Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
- Home
- Destinations
- Cuba Havana
Flights to Havana: Discover the splendour of the Cuban capital
The rich, unique history and culture of Cuba sets Havana apart for travellers. This fascinating city is so much more than just a typical Caribbean beach destination. As you watch vintage cars drive past the colonial buildings, you'll feel like you've travelled back in time. Spend your days exploring the many historical sights of Havana and your nights swaying to infectious salsa beats. There's nowhere on earth like it.
What to know about Havana before you travel
Havana, the capital of Cuba, is an intriguing city with a unique, fascinating history. Following the Cuban Revolution, when Fidel Castro came to power, Cuba was placed under an embargo by the United States. This led to the city of Havana being preserved in time, with classic 1950s cars on its streets and perfectly preserved colonial buildings. Today, Havana still feels like a time capsule, which adds to its immense charm.
Havana at a glance
Flight duration: 10 hours from London
Main airport: José Martí International Airport (HAV)
Population: 2.1 million
Language: Spanish
Currency: Cuban peso, but the US dollar is also widely accepted
Socket type: Type A (US standard). Voltage is 110V
Time zone: Cuba Daylight Time (GMT-4)
Where to stay in Havana
There are hotels all over Havana, but which neighbourhood should you head for? Think about what you're looking for in your holiday. Do you want to enjoy those famous Caribbean beaches or immerse yourself in the unique Cuban culture? Are you looking for a luxurious holiday experience, or would you rather surround yourself with locals? Here are some of the best places to stay in Havana.
Historical areas of Havana
The number one choice for any history buff has to be La Habana Vieja, also known as Old Havana. This historic neighbourhood is the beating heart of the city, where you'll see those distinctive colonial buildings lining narrow streets. Don't make the mistake of thinking that La Habana Vieja is stuck in the past. This is also a vibrant district with some of the city's best live music.
Other areas of Havana
Vedado is an upscale neighbourhood with beautiful restored mansions. It's close to the Malecón, the long, white seawall that has become an icon of Havana. This is a peaceful, romantic part of the city that's great for a honeymoon. For something livelier, stay in El Centro, the city centre. This is where you'll find trendy bars, restaurants and the most fashionable shops.
Things to do in Havana
A holiday in Havana is so much more than the average Caribbean beach holiday. If you're interested in history, there are a number of interesting guided tours you can take around the city, immersing yourself in Havana's unique past. Don't forget to add some day trips to areas outside the city, too, where you can visit pristine beaches and hand-rolled cigar factories.
The best things to see and do in Havana
Explore the city's historical buildings like Plaza de la Revolución and El Capitolio, the seat of the government.
Visit Fusterlandia, Havana's unique outdoor art gallery. This surreal dreamscape is full of colourful mosaics and striking sculptures.
Spend a night in the town. Havana is the birthplace of salsa music, and live Latin music can be enjoyed every night.
Havana is a destination that will enchant you and leave you wanting more. Book your tickets to this fascinating city today. Check out our deals on flights and hotels for a trip to Havana, and discover the pearl of the Caribbean now.
Havana holiday FAQs
Q: Is Havana a good holiday destination?
A: Yes. Havana is ideal for culture vultures. The city's colonial architecture, colourful street art and vibrant music scene are all major attractions. The city also has a low crime rate, and the locals are friendly and welcoming.
Q: What is the best month to visit Havana, Cuba?
A: Cuba's dry season runs from November to April. During this time, you can expect warm, sunny days and low humidity. The colder months of December to February are also a good choice. Remember, cold is relative. In Cuba, that means daytime temperatures of around 22°C. Avoid the wet season from May to October, when the weather is hot, sticky and prone to storms.
Q: Is Havana expensive for tourists?
A: No, Havana is generally considered to be one of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean. There are some luxury resorts, but budget travellers can enjoy Havana without much stress. To cut down on prices, travel using public transport rather than taxis and dine in local eateries.
Q: How many days do you need to see Havana?
A: Most travellers say that three to five days is enough time to see the sights of Havana. However, if you're travelling to Cuba from Europe, you'll probably want to spend more time there. You can easily extend your holiday by visiting other parts of Cuba, such as the tobacco-growing heartland of Viñales Valley or the seaside resort of Varadero.
- Packing list for every type of breakPacking list for a city breakPacking list for a beach holidayPacking list for a winter holidayPacking list for a hiking trip
We value your privacy
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .
You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalised content. To deny, .