How I Spent 72 Hours in Havana, Cuba [Things To Do, What To Eat]

After an incredibly fulfilling 6-month trip, I finally traveled to my 100th country. I knew I had to make my 100th country a special one, and after much consideration, I chose Cuba.

Cuba has always fascinated me. The sight of classic American cars from the mid-20th century has made me want to visit since I was a kid. The country also has incredible historical significance, cultural richness, and architectural beauty.

Cuba’s capital, Havana, is a vibrant city steeped in rich cultural heritage and is a dream travel destination for many. It is known for its incredible architecture, fantastic street food, and welcoming locals.

I wanted to make the most of my few days in the country. Here’s a look at how I spent 72 hours in Havana, Cuba’s incredible capital city.

Can U.S. Citizens Travel to Cuba?

The question I get most is: “Can Americans travel to Cuba?”

The simple answer is that U.S. citizens can legally travel to Cuba, but only for specific categories defined by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Because of the historical and political tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, many people do not believe U.S. citizens can visit Cuba. Although it requires an additional step, traveling to Cuba is like almost anywhere else.

When you purchase your ticket to Cuba, you will be prompted to select from the list of official travel reasons, including family visits, official business of the U.S. government, educational activities, and humanitarian purposes.

Another option, which is loosely defined, is “support for the Cuban people,” which is what I chose as my reason for travel. This travel category permits Americans to travel to Cuba to have meaningful interactions with the Cuban people.

It is worth noting that those choosing this require travelers to have itineraries with proof of related activities (which I had). I chose simple options through Airbnb for my activities. More on that below.

Arriving in Havana

In the past, U.S. citizens would fly to Cuba via another country like Mexico or Canada. Fortunately, this is no longer necessary as several U.S. airlines operate routes between the U.S. and Cuba.

From the U.S., you can fly nonstop to Cuban cities on either American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, or United Airlines. Here’s a look at the nonstop routes you can fly as of July 2024:

American Airlines

• Miami (MIA) – Camagüey (CMW)
• Miami (MIA) – Havana (HAV)
• Miami (MIA) – Holguín (HOG)
• Miami (MIA) – Santa Clara (SNU)
• Miami (MIA) – Santiago de Cuba (SCU)
• Miami (MIA) – Varadero (VRA)

Southwest Airlines

• Tampa Bay (TPA) – Havana (HAV)

United Airlines

• Houston (IAH) – Havana (HAV)

It is worth noting that airlines and routes are subject to change. I flew nonstop between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and José Martí International Airport (HAV) on Southwest Airlines, a route that is no longer offered.

Where To Stay in Havana

Another major travel regulation the U.S. government has put in place for Americans traveling to Cuba concerns where they can stay.

Simply put, U.S. citizens are not allowed to stay at hotels or guesthouses that are either partially or entirely owned by the Cuban government (and there are many of them). The full list of these accommodations can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.

Fortunately, there are still many options. Many boutique hotels and guesthouses are privately owned. However, most travelers (including myself) stay at private rentals called casas particulares, which are private homes very similar to Airbnb (and many of these are listed on Airbnb, as well).

Many of these homes are available no matter your budget or interests. Havana is a rather large and spread-out city, making it difficult to choose where to stay. Here’s a look at some of the most popular and convenient Havana neighborhoods.

Old Havana (Habana Vieja)

Old Havana is the city’s most well-known neighborhood and the best area for first-time visitors. It is the center of many of its major tourist attractions, providing convenience.

The neighborhood has many of Cuba’s historic colonial buildings and is relatively busy and noisy, especially in the evenings, when the music gets going. Many restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops surround the narrow streets, especially around Paseo del Prado and the various plazas.

Old Havana is the best place to stay if you’re visiting Cuba for the first time or for just a few days.

El Vedado

El Vedado is a more peaceful and quiet neighborhood away from the bustle of Old Havana’s streets. The neighborhood has been home to many wealthier families, resulting in historic houses and colonial mansions.

The streets are lined with trees, and gardens and parks surround the neighborhood. Although the neighborhood is quieter, there is still plenty of action. Numerous restaurants and bars are scattered throughout El Vedado.

