 CUC ($20 USD). Or if you are more adventurous (and want to save lots of money!) attempt to navigate the local bus system. The MetroBus map<\/strong><\/a> can get confusing, but a ride will cost only about 1 CUP. You can take the P1 or P4 to get to the Playa stop. From here it\u2019s about a 30 minute walk along Avenida Quinta or it\u2019s possible to catch a local bus at Playa to take you to Jaimanitas (ask the bus drivers).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fusterlandia\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Fusterlandia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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12. Take a Day Trip to Vi\u00f1ales<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Havana may have its charm, but the breathtaking beauty of Cuba really shows at Vi\u00f1ales Valley. Just a scenic 2.5-hour drive away, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has picture-perfect mogote mountains, lush green valleys where world-famous cigars are grown, and crystal-clear rivers perfect for a cool-down. You’ll visit traditional tobacco farms, peek into prehistoric caves, and maybe even learn to roll a mean Cuban cigar \u2013 all in a day’s adventure! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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13. Pay Your Respect at Necr\u00f3polis Crist\u00f3bal Col\u00f3n Cemetery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cementario de Crist\u00f3bal Col\u00f3n<\/strong><\/a> (Colon Cemetery) is not your typical cemetery, it has over 800,000 graves in its 57 hectares (about 141 acres). It is known for elaborately sculptured tombs where bishops, politicians, artists, scientists and sports figures lay. You will want to plan a little more time than you think because it is so big and known as one of the most remarkable cemeteries in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIPS: It is well worth the $5 CUC cost to get in, and a map is always available for purchase at the entrance. But, be sure to go early or on a cloudy day, there are not a lot of places to rest and it can get uncomfortably hot. PS: The Hop On \u2013 Hop Off bus makes a stop there or any taxi driver should know where it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Necr\u00f3polis<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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14. Go to a Baseball Game at Estadio Latinoamericano<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Baseball is the national sport in Cuba, and attending a game at Estadio Latinoamericano<\/strong><\/a> is just the perfect way to immerse yourself in their culture. All I can say is that the locals are incredibly passionate and vocal, especially when cheering on Havana’s sole baseball team, Industriales. There’s often singing, dancing, and drumming throughout the game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIPS: Games at Estadio Latinoamericano are often cheap \u2014 roughly $3 for tourists. You can buy them at the stadium on game day. If you’re planning to catch a baseball game in Havana, you can time it with their baseball season (which runs from late November to early May.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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15. See the Tropicana Show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let me tell you, Havana nights are something special, and the Tropicana Show<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>takes the cake! Stepping into that open-air venue, surrounded by lush gardens (seriously, it’s 36,000 square meters of tropical paradise!), feels like being transported to another era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cabaret’s energy is electric \u2013 where the music is pulsating, the dancers move like nobody’s watching (but everyone is!), and the costumes are straight out of a dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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16. Go to the Sunday Rumba Party at Callej\u00f3n de Hamel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Callej\u00f3n de Hamel<\/strong><\/a> is a great place to go any time for its unconventional street art and funky art shops, but on Sunday afternoons the place takes it to another level with a party that immerses you deep in the culture of Havana \u2013 let\u2019s rumba!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Callejo\u0301n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Around noon, Callej\u00f3n comes to life with a live rumba party<\/a>. Locals and tourists alike cram into the small space to watch as musicians and dancers perform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Callejo\u0301n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Callejo\u0301n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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17. Visit Ernest Hemingway\u2019s House, Finca Vig\u00eda<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The famous writer Ernest Hemingway lived in Cuba for quite some time (around the 1940s), at a house on a hilltop in the San Antonio de los Ba\u00f1os neighborhood called Finca Vig\u00eda<\/strong><\/a>. Following his death in 1961, the house was turned into a museum, dedicated to his life as a writer. You can see some of his personal belongings, furniture, hunting trophies, and writing materials. They even have a nice view of the Havana coastline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for an even more authentic Hemingway experience, you MUST check out a couple of his favorite haunts as well, such as El Floridita<\/strong><\/a> (said to be the birthplace of his favorite cocktail, the Papa Doble) and La Bodeguita<\/strong><\/a> (they have delicious mojitos!