Here’s the complete guide on where to stay in Havana, Cuba.
Havana is one of Cuba’s largest cities. Many people want to go there for a vacation whether short or extended. However, it is not until recently that Cuba has now opened its doors to tourism especially from the North American borders.
In this post, you will find out the many advantages of visiting this country and how it can affect you as a tourist.
We will also show you some of the most convenient and available options for you to stay in Havana if you ever plan to push through with your travel itinerary in this part of the world.
Before we dive into some tips on where to stay in Havana, let us first show you some of the popular reasons why Havana should be one of the best travel destinations that you will never regret.
Why Visit Havana?
1. It Is Filled With History
This particular country is known for its Latin roots. Once you get to visit, you will be bombarded with its rich culture, bright colors, and good people. As mentioned earlier, up until recently, it has never opened its doors to modern tourists.
Because of this, once you get to Havana, you will certainly find yourself seemingly transported in time. From old buildings to vintage vehicles that you can rent to go around the city, you will certainly have a lot of ground to explore if ever you decide to travel the country.
2. Multiple Accommodation Options
As a piece of advice, we recommend that you stay in Havana for a few days because you would have a lot of ground to cover.
Ever since as opened its doors in 2016, there has been a steady rise of small hotels in gauging their basis in this particular part of the world in order to house tourists who would like to visit the country.
If you don’t want to stay in the hotel, you can also opt to stay at a private home or “Casa Particular” as they are known locally. Various websites like Airbnb are known to host these types of accommodations for travelers around the world.
This is why you would have no issues with accommodations even if you do not have any Cuban relatives. If you plan to visit the capital city, you would have a lot of options when it comes to places that you can stay in for sure.
3. Delicious Local Cuisine
Aside from its rich history and the beautiful accommodations that you will get if you visit this particular part of the world, you will also get to enjoy delicious food while in the country.
Something that you could share with others as you need to get back home. Here are some of the world-famous cuisines that you can enjoy in Havana.
Chiviricos
This is local street food in Havana that you will certainly enjoy. Directly translated this means Fried Dough. It will be good as a snack or just something to chew one and time of the day. You should only give it a shot if you visit Havana.
Goat Platter
Also known as Fricase de Carnero, is considered one of the finest dishes in the country. It is stewed goat meat. So if you want something exotic, this is the cruising that you should definitely be trying out.
Empanada
You can have this dish along with different kinds of meat. It is available in many restaurants and all the local eateries in Havana. You should definitely give it a shot if you want something new for your taste buds.
Arroz Con Pollo
This dish is literally translated as chicken rice. A traditional Spanish delicacy is also one of the most famous dishes in Havana. It is also well known in the Caribbean. It is said that some people consider it as a sister to the Paella.
If you ever decide to visit Havana, do not forget to try out this dish wherever you may end up staying in. You will definitely not regret your decision to do so in the future.
El Fufu De Platano Cubano
This dish is also known as Mofongo in other countries. It is made from starchy vegetables that are turned into a paste and can be served with rice.
This is a good partner with any other meat dish. You can also mix it up with chicken, pork, and mashed potatoes.
4. Famous Cuban Landmarks
The landmarks in Cuba may not very well be known to the outside visitors, but they do have plenty of them. Some of the famous landmarks in Cuba that you can add to your itinerary:
The Cristobal Colon Catholic Cemetery Chapel
A historical place of worship is located in Havana, Cuba.
El Capitolio
This is also known as a National Capitol Building which has been known to hold the organizational new government in Cuba from 1929 until 1959 (The beginning of the Cuban Revolution).
Castillo Delos Reyes Del Morro
This is a historical castle. Its name was derived from the three kings in the bible. It is a stronghold protecting the ingress to Havana Bay. It has been open to the public since 1589.
Museum Of The Revolution
This particular landmark is a former castle or palace. It houses a lot of historical artifacts of rich Cuban heritage. It also houses a yacht that once belonged to Fidel Castro.
Where to Stay in Havana?
1. Habana Vieja: Also Known As The Old Havana
This is a little bit of history in the otherwise modern feel of the whole country. If you choose to stay in this particular part of downtown Cuba, you will be able to look at a piece of the past while staying in the present for sure.
One downside of staying in this particular part of the city would be the early closings of many establishments here. If you’re looking for Cuban nightlife, you can choose to go somewhere else to get a taste of it.
The good news is that you don’t have to stay within the constraints of Habana Vieja. It has many interesting attractions that are exclusive to this particular region. It contains four main spots enclosed in colonial-inspired streets and historical churches.
It also has local shopping areas as well as fine dining restaurants and even historic museums. This is why you would not have to leave the district just enjoy yourself.
You should definitely have your friends gather here for one night of partying and drinking. Just make sure that you turn in early.