Miramar

Miramar is an oceanfront neighborhood of Havana known as the city’s most luxurious area. It has many luxury hotels and resorts, and many mansions in the area have been converted into foreign embassies.

The area is about a 15-minute taxi ride away from the major tourist attractions of Havana. It is definitely not the most convenient area to stay in. However, if you are looking for the comfort of a resort or a resort-like experience, Miramar is the place to be.

Day 1

Since I had an early morning flight, I headed to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport around 7 a.m. I quickly checked in to my flight at the airport, as you cannot do this beforehand.

The desk agent confirmed my reason for travel, and I was able to purchase my Cuban tourist visa right there, which is required before you can proceed. The Cuban tourist visa was $50.

After confirming my travel documents, I was ready to clear security and head to the gate. At the boarding gate, the gate agents checked to make sure all passengers had the required documents. Boarding was completed in about 25 minutes, and we were on our way.

After a 1-hour flight, we landed in Havana around 11 a.m.

The customs and immigration process at José Martí International Airport was slow and thorough. After we cleared immigration, there was a full security check, which took about 45 minutes.

After clearing security, I headed out of the airport and was quickly approached by more than 10 taxi drivers. I negotiated the price with a taxi driver, and we were on the way to Old Havana, where my casa particular was.

Hot Tip:

Taxis from the airport to most Havana destinations typically cost between $25 and $35. You can negotiate prices with taxi drivers.

La Habana Vieja

La Habana Vieja, or Old Havana, is in the city’s historic center, which offers a glimpse into Cuba’s colonial past and its vibrant present-day culture. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas.

Old Havana features incredible historic architecture, including a blend of Spanish colonial, neoclassical, art deco, and baroque styles. Many restored buildings and large plazas, all lined with cobblestone streets, are also present.

The area is filled with culture and history, with many museums and galleries that showcase Cuba’s artistic and historical heritage. There are also plenty of landmarks in the area.

After dropping off my bags at my casa particular, I began aimlessly walking the streets of La Habana Vieja to see what I could find.

Plaza Vieja

Plaza Vieja is one of the city’s most historically significant squares. It dates back to the 16th century and has served many different functions, including as a marketplace and a social hub.

The square is surrounded by many colonial buildings, dating from the 17th to 19th centuries and with various architectural styles.

The plaza has undergone extensive renovation over the years and is now one of Havana’s most notable and vibrant public spaces. Many cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and shops surround the square.

Plaza de Armas

Like Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas is another important square in Havana. It dates back to the 16th century and served as the center of military and political power during the Spanish colonial period.

Several notable historical figures and colonial-era buildings are in the area. These include the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, and the newer Museo de la Ciudad.

Plaza de Armas features a large, open-air book market, where vendors sell a wide range of new and secondhand books, magazines, and collectibles. The square also hosts numerous cultural events, art exhibitions, and occasional live performances throughout the year.

Plaza de la Cathedral

Another historic square in Havana is Plaza de la Catedral. The plaza is named after the Catedral de la Habana, a baroque-style church that is the square’s focal point.

In front of the cathedral, there is also a bronze statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes del Castillo, a Cuban revolutionary who was the first president of the Republic of Cuba in Arms in 1868.

In the same year, he also made the declaration of Cuban independence, which started the 10 Years’ War, the first of 3 wars of independence, ultimately leading to the end of Spanish rule in 1898 and Cuba’s independence in 1902.

Capitolio Nacional de La Habana

Capitolio Nacional de La Habana, often called El Capitolio or the National Capital, is an iconic landmark building in the center of Havana. It was built from 1926 to 1929 under then-president Gerardo Machado, whom the U.S. backed and then forced out of power.

Although it is not an exact replica (it’s actually slightly taller and larger) of the U.S. Capitol Building, it was designed in a similar manner. The building was used as the headquarters of the Cuban Congress before the Cuban Revolution of 1959.

Parque Central

Parque Central is a bustling square in the heart of the city. It is strategically located between Old Havana and the grittier neighborhood of Centro Habana, right next to the Capitol Building.

