What To Do For 36 Hours In Havana, Cuba

36 hours in havana
Priyanjali
Priyanjali 
Updated
| 10 min read

Caribbean Cuba’s fantastic capital, Havana, has it all – a pulsating vibe, brilliant round-the-year climate, groovy Afro-Latin music and dance, a captivating tropical landscape, and tons to explore. While hordes of vehicles clatter past its streets, the exotic vibe of the city makes up for it completely. There are cool bars and impressive architecture, bustling markets and stylish cafes, an atmosphere of gaiety and a loaded history. There’s so much to see and do here that you may fall short of days, but not things to do. Although, don’t be disappointed if you’re there on a time-pressed schedule. We’ve put together an itinerary telling you what to do for 36 hours in Havana, Cuba that covers the best of the city, so bookmark it right away and use it while you’re on the go.

Day 1: Afternoon

Start by grabbing a bite at Havana Gourmet Restaurantes

Posted by Havana Gourmet Restaurantes on Monday, 13 July 2015

Begin your sojourn with a lunch at Havana Gourmet Restaurantes, located in a stately looking building, overlooking the Prado. Take an elevator trip up the building and you’ll be welcomed into the restaurant’s atmosphere of excellent ambience and friendly service. You can order one of the grilled meat specialities with a side of grilled veggies – a totally winning combo! Plus, it fills you enough to not feel hungry until dinner time.

Havana Gourmet Restaurantes

Address: Prado #309, esquina Virtudes, Habana Vieja, La Habana, Cuba

Website: Havana Gourmet Restaurantes

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 11:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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Explore Old Havana's many charms (from USD 42.0)

36 hours in havana | explore old havana's many charms

Cuba’s brilliant capital city is home to Old Havana, an area that offers one of the most intense sensory feasts you’d have experienced. Historic forts, stunning restored buildings, and an array of interesting sightseeing spots, Old Havana bursts with unique attractions, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Probably the best way to experience this is on foot. Stroll through its cobbled, meandering alleys and you’ll unearth a world of intriguing local information, padded with a pulsating vibe of Rumba. Remember to keep your cameras ready, there’ll be plenty of Instagram-worthy shots along your route!

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Discover Old Havana: Small Group Walking Tour with Lunch

Duration: 3.5 hour

84 reviews

Take a stroll at Plaza de San Francisco de Asis

20160317_Cuba_4471 Havana sRGB
Source: Photo by user Dan Lundberg used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Dating its origins back to the 16th century, Plaza de San Francisco de Asis is one of Havana’s main squares, home to some of the most beautiful parks, colonial buildings, impressive statues, and a quaint Cuban vibe. Stand in the park in the centre, flanked by all the aforementioned gems, and you’ll find a trip here every bit worth it. Among the most incredible sights here is Italian sculptor Giuseppe Gaggini’s Fuente de los Leones (Fountain of the Lions), which sees many a camera-toting tourists flocked around. What makes the experience even better is that the plaza faces the Havana harbour, offering some of the most stunning views. While touring the area on foot is probably the best way to explore the many attractions there, you can also hitch a horse-drawn carriage ride for a truly stellar experience.

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Day 1: Evening

Admire Revolution Square's brilliance (from USD 31.0)

36 hours in havana | admire revolution square's brilliance

Revolution Square is the political and administrative focal point of Cuba, the place where Fidel Castro led his political rallies once. The square is home to several important government buildings along with impressive statues and murals that deserve every bit of the attention they get (which is quite a lot!). The northern side of the square is dominated by José Martí Memorial – a 110 m (360 ft) high tower – commemorating José Martí and his contributions towards Cuba’s independence struggle against Spain in the 19th century. The tower overlooks the Palace of Revolution, the seat of the Cuban government. Perhaps one of the most iconic aspects of Revolution Square is a giant mural of Che Guevara, Cuba’s revolutionary hero, showcased on Ministerio del Interior’s (Ministry of Interior) eastern facade. So, put on your comfiest pair of shoes and huddle along!

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Havana City Tour

Duration: 3 hour

41 reviews

Head to Centro Gallego for a delightful experience

Havana centro Gallego
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user User: Gobbler at... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Right in the heart of Cuba’s hustle-bustle stands the majestic Centro Gallego (Galician Center of Havana), which is every bit an architecture buff’s delight as is a performing arts enthusiast’s. A cultural facility-cum-museum, Centro Gallego’s facade is designed in an exemplary Neo-Baroque fashion, making it every bit a visual treat. Inside, there are theatres, art galleries, several rehearsal halls, and a concert hall that stages some of the most spectacular shows of Cuban National Ballet, which calls the theatre its home. You can head there to admire the impressive design of the buildings or even catch a show!

Centro Gallego

Address: 458 Paseo de Martí, La Habana 10600, Cuba

Opening hours: Mon, Fri - Sat: 8:30am - 10pm; Sun: 24 hours (closed from Tue - Thu)

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Grab a light evening meal at San Cristóbal

36 hours in havana | grab a light evening meal at san cristóbal
Source: instagram

San Cristóbal, one in many restaurants in Cuba, first grabbed headlines when US president Barack Obama and the first lady stopped there for a meal during their visit to the country in 2016. The restaurant’s interior has a sort of cluttered beauty, with bullfighting posters, antique furniture, piles of old books, a selection of vintage clocks and artefacts, and china decoratives among various other interesting items strewn across. Their food is irresistibly Cuban at heart and an extensive wine list makes for a perfect accompaniment to the food. The cerdo asado (roast pork), yucca (cassava), and the pudín san cristóbal (pudding made with fruit, eggs, milk, and almonds) are among a few of their delicious dishes that you can try.

San Cristóbal

Address: San Rafael No 469, E/ Lealtad y Campanario, Havana Cuba

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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Day 1: Night

Kick off an eventful night at Fabrica de Arte Cubano

Posted by Fábrica de Arte Cubano on Thursday, 4 July 2019

Fabrica de Arte Cubano is an art gallery, live music venue, and performing arts’ space all dubbed into one. Occupying the space of a former factory, Fabrica de Arte Cubano opened its doors in 2014 and has since been a buzzing space for people-watchers, art enthusiasts, and movers and shakers alike. Time flies when you go through the many pieces of art housed there or groove to electrifying music, sans the pretentiousness. The place opens dot at 8 pm, so it’s best if you arrive early and admire the many fantastic art exhibits and music stages before it gets packed. Check in if they’re offering one of their free dance lessons around the time of your visit and take part in an experience quite unforgettable. Although, do note that Fabrica de Arte Cubano is shut during the months of May, September, and January.

Fabrica de Arte Cubano

Address: Calle 26, La Habana, Cuba

Website: Fabrica de Arte Cubano

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 8pm - 2am (closed from Mon - Wed)

Price: 2 USD

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Call it a day with daiquiris at El Floridita

Posted by El Floridita - Havana, Cuba on Monday, 13 August 2018

El Floridita has earned itself quite a reputation for being amongst the few bars in town that provide impeccable service amidst a classy ambience. It has been around since about 200 years now and is famed to be the “The Cradle of the Daiquiri”, or birthplace of the rum-based cocktail, daiquiri. Enter the plush bar and you’ll find a large bronze sculpture of novelist Ernest Hemingway (a popular snapshot for tourists) who was once El Floridita’s regular customer. Occupy a booth or a table and wait for one of the bar’s red jacket-clad waiters to impress you with their knowledge of cocktails in general and recommendations from the menu. While an order of their zingy daiquiri is a must, try it with a side of sautéed shrimps and you’ll leave craving for more.

