Havana is the capital and largest city of Cuba, with about 1.75 million people in the province/city according to 2024 demographic figures. Founded in 1519 as San Cristóbal de La Habana, it grew into one of the Spanish Caribbean’s most important ports and later became Cuba’s political, cultural and economic centre. The city is best known for its UNESCO-listed Old Havana and fortification system, classic American cars, colonial squares, music, rum, cigars and its long seafront Malecón. Key sights include Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, El Capitolio, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the Museum of the Revolution, the old fortresses around the harbour, and the neighbourhoods of Centro Habana, Vedado and Miramar. Havana also has a strong live-music and bar culture, from old cafés and hotel bars to late-night clubs and small venues. Getting in and around is straightforward via José Martí International Airport, taxis, buses and shared cars, though the city is best explored by area because transport and infrastructure can be uneven.

PUBS

Back to Cuba.