Havana Flights & Travel Guide

Havana is a major port location, a leading commercial center and the cultural heartbeat of Cuba. Thanks to the U.S. Prohibition Act that made alcohol illegal in the 50 states, party-goers booked flights to Havana in search of good rum and a freshly rolled cigar. The economy was booming and Havana was reaping the benefits. But the party only lasted a short time. On Jan. 31, 1959, Fidel Castro’s men announced that prostitution, gambling and other “party-like” services offered by Havana locals working for the tourist dollar would be replaced by old-fashioned hard work. Suddenly, the flights to Havana ended.

Thanks to more recent laws allowing private businesses, farmer’s markets and other tourist-friendly enterprises to open shop in Havana, the city is regaining its tourist dollar and quickly becoming first-rate capital city. Nightclubs, fine dining and the Cuban culture allure tourists to book flights to Havana each year.

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Havana Climate

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When to Fly to Havana

Peak season:

Most tourists book flights to Havana from December-January. The national holidays – Christmas, Easter, New Year and July 26 (the anniversary of the revolution) – are hot travel dates for tourists, but also when Havana flights and hotel rates are at the most expensive.

Off season:

Hurricane season runs from October and November. This is the time to find cheap flights to Havana and discounts on  hotel accommodations.

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Getting Around Havana

Havana does have a bus system, but it is unreliable. Your best bet is one of the shuttle or tour buses that cater to visitors. The adventurous may also want to try a ride on one of the camellos or “camels,” tractor-pulled passenger cars that transport people all around Havana.

There are also tourist taxis that gather at hotels, transportation centers, and major attractions. The rates are in dollars and affordable. Watch out though for “peso” and freelance taxis. They are illegal, and although the drivers rather than the passengers are at risk, the cabbies may not want to drop you in front of a hotel. You will also want to settle on a price before getting into the cab.

Other ways of getting around Havana include horse-drawn carriages, the two-seater Coco Taxis, and antique cars. Havana is also a great city to walk around, particularly La Habana Veija. Havana is too hot for midday walks, but early morning and evening walks are delightful.

Between the taxis and tour buses, you do not need a car in Havana. Also, even though traffic is lighter than in most urban areas, streets are poorly marked.

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Havana Insider Information

• Havana Viejo, the old town of Havana, is the perfect place for a long walk. The colonial buildings are being restored at the moment, but many are still dilapidated and crumbling, which many see as the true architecture of Havana.
• If you want to get an insider view of one of Cuba’s most popular exports, a visit to a cigar factory is a must. There are many throughout the country, but one of the most popular to visit is Partagas – one of the oldest and largest, and situated right in the center of Havana next to El Capitolio. Tours are available daily, and there is a shop where you can buy some “souvenirs”.
• The Hotel Nacional is one of the most impressive in Havana. It was a favorite of Winston Churchill’s. However, it is also one of the most expensive places to stay. If it’s outside your budget, don’t be put off just going for a wander round the lobby to take a look.
• One of the cheapest ways to stay in the city is in a “casa particular” – a private room rented out to tourists. Rules are strict for Cubans wanting to rent out accommodation – they need a license in order to do so and are only allowed to have a maximum of two rooms with two adults in each at any one time. Standards vary widely, so make sure you ask to check the room before accepting it. With a bit of scouting, however, this can be a cost-effective way of staying, and will introduce you to some inhabitants of the city, who will know more about it than any tourist you meet in a hotel.
• To find out about Cuban history, visit the Museo de la Revolucion, where you can find exhaustive information on everything you could want to know about the revolution. English speaking guides are available.

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Havana Airports

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