Havana flights and travel guide

Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean and arguably the one with the most diverse attractions and sights. Nearly half a century of Socialist rule has left its mark on Cuba’s capital. Travellers booking cheap flights to Havana may have a stereotypical image of the city: its famous 1950s American cars with huge fins cruising past colonial-style buildings that have seen better days, against a backdrop of socialist posters.

The past decade has seen huge change – major regeneration projects have cleaned up the old buildings and historic squares, new grand hotels are opening, tourists are more welcome than ever before in casa particulares (private homes) and a dual economy has grown around the tourist dollars and Cuban pesos. It is a city on the cusp of change; making it all the more fascinating to visit.

Tourist “must-sees” include Habana Vieja (the old town), the Catedral de San Cristobal, the Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City), Museum of the Revolution and the spectacular beaches. After a long day sightseeing, don’t miss the chance to sample some of the local drinks. Havana is the home of the mojito.

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Havana climate

In a word, tropical. Havana's climate is pleasant year-round. Average winter temperatures are 22 degrees Celsius (71 degrees Fahrenheit) rising to 28 degrees Celsius (82F) in August. Rarely do temperatures fall below 10 degrees (50F). The dry season runs November through April, the rainy season, May through October. There is no bad time to take cheap flights to Havana, the city gets more than 330 sunny days a year.

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When to fly to Havana

Peak Season:
The winter months are peak season. This is when most travellers take cheap flights to Havana to escape the winter. July and August when schools are out, Christmas, Easter and the weeks surrounding July 26, when Cubans mark the anniversary of Fidel Castro's attack on the Moncada garrison in Santiago de Cuba. New Year's Day is a double celebration. Not only do Cubans celebrate the new year, they also commemorate the day in 1959 when Fidel Castro overthrew the Batista regime and swept into power. 

Off Season:
There really is no bad time to visit Havana. Rainy season is May to October but even during these months there are dry spells when visitors can dodge the showers.

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Getting downtown Havana

For travellers disembarking cheap flights to Havana there are a couple of options for getting downtown. While there is no bus service into town, metered tourist taxis are available. Pick one up outside the arrivals hall. It's a 30-minute ride into the centre of the city. Fares range between CUC15 and 25. For tourists on package vacations, tour operators will generally arrange bus transport. Independent travellers may be able to buy a seat on one of these minibuses from the local agent. There are rental car counters at the airport too. Companies include Cubacar, Havanautos and Rex.

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Getting around Havana

Havana’s bus system is unreliable, so take one of the shuttle or tour buses that cater to travellers. You may want to try a camel, which in this case is not a humped desert animal, but a tractor-pulled passenger car. These take people all around the city, but are for the more adventurous traveller. You can find tourist taxis easily at hotels, transportation centres and major sightseeing spots. Havana taxis charge rates in US dollars and can be very affordable. Freelance taxis are illegal, and while the passengers aren’t punished, the drivers might refuse to drop you in front of your hotel. It’s always a good idea to settle your price before you get in the car. Walking around is a great way to soak up the city’s colour, especially in La Habana Veija, but you can also take horse-drawn carriages, two-seater Coco Taxis and antique cars to get you to your next stop.

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Havana insider information

• The Bacardi Building (Edificio Bacardi) in Old Havana is considered one of the finest art deco buildings in Latin America. There is a bar (Cafe Barrita) on the mezzanine floor and the views from the tower are gorgeous. 
• The Malecon is the sea wall that extends for 7km from the Bay of Havana at Old Havana to Vedado. It's a wonderful place to cool off after a hot day. 
• For authentic Cuba music and sensational salsa dancing, head to the Casa de la Musica Miramar. 
• The Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagas is where the world famous Habanos cigars are produced. This colourful maroon-and-cream-coloured building is located across from the Capitol building. It's the oldest cigar factory in Cuba where the tradition of the tobacco reader first started. It's open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday. 
• Baseball is very popular in Cuba. Try to see a game at Estadio Latinoamericano, the biggest and best-known stadium, which is located near Revolution Square. 
• The Havana Film Festival showcases Latin-American filmmakers and films with Latin American themes. It takes place in December.

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Havana airports

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