Where to stay is one of the first things we look at when we plan to visit a new place. Cuba is quite different from all the other countries we’ve visited in many ways and accommodation is one of them. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to choose your best accommodation in the Cuban capital and which neighborhood is best suited to your travel needs.
The first time we looked for accommodation in Havana we immediately noticed that there are only a handful of hotels and they are mostly owned by the government, which makes them very expensive. A cheaper alternative to hotels is to stay in a Casa Particular which is a private home or B&B, a good way to connect with Cuban people during your stay on the island. In our experience in Cuba, we have both tried this type of accommodation and have both pros and cons. Staying in a Casa Particular is an authentic local experience and has made us better understand the Cuban reality. On the other hand, living the experience of a 5-star luxury hotel with all its comforts and benefits is one of our favorite things especially after a long day’s sightseeing (we don’t lie!).
But what part of the city should you book your hotel/casa? Another very important thing to consider is to carefully choose the area where to stay. In fact, Havana is a very big city and doesn’t have a subway, for example, to move quickly from one district to another. Furthermore, private transport such as taxis are not cheap and always easy to find. More affordable are collective taxis known as almendrones that follow preset routes. The city also has its own public bus system with different routes, but they are not always reliable.
Let’s take a look at where to stay in Havana. There are five main districts that are to be considered when choosing your accommodation: Old Havana, Habana Centro, Barrio Chino, Vedado and Miramar.
Old Havana (La Habana Vieja)
Also known as Habana Vieja by locals, Old Havana is the colonial heart of the city with its squares, museums and historic buildings. This neighborhood is the perfect place for those interested in the history of the Cuban capital. Built by Spanish rulers in the 16th century, Old Havana has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Its streets are full of colorful buildings and are always crowded with tourists.
The best way to explore this neighborhood is on foot through its four main squares Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas and Plaza de San Francisco de Asís located opposite the port of Havana. Old Havana is also full of restaurants and bars; some of them are Cuban landmarks such as La Bodeguita del Medio and El Floridita. Paladars and bars offer local cuisine and refreshing drinks and some of them are truly delicious.
Read more: take a look at this post to find out where to eat & drink in Havana.
Hotels and case particulares in Old Havana are usually the most expensive due to the historic importance of the neighborhood and the increased demand for tourists to stay there. Unlike what many people think, Havana is a city where crime is almost zero and the tourist is an important resource for the Cuban. So you don’t have to worry about wandering the streets of this neighborhood like others. We also walked at night and never felt threatened or worried.
| Hotel/Casa Recommendations: – Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski – Iberostar Parque Central – Hotel Saratoga – Estancia Bohemia – Hostal Balcones Muralla – Residencia Santa Clara |
Read more: Your luxury stay in Havana at Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski
Centro Habana
This neighborhood borders Old Havana on the right and left with the Vedado. In the northern part of Centro Habana there is the famous Malecon, commonly referred to as Havana’s living room. Along this sea wall, Cubans love to pour in the evening to drink, chat or simply play music. Centro Habana is where you’ll find the Capitolio and the Gran Teatro de La Habana dedicated to the dancer Alicia Alonso. It’s possible to buy a ticket for ballet at the theater, a unique experience.
Behind the Capitolio there is the Partagas Cigar Museum where you can try some of the finest cigars in the world. In Centro Habana you’ll also find some of the most famous paladar restaurants in Cuba such as La Guarida and San Cristobal where President Barak Obama had lunch during his historic visit to Havana. There are not as many tourists as in Old Havana and it is the perfect place to get in touch with real Cuba. In this area prices are lower and there is a general lack of hotels, however there are many private rooms and Casas.
| Hotel/Casa Recommendations: – Boutique Casa 1932 – Casa Randy – Casa Manrique – La Española |
Chinatown (Barrio Chino)
As in any large metropolis in Latin America, there is a Chinatown in Havana too. But this Chinatown is slightly different from the others because there are not many Chinese. In fact, most Chinese returned home during and after the turbulent 1950’s revolution. This neighborhood, not very large, is located between Old Havana and Centro Havana. His most important spot is undoubtedly the arch of Calle Dragones located behind the Capitolio. In the Barrio Chino, you can taste traditional Chinese cuisine with Cuban influences, one of the best Asian cuisines in all the Caribbean. There is not much choice to stay in this neighborhood, only a few private rooms.
Vedado
This neighborhood located west of Centro Habana consists of two sub-areas: El Vedado and Nuevo Vedado. Definitely El Vedado is the most modern neighborhood and it’s also one of the most expensive to live in Havana. It’s a nice residential neighborhood with beautiful architecture, wide avenues and tasty restaurants. In recent years El Vedado has become famous for nightlife thanks to jazz clubs and unique places like F.A.C. also known as Fabrica de Arte Cubano. Located in a renovated cooking oil factory, the Fabrica de Arte Cubano is a disco, an exhibition of modern art and a place to enjoy Cuban dishes and refreshing cocktails. We highly recommend you to visit F.A.C. at least once on your trip to Cuba.
| Hotel/Casa Recommendations: – NH Collection Victoria – Hotel Nacional de Cuba – El Candil Boutique Hotel – Hotel Boutique Casavana – El Almendron Rosado – Marques de Liz |
Miramar
Located in the west of Havana, this neighborhood is perfect for luxury tourists. Most of the embassies, government buildings and diplomatic meeting halls are located in Miramar. For this reason, the most important people live and love this area. In Miramar, you’ll find luxury restaurants and important shopping streets such as Quinta Avenida with its famous clock that stands on the intersection of 5th and 10th Street. Other important landmarks in this neighborhood are the National Aquarium and the Karl Marx Theater. In Miramar, you’ll find some of the most beautiful Casas Particulares in all of Cuba so don’t expect low prices.
| Hotel/Casa Recommendations: – Melia Habana – Alahabana Boutique Hotel – Alas Habana B&B – Casa Eduardo y Raquel |
If you want to read more about traveling in Cuba, check out these posts:
