Where to Stay in Havana: Areas and Hotels

If you're visiting Havana for the first time, the best base is Habana Vieja, the old town, because most attractions, the best restaurants, and the most vibrant atmosphere are concentrated there, and you can get around on foot without needing a taxi every day. If you're looking for something more affordable without losing access to the centre, Central Havana is a good solution with lower prices and an authentic daily life.

For couples seeking a romantic atmosphere and quiet evenings, Vedado combines historic hotels, a seafront promenade, and lively nightlife without the density of the old town. Families and business travellers usually prefer Miramar, a more modern and quieter neighbourhood with spacious hotels, swimming pools, and easier car access.

Below, you'll find a detailed guide on which area suits your trip, what to look out for regarding prices by season, how to get around the city, and specific hotel recommendations for each neighbourhood, along with a brief guide to the city itself before you decide where to stay.

A Few Words About Havana Before Booking Your Accommodation

Havana was founded in the 16th century by the Spanish and for centuries served as the most important port in the Caribbean, a stop for Spanish ships carrying gold and goods to Europe. This history is still clearly visible in Habana Vieja, where the fortresses, churches, and colonial buildings have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through the narrow streets of the old town, you'll see squares like Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja, which have been restored in recent decades and now host museums, galleries, and small bars.

The city went through many phases, from a colonial seat to a centre of gambling and entertainment in the 1940s and 1950s, when many of the grand hotels still operating today were built. After the 1959 revolution, the city's character radically changed, which explains why you still see classic American cars from the 1950s driving daily, not as a tourist attraction but as a means of transport maintained from generation to generation.

What's worth seeing beyond the old town: the Capitol, inspired by the US Capitol, the Malecón, the five-kilometre seafront promenade where locals gather in the evenings, and El Morro fortress across the bay, with panoramic views of the city. If you're interested in literary history, you can visit Hemingway's house in San Francisco de Paula, just outside the centre, where the writer lived for years and wrote part of his work.

The best time to visit is from November to April, when temperatures are milder and humidity is lower compared to summer. The period from June to November coincides with hurricane season in the Caribbean, so it's worth monitoring forecasts if you're travelling then. Accommodation prices rise significantly in December and January, especially around New Year's Eve, while in summer you find more affordable prices but also greater heat.

Getting around the city is mainly by taxi, either the classic American cars that operate as shared taxis on specific routes, or more modern private taxis that you can book through your hotel. Internet networks are limited, and you often need a Wi-Fi card for public access points, so it's a good idea to have your addresses and bookings printed or saved offline before you arrive.

Habana Vieja: The Old Town for a First Visit

Habana Vieja is the natural choice if you're visiting Havana for the first time, as you'll be amidst the most important attractions and can get around on foot almost everywhere. In the evenings, the squares fill with live music, and restaurants are on every corner, which is very convenient if you don't want to rely on taxis. The downside is that the area is densely populated with tourists, so prices are slightly higher, and noise can bother those seeking a quiet night's sleep.

It suits first-time travellers, couples looking for a romantic evening stroll, and those who love history and architecture. It's less suitable for those who want absolute peace and quiet or are travelling with small children who need space.

1. Iberostar Selection Parque Central

Located in the Habana Vieja area of Havana, in a spot that allows you to explore the city on foot or with a short ride. It stands out for its character and amenities, while the staff usually helps foreign visitors with practical advice on transport and restaurants.

• Average cost: 150 to 220 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and travellers seeking luxury

2. Hotel Ambos Mundos

Located in the Habana Vieja area of Havana, in a spot that allows you to explore the city on foot or with a short ride. It stands out for its character and amenities, while the staff usually helps foreign visitors with practical advice on transport and restaurants.

• Average cost: 90 to 130 € per night
• Ideal for: history and literature lovers

3. Telégrafo Hotel

Located in the Habana Vieja area of Havana, in a spot that allows you to explore the city on foot or with a short ride. It stands out for its character and amenities, while the staff usually helps foreign visitors with practical advice on transport and restaurants.

• Average cost: 70 to 100 € per night
• Ideal for: travellers with a moderate budget

4. Gran Caribe Hotel Inglaterra

Located in the Habana Vieja area of Havana, in a spot that allows you to explore the city on foot or with a short ride. It stands out for its character and amenities, while the staff usually helps foreign visitors with practical advice on transport and restaurants.

