The Basics
City Name: Havana
Where is it located?: Havana is located in Cuba, on the western fourth of the island.
Why do people go there?: Havana is the heart and soul of Cuba, from Communism to cigars to music. There is always something happening in Havana.
How do travelers get there?: Flying into Havana is most common, and the traditional entry point for those going to Cuba, although boat is also an option, and buses can be taken in from other areas of the island.
Currency: Cuban peso (CUP)
City Code: 7
Other phone tips: There are two places in Havana that can make your mobile phone operational – the Cubacel found in Miramar and the Cubacel at the airport.
Population: 2.4 million
Languages: Spanish
Travel Information
Neighborhoods : La Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, Vedado and the Plaza de la Revolucion, Playa, Habana del Este, Playas del Este
Attractions: Guanabacoa, Old Havana, Gran Teatro de La Habana, Old Square (Plaza Vieja), National Museum of Beautiful Arts of Cuba, The Capitolio
Accommodations: Havana Hostels, Havana Hotels
Tourist Office: Cuba Cubatur 156 Calle 23 Vedaado, Havana +53-7-324521; //www.cubaweb.cu/ //www.cubatravel.cu/
Off-the-beaten-path: Almendares forest, La India statue, Plaza de Armas
Health Issues: None
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Whenever you want, but shoulder seasons are the best.
Common Phrases: Hello – Hola; Goodbye – Adiós; Yes – Si; No – No; Excuse me – Perdon; Sorry – Discúlpame; Do you speak English? – Habla inglés?; I don’t speak Spanish – No hablo español; please – por favor
City Specific Events: Havana Carnival every August, Havana Jazz Festival and Havana International Book Fair every February, International Ernest Hemingway Needlefish every June
How to get around?: Buses are very difficult to navigate; taxis and your feet are the best ways to get you where you want to go.
Good to know: Havana is the leading cultural center of Cuba.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Havana is the José Martí International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Havana travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
