Itinerary Havana

December is one of the best times to visit Havana: dry, pleasantly warm (avg 22–27°C), and lively with festive atmosphere. Excellent for exploring the city’s rich culture, history, and vibrant nightlife.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	$1300
🏨 Accommodations	$700
🧳 Gear	$50
🗺️ On-site	$400
Total	$2450

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇨🇺 Havana - 5 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🚶 Habana Vieja (Old Havana) ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)
  • UNESCO-listed cobblestone quarter; wander past pastel colonial facades & bustling plazas. Guided walking tour recommended.
• [ ] 🏛️ Museo de la Revolución ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Fascinating insights into Cuba’s revolutionary history inside Batista’s former presidential palace.
• [ ] 🏙️ Malecón ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Iconic 8-km seaside promenade. Join locals for a sunset stroll; great for photos and people-watching.
• [ ] 💃 Calle Obispo ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Lively pedestrian street, full of bars, shops, galleries, and street musicians.
• [ ] 🇪🇸 Plaza de la Catedral ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Stunning Baroque cathedral and lively square—a must for history and architecture.
• [ ] 🎨 Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Massive collection, showcasing Cuban and universal art in two nearby buildings.
• [ ] 🌳 Parque Central & Gran Teatro de La Habana ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Elegant meeting place ringed by grand colonial-era hotels and the city’s opulent theater.
• [ ] 🚗 Vintage Car Tour ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Explore Havana in style—classic 1950s convertible ride through city highlights.
• [ ] 🕍 Plaza Vieja ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Vibrant square lined with restored mansions, microbreweries, and cafes.
• [ ] 🏟️ Castillo del Morro ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Explore this imposing fortress guarding Havana Bay—panoramic city and sea views.
• [ ] 🏞️ Bosque de La Habana ⭐ (~1h)
  • Leafy, magical forested park flanking Almendares River. Cool respite, beautiful trees.
• [ ] 🏖️ Playas del Este ⭐ (~4h)
  • Locals' beach escape 30 min east—worth a morning if weather is ideal.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🎺 Buena Vista Social Club / Casa de la Musica ⭐⭐⭐ (~2.5h)
  • Legendary live Cuban music—book ahead. Salsa, son, and classic cocktails.
• [ ] 🍸 La Bodeguita del Medio ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Ernest Hemingway’s haunt; famed for mojitos and colorful graffiti walls.
• [ ] 🍷 El Floridita Bar ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Sip daiquiris where Hemingway did—lively crowd, classic 1930s vibe.
• [ ] 🕺 Fábrica de Arte Cubano ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)
  • Trendy, multi-level contemporary art hub: exhibitions, live gigs, DJs, bars. Dress sharp.
• [ ] 🎭 Tropicana Club ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Vintage open-air cabaret show—spectacular costumes, energetic dance acts (touristic, but iconic).

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍛 Paladar Los Mercaderes ⭐⭐⭐
  • Elegant colonial-era dining—ropa vieja, seafood; $20–$40/person
• [ ] 🍽️ Doña Eutimia ⭐⭐
  • Homestyle Cuban classics, famed for ropa vieja; $15–$25/person
• [ ] 🥘 El Chanchullero ⭐
  • Relaxed tapas spot for locals—great value, try pork with guava sauce; $8–$15/person

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ Chinatown (Barrio Chino)
  • Curious mini-district—tiny, faded, but interesting for fusion food & street life.
• [ ] 📷 Museo de Automóviles
  • Fun for car enthusiasts—Cuba’s automotive history.
• [ ] 🏛️ Museo Ernest Hemingway / Finca Vigía
  • Hemingway's villa with original furnishings—requires a short taxi ride out of town.
• [ ] 🌅 Sunset at the Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña
  • Colonial fort across the bay—sunset view and nightly cannon ceremony.

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇨🇺 Havana

• [ ] 🎬 Buena Vista Social Club (1999) — ⭐ 7.6 — Documentary on legendary Cuban musicians & vibe — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 🎬 Strawberry & Chocolate (Fresa y Chocolate) (1993) — ⭐ 7.3 — Heartfelt drama set in 1970s Havana — YouTube
• [ ] 🎬 Cuba and the Cameraman (2017) — ⭐ 8.0 — Decades-spanning doc on Cuban life — Netflix
• [ ] 🎬 Our Man in Havana (1959) — ⭐ 7.1 — Spy farce showcasing iconic Havana settings — Prime Video
• [ ] 📺 Four Seasons in Havana (2016) — ⭐ 7.0 — Gritty crime drama in Havana — Netflix

🍜 Local specialties

🇨🇺 Havana

• [ ] Ropa vieja (shredded spiced beef stew)
• [ ] Vaca frita (crispy beef)
• [ ] Arroz congrí (rice & black beans)
• [ ] Moros y Cristianos (Cuban-style beans & rice)
• [ ] Tostones (fried plantains)
• [ ] Lobster in garlic sauce
• [ ] Flan de leche (caramel custard)
• [ ] Cuban coffee (strong espresso)
• [ ] Mojito / Daiquiri (signature cocktails)

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇨🇺 Havana

1. 🌤️ Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
2. 🌙 Fábrica de Arte Cubano
3. 🛍️ Almacenes San Jose Artisans’ Market
4. 🏨 Iberostar Parque Central Hotel
5. 🍽️ Paladar Los Mercaderes

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Havana
• [ ] ✈️ Havana → London

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Havana	5	Iberostar Parque Central Hotel	$700
Total	5 nights		$700