Havana is generally navigable for visitors, but Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis makes day-to-day travel unpredictable, with shortages, sudden price changes, and a higher-than-before risk of opportunistic crime. The biggest safety issues are scams, petty theft, and avoidable problems linked to cash/transport/healthcare constraints rather than random violence.
Estimates only. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood, and personal spending habits. Always check current prices before travelling.
Cuba Airport Fuel Crunch Cuts Havana Exit Options
Severe fuel shortages have led to the closure of Terminal 2 at José Martí International Airport, causing significant flight cancellations and diversions. Travelers should prepare for limited options and potential delays.
Latest Cuba Travel Alert: Flights Cancelled, Power Failures
Ongoing fuel and energy crises have resulted in widespread flight cancellations and rolling blackouts, severely impacting travel to Cuba. Travelers are advised to monitor airline messages closely.
Cuba Travel Alert: Severe Fuel Shortages Affecting Flights
A significant aviation fuel crisis is causing mass cancellations and operational uncertainty across Cuba's international airports, urging travelers to reconsider their travel plans.
Travel Disruptions as Cuba Faces Fuel and Power Shortages
Cuba's escalating energy crisis is forcing adjustments in flight schedules and public services, with travelers facing potential shortages of essential supplies and disrupted transport options.
Severe Disruptions in Cuba's Travel Infrastructure
Travelers experience major disruptions due to shortages of aviation fuel and power outages, causing significant impacts on flight availability and overall travel planning in Cuba.
Updated about 2 months ago
Havana is a city of peeling grandeur and unstoppable rhythm: baroque plazas, art deco facades, and the salt-spray glamour of the Malecón. Come for the live son and salsa, the obsessive café culture, and the chance to see a capital that feels both frozen in time and fiercely inventive in the present.
Stroll the plazas—Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, and Catedral—then duck into courtyards, galleries, and small museums. Go early or late to avoid heat and crowds and to catch the best light for photos.
Join locals along the seawall for sunset, street music, and people-watching as waves crash over the stones. Keep valuables tucked away and stick to well-lit stretches after dark.
Hire a vintage convertible for a loop past Revolution Square, the Hotel Nacional, and the broad avenues of Miramar. Agree the route and price up front to avoid surprises.
Part gallery, part club, part cultural mash-up, FAC is Havana’s most exciting night out when it’s operating. Arrive early, bring cash, and expect queues on weekends.
Escape the city for a quick hit of Caribbean sand and sea a short drive east of Havana. Bring water, sunscreen, and some snacks—supplies can be inconsistent on the beach strip.
Start in Plaza de Armas and work your way through the historic plazas, museums, and backstreets. Finish with a sunset walk on the Malecón and a low-key live-music spot nearby.
Explore Vedado’s architecture, the Hotel Nacional, and Revolution Square, mixing in cafés and bookshops. In the evening, aim for jazz or a curated cultural venue like FAC if open.
Visit studios and galleries, then book a reputable rum or cigar experience through a trusted operator rather than street offers. End with dinner at a well-reviewed paladar and confirm pricing before ordering.
Head to Playas del Este for a beach day, keeping plans flexible in case of fuel or transport hiccups. Return before late evening and opt for a pre-arranged ride rather than negotiating last-minute.
Spend the morning in Centro Habana or along the less-restored streets for a more local feel, then pause for coffee and street photography. Wrap up with a final stroll through your favorite plaza and pick up last souvenirs from established shops.
Havana can be enjoyable for families thanks to walkable plazas, beaches nearby, and plenty of daytime culture, but heat, uneven sidewalks, and limited child-focused facilities can be challenging. Accessibility is mixed: many streets are broken, curb cuts are inconsistent, and older buildings often lack elevators, so travelers with mobility needs should book modern accommodations and arrange private transport.