Cheap and Budget Hotels in Habana Vieja
If you are under budget and looking for the cheapest place to stay in Habana Vieja, here are some options to consider:
- Hostel Casa de Ania
- Hostal Peregrino Consulado
- Hotel Plaza
- Hotel Deauville
- Hotel Lido
These suggested hotels are situated in the heart of Habana Vieja. Some hotels like Hostal Peregrino Consulado do provide airport shuttle service with an additional charge.
Mid-range Hotels in Habana Vieja
On the other hand, if you have more of a budget, but do not want to go high-end, their options for you as well. Here are some mid-range hotels that you can stay:
- Habana Riviera by Iberostar
- Villa Havane
Family-friendly Hotels in Habana Vieja
There are also some family-friendly options if you want to spend time with your loved ones for a vacation and not a honeymoon. Here are some of those options:
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Habana Vieja
If the money is not an issue for you, then, these are some luxury hotels that you can choose from if you want to enjoy high-class amenities and services all throughout your stay:
- Hotel Saratoga
- Melia Cohiba
2. Vedado
Vedado is another must-see destination in Havana. It is situated in a more upper-class neighborhood within Havana.
It has a lot of guest cottages as well as luxury hotels for you to choose from. This particular part of this city will introduce you to a much more cultural experience whether it is day or night. Staying in this area definitely will be a great choice for you as a weary traveler.
One advantage of visiting this particular part of the country is that it was once filled with elegant mansions that were converted into popular restaurants, nightclubs, and hotels.
There is also a rich history behind the walls of Vedado. If you want to learn more about the gangster and mobster history during the 1950s, you will have come to the right place. This particular area has been one of the most popular escapes for the biggest stars in Hollywood.
Its privacy and comfort, as well as its secluded locations definitely, are what keeps the tourists coming back here for more. You will surely have a relaxing day after touring some of the sights and sounds in Havana if you choose any of the hotels here.
Cheap and Budget Hotels in Vedado
Speaking of hotels, here are some of the cheapest accommodations (and comfortable) that you can find in this area:
- El Mirador
- Hostal La Lupe
- Casa Licet y Pepe “Vista al Mar”
- Chateau Miramar by Be Live
- Be Live Havana City Copacabana
Mid-range Hotels in Vedado
If you have more of a budget and would be able to afford mid-range hotels, these are some of the options available:
Family-friendly Hotels in Vedado
If you plan to stay in Vedado with a family, here are some recommended hotels to consider:
- NH Capri La Habana
- Casa Victoria y Margarita
- Hostal de la Fama
3. Miramar
If you want to stay in a more secluded area and keep the residential feel of your traveling experience, you should visit Miramar. You can get there through Malecon and go through Havana without difficulty.
Miramar is a lovely waterfront town that has been growing in popularity ever since Cuban tourism has increased. This district is also a good alternative to Vedado because of the high-end nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels that have reached the main town area.
This particular area also has been home to business and commerce in Cuba. It has a lot of mediation towers as well as various resorts that are being built to further attract tourists and visitors from other countries as well as local citizens.
This region also houses a lot of the ex-pat population in the country. This is why it can be considered as the melting pot of different cultures in Cuba.
Cheap and Budget Hotels in Miramar
Even though Miramar district is considered a high-end neighborhood, you can still find some budget hotels to stay without breaking your wallet.
Here are some cheap hotels to consider in Miramar:
Mid-range Hotels in Miramar
If you’re can afford to increase your budget a bit for more comfort, then here are a few hotels to check out:
If you come together with a family, consider Casa Dari into your plan. This casa is offering a terrace, American breakfast daily and airport shuttle service (of course, with an additional charge).
Casa Dari is quite popular as it is close to sandy beaches, local foods, and arts.
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Miramar
If you want to have a more posh experience, these are some of the major hotels that you should consider staying in during your visit to Havana.
They will be able to provide you with everything that you need in terms of amenities and proper accommodations without having to look elsewhere for comfort.
There’s the Boutique Hotel 5tay8 Vedado or the Paseo 206 Boutique Hotel La Habana. It will be good for the shopping experience as well.
What is good about these particular hotels is that they focus more on the camaraderie between the people and the guests. You will feel like you live in your own house once you visit any of these hotels in Havana.
With these available options for you, you will never want to leave Havana anytime soon. You will get to enjoy a beautiful country filled with history and community.
Final Thoughts
If you really want to find a place where to stay in Havana, these are just some of the considerations that you need to make first. You have to make sure that you will be able to enjoy the food, the amenities as well as the company that he will be keeping while abroad.
By keeping these things in mind, you will be able to get the most out of your trip as soon as your plane landed.
It is also important for you to make sure that you are able to keep as many memories as possible while on your trip. Do not forget to try out everything that you possibly can while in Havana so that he would leave without any regrets in the end.
What is important is that you are able to enjoy yourself while not spending too much. The most important thing to have during a trip is the whole experience. Everything else comes later for sure.
Visiting Havana will be one of the best experiences is that you will have had in your life for sure. You don’t have to worry about anything well on the trip. All you have to do is to enjoy yourself and everything else will follow.
Adiós!