The park has significantly impacted Havana’s social and cultural life. Many historical events have taken place in the square. Nowadays, it serves as a transportation hub and meeting and gathering point.

The park is surrounded by several iconic buildings, including the Gran Teatro de La Habana and the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana.

Several small gardens and palm trees are also nearby. There are also benches and walking pathways, which offer a great place to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

El Floridita

El Floridita is a world-famous bar and restaurant, best known for being Ernest Hemingway’s most-frequented bar during his time in Havana. Hemingway was known to enjoy the bar’s daiquiris, which were actually invented at El Floridita. In fact, he drank at the bar so much that a statue of him is sitting at the end of the bar.

It opened its doors in 1817 as a general store and was converted into a bar. Over the years, it has hosted many famous celebrities, politicians, and musicians.

The bar is more of a cultural landmark today and retains its vibe as a classic Cuban bar. The bar also specializes in cocktails, most notably the daiquiri, which comes in various flavors.

Day 2

Classic Car Tour

Cuba has never had its own car manufacturing industry, relying on imports to populate its streets. The U.S. embargo against Cuba in 1962, which prohibited any exportation, importation, or commerce, compounded that fact.

The embargo ended the importation of cars and their parts. As a result, most cars in Cuba are vintage American-made automobiles from the 1950s or before. Because new cars were hard to come by, many were passed down through generations as family treasures.

Personally, I think nothing in Cuba is as iconic as the vintage American cars, so I made sure I got the opportunity to ride around in one for at least an hour. I booked a 2-hour convertible classic car tour through Airbnb for $60, which I split with a couple of friends.

The convertible classic car tour takes you around Havana and most of the main tourist attractions. This includes many attractions much further out of the city, which was nice, as it would have been more difficult to get there. Plus, we were given ample time at each stop to take pictures.

Plaza de la Revolución

Plaza de la Revolución is one of the world’s most important and largest city squares. It was previously known as Plaza Civica but was renamed by Fidel Castro to Plaza de la Revolución following the Cuban Revolution.

The plaza symbolizes Cuba’s revolutionary history and socialist government and has been the site of many famous political events, rallies, and speeches by many famous Cuban leaders, including Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Fidel Castro. Today, it is still used as a gathering spot for political and social activities in Cuba.

Plaza de la Revolución is surrounded by several important administrative, ministerial, and government buildings, including the José Martí Memorial, the Ministry of the Interior, the National Library, and a telecommunications building.

There is a large, iconic mural of Che Guevara on the eastern facade of the Ministry of the Interior. A similar mural of revolutionary Camilo Cienfuegos is on the telecommunications building.

Aside from its political importance, Plaza de la Revolución symbolizes Cuban pride and unity. It also symbolizes the legacy of the Cuban Revolution, which completely reshaped the country’s political, social, and economic outlook. Cubans pack the square waving flags and banners on the nation’s most important holidays.

El Malecon

El Malecon is an iconic, 5-mile seawall promenade along Havana’s northern coast. It was constructed in the 20th century to protect the city from the sea.

The promenade offers fantastic views of the Caribbean Sea and Havana’s cityscape. Along it, you can find many iconic colonial buildings and several modern developments.

It has become a social hub and a popular spot for leisure walks and watching the sunset. Vendors sell wine, rum, and snacks, and locals line up along the promenade during the evenings and weekends to drink, dance, and listen to music.

Day 3

Cigar-Rolling Class

Cigar rolling has long been considered an art form in Cuba. The process of hand-rolling cigars has been passed down through generations, and techniques and skills have been refined over time.

Skilled craftsmen meticulously hand-roll cigars using tobacco leaves grown on farms nationwide. Many regions in the country are known for producing some of the world’s finest tobacco.

Since I have enjoyed smoking cigars and was finally in Cuba, I thought it would be fun to smoke some Cuban cigars, learn how they are made, and give making them myself a shot.

The cigar-rolling experience was incredible and unique. I learned a lot about Cuban culture surrounding cigars and the cigars themselves and have a much deeper appreciation for the work that goes into making them.