El Floridita

Address: Obispo, La Habana, Cuba

Website: El Floridita

Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)

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Day 2: Morning

Hitch a tour to Finca Vigía (from USD 140.97)

36 hours in havana | hitch a tour to finca vigía

Just about 24 km (15 mi) east of Havana is Finca Vigía, the villa that American novelist Ernest Hemingway once called his own and where he penned several of his famous works, including For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea among others. The writer’s Cuban villa has now been turned into a museum (Museo Ernest Hemingway) that bibliophiles find a real treat to visit and see the many personal belongings of Hemingway that have been put up for display. His typewriter, unpublished manuscripts, a selection of books, and his famous fishing boat (Pilar) are a few things you’d find there. Although visitors are not permitted entry inside the villa itself, one can very well catch a glimpse of everything via the many open windows and doors.

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Havana: On the Trail of Ernest Hemingway Tour

Duration: 6 hour

17 reviews

Escape into a heavenly sojourn to National Botanical Garden

Paseo por el Jardín Botánico Nacional, La Habana, Cuba : Roberto Suárez Instagram: instagram.com/cubaenfotos

Posted by Cuba en Fotos on Monday, 4 November 2019

Havana’s National Botanical Garden, or Jardín Botánico Nacional is a pleasing refuge from the city’s hustle-bustle, but remains hugely unexplored and under-visited because of its not-so-convenient location. It is home to an impressive variety of flora, crop displays, and even a Japanese Garden that you can easily spend an entire day exploring. November to February is an especially rewarding period to visit the garden, so if you’re in the town around that time, we strongly recommend you find time for this experience. Do go in for one of the multilingual guided tours that are interestingly conducted on mini-trains. There are also a couple of restaurants at the garden where you can stop for a bite.

National Botanical Garden

Address: Carretera El Rocio km 3 ½, Havana, Cuba

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 3 USD

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Day 2: Afternoon

Stop over for lunch at Santy Pescador


If there’s one superb restaurant in Havana, it’s Santy Pescador, cooking up some of the best seafood selections you’d have tried anywhere in the world. It has been set up on a houseboat facing sea-wards, just off the Marina Hemingway, so you can soak in some of the most incredible views while gorging on plate-fulls of their yum stuff. While sushis remain their stand out offering, other seafood dishes are just as ah-mazing! What’s even better? The freshness of their seafood, straight from the waters of the Caribbean. While the service at Santy Pescador might be a tad slow, the ambience and top-notch flavour more than makes up for it.

Santy Pescador

Address: y Río. Jaimanitas, La Habana, 3c23 e/ 3raC 240 A, La Habana, Cuba

Website: Santy Pescador

Opening hours: 12pm - 4pm, 8pm - 12am (daily)

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Step into the world of Fusterlandia's artful dreamscape


Brainchild of Cuban artist José Fuster, Fusterlandia is actually the artist’s home village turned into a kaleidoscopic kingdom of vibrant murals, street art, unique installations, and a riot of colours. Undoubtedly, the centrepiece of Fusterlandia is the artist’s own residence, Taller-Estudio José Fuster, which has been adorned from top to bottom in vividly coloured mosaic tiles, large artworks, and a marvellous mishmash of designs. Fuster’s art draws its inspiration from the works of Pablo Picasso, Antoni Gaudí, and Paul Gauguin, which you’ll find evident in his strokes. Right from street signs to nondescript walls, every nook and corner of this neighbourhood is a wanderer’s paradise! Keep those eyes wide open and cameras ready!

Fusterlandia

Address: Jaimanitas, Havana, Cuba

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Indulge in one of the many activities at Marina Hemingway

Marina Hemingway in Havana - Host of the second Gamefish Grande tournament June 29th - July 2nd

Posted by Gamefish Grande on Tuesday, 5 April 2016

Perched along Havana’s northern coast is Marina Hemingway, hosting an array of shops and cafes, hotels, a dive centre, water sports activities, or just for spending time outdoors. As you’d assume, it has been named after Ernest Hemingway and was built sometime in 1956-57. You can rent a recreational or sports boat and head out for some fishing or to explore the Caribbean waters or seat yourself at one of the many cafes and soak in the quaintness that abounds Havana’s airs.

