Where to Stay in Havana
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The UNESCO World Heritage historic center is Havana's most atmospheric district, with cobblestone streets, colonial plazas, and beautifully restored buildings. This is the tourist heart of the city, packed with museums, restaurants, live music venues, and architectural treasures. The area has seen significant restoration investment, making it both charming and well-maintained.
- Walking distance to major attractions like Plaza de la Catedral and El Capitolio
- Highest concentration of restaurants, bars, and live music venues
- Most atmospheric and photogenic area with colonial architecture
- Safest area for tourists with visible police presence
- Most expensive accommodation in the city
- Can be very crowded with tour groups during peak hours
- Street noise from bars and restaurants late into the night
Located between Old Havana and Vedado, Centro Habana is a densely populated, working-class neighborhood that offers authentic Cuban life. The area features crumbling yet grand buildings, local markets, and fewer tourists. The famous Malecón seaside promenade runs along its northern edge.
- Most affordable accommodation options with excellent value casas particulares
- Authentic local atmosphere with genuine Cuban daily life
- Central location between Old Havana and Vedado, walkable to both
- Access to the Malecón for sunset walks and people-watching
- Buildings in various states of disrepair, less polished appearance
- Fewer restaurants and tourist amenities compared to adjacent areas
- Can feel grittier and more chaotic for first-time visitors
Vedado is Havana's modern cultural and commercial heart, developed in the early 20th century with wide tree-lined streets, art deco buildings, and a more spacious layout than Old Havana. This neighborhood hosts embassies, universities, theaters, and the iconic Revolution Square. It's where many Habaneros socialize, offering a blend of local life and tourist infrastructure.
- Excellent restaurant scene with paladares (private restaurants) and cafes
- Best nightlife including famous Tropicana cabaret and jazz clubs
- More spacious and less crowded than Old Havana with tree-lined streets
- Good mix of hotels and casas at various price points
- Better internet access and modern services
- Less colonial charm and historic atmosphere than Old Havana
- Requires taxi or longer walks to reach Old Havana attractions
- Can feel more generic and less distinctly Cuban
Miramar is Havana's upscale residential and diplomatic quarter, located west across the Almendares River. This area features wide avenues, mansions from the pre-revolution era (many now embassies or government offices), modern hotels, and a more suburban feel. It's quieter and greener than central areas.
- Quietest and most peaceful area with tree-lined residential streets
- Highest-end hotels and best-maintained properties
- Excellent upscale restaurants and shopping at Miramar Trade Center
- Safe, clean, and well-organized with reliable services
- Closer to Marina Hemingway and beach clubs
- Far from Old Havana and main tourist attractions (20-30 minute taxi ride)
- Less authentic Cuban atmosphere, more sterile and business-like
- Limited public transportation, requires taxis for most trips
- More expensive across the board
Located about 20km east of central Havana, Playas del Este encompasses several beach towns including Guanabo, Santa María del Mar, and Boca Ciega. These are Havana's primary beach destinations where locals and tourists escape the city heat. The area offers a more relaxed, resort-style atmosphere.
- Direct beach access with white sand and warm Caribbean waters
- More relaxed pace and resort atmosphere away from city hustle
- Lower prices than central Havana for beachfront properties
- Popular with Cuban families, offering local cultural experience
- Significant distance from Havana's main attractions (30-45 minute drive)
- Limited restaurant and nightlife options compared to city center
- Requires car rental or expensive taxi rides for city visits
- Beach facilities can be basic compared to other Caribbean destinations
East of the harbor across the bay from Old Havana, this area includes the historic fortresses of El Morro and La Cabaña, plus residential neighborhoods. While less developed for tourism, it offers spectacular views back toward the city and important historical sites.
- Proximity to El Morro fortress and La Cabaña with nightly cannon ceremony
- Stunning panoramic views of Havana's skyline across the bay
- Very affordable accommodation options
- Authentic residential neighborhoods with few tourists
- Requires tunnel crossing or ferry to reach central Havana
- Limited restaurant and entertainment options
- Less developed tourist infrastructure and services
South of Centro Habana, Cerro is a historic working-class neighborhood known for its baseball stadium and authentic local character. Once home to wealthy families, the area retains beautiful but faded mansions and offers insight into everyday Cuban life far from tourist circuits.
- Very affordable casas particulares with generous hospitality
- Home to Estadio Latinoamericano for authentic Cuban baseball experience
- Genuine local neighborhood with minimal tourist presence
- Good public transportation connections to central areas
- Significant distance from major tourist attractions
- Very limited English spoken and tourist services
- Area can feel run-down with less infrastructure maintenance
- Not recommended for first-time visitors to Havana
Adjacent to Vedado but quieter and more residential, Nuevo Vedado offers a middle ground between tourist areas and local neighborhoods. This mid-20th century development features apartment buildings, parks, and a suburban feel while remaining accessible to central attractions.
