Things To Do
in La Lisa
La Lisa is a largely residential municipality on the western edge of Havana, characterized by broad avenues, modest houses, small urban farms and community markets. It feels quieter and more local than central Havana neighborhoods, offering an authentic slice of everyday Cuban life away from the main tourist corridors. The area has a mix of coastal frontage, parks and sports facilities, and serves as a gateway to western suburbs and rural areas.
Visitors will find friendly neighborhoods, practical local services and easy access to Havana’s main sights by taxi or bus.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at a local cafe, enjoying traditional Cuban toast and fresh fruit. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center of La Lisa, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Visit the local museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the area.
For lunch, savor delicious Cuban cuisine at a popular local restaurant, where you can indulge in ropa vieja or a hearty plate of congrí. Post-lunch, visit the nearby artisan market, where you can browse handmade crafts and souvenirs made by local artists. Spend the afternoon chatting with locals and soaking in the lively atmosphere of the town.
As the sun sets, head to a local bar for a refreshing mojito or a classic daiquiri, feeling the rhythm of Cuban music surrounding you. Enjoy a traditional dinner at one of the town's acclaimed restaurants, featuring fresh seafood and tropical flavors. Conclude your evening with a night walk, allowing the sounds of the vibrant nightlife to serenade you.
Begin your day with a visit to a local dance studio, where you can participate in a salsa dancing class taught by skilled instructors. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the music, learning the basic steps and movements that define this passionate dance. Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, fueled by the energy of your dancing.
For lunch, find a cozy restaurant that offers a mix of traditional Cuban fare and modern twists, allowing you to experience the culinary innovations of the area. After your meal, explore the local art scene by visiting galleries showcasing works by emerging Cuban artists, where you can appreciate the fusion of tradition and modernity. Engage with artists to learn about their inspirations and techniques.
As evening approaches, return to the dance studio for a lively dance session focused on more advanced salsa moves. Afterward, grab dinner at a local bistro known for its vibrant atmosphere and live music performances. Wind down your night by enjoying a captivating show featuring traditional Cuban music and dance, celebrating the island's rich cultural heritage.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee at a local café | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within Havana) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / casa particular (per night) | $20-40 |
| 🛒Market groceries (weekly, basic items) | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic local atmosphere away from heavy tourism
- Friendly neighborhoods and opportunities to meet residents
- Lower prices compared with central tourist areas
- Good base for exploring western Havana and nearby countryside
- Fewer tourist amenities and English speakers than central Havana
- Limited public transport and fewer late-night services
- Infrastructure can be basic—intermittent internet and limited ATMs
- Weather can be hot and humid with heavy rains in summer
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta esto?" - How much does this cost?
- "¿Puede ayudarme, por favor?" - Can you help me, please?
- "Estoy buscando una paladar/cafetería" - I'm looking for a paladar/café
Places to Visit in La Lisa
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful façades, vintage cars parked along quiet avenues and everyday street scenes make for authentic documentary-style photographs.
Bustling stalls, fresh produce and lively vendor interactions offer candid portrait and still-life opportunities.
Where La Lisa meets the water or along nearby shorelines you can capture seascapes, fishermen and sunset light over the bay.
Baseball fields and neighborhood parks provide dynamic scenes of Cuban sporting life and communal activity.
Food in La Lisa
La Lisa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shredded, slow-cooked beef in a tomato-based sauce, usually served with rice and beans; common in paladares and family-run restaurants.
Must-Try!
Roast pork seasoned with citrus and garlic—served at special occasions but also available at some local eateries and food stands.
Fried green plantains (tostones) and sweet fried plantains (maduros) as common side dishes or snacks found everywhere.
Rice and black beans cooked together or separately—an essential staple accompanying most meals.
Boiled cassava served with a garlicky citrus sauce, a classic Cuban side served in paladares and casas particulares.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Neighborhood markets (mercados agropecuarios) sell fresh fruits, vegetables and local staples—great for picking up seasonal produce and simple snacks.
Expect fritas (Cuban-style burgers), empanadas, grilled corn and plantain snacks from vendors; these are inexpensive and widely available, but choose busy stalls for freshness.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake and eye contact are common for first meetings; among friends a light kiss on the cheek or hug is normal.
Show polite behavior in family settings, avoid loud or disrespectful conduct, and be mindful when photographing people—ask permission first.
Dress modestly in residential and religious settings; public displays of anger or aggressive behavior are frowned upon.
Safety
Tipping in La Lisa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; small tips for servers, porters and guides are common (a few CUC/USD-equivalent or local currency). Round up taxi fares and leave a small tip in paladares for good service.
Cash is king—carry local currency and some US dollars or euros for emergencies. Credit cards are only accepted in select hotels and restaurants; ATMs are limited and may dispense local currency, so plan ahead.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers and the peak of hurricane season between June and November—pack lightweight clothing, rain protection and stay updated on weather advisories.
Rain decreases later in the season; temperatures begin to moderate but hurricanes remain a possibility—plan outdoor activities with flexibility.
Mild and drier with comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler evenings—one of the best times to visit for outdoor exploring and festivals in Havana.
Warming temperatures and low rainfall; pleasant for walking, photography and day trips before the summer heat arrives.
La Lisa at Night
Hiking in La Lisa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A biosphere reserve west of Havana known for verdant hills, coffee farms and birdwatching—reachable in a couple hours by car and suitable for hiking and nature walks.
World-famous limestone valley and tobacco country offering trails, scenic viewpoints and guided hikes; expect a longer drive but rich landscape photography and hiking opportunities.
Short shoreline walks and informal trails along the nearby coast provide easy, low-effort outings for sunsets, fishing and coastal scenery without long travel.
Airports
How to reach La Lisa by plane.
The main international airport serving Havana, about 25–40 minutes by car depending on traffic—most travelers to La Lisa will arrive here and take a taxi or pre-arranged transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families and older residents who have lived in La Lisa for decades, maintaining tight-knit community ties.
People commuting to jobs across Havana in services, trade, education and industry; a practical, community-oriented population.
Young people and students who participate in sports, local culture and community activities—often active in music and neighborhood events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is Cuba’s most popular sport; local fields and community games are common and a central part of neighborhood life.
Boxing has deep roots in Cuban culture—local gyms and training centers are found across Havana and surrounding municipalities.
Football is increasingly popular, with informal matches played in parks and fields among youth and adults.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting La Lisa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; rely on rice, beans, plantains, yuca and vegetable stews—communicate restrictions clearly (in Spanish if possible) and be prepared to adapt.
Vegan dining can be challenging; bring snacks, learn a few Spanish phrases to explain your needs, and favor markets and basic dishes of rice, beans and plantains.
Many Cuban dishes are naturally gluten-free (rice, beans, meats, vegetables), but processed breads and fried items may contain wheat—ask about ingredients and avoid uncertain street foods.