Marina Hemingway

Address: Calle 248 Y 5Ta Av. | Santa Fe Playa, Havana, Cuba

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Day 2: Evening

Pack in some fun at Callejon de Hamel (from USD 32.0)

pack in some fun at callejon de hamel

Callejon de Hamel is another one of Havana’s flamboyant streets, rife with street art, mosaic designs, and unique sculptures made of hand pumps, pinwheels, and bathtubs, etc. The street extends for upto two blocks and makes for just the perfect backdrop to host Cuba’s bespoke street Rumba sessions, doused in music, gaiety, and energy. What was once a dull neighbourhood has now become a tourist attraction, with hordes of them dropping in on Sunday afternoons to partake in the fun. Head there around noon, which is when the party begins!

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Havana: 2-Hour Afro-Cuban Religions Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hour

25 reviews

Take a breath of fresh air at Quinta de los Molinos

Quinta de los Molinos. Havana!!!

Posted by Cuba guia on Wednesday, 31 October 2018

After a power-packed session at Callejon de Hamel, cool off at Quinta de los Molinos, what was once the site of a tobacco mill, but is now one of the most beautiful public parks in Havana. Amble along the garden’s tree-lined, winding walking paths and marvel at the humbling beauty of nature. You can go in for one of the guided tours to learn fascinating details about an array of flora and fauna species that call the garden their home. The ornamental gardens also house a butterfly farm, which is the only one of its kind in Cuba! Let the whistles of the insects hidden amidst rustling leaves ring in your ears and leave you almost besotted.

Quinta de los Molinos

Address: cnr Av Salvador Allende & Luaces, Havana, Cuba

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 8pm

Price: 5 USD

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Stop by for a bite at La Flor de Loto

Posted by Nelson Ricardo Sierra on Friday, 14 June 2019

Decorated with Chinese motifs and objects all across, La Flor de Loto is touted to be Havana’s best Chinese eatery, which in fact does its Cuban selections better than anything else. Try their stewed rabbit or chicken in pineapple sauce and you’ll know just what we mean. While the restaurant’s ambience may not be its best suit, the grub is more than satisfying.

La Flor de Loto

Address: Salud # 313 e/ Gervasio y Escobar, Centro Habana

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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Day 2: Night

Spend some relaxed time at Don Eduardo Alegre

spend some relaxed time at don eduardo alegre
Source: instagram

Nestled in a restored building in Casa de Don Pedro Alegre, Don Eduardo Alegre offers some of the best tapas and drinks, and that too with a view of the stunning Plaza Vieja. It is just about the perfect place to spend a chilled out time with loved ones, in the company of cocktails and some nibbles.

Don Eduardo Alegre

Address: Muralla 103, Havana Vieja, Havana Cuba

Website: Don Eduardo Alegre

Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)

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Experience nightlife at Legendarios del Guajirito Buena Vista Social Club (from USD 116.06)

experience nightlife at legendarios del guajirito buena vista social club

Looking for some spirited fun in 1950s style? Head to the Legendarios del Guajirito Buena Vista Social Club, which will make for an absolutely cracker of an experience to complete your Cuban getaway. Shows start at sharp 9:30 pm and what follows is an evening of zestful fun – dancing, singing, and partying. They are hosted live by performers of the famous Buena Vista Social Club and the Afro-Cuban All Stars, who are probably one of the best Latino music bands. Soon enough, the groovy music lifts the scene and makes a mover and shaker of every guest there! This experience will surely be one to remember for a lifetime, so don’t miss.

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Havana: Buena Vista Social Club and 3-Course Dinner

Duration: 3 hour

7 reviews

Packing a punch

Singer Camila Cabello got it totally right in her song – “Half of my heart is in Havana”! And, we don’t blame her. Havana is, after all, every bit spectacular as you’d imagine. Art galleries, museums, lively bars, and every street throbbing with salsa and rumba, the city will ensure that you don’t spend a dry moment while here. This itinerary of what to do for 36 hours in Havana, Cuba, encapsulates the best of the city, so go along and enjoy!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Priyanjali, a writer and traveler, identifies as a self-proclaimed aesthete dedicated to achieving fulfillment in her personal and professional life. Her skill lies in transforming intangible...Read more

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