Photo Credit: Croisiere-voyage.ca

Havana Cuba

The bustling port of Havana is located in the heart of the historic city. You will be charmed by this colourful city, rich in history and culture. The brightly coloured mosaic of classic American buildings and cars makes it a very picturesque place.

Take the time to wander the streets and bustling parks to soak up the local life. Colonial architecture characterizes the city, where there are spectacular buildings alongside other dilapidated buildings. This is what makes the charm of this city in full transformation.

Useful Information

Language

Spanish (English is understood by people working with tourists)

Tips

Cubans expect to receive a tip. Many street entertainers will try to play music with you or want to take a picture with you in order to receive a tip (1 or 2 CUC). Tour guides expect about 2 CUC per person for a day trip.

Currency

CUC

Cuban convertible peso - Tourists use the convertible Cuban peso which is at parity with the US dollar. On the other hand, a tax is levied when exchanging US dollars for CUC. It is therefore preferable to exchange with Canadian dollars or Euros.

The Cuban peso (CUP) is used by locals. Be careful to receive the exchange in CUC, because the Cuban peso at a much lower value.

Le Peso Cubain (CUP) est utilisé par les habitants locaux. Attention de bien recevoir le change en CUC, car le peso cubain à une valeur bien moindre.

Currency Converters:
Bing CAD USD EUR
XE

Time difference

UTC: -5

from New York: 0h

from San Francisco: +2h

from London: -5h

°C °F

Weather

Month	Temperature (Celsius)Temperature (Fahrenheit)	Precipitations
	Minimum Average Maximum	(mminch)
January	1966 2272 2679	642.50
February	1966 2272 2679	692.75
March	2068 2475 2882	461.75
April	2170 2577 2984	532.00
May	2272 2679 3086	983.75
June	2373 2781 3188	1827.25
July	2475 2882 3188	1064.25
August	2475 2882 3290	1004.00
September	2475 2781 3188	1445.75
October	2373 2679 2984	1817.25
November	2170 2577 2882	883.50
December	2068 2373 2781	582.25

Where is located the Port of Havana Cruise Terminal

The port of Havana (Terminal Sierra Maestra) is located in the heart of the Old City, opposite the Plaza de San Francisco. There is a currency exchange office as well as a few souvenir shops.

Travelling around the Havana Cruise Port

The old town can easily be explored on foot. Some streets are pedestrianised. Be careful, because stone are not always uniform.

Official taxis have meters and have an official logo on the side of the car.

The most picturesque way to explore the city is of course in a classic American car. Many are convertibles and all are very colorful.

If you choose to rent a car, compare prices and save with rentalcars.com.

Activities in Havana

Neighborhoods

Old Havana

Walk the streets of the old town and visit its bustling squares.

Landmarks

National Capitol Building

This iconic building is very similar to the Capitol in Washington, but is richer in detail. It is possible to visit by buying tickets in the cabin at the foot of the main staircase (right). It is home to the Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Science. The building has now returned to its original functions and will house the seat of the Cuban National Assembly.

San Cristóbal de La Habana Cathedral

Located in Cathedral Square, this American Baroque cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Historical sites

Plaza de la Revolucion

A historical site of the Cuban revolution, this is where you can see the frescoes of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, two national heroes. On a hill stands the monument in honor of José Marti, the tallest structure in Havana. You will find a museum and at its top, an observation platform.

Museums

Museum of the Revolution

The museum presents exhibitions on the history of Cuba. The building was built between 1913 and 1920 as the Presidential Palace. The interior was decorated by the renowned Tiffany’s company.

Fine arts Museum !

Located in the center of Havana, this museum presents works of Cuban and international art in two buildings. Cuban art is found in the Trodadero Street building (between Zulueta and Monserrate) and international art in the San Rafael Street building (between Zulueta and Monserrate)

City Museum

Very nice baroque building that features mostly colonial-era furniture and a flag room that features Cuba’s oldest flag. Facing the building, you will notice that the street is making small blocks of wood. History has it that the street was built in this way to reduce the noise of the carts and horses that circulated there and annoyed the wives of the Spanish generals who resided in this palace. The museum is located opposite the Place d’Armes.

Rhum Museum

A guided tour explains the rum-making process and is followed by a tasting of Havana Club rum.

Excursions in Havana

Cruise ships offer several excursions. As tourists on ships from the United States must comply with the rules of visitation to Cuba, excursions sold by cruise lines and that comply with these rules are quite expensive.

Tour of the city on foot under different themes.
Tour of the city in a classic American car.
Visit to cigar factory and rum distillery.
In the evening, several excursions to attend a show are offered: Cabaret Parisien, Tropicana, jazz music.