Visiting Havana? 11 Things You Shouldn’t Miss

You’ll want to explore Old Havana’s four historic plazas, time your Malecón sunset stroll perfectly, and cruise in a classic convertible through vibrant neighborhoods. Don’t miss the Revolution Museum’s compelling exhibits, the nightly 9 PM cannon ceremony at the fortress, and the Capitol Building’s stunning restoration. Experience Fusterlandia’s colorful mosaic art, catch a performance at Gran Teatro, and escape to nearby Playa Santa María’s white sands. These essential experiences reveal why Havana captivates every traveler who discovers its secrets.

Wander Through Old Havana’s Four Historic Plazas

While modern Havana sprawls across both sides of the harbor, Old Havana’s heart beats strongest in its four historic plazas, each one telling a different chapter of the city’s 500-year story.

Start at Plaza de Armas, the city’s oldest square from the early 16th century. You’ll find the impressive Castillo de la Real Fuerza fortress and museums worth exploring. The plaza sits right next to where Havana was founded, marked by El Templete, a beautiful neoclassical temple from the 19th century.

Next, head to Plaza de la Catedral, the spiritual heart dominated by Cuban baroque architecture—it’s incredibly photogenic and perfect for people-watching at sidewalk cafés.

Plaza Vieja offers the best dining and nightlife scene among restored colonial mansions, while Plaza de San Francisco de Asís provides waterfront views and the iconic Fuente de los Leones fountain.

Each plaza’s free to explore, making this walking tour budget-friendly.

Time Your Malecón Stroll for Sunset

When the sun begins its descent over Havana’s coastline, there’s no better place to witness the spectacle than along the Malecón—the city’s iconic 5-mile seawall that stretches from Old Havana to Vedado.

Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset (around 5:45 pm in December) to catch the golden hour. Head to the central sections near Hotel Nacional for the best unobstructed views—the sun sets directly over the Straits of Florida at a perfect west-southwest angle.

Stay alert for powerful waves that crash over the seawall, especially during winter “norte” fronts. Position yourself several meters back from the spray zones.

The twilight extends another 20-30 minutes after sunset, giving you plenty of time to capture those Instagram-worthy shots of classic cars silhouetted against the colorful sky. You’ll often spot local fishermen casting their lines from the seawall as the sky transforms into brilliant oranges and purples.

Take a Classic Car Tour Through the City

After you’ve soaked in those magical Malecón sunset views, there’s no better way to explore Havana’s colorful neighborhoods than from the open-air seat of a classic 1950s convertible.

These vintage Chevrolets, Buicks, and Cadillacs offer a quintessential Havana experience that’s become the city’s most iconic tourist activity.

Most 2-3 hour tours cover Old Havana, Centro, Vedado, and Miramar, hitting highlights like Plaza de la Revolución and the mansion-lined embassy district.

You’ll cruise the famous Malecón seafront and stop for photo ops at key landmarks.

Many tours conclude with a sunset cocktail at one of Havana’s iconic hotel locations, providing the perfect end to your vintage car adventure.

Budget-wise, expect around $78 for two people on group tours, or €35-69 for private rides accommodating up to four passengers.

Book ahead during peak season, as these bestseller tours fill up quickly.

Explore the Revolution Museum in the Former Presidential Palace

Once you’ve finished cruising through Havana’s streets, head to the Museum of the Revolution housed in Cuba’s former Presidential Palace for an immersion into the island’s turbulent political history. This Neo-Classical building served Cuban presidents from 1920 until Batista’s fall in 1959.

You’ll walk through opulent rooms like the Hall of Mirrors and Golden Hall, decorated by Tiffany Studios with Carrara marble and gold detailing. Don’t miss the central staircase’s bullet holes from the failed 1957 assassination attempt against Batista.

The museum chronicles Cuba’s independence wars through the revolutionary period with photographs, weapons, and documents. Plan to arrive early in the day with comfortable walking shoes for the best museum experience. Your admission includes access to the Granma Memorial featuring Castro’s famous yacht from 1956.

Watch the 9 PM Cannon Ceremony at Castillo Del Morro

Cap off your day of historical exploration with Havana’s most theatrical tradition—the nightly cannon ceremony at Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña. This “El Cañonazo de las 9” dates back to colonial times when the cannon blast signaled the closing of city gates and harbor defenses against pirates.

Arrive between 8:00-8:30 pm to secure good viewing spots and explore the fortress ramparts overlooking Havana Bay. You’ll watch uniformed reenactors march in formation, loading the cannon with 18th-century commands before the thunderous 9 pm blast that echoes across the city. The artillerymen wear authentic 18th-century uniforms that transport you back to Havana’s colonial military era.

The ceremony happens nightly at the fortress complex beside Castillo del Morro. Take a taxi through the harbor tunnel—it’s your most convenient option.

Wear sturdy shoes since you’ll be walking on uneven stone surfaces in low lighting.

Discover Cuban Art at the National Museum of Fine Arts

Where else can you trace four centuries of Cuban artistic evolution under one roof? The National Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1913, houses the Caribbean’s largest art collection across two stunning buildings. You’ll explore Cuban works from the 17th century to today in the restored colonial Palacio de Bellas Artes, discovering everything from religious art to Vanguardia masterpieces by Wifredo Lam and Eduardo Abela.

