Capital city, Cuba
Havana
Cuba's capital has crumbling colonial grandeur, classic cars and music in every courtyard, with casa hosts who feel like family. In late 2026 expect long blackouts, shortages and a cash-only trip with no card fallback.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,900–3,000Comfortable, one person · $1,900–3,000Details
- Value for money20/100Better value than 19% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Jul, 33°CDetails
- Air quality35 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2015) · Very pollutedDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$40–100Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTaxi (official or private)Walkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyCash only: bring US dollars or euros in clean notes.Details
Where to stay in Havana
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Habana Vieja | Colonial core: plazas, museums, music bars; noisy and touristy |
| Centro Habana | Gritty, authentic and cheap casas near the Malecón |
| Vedado | Leafy, mid-century hotels, paladares and nightlife; best long-stay base |
| Miramar | Quiet embassy district with larger casas and restaurants |
Apps that work in Havana
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Organic Maps or Maps.me (download offline maps before arrival)
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Psiphon: VPN for blocked sites and services
- Taxis: No Uber or Bolt. Official taxis, private taxis and your casa host's drivers are the norm; agree the fare before getting in.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Cuba.
- Cash only Cash only: bring US dollars or euros in clean notes. Foreign and US cards don't work in ATMs or terminals.
- Currency: Peso (CUP). US$1 ≈ $24.00 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Foreign cards don't work in ATMs or card terminals, so you can't withdraw cash at all. Bring enough.
- Tipping: Tip in cash: about 10% in restaurants, plus small dollar or euro notes for guides, drivers, musicians and casa hosts.
- Paying by phone: None for visitors: Transfermóvil and EnZona need Cuban accounts. A Cuban prepaid Clásica card is the only card option.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Get a tourist card (tourist visa) online via eVisa-Cuba, through your airline or agent, or from a Cuban embassy.
- Complete the D'Viajeros form within 72 hours before arrival; save the QR code as a PDF, as airlines check it.
- Carry proof of travel medical insurance valid in Cuba and an onward or return ticket.
Emergency numbers
Police 106 · Ambulance 104 · Fire 105
Plugs
Type A, B, C, L · 110 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
CubacelTur temporary SIM from Havana Terminal 3, other airports or ETECSA offices, with passport; 7- or 30-day packs. Signal drops during blackouts. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Cuba
Going to Havana solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Havana meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.