Are you planning a trip to Cuba and wondering where to stay? Discover our guide to the best places to stay in Havana!
The largest city in the Caribbean and the economic center of the island of Cuba, Havana is also its political and cultural capital. With more than 2.5 million inhabitants and nearly 4 million in the entire urban area, the city covers an area of 720 km². Because of the Castro regime and the diplomatic and economic conflicts that have divided Westerners over Cuba – and Havana – for half a century, the island and its symbols seduce, fascinate or repel. Since the Cuban revolution of 1959 – led by E. Che Guevara and F. Castro – and the burden of Washington’s economic sanctions, which have suffocated the island since the 1960s, Cuba is indeed one of the few countries where the visitor almost feels like stepping 50 years back in time. But Cuba is also a hot, humid tropical climate, an island lined with heavenly beaches and an incredibly rich historical and cultural heritage.
Havana’s people are renowned for their warmth and hospitality, colorful homes and friendly neighborhoods. Here’s where to stay in Havana during your stay.
Centro Habana
Photo credit: Flickr – Pedro Szekely
The historic center, bordering the Capitolio, is Havana’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. It lies to the west of the port. Founded in 1519 by the Spanish conquistadors who created the New World, 500 years of history unfold before the curious eye of the visitor. While the dictator Batista planned to raze the historic buildings to the ground to widen the streets, F. Castro’s regime avoided demolishing the tourist heart of the capital. As a result, Havana’s Old Town remains the best-preserved colonial city in the Americas.
In the surrounding area, take the opportunity to visit the Museum of the Revolution, Cathedral Square, Plaza de Armas, and don’t miss the Prado Promenade – el Paseo de Marti – a pedestrian boulevard much frequented by Cubans, where many artists come to store their creations. From the Parque Central to the Malecón, from the Parc Luz Caballero to the Plaza de San Francisco, you’ll be in a central position to stay in Havana and discover all the charms of Cuba, from the evocative street names – rue S. Allende, rue S. Bolivar, Place de la Révolution, etc. – to the picturesque architecture. – to the picturesque architecture of the buildings. Staying in the old town means sleeping in an open-air museum.
Find a hotel in Centro Habana
Find an Airbnb in Centro Habana
Vedado
Photo credit: Flickr – José Pedro Costa
Havana’s commercial heart and residential district, Vedado is home to most of the city’s restaurants and nightlife. It’s also the city’s most pro-American district, with more North American architecture – despite the deep political differences between the United States and Cuba – such as the López Serrano building. The district is a hot spot for nightlife, with locals coming out to party in the bars and restaurants. The Plaza de la Revolución, with its Memorial to José Martí, the Napoleonic Museum, the University of Havana and the Necropolis of Christopher Columbus, are among the district’s must-sees. Vedado offers an ideal central location for staying in Havana and enjoying the city’s many contrasts.
Find a hotel in Vedado
Find an Airbnb in Centro Habana
Main photo credit: Flickr – Andrzej Wrotek
Map of hotels and accommodations – Havana,cu