Museo de la Revolución

Museo de la Revolución is the place to learn about Cuba’s revolutionary history and politics. It is inside the former presidential palace, which served as the residence of Cuban presidents until the 1959 revolution.

The museum contains documents, photographs, and memorabilia from the Cuban Revolution and Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. On the outside, you can also find several important artifacts from the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The building still has bullet holes on the exterior from when it was taken during the Cuban Revolution. This is when former dictator Fulgencio Batista fled the country. 

It is worth noting that most exhibitions are only in Spanish.

Playas del Este

Cuba is known for having some of the best beaches in the world. Fortunately, one of them is very close to Havana. Playas del Este is a collection of beaches just 20 minutes west of Havana.

All the beaches have vendors renting chairs and umbrellas. You can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, and even catamarans. Some of the beaches are in small towns with markets and vendors selling street food and drinks.

Although this stretch of beaches is not the best Cuba offers, it’s a convenient way to enjoy the beach without being too far from the city. This is especially true when you’re short on time. However, if you have more time, it’s definitely worth going to Varadero, a tropical paradise.

The Best Cuban Food

Cuba is widely known for its incredible food. Its cuisine is a blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, which perfectly reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Cuban cuisine relies heavily on staple foods, most notably rice, beans, and plantains. It also heavily emphasizes meats like pork, chicken, and seafood. Cuban food is known for its diverse taste profiles and savory flavors. It is often seasoned with garlic, oregano, cumin, and lime juice.

The climate also allows for various tropical fruits, including mangoes, pineapples, guavas, papayas, coconuts, grapefruit, and avocados. These fruits are typically enjoyed fresh or are mixed into dishes and beverages.

Here’s a look at some of my favorite Cuban dishes.

1. Ropa Vieja

Ropa vieja is shredded beef stewed in a tomato-based sauce. It is often seasoned with sofrito, a blend of tomatoes, garlic, onion, and peppers. Variations of the dish exist throughout the Caribbean. It’s probably called ropa vieja (“old clothes”) because of the way the beef starts to fall apart and look like a frayed shirt or pants as it stews over a long time.

2. Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con pollo, literally “rice with chicken,” is a common dish across all of Latin America. It is often seasoned with sofrito.

3. Lechón Asado

Lechón asado (“roasted suckling pig”) is a roasted pork dish that is marinated in a citrus-garlic mojo sauce. The pork is slow-roasted until it is tender. It is traditionally served with rice and beans. The dish is quite popular on special occasions.

Safety in Cuba

Although Cuba isn’t crime-free, it is an incredibly safe destination for travelers, especially for those who exercise common sense and respect local customs and laws. The country does have a relatively low crime rate compared to many other countries in the Caribbean.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, does occur, especially in crowded tourist areas. It’s important to keep your valuables with you at all times and to be aware in busy places.

Lastly, it is important to be wary of people who approach you on the street. Generally, you shouldn’t accept unsolicited help from strangers on the street. Cubans are incredibly friendly, but many will take advantage of tourists.

Financial Restrictions in Cuba

Another major consideration for U.S. travelers to Cuba is the financial restrictions in place. Because of the decades-long U.S. embargo against Cuba, American debit and credit cards will not work in Cuba.

This means U.S. citizens can’t access their money in Cuba. It is incredibly important to plan ahead and bring the money you think you will need for your entire trip — in cash.

You can exchange U.S. dollars and convert them into Cuban pesos once you arrive in Cuba. You can exchange money at Cadeca or any major bank. You can also exchange dollars for pesos on the street, though this is not generally recommended for safety reasons.

It is worth noting that many establishments (including some shops and restaurants) accept U.S. dollars.

Final Thoughts

Simply put, Cuba was amazing and Havana is one of my new favorite cities in the world. Cuba has such a fascinating history, welcoming people, unbelievable natural scenery, and delicious street food.

I could not have picked a better country for the 100th country I’ve traveled to, and I cannot wait to visit again soon. Fortunately, getting to Cuba nowadays is relatively simple, so I have already begun planning another trip there.