The best months to visit Havana are Nov – Apr. Dry season with lower humidity.
Quick facts
Currency CUP (Peso) Tourist economy uses USD/EUR. 1 USD ≈ 120 CUP official
Language Spanish Very limited English: basic Spanish is essential
Timezone CST (UTC−5) Daylight saving observed (Mar–Nov)
Best Months Nov – Apr Dry season with lower humidity
Daily Budget ~$40–65 USD Dual economy: tourist prices differ from local
Visa Tourist Card required $50–100 tourist card from airline or embassy
When to go
A time-capsule city where 1950s convertibles cruise crumbling colonial boulevards, salsa spills from every doorway, and the Malecon holds the soul of an island.
Getting Around in Havana
- Colectivo taxis (shared old American cars) run fixed routes for CUP50–200 per person. Wave one down going your direction. They're an authentic Cuban experience
- Yellow coco-taxis (egg-shaped three-wheelers) are fun for short trips: CUP1,000–3,000 per ride. Negotiate before boarding
- Havana is very walkable: Old Havana to Vedado is a 45-minute walk along the Malecon. For longer distances, negotiate with private taxi drivers in classic cars
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Havana travel guide.
Timezone: CST (UTC−5) (Daylight saving observed (Mar–Nov))
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Havana?
The best months to visit Havana are Nov – Apr (Dry season with lower humidity), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Havana budget breakdown.
