Things To Do
in Centro Habana
Centro Habana is a vibrant, time-worn district just west of Old Havana, where crumbling balconies and classic cars create a postcard-worthy street scene. It blends Afro-Cuban heritage with socialist-era architecture, producing a raw, authentic atmosphere that contrasts with the more polished parts of the city. Streets pulse with music, markets, and street vendors as they weave through wide avenues and narrow lanes.
Its proximity to the Malecón and Habana Vieja makes it a practical base for exploring Havana on foot while immersing in daily life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with a guided stroll through Paseo del Prado, admiring colonial architecture and lively local scenes. Stop at a neighborhood café for strong Cuban coffee and pastelitos. Chat with neighborhood vendors to get insider tips on Centro Habana.
Explore the Plaza de San Rafael and its surrounding plazas, taking in historic buildings and public art installations. Sample a bite of ropa vieja at a family-run paladar. Visit the Emilio Bacardí Moreau Municipal Museum for local history and artifacts.
Head to La Floridita taberna for a refreshing daiquirí in the bar where Hemingway once drank. Enjoy live trova music in a nearby courtyard under string lights. Wind down by the Malecón, listening to the surf against the seawall and mingling with locals.
Wander through Callejón de Hamel, marveling at vibrant murals inspired by Afro-Cuban culture. Engage with local artists who explain their creative process and spiritual symbolism. Capture photos of whimsical sculptures and colorful alleyways.
Head to San Leopoldo Market to see urban art covering walls and makeshift stalls. Taste local street snacks like croquetas and fresh sugarcane juice. Watch artisans paint new murals on the sidewalks.
Join a community-organized graffiti workshop to learn basic spray-paint techniques. Share stories with Cuban artists over a cold Cristal beer. Attend an impromptu hip-hop or reggae jam session in the neighborhood square.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride within Centro Habana | $4-8 |
| ☕Cafecito or soft drink | $0.75-1.50 |
| 🧃Groceries (basic items) | $5-15 |
| 🏨Budget hotel or hostal per night | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant street life and music at almost every turn
- Affordability for budget travelers and immersive local experiences
- Proximity to Old Havana and easy access to key sights
- Limited modern amenities in some areas and uneven infrastructure
- Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers in non-tourist spots
- Humidity and heat can be intense in summer; plan accordingly
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "No entiendo" - I don't understand
- "¿Aceptan tarjetas?" - Do you accept cards?
Places to Visit in Centro Habana
Visit one of these nice places.
A long sea wall that offers dramatic sunrise or sunset shots, candid street life, and oceanic wide-angle vistas.
Impressive neoclassical building with a grand staircase and dome—great for architectural photography from the surrounding plazas.
Colorful Afro-Cuban street art and lively urban scenes that capture Havana’s creative energy.
Food in Centro Habana
Centro Habana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce, typically served with rice and black beans.
Must-Try!
Black beans and white rice cooked together with sofrito and aromatics.
Slow-roasted pork with citrus and garlic, a festive staple.
Fried plantain slices and yucca with garlicky citrus mojo.
Rice with chicken and vegetables, often seasoned with saffron or annatto.
Strong espresso served in a small cup to fuel long days of exploring.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Snack-sized bites like croquetas, pastelitos, empanadas, and fresh fruit from mobile vendors.
Fresh produce, meats, and regional snacks; great for a quick, inexpensive meal or to source ingredients for a simple home-cooked lunch.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and a handshake; show interest in daily life and avoid political debates in casual settings.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially children; respect privacy and cultural norms.
Smart casual is appropriate for most venues; shoulders and knees are best covered in more traditional spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Centro Habana
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and bars, a tip of about 5–10% is appreciated; smaller tips for street vendors and taxi drivers are common.
Cash is widely preferred; many places still rely on Cuban pesos (CUP). Some tourist spots may accept USD or EUR or credit cards, but this is not universal—bring small bills in local currency and have backup cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with milder temperatures; excellent for outdoor exploration and longer days of strolling the streets.
Warm to hot days begin; humidity rises gradually, making light clothing and sun protection important.
Hot and humid with frequent showers; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and seek shade during peak heat.
Continued warmth with occasional rain; hurricane season caution and flexible plans recommended.
Centro Habana at Night
Hiking in Centro Habana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested hills with marked trails, waterfalls, and birdlife; a couple-hour drive from Havana offering scenic day hikes.
Rural hillside trails near Guanabacoa providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Airports
How to reach Centro Habana by plane.
Main gateway to Havana; taxis and shuttle services provide access to Centro Habana. Expect travel times to vary with traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse mix of Afro-Cuban and European ancestry, with a strong sense of community, music, and daily street life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Cuba, with locals playing in parks and participating in informal leagues.
A strong boxing culture with gyms and occasional local bouts that can be a cultural experience.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Centro Habana.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside tourist-oriented spots. Look for rice and beans, plantains, yuca, salads, and vegetable stews; ask for sofrito-free or pork-free preparations when possible.