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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18. See the Parisienne Dinner Show at Hotel Nacional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Craving for a night of glitz and glamor with a taste of Cuban culture? Look no further than the Parisienne Dinner Show<\/a> at Havana’s iconic Hotel Nacional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Held in the historic Cabaret Parisien (which has wowed and continues to wow audiences since the 1930s), the show celebrates Cuba’s rich heritage through a vibrant fusion of dance, music, and costumes reflecting Indo-American, Hispanic, and African influences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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19. Learn to Salsa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you love to dance to Latin grooves then Salsa is a perfect thing to learn while in Cuba \u2013 salsa is in their blood. You can learn to light up the dance floor, burn some of those extra mojito calories and spice up the mood too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At La Casa del Son<\/a>, you can get a one on one private lesson that is perfect for the novice or someone who wants to perfect their skills. After class, take your talents to the streets and hit up one of Havana\u2019s best Cuban dance clubs. Try your fancy footwork at Diablo Tun Tun<\/strong><\/a> or El Turquino<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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20. Walk the Malec\u00f3n Esplanade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Malec\u00f3n esplanade is an 8 km stretch aside the Havana picturesque seaside. Many will hire a vintage car taxi to drive them the length, but you will get so much more out of walking the distance, making stops along the way. You can make an afternoon of interacting with the strolling locals, watching the fisherman, eating at one of the Paladares, marveling at the colonial architecture and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to time it just right so you will see the sunset while you stroll, or even better, when you reach Hotel Nacional<\/strong><\/a> and are sipping a mojito on their terrace that overlooks the malec\u00f3n.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Malecon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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21. Ride in a Taxi Particular<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let’s face it, sometimes getting from point A to point B in Havana deserves to be an adventure in itself. That’s where Taxi Particulares (private taxis) come in! What makes it better than your usual taxi (at least appearance-wise) is that these bad boys are vintage American cars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your ride might be a cherry-red Chevy Bel Air from the 50s or a sleek turquoise Buick from the 60s on the next one. Sure, there might be a little back-and-forth about the fare, but that’s all part of the fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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22. See the El Ca\u00f1onazo de las Nueve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fortaleza de San Carlos de La Caba\u00f1a<\/strong><\/a> is an impressive 18th century fortress complex along the Havana sea where the el ca\u00f1onazo de las nueve (a live cannon fire) happens every evening at 9:00pm sharp. Initially this shot was to announce the opening\/closing of the fort’s gates, but today it is just a reminder of Cuban traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to plan your visit much earlier because the event starts well before the cannon fire at nine. Beforehand, traditionally uniformed soldiers march through the complex performing in an entertaining parade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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23. GO TO A JAZZ CLUB<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cuba has rich rhythm and soul in their bloods, and it can be experienced from one of the many jazz clubs in Havana. Even while walking through the Old Town late at night the music and dance will be spilling into the streets. Or make a point to go to La Zorra y el Cuervo<\/strong><\/a>, the most famous jazz club in Havana, where every evening at 10:00pm brings a different musician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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24. Visit Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the entrance to Havana Bay stands a fortress which protected Havana’s waters for centuries from pirate attacks and privateers, the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta<\/strong><\/a> (or La Punta Fort). This 16th century fort was part of four other fortresses (one of which is El Morro, which is found directly across it) to safeguard the harbor entrance back in the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, the fort is now a museum housing Spanish colonial artifacts. You can see things like binoculars and spyglasses (a type of telescope used by pirates and explorers), small ship models (look for the big Galleon model!), and old coins found in the fort’s waters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Castillo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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25. Step Inside Convento e Iglesia de la Merced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the oldest churches in Havana, the Convento e Iglesia de la Merced<\/strong><\/a> is an 18th-19th century complex consisting of a church (Iglesia de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Merced) and a former monastery (Convento de la Merced).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it looks simple from the outside, the real magic waits for you inside, with beautiful Baroque architecture featuring ornate altars, sculptures, and religious paintings (especially the ceiling, a la Sistine Chapel.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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26. Visit Castillo de la Real Fuerza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Want to see the oldest stone fort in Havana (and possibly in the Americas)? Then head over to the Castillo de la Real Fuerza<\/strong><\/a>, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Old Havana. It was built in 1577 to help defend against pirate attacks and foreign invasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The outside of the fort is really cool, even by itself, with lots of cannons and statues on display. You can also go inside after paying a small fee and crossing a small drawbridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside, there’s the Navigation Museum. It tells the story of Cuba’s maritime past and has things like old navigation tools, weapons, small models of ships, and displays about the Spanish treasure ships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you reach the top, don’t forget to check out the replica of the “La Giraldilla” weathervane on the west tower, an iconic symbol of Havana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Castillo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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27. Hike to a Waterfall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Confession: I wasn’t exactly expecting waterfall hikes on my Havana Bucket List. But let me tell you, it’s just the kind of nature escapade that sounds pretty darn perfect. Here are my top 3 picks for a day trip escape, all within driving distance of Havana:<\/p>\n\n\n\n