48 Hours in Havana: The Best Things To Do

This post originally appeared in Sugar and Soul. It has been modified with new information and tips.

Oh, Cuba! It seems like everyone is talking, or I should say raving, about this country lately. Since Obama lifted travel restrictions to the small island nation, Americans have been flocking there in droves. Unfortunately, Trump has reinstated some of those old travel restrictions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go to Cuba. When there’s a will, there’s a way!

Havana, the lively and colorful capital, is the most popular destination in Cuba for a good reason. From salsa in the streets to cold war history to the best piña coladas you’ll ever have, there is so much to experience in Havana. But, of course, not everyone has endless vacation days to go traveling. That’s why I’ve created this guide to show you how to spend 48 hours in Havana. That’s exactly how much time I spent when I visited, and the reason for my short stay will surprise you.  For now, I’ll show you how to see the best of Havana in 48 hours. Let’s go!

 

Before You Leave:

First, you’ll have to do some preparation to make your trip as smooth as possible. Here is what you need to do.

1. Get a Cuban visa – You can usually get your visa through the airliner you fly. Alaska Airlines, the airliner I used, asks you to order visas online through Cuba Travel Services. You can also get your visa at the airport, but you’ll have to arrive very early. Check with your airline to find out their visa policies.
2. Book a casa particular – These are Cuba’s equivalent of an Airbnb. Locals, not the government, run them so staying in one supports the Cuban people. You can browse different options on the Airbnb website. I would recommend you stay in the Vedado neighborhood. It’s centrally located and a short drive from many attractions, like the scenic el Malecon strip. Unlike staying in a hotel, you actually get a feel for how ordinary Cubans live.
3. Get your money in order – Due to America’s long-standing embargo on Cuba, there is a 10% commission to exchange dollars to Cuban CUC. Before you leave, order euros from your bank, enough to last the whole trip. There are no ATMS and no credit cards accepted in Cuba. You can exchange dollars to euros at the airport too, but the rates are highway robbery.

Also, be aware that there are two types of currency in Cuba –  one for foreigners and one for locals. Foreigners use CUC while locals use CUP. The conversation is 1 CUC to 25 CUP and 1 CuC to $1.  A store owner tried to scam me by charging me 10 CUC ($10) for a bottle of Fanta! A drink shouldn’t be more than 2 CUC. Be aware of the currency and prices so you don’t get ripped off!

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Day 1: Havana Nueva and Havana Vieja

Woohoo! You’ve arrived in Cuba. Now the fun begins. Let me tell you the secret to seeing the highlights of Havana Cuba effortlessly in 48 hours: do a classic car tour!

Calle Almendrales in Vedado is a major taxi street. Starting at around 11 am classic cars, known locally as almendrones, start to whiz by in droves. Charter one and negotiate a deal with the driver to give you a tour of the city. I traveled with two friends and we paid 20 CUC each per day. Our guide, Alejandro, was a good-looking gentleman, whom I wholeheartedly recommend. You can pre-arrange a tour with him even before you arrive in Cuba. Interested? Let me know in the comment section.

The tour will take you around Havana Nueva, the newer part of Havana, and Havana Vieja, the old town with Spanish-style architecture.

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Top attractions to see on your Havana Cuba tour:

• El Morro Castle – this castle/fortress, previously used to guard Havana against invaders, sits right on the Caribbean coast. You can take a tour of the castle for 6 CUC. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning of Havana Vieja in the distance; this will cost you an extra 2 CUC. At 9 pm every night, El Cañonazo, the firing of the cannon, occurs in front of the castle.  Men dressed in full military regalia shoot cannons into the distance, a tradition that has continued for over a century.
• El Malecon – this iconic strip is a must-see in Havana – it’s a pretty scene you see in postcards. El Malecon overlooks the Caribbean Sea and offers a beautiful view of the city’s skyline. Go there during sunset to experience a truly magical moment.
• Havana Vieja – this colorful neighborhood is the heartbeat of Havana. With Spanish-style architecture and colorfully- dressed street performers, every corner is filled with charm. Head over to Calle Obispo in the evening to watch a live performance of Salsa. You can also join in! There are people looking for a dance partner.
• El Bosque de Havana – this is the only forest in Havana. After exploring the colorful architecture of Havana Vieja, it’s nice to retreat to nature. In the forest, you’ll find Parque de Almendrales. The bar there has the best piña colada I’ve ever had in my life!
• Plaza de la Revolución – this is the largest square in Havana and the site of many political rallies during and after the Cuban revolution. You can learn a little bit about Cuban history here and also get some great shots. 

Day 2: La Feria and Playa del Este

Now that you’ve seen the highlights of Havana Cuba, you probably want to buy some souvenirs to remember the amazing experience. Head over to La Feria, a large indoor market in Havana Vieja. You can find unique handicrafts, instruments, clothes, you name it. Best of all, you get to haggle and come away with a steal!

Let’s not forget about the beaches! You can’t go to Cuba without experiencing its pristine beaches so I’ve worked that into the itinerary. When it comes to beaches in Cuba, Varadero is king. It’s two hours away from Havana though. If you’re short on time, it’s probably not a great option.

A better alternative? Playa del Este. This stunning paradise is 45 minutes away from Havana Cuba in Havana del Este. You can lounge on a beach chair for hours, sipping a coconut and taking in the beautiful scenery. It’s a relaxing way to end your 48 hours in Havana.

Like what you’ve read? There’s more to the story. Remember I said I had to cut my trip short? It was because of Hurricane Irma! Find out how Hurricane Irma impacted my trip to Cuba.

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