No data available for this route at this time. Please check back soon.
Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean and arguably the one with the most diverse attractions and sights. Nearly half a century of Socialist regime has made its mark on Cuba’s capital. Travellers booking a cheap flight to Havana may have a typical image of the city: itsfamous 1950s American cars with huge fins cruising past colonial-style buildings that have seen better days, against a backdrop of socialist posters. But the past decade has seen huge change – major regeneration projects have cleaned up the old buildings and historic squares, new grand hotels are opening, tourists disembarking flights to Havana are more welcome than ever before in casa particulares (private homes) and a dual economy has arisen around the tourist dollars and the Cuban pesos. It is a city on the cusp of change; making it all the more fascinating to visit.
When taking a flight to Havana, be sure to make time for the “must-sees” including stunning architecture (all of Habana Vieja (the old town), Catedral de San Cristobal, the Museo de la Ciudad); a buzzing nightlife and some spectacular beaches. And after a long day sightseeing, don’t miss the chance to sample some of the local drinks – Havana is the home of the mojito.
The eastern beaches of Havana – or Playas del Este – lure tourists and locals alike year-round to nearly 6 miles (10 km) of white sand between Bacuranao and Guanabo. Situated 10.5 miles (17 km) east of the capital city, the beaches offer close to a dozen resorts (popular among tourists) and beach houses (popular among Cuban families). Stick to Guanabo if you want to experience Cuba’s vibrant culture. For a heavily patrolled, but slightly more secure holiday, try the hotel-packed area of Santa Maria.
The Museum of the City is dedicated to preserving the history of Cuba, from its infancy as a colony to the Communist Revolution of the 1950s. Built in 1791, the impressive building once housed colonial governors, and now stands on the Plaza de Armas as a space for historic collections, from the original Cuban flag to weaponry, paintings, period furniture and other Cuban treasures.
Cigars are synonymous with Cuba, so it’s no wonder that tourists flock to see how the smoking gems are made at Havana’s main cigar factories: Partagás and La Corona. Knowledgeable guides offer factory tours of the Partagás Cigar Factory every 20 minutes. Acquaint yourself with the hand-rolling technique, and then pick up a few for friends and family back home.
The site of major political rallies and speeches given by Fidel Castro, the Plaza de la Revolucion is the axis of Cuban political life. The Jose Marti Memorial, dedicated to the expected first president of Cuba who died in the Second War of Independence in 1895, is the focal point of the massive square. A museum honouring Marti abuts the memorial. At the opposite end of the square is the often-photographed image of Ernesto “Che” Guevara, which reads “Hasta la Victoria Siempre,” or “forever onwards towards victory.”
Once known as the National Museum, the National Museum of Fine Arts was created in 1913 and now is the go-to destination for the Cuban fine art. Visitors to the museum stroll among 25 exhibits in two buildings, which house Cuban and international art. More than 1,200 paintings, prints and sculptures are on display, all which have been approved by the Presidency of the Council of State.
Spend hours exploring the presidential palace-turned-museum, the ultimate destination for visitors to learn about Cuban history. An architectural wonder, the Museo de la Revolucion houses documents, photographs and artefacts which give newcomers a clear understanding of the sequence of major events in Cuba’s history. A tank used during the Bay of Pigs by Fidel Castro, as well as an historic watchtower, greet visitors at the museum’s entrance.
A wonderfully appointed building in the heart of central Havana. Similar looking to the United States Capitol in Washington DC, El Capitolio housed Cuba’s Senate and House of Representatives until the country’s revolution in 1959. Nowadays, tourists stroll with guided tours through the neoclassic hallways and admire wonders such as the Salón de los Pasos Perdidos (The Hall of Lost Steps) and La Estatua de la República (The Statue of the Republic), the third-largest covered statue in the world.
“Old Havana” to English speakers and “Habana Vieja” to locals, the heart of Cuba’s capital was rightfully deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Much of Havana, from Baroque and Neoclassical monuments to residential homes and gated courtyards, has been preserved. Founded in 1519 and initially a Spanish colonial naval port, the historic city has survived wars and revolutions, and now is home to more than two million residents.
The wet season in Cuba is July to September, with hurricane season June to November. The dry season is December through to April or May. However, the temperature is high throughout the year, averaging around 27 degrees Celsius and falling only to an average of 22 from November to January.
Havana’s bus system is unreliable, so take one of the shuttle or tour buses that cater to travellers. You may want to try a camel, which in this case is a tractor-pulled passenger car. These take people all around the city, but are for the more adventurous traveller. You can find tourist taxis easily at hotels and major sightseeing spots. Havana taxis charge rates in US dollars and can be very affordable. Freelance taxis are illegal, and while the passengers aren’t punished, the drivers might refuse to drop you in front of your hotel. It’s always a good idea to settle on a price before you get in the car. Walking around is a great way to soak up the city, especially in La Habana Veija, but you can also take horse-drawn carriages, two-seater Coco Taxis and antique cars to get you to your next stop.
Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) is located 9 miles (15 km) southwest of Havana.
Situated only 15km (9 miles) southwest of Havana, Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) is Cuba’s main international gateway. The airport is sometimes referred to by its old name, Rancho-Boyeros Airport, in reference to the area in which the airport is located. It was renamed in memory of Cuba’s famous patriot and poet, Jose Marti.
There are four passenger terminals and one cargo terminal. Terminal 1 is used primarily for domestic flights, Terminal 2 handles Special Authority flights to and from the United States, Terminal 3 deals with international travellers, Terminal 4 deals with cargo, and Terminal 5 is used primarily by Aero Caribbean and Aerotaxi.
Flights to Jose Marti International Airport arrive from major European centres and from popular South American cities. If you’re an international traveller, there’s enough to keep you busy at the airport, where you can enjoy 24-hour service at the restaurants and shops.