The Centro Asturiano building showcases international treasures spanning five floors, including pieces from ancient Egypt and works attributed to Caravaggio and Goya. Located near Parque Central in Old Havana, it’s easily walkable from other attractions.

It’s recommended to book a guided tour since English labels are limited. The museum also features a concert hall that hosts jazz performances, Cuban Trova, stage plays, and European opera. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00, and on Sunday until 14:00.

Pay Your Respects at Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón Cemetery

From the vibrant canvases celebrating Cuban life, you’ll find profound meaning in Havana’s most sacred ground. Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón isn’t just a cemetery—it’s an open-air museum showcasing 123 acres of stunning funerary art.

You’ll walk among over 53,000 monuments carved from Carrara marble, discovering elaborate mausoleums in Renaissance Revival and Art Deco styles.

Don’t miss “La Milagrosa’s” tomb, where locals knock three times seeking miracles. The Monument to the Fire Brigade honors 38 heroic firefighters, while the Medical Students memorial tells a powerful story of colonial injustice.

Independence heroes like Máximo Gómez and chess champion José Raúl Capablanca rest here too. Despite its historical appearance, this cemetery remains actively operating with over 800,000 interments throughout its long history.

Entry’s affordable, and you’ll spend hours exploring Cuba’s fascinating social history through its most beautiful monuments.

Marvel at the Capitol Building’s Restored Grandeur

After exploring Havana’s sacred cemetery grounds, you’ll discover the city’s most magnificent architectural triumph at the Capitol Building. This neoclassical masterpiece rises 302 feet above Paseo del Prado, defining Havana’s skyline since 1929.

You’ll be amazed by the grand marble staircase and towering columns that create an impressive street presence.

Inside, don’t miss La República, a massive 17-meter bronze statue that’s among the world’s largest indoor sculptures. Look for the 25-carat diamond marking Cuba’s official kilometer zero in the main hall’s floor.

The building’s recent restoration returned it to its original 1920s splendor, showcasing Carrara marble, bronze details, and gold accents throughout. Cuban architect Eugenio Rayneri Piedra designed this architectural icon to be Latin America’s most magnificent legislative structure.

Located conveniently near Old Havana, it’s perfect for combining with your historic center walking tour.

Experience Fusterlandia’s Mosaic Wonderland

Your architectural exploration of Havana takes an unexpected turn when you venture beyond the polished grandeur of government buildings to discover one of Cuba’s most whimsical neighborhoods. Just 20 minutes from central Havana, Jaimanitas has transformed into “Fusterlandia,” where artist José Rodríguez Fuster has covered over 80 homes in brilliant rainbow mosaics since 1975.

You’ll wander through a free, open-air labyrinth of tiled courtyards and benches that’d make Gaudí proud. Broken ceramics form childlike figures, Cuban flags, and Santería symbols across every surface. The main gallery opens Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

You might spot Fuster himself working on new pieces while exploring this walkable dreamscape of Caribbean naïve art. Look for the mural featuring the Granma Yacht alongside revolutionary heroes Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, commemorating Cuba’s transformative 1956 voyage.

Catch a Performance at Gran Teatro De La Habana

When you step through the marble entrance of Gran Teatro de La Habana, you’re entering one of the Americas’ most storied performance venues—a place where Enrico Caruso once sang and Anna Pavlova danced. This stunning Neobaroque theater, built around the original 1838 Teatro Tacón, serves as home to Cuba’s National Ballet Company and hosts the acclaimed International Ballet Festival of Havana. The theater was once ranked third globally in technical qualities, surpassed only by La Scala in Milan and Vienna Opera.

Even if you can’t catch a performance, don’t miss the daily guided tours. You’ll explore opulent interiors with gilded decorations and ornate balconies. Plus, enjoy panoramic rooftop views of central Havana.

Located on Paseo del Prado near El Capitolio, the theater offers separate pricing for locals and international visitors—check at the box office for current schedules.

Escape to Playa Santa María Del Mar for Beach Time

Why settle for just city sightseeing when Cuba’s best beach lies just 30 minutes from downtown Havana? Playa Santa María del Mar offers pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters that’ll make you forget you’re so close to the capital.

You’ll find the beach about 20km east via Via Blanca highway. Take the air-conditioned Transtur T3 bus from Parque Central for an affordable 35-minute ride, or grab a private taxi for convenience. Visit weekdays to avoid crowds – weekends get packed with locals.

Rent parasols and chairs for around 2 CUC, grab cocktails from beachside vendors, and enjoy the shallow waters perfect for swimming. The strong waves can surprise you, so watch younger kids carefully. The beach shares its name with various other place name locations throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

It’s an ideal day trip that perfectly complements Havana’s cultural attractions.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Havana’s magic doesn’t require breaking the bank. Most of these experiences cost little to nothing—walking the plazas, watching sunsets, and admiring street art won’t drain your wallet. Book casa particulares instead of hotels, eat at local paladares rather than tourist restaurants, and negotiate fair prices for classic car rides. Pack comfortable shoes since you’ll do plenty of walking. Don’t forget your camera—Havana’s photogenic at every turn.