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

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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

While tour buses provide a good service to Havana's most popular tourist districts, taxis are the best option for getting around. To really soak up the atmosphere of the city, grab a map and start walking.

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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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