- Quieter than central Vedado but still well-connected
- Good value casas particulares with more space
- Safe residential area with parks and local amenities
- Easy access to both Vedado and Miramar via public transport or short taxi rides
- Fewer restaurants and bars within walking distance
- Less architectural interest than historic areas
- Requires transportation to reach most attractions
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Licensed private homestays marked by blue anchor symbols, casas particulares are Cuba's most authentic and popular accommodation option. Ranging from simple rooms to luxurious colonial mansions, they offer personal service, local insights, and often include breakfast. Hosts are typically knowledgeable about the area and can arrange taxis and activities.
Best for: Travelers seeking authentic experiences, cultural exchange, and good value
Government-operated hotels range from Soviet-era structures to beautifully restored colonial properties. Service standards vary considerably, with historic properties in Old Havana generally offering better experiences. These hotels accept international credit cards (non-US) and provide standardized services.
Best for: Those wanting predictable standards, organized tours, or needing official receipts
International brands including Meliá, Iberostar, and NH operate in Havana, primarily in Vedado and Miramar. These properties offer familiar standards, reliable amenities, business facilities, and better internet access. Most are modern constructions or extensively renovated buildings.
Best for: Business travelers, luxury seekers, those wanting familiar international standards
Small, privately-managed hotels in restored colonial buildings offer curated experiences with design-focused interiors, personalized service, and often excellent restaurants. This growing category bridges casas particulares and larger hotels, typically featuring 8-20 rooms.
Best for: Design enthusiasts, couples, travelers wanting character with hotel amenities
All-inclusive and resort-style properties at Playas del Este and Marina Hemingway offer beach access, pools, and multiple restaurants. These are typically managed by international chains and cater to package tourists seeking sun-and-sand vacations combined with Havana city visits.
Best for: Families, beach lovers, those wanting resort amenities with Havana access
Entire apartments are available through casas particulares licenses, offering kitchen facilities and more space. These work well for longer stays or families, though Airbnb operates limitedly in Cuba due to US restrictions and payment processing challenges.
Best for: Families, groups, extended stays, self-catering travelers
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Cuba operates largely on cash, and most casas particulares don't accept credit cards. US credit and debit cards don't work in Cuba due to embargo restrictions. Bring sufficient euros or Canadian dollars to exchange for Cuban pesos (CUP) or convertible pesos. Some higher-end hotels accept international (non-US) credit cards, but always have cash backup. Budget approximately $50-100 per day in cash beyond accommodation costs.
Only stay in licensed casas particulares identified by blue anchor symbols on doorways. Licensed properties are registered, inspected, and safer. Unlicensed accommodations may be cheaper but lack legal protections and insurance. Your host should provide a receipt with their license number, which you may need for immigration purposes.
For casas particulares, booking directly via WhatsApp, email, or phone saves 15-20% in commission fees charged by booking platforms. Many casa owners have limited internet access, so be patient with communication. Get written confirmation with address, price, and contact numbers. Your first casa can often help book your next destination through their network.
Most casas particulares offer breakfast for $5-8 and dinner for $10-15, often providing better value and quality than restaurants. Confirm what's included in your rate and whether meals are available. Casa meals are typically generous, home-cooked Cuban cuisine. Communicate dietary restrictions in advance as options may be limited.
WiFi is not standard in Cuban accommodations. Higher-end hotels offer internet, often for a fee ($5-10/day). To use public WiFi, purchase ETECSA cards ($1-2/hour) from hotels or ETECSA offices. Don't expect to stay constantly connected. Download offline maps, translation apps, and accommodation details before arrival. Many casas now have WiFi but speeds are slow.
Official taxis from José Martí Airport to central Havana cost $25-35. Pre-arrange pickup with your accommodation to avoid inflated tourist prices or unlicensed drivers. Many casas offer airport transfer services or can arrange trusted drivers. Having confirmed transportation reduces stress after a long flight, especially with Cuba's limited English signage.
Old Havana accommodations cost 30-50% more than Centro Habana or Vedado but save transportation costs and time. Calculate total costs including taxis (typically $5-10 per ride) when comparing areas. For stays under 4 nights, staying central maximizes sightseeing time. For longer visits, less central areas offer better value and authentic experiences.
Cuba's accommodation scene changes rapidly with new private enterprises and varying maintenance standards. Prioritize reviews from the last 6-12 months. Look for specific mentions of cleanliness, hot water reliability, host helpfulness, and neighborhood safety. Photos can be outdated, so recent reviews provide more accurate expectations.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
December-March: Book 2-3 months in advance, especially for Christmas, New Year's, and February's Jazz Festival. Premium casas and boutique hotels in Old Havana and Vedado fill first. Expect 20-30% higher rates during peak weeks.
April-May and November: Book 4-6 weeks ahead for best selection. Prices drop 15-20% from peak season. Weather is excellent with fewer crowds. Good availability across all accommodation types with more negotiating room.
June-October (hurricane season): Book 2-3 weeks ahead, or even walk-in for casas particulares. Expect 30-40% discounts from peak rates. Hurricane risk is real but actual storms are infrequent. Many properties offer last-minute deals, and you'll have more negotiating power.
For casas particulares, booking 1-2 months ahead provides good selection without excessive advance planning. Hotels require 2-3 months for peak season. Build flexibility into plans as Cuban accommodation can be unpredictable. Having backup options and your first night confirmed is essential.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.