Havana Travel Guide 2026: Current Situation, Things to Do, Costs & Tips

Havana is one of the most atmospheric cities in the world. Its colonial old town is filled with baroque churches, fortresses and pastel-coloured mansions, while classic 1950s American cars cruise along the Malecón seafront and live music spills from bars and courtyards. Founded in 1519, the Cuban capital was once the richest port in the Spanish Empire, and Old Havana and its fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Havana travel guide covers the current situation in Cuba, the best time to visit, top sights, where to stay, how to get there, costs, entry rules and practical tips for travelling during the crisis. Despite the hardships, Cubans remain famously warm, and Havana's music, culture and history continue to captivate visitors.

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Important Travel Notice (2026)

Cuba is going through a severe economic and energy crisis. Fuel shortages linked to US sanctions and an oil blockade have caused long and frequent blackouts, hotel closures and shortages of food, water, medicine and fuel. More than a dozen airlines have suspended flights to Cuba in 2026, including Air Canada, Air France, Turkish Airlines and Iberia, and Canada advises avoiding non-essential travel. Havana remains open to visitors, but services are limited and the situation changes quickly. Check your government's advice and confirm flights and accommodation directly before travelling.

Best Time to Visit Havana

Havana has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round.

Dry season (November–April) is the best time to visit. Temperatures range from about 22°C to 28°C, with low humidity and sunny skies. This is normally peak season, though visitor numbers have fallen sharply in 2026.

Wet season (May–October) is hot and humid, with temperatures around 30–33°C and frequent afternoon showers. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October.

Crisis considerations: during blackouts, the heat is harder to bear without air conditioning, so the cooler months are particularly recommended at present.

Events: the Havana Jazz Festival (usually January), the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema (December) and Carnival (summer) are cultural highlights, but events may be scaled back during the crisis.

Top Places to Visit in Havana

1. Old Havana (La Habana Vieja)

The heart of the city is a maze of cobbled streets and four main squares: Plaza de Armas, the oldest; Plaza de la Catedral, with its baroque cathedral; Plaza Vieja, surrounded by colourful buildings; and Plaza de San Francisco, near the harbour. Stroll along Calle Obispo and Calle Mercaderes.

2. The Malecón

Havana's 8-km seafront promenade is where locals gather at sunset to fish, chat and listen to music. Walk from Old Havana to Vedado and watch the waves crash against the sea wall.

3. Morro Castle and La Cabaña Fortress

Guarding the entrance to Havana Bay, these fortresses offer spectacular views of the city. Every evening at 9:00 pm, the Cañonazo ceremony recreates the firing of a cannon by soldiers in 18th-century uniforms at La Cabaña.

4. Capitolio Nacional

Built in 1929 and modelled on the US Capitol, El Capitolio is one of Havana's most impressive buildings. It houses Cuba's National Assembly, and guided tours are available.

5. Museum of the Revolution

Housed in the former presidential palace, this museum traces the history of the Cuban Revolution. Outside, the Granma Memorial displays the yacht that carried Fidel Castro and his rebels from Mexico in 1956.

6. Plaza de la Revolución

This vast square is dominated by the José Martí Memorial and the iconic steel portraits of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos on government buildings. It has hosted many of Fidel Castro's famous speeches.

7. Fusterlandia and Vedado

In the fishing village of Jaimanitas, artist José Fuster has covered his neighbourhood in colourful mosaics, creating a unique open-air art space. Vedado, Havana's 20th-century district, is home to the Hotel Nacional, the University of Havana and Coppelia ice cream parlour.

Also worth visiting: the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Callejón de Hamel (Afro-Cuban art and rumba), and Ernest Hemingway's former home, Finca Vigía, just outside the city.

Where to Stay in Havana

During the energy crisis, choose accommodation with a generator or backup power and water storage, and confirm this directly before booking. Some hotels have closed or consolidated guests into fewer properties.

• Old Havana: atmospheric and walkable, with historic hotels and private guesthouses (casas particulares) near the main sights.
• Centro Habana: authentic and lively, close to the Malecón and Old Havana, with budget-friendly casas particulares.
• Vedado: leafy and residential, with large hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Good for longer stays.
• Miramar: upscale area with modern hotels and embassies, but farther from the old town.

Casas particulares (private rooms in Cuban homes) offer a personal experience and often good value. Compare hotel and guesthouse availability in Havana here, and confirm power and water arrangements in advance.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Havana

José Martí International Airport (HAV) lies about 15 km southwest of the city centre. In 2026, many international airlines have suspended or reduced flights to Cuba due to the fuel shortage, so connections are much more limited than usual and schedules may change at short notice. Check with your airline before booking and consider flexible tickets. Search and compare flights to Havana to see which routes are currently operating.

