9 Days in Havana: A Journey through Time and Culture

Gabriela Armas

21 Dec 2023

Embark on a captivating adventure through the vibrant streets of Havana, immersing yourself in the rich history, lively music, and breathtaking architecture. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this itinerary will take you on a whirlwind tour of Cuba's capital city, leaving you with unforgettable memories.

Trip to Havana

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Jazz, Art, and History

$18

$ 1

A red phone booth at street level leads to this intimate, subterranean lounge with live jazz bands.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

6 - 8 min

Directions

Historical former residence of General Máximo Gómez & gardens featuring many plant species.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Vendors in a vast harborfront warehouse sell ceramics, leather goods, humidors & guayabera shirts.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

4 - 5 min

Directions

The city's oldest plaza is surrounded by restaurants & host to numerous secondhand book stands.

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

•

Day 2Rum, Cathedrals, and Cannon Firings

$38

Storied watering hole with writing on the walls, framed photographs of celebrities & mojitos.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

1 - 2 min

Directions

La Catedral de la Virgen María de la Concepción Inmaculada de La Habana

Imposing Catholic cathedral featuring a baroque, ornamental facade & 2 bell towers.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

164 - 245 min

Directions

1700s cannon at Fortaleza San Carlos, fired by soldiers in period uniforms at 9 PM every night.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

8 - 11 min

Directions

Iconic symbol of Havana's seagoing past, this fort dates back to the late 16th century.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$20

Day 3Sun, Sand, and Colonial Charm

$10

$ 1

Vibrant beach offering shallow water for swimming, rental chairs & umbrellas & a food/cocktail menu.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

27 - 33 min

Directions

Massive marble statue of Jesus, completed in 1958, with city & water views from its hilltop plaza.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

150 - 225 min

Directions

Stately, Cuban baroque–style palace featuring historical artwork & artifacts, plus original decor.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

4 - 6 min

Directions

This open cobblestone plaza facing the harbor is home to the Fuente de los Leones fountain.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Day 4Fortresses, Art, and Cathedral Square

$30

Stone fortress constructed in the 1590s to protect the harbor, now restored & open to visitors.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

13 - 20 min

Directions

Cavernous, multilevel cultural museum with a vast collection of works by Cuban & other artists.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$10

9 - 14 min

Directions

Old Havana plaza containing a baroque 1770s cathedral, the Colonial Art Museum & cafe tables.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

6 - 9 min

Directions

Harborside star fort in Plaza de Armas, built in the mid-1500s & today housing a maritime museum.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Day 5Forts, Parks, and Theatrical Grandeur

$35

$ 1

18th-century fortress complex featuring museums, cultural events & a nightly canon-firing ceremony.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$10

162 - 243 min

Directions

Monument in the shape of a Greek temple, featuring oil paintings & marking the founding of Havana.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

8 - 12 min

Directions

Exhibits featuring the history of rum-making housed in a museum with a tasting room & liquor shop.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

8 - 10 min

Directions

City-center park with palm trees, fountains, paths & benches surrounding a statue of José Martí.

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

2 - 3 min

Directions

Palatial theater built in 1838 whose grand main hall is now home to the Cuban National Ballet.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$13

Day 6Old Town Charm, Hemingway, and Capitolio

$30

Oldest square in the historic center with 10th-century origins, site of many Gothic buildings.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Visitors come to see Hemingway's studio, garden & 6-toed felines that may be descendants of his cat.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$15

Built in 1929, this elegant municipal building features a sizable, domed cupola & a central portico.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

$13

4 - 5 min

Directions

This storied city green space called Fraternity Park houses busts of Latin & North American leaders.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Nature, Gardens, and Artistic Enclaves

$18

$ 1

Guided tours are offered at this botanical garden with native & exotic plants, plus an eatery.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

22 - 27 min

Directions

This restored house-turned-museum of celebrated author Ernest Hemingway offers guided tours.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

34 - 41 min

Directions

This green space features a bronze sculpture of the Beatles' John Lennon.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

19 - 23 min

Directions

Extensive public-art installations by local artist José Fuster, with colorful, whimsical mosaics.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 8Aquatic Wonders, Art Factory, and Serene Parks

$18

$ 1

Coastal marine life & tropical ecosystems are showcased in exhibits, shows & educational programs.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$10

8 - 10 min

Directions

Contemporary cultural center with unique offerings, such as films, concerts & art exhibitions.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

5 - 6 min

Directions

Riverside city park with lush vegetation, an amphitheater & large dinosaur sculptures.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

Marble star-shaped tower & statue honoring writer José Martí, advocate for independence from Spain.

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

•

Free

Day 9Ecological Oasis and Historical Cemetery

$ 1

This tree-filled, urban park offers walking paths & grassy lawns for picnics & recreation.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

Vast cemetery with around 1 million graves & ornately designed mausoleums & memorials.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Budget breakdown: $203 In total

Activities & Food:$200

Transport:$3