Things To Do
in Cerro
Cerro is a historic district on the southern edge of Havana, Cuba, known for its resilient Cuban spirit and colonial-era architecture. Its tree-lined streets, colorful facades, and busy plazas reveal daily life beyond the more touristy areas. The neighborhood blends old-world charm with a lively, working-class vibe, visible in its markets, music, and street life.
Visitors can wander its blocks to experience authentic Cuban culture, cuisine, and city views from various vantage points.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Cerro and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets, soaking in the local atmosphere and colorful architecture. Enjoy a traditional Cuban breakfast at a nearby café.
Visit the local markets and artisan shops to discover handcrafted goods and meet friendly vendors. Explore historical sites and learn about Cerro's rich cultural heritage. Have a light lunch at a popular eatery featuring Cuban specialties.
Dine at a local paladar with live Cuban music setting the mood. Take an evening stroll to admire the illuminated streets and lively atmosphere. End the night with a refreshing cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the neighborhood.
Start your day with a visit to a local art gallery showcasing Cuban contemporary art. Participate in a workshop or meet local artists to learn about their techniques and inspirations. Enjoy a casual breakfast at a nearby café.
Explore Cerro’s vibrant mural scene by foot or bike, appreciating the powerful street art and community stories behind each piece. Stop for lunch at a hidden gem restaurant beloved by locals. Visit a community center to learn about cultural initiatives and local traditions.
Attend a traditional dance performance or live music show highlighting Cuban rhythms. Share dinner with locals and fellow travelers at a family-run eatery. Wrap up the evening with a walk under the stars while enjoying street performances.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🧺Groceries (basic items for 2 people, a week) | $25-50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride within Cerro | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee at a local café | $1-3 |
| 🎟️Entry to a cultural venue or museum | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Cuban culture away from larger tourist crowds
- Warm, welcoming people and vibrant street life
- Affordable dining and unique neighborhood experiences
- Limited English in some areas; plan for language basics
- Occasional service and infrastructure variability
- Cash is often required; card payments can be limited
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Sin carne, por favor" - No meat, please
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Cerro
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful colonial façades, balconies with laundry and potted plants, and bustling street life perfect for candid and architectural photography.
Vantage points along quiet avenues offer sweeping views of Havana’s rooftops, stained-glass windows, and distant sea hints at dawn or dusk.
A lively plaza with vendors, musicians, and locals going about their day—great for street photography and portrait opportunities.
Food in Cerro
Cerro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shredded beef in a tomato-onion sauce, often served with rice and black beans; widely available in local eateries and paladares.
Must-Try!
Roast pork with a garlicky mojo, a Cuban classic that appears on many menus, especially on weekends.
Black beans and white rice cooked together with spices; a staple accompaniment to many dishes.
Saffron-infused chicken with rice and peppers; common in homes and smaller restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub where locals shop for produce, seafood, and prepared foods; great for observing daily Cuban food culture and trying fresh fruit, frituras, and simple snacks.
Informal stalls offering empanadas, croquetas, tostones (fried plantains), frituras, and sweet pastries—especially active in the late morning and late afternoon.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes.' Use 'usted' for adults you don’t know well and be mindful of personal space in crowded areas.
Engage with locals about music, family, and daily life; many conversations are warm and informal. Avoid overly loud behavior in residential areas and show appreciation for local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Cerro
Ensure a smooth experience
If service is not included, a tip of 5–10% in restaurants is common. Small tips for taxi drivers or street performers are appreciated but not obligatory; round up fares where possible.
Cash is widely used in Cerro, and many small eateries and markets may not accept credit cards. Carry small denominations in local currency and consider exchange at official casas de cambio or banks. Some tourist-focused spots may accept USD with a small surcharge; verify payment options on-site.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with pleasant evenings; humidity gradually increases; occasional showers. Pack light clothing, a rain layer, and a compact umbrella.
Hot and very humid with frequent afternoon rain showers; mornings are best for outdoor exploring. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and seek shade mid-day.
Mild to warm temperatures with low humidity in many areas; comfortable for long walks and outdoor photography. Bring a light jacket for cooler nights.
Increased risk of tropical storms and hurricanes; plan flexible itineraries and monitor local advisories. Have digital and physical copies of essential documents and a lightweight rain jacket.
Cerro at Night
Hiking in Cerro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, looped nature trails and shaded paths on the outskirts of Cerro offering fresh air and city views; ideal for a relaxed hike or gentle morning walk.
Scenic, easy-to-moderate trails along riverbanks with opportunities to observe birds and plant life; suitable for a half-day excursion from Cerro.
Airports
How to reach Cerro by plane.
Main international and domestic airport serving Havana; provides access to Cerro via car or taxi in about 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Located in Varadero, a longer drive from Cerro; convenient for continuing trips to Varadero beach destinations and other nearby regions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Cuban nationals living and working in Cerro, with families spanning multiple generations and a strong sense of community.
Young people and students contributing to daily street life, music, and cultural exchange.
Residents with deep ties to traditional Cuban customs, music, and family networks.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A dominant sport in Cuba, widely followed and played in schools and local clubs; you may see informal games in parks around Cerro.
Popular among locals, with informal matches and small clubs often visible in urban parks and plazas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cerro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Cerro, vegetarian options are best found in casa particulares and paladares that feature beans, rice, plantains, yuca, and vegetable stews. Look for dishes labeled con vegetales or sin carne, and ask for “sin manteca” (without lard) and “con aceite” (cooking with oil). If in doubt, request a simple platter of rice, beans, plantains, and a side salad.