From the airport, use official taxis or pre-arranged transfers through your accommodation, as public transport is extremely limited.

Getting Around Havana

• Taxis: official taxis and classic cars are available, but fuel shortages can make them scarce and expensive. Agree prices in advance.
• Ride-hailing: local apps exist, but availability is limited.
• Bici-taxis and coco-taxis: useful for short trips around the old town.
• Walking: Old Havana and Centro Habana are best explored on foot.
• Intercity travel: Viazul buses and transfers to Viñales, Trinidad and Varadero may be reduced due to fuel shortages. Book ahead and confirm departures.

Travel Costs in Havana

Cuba's monetary system is complex. The official currency is the Cuban peso (CUP), but many tourist businesses price in US dollars or euros, and the informal exchange rate differs greatly from the official one. Bring enough cash in euros or US dollars in small denominations. US-issued bank cards do not work in Cuba, and other foreign cards are accepted only in some places.

Prices can change rapidly during the crisis. Budget extra for bottled water, snacks and backup transport.

Visa & Entry Requirements

• e-Visa: since July 2024, paper tourist cards have been replaced by an electronic visa (e-Visa), which costs around €22 when bought on the official Cuban portal. It's valid for one year and allows a stay of up to 90 days, extendable once in Cuba. Avoid unofficial intermediary websites.
• D'Viajeros form: all travellers must complete this online health and customs declaration within seven days before arrival and show the QR code at immigration. Save it as a PDF.
• Health insurance: mandatory. Carry proof of insurance that covers Cuba.
• Passport validity: usually at least six months beyond arrival.
• US citizens: travel to Cuba for pure tourism is prohibited under US law. US travellers must qualify under one of the authorised categories, such as "Support for the Cuban People."
• US ESTA impact: anyone who has visited Cuba since 12 January 2021 is no longer eligible for the US ESTA visa waiver and must apply for a full US visa to travel to the United States.

Rules can change at short notice. Always check official Cuban government sources and your own government's travel advice before you travel.

Local Tips for Havana

• Prepare for blackouts: pack a power bank, torch or headlamp, battery fan, and download offline maps and translation apps.
• Bring essentials: medicines, sunscreen, toiletries, mosquito repellent and snacks can be hard to find. Many travellers bring extra supplies to donate.
• Water: drink bottled or purified water.
• Cash: bring euros or US dollars in small bills, keep them safe and avoid unofficial money changers on the street.
• Tipping: tips are very important to Cubans' livelihoods. Leave 10–15% in restaurants and tip musicians, guides and housekeepers.
• Safety: Havana is generally safe from violent crime, but petty theft and scams have increased during the crisis. Avoid political discussions and demonstrations.
• Staying connected: internet in Cuba is slow, expensive and often interrupted during blackouts. Buy an ETECSA tourist SIM or check whether your travel eSIM covers Cuba. Check Cuba eSIM options here.

Tours & Experiences

• Classic car tour: ride through Havana in a vintage 1950s American convertible (subject to fuel availability).
• Old Havana walking tour: discover colonial history, architecture and local life with a licensed guide.
• Salsa class and live music: learn to dance and enjoy Cuban son and jazz.
• Cigar and rum experience: learn about Cuba's famous cigars and rum.
• Day trip to Viñales: visit tobacco farms and limestone mountains (confirm transport availability).

Book directly with established guides or through reputable platforms, and confirm tours are operating. Browse Havana tours here.

FAQ

Is it safe to travel to Havana in 2026?

Havana is generally safe from violent crime, but Cuba is experiencing a severe energy and economic crisis with blackouts, shortages and reduced flights. Canada advises avoiding non-essential travel. Check official advice and prepare carefully before you go.

Are there flights to Havana?

Some flights are still operating, but many airlines have suspended or reduced Cuba routes in 2026 due to fuel shortages. Check with your airline and book flexible tickets.

Do I need a visa for Cuba?

Most visitors need a Cuban e-Visa (around €22 on the official portal), plus the D'Viajeros form and travel health insurance.

Can Americans travel to Havana?

US citizens can travel to Cuba only under authorised categories set by the US government, not for pure tourism. Visiting Cuba also affects ESTA eligibility for non-US citizens travelling to the US.

What money should I bring to Cuba?

Bring euros or US dollars in cash, in small bills. US-issued cards don't work, and other foreign cards are only accepted in some places.

Conclusion

Havana remains a city of extraordinary atmosphere, despite the hardships of the current crisis. With careful preparation, flexible plans and respect for the difficult conditions, its music, architecture and warmth still make a lasting impression.

Plan ahead: book your classic car and walking tours on GetYourGuide, and check official travel advice before you go.