• Average cost: 80 to 120 € per night
• Ideal for: those seeking a central location with character

11. Hotel Santa Isabel

Located in the Habana Vieja area of Havana, in a spot that allows you to explore the city on foot or with a short ride. It stands out for its character and amenities, while the staff usually helps foreign visitors with practical advice on transport and restaurants.

• Average cost: 150 to 210 € per night
• Ideal for: couples looking for a romantic stay

12. Gran Manzana Kempinski La Habana

Located in the Habana Vieja area of Havana, in a spot that allows you to explore the city on foot or with a short ride. It stands out for its character and amenities, while the staff usually helps foreign visitors with practical advice on transport and restaurants.

• Average cost: 220 to 320 € per night
• Ideal for: travellers with a high budget

Vedado: Historic Hotels and Nightlife

Vedado is the neighbourhood that combines history and modern daily life, with wide avenues, trees, and some of the city's most famous hotels, such as the Hotel Nacional. It's next to the Malecón, giving you easy access to an evening stroll with sea views, and it has several bars, vintage casinos, and music venues. The distance from the old town is greater than if you were staying there, so you'll need taxis for your daily commutes to the attractions.

It's an ideal choice for couples who want atmosphere but also a bit more quiet than Habana Vieja, as well as for those interested in Cuba's more recent history. It's not the best choice if you want to walk to attractions without transport.

5. Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Located in the Vedado area of Havana, in a spot that allows you to explore the city on foot or with a short ride. It stands out for its character and amenities, while the staff usually helps foreign visitors with practical advice on transport and restaurants.

• Average cost: 140 to 200 € per night
• Ideal for: those seeking history and sea views

6. Meliá Cohiba

Located in the Vedado area of Havana, in a spot that allows you to explore the city on foot or with a short ride. It stands out for its character and amenities, while the staff usually helps foreign visitors with practical advice on transport and restaurants.

• Average cost: 130 to 190 € per night
• Ideal for: travellers wanting modern amenities

7. NH Capri La Habana

Located in the Vedado area of Havana, in a spot that allows you to explore the city on foot or with a short ride. It stands out for its character and amenities, while the staff usually helps foreign visitors with practical advice on transport and restaurants.

• Average cost: 100 to 150 € per night
• Ideal for: couples wanting nearby nightlife

8. Hotel Presidente

Located in the Vedado area of Havana, in a spot that allows you to explore the city on foot or with a short ride. It stands out for its character and amenities, while the staff usually helps foreign visitors with practical advice on transport and restaurants.

• Average cost: 90 to 130 € per night
• Ideal for: those seeking a quiet stay with period character

Miramar: Quiet Accommodation for Families

Miramar is a more modern and greener neighbourhood west of the centre, with wide avenues, embassies, and large hotels featuring swimming pools, which are rare in the old town. It's the best choice for families with children who need more space, as well as for business travellers, as many hotels have conference facilities. The downside is its distance from the main attractions, meaning you'll need a taxi almost daily to reach Habana Vieja.

It suits families, travellers who prefer quiet evenings, and those who want a pool and more room space. It's not suitable for those who want to walk to attractions without transport.

9. Occidental Miramar

Located in the Miramar area of Havana, in a spot that allows you to explore the city on foot or with a short ride. It stands out for its character and amenities, while the staff usually helps foreign visitors with practical advice on transport and restaurants.

• Average cost: 110 to 160 € per night
• Ideal for: families and business trips

10. Meliá Habana

Located in the Miramar area of Havana, in a spot that allows you to explore the city on foot or with a short ride. It stands out for its character and amenities, while the staff usually helps foreign visitors with practical advice on transport and restaurants.

• Average cost: 120 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: those wanting a pool and tranquillity

Centro Habana: An Affordable Option Near the Centre

Centro Habana is located between the old town and Vedado and offers a more authentic glimpse into Havana's daily life, away from the more touristy corners. Accommodation prices here are lower, mainly because you find more 'casas particulares', which are rented rooms in private homes, rather than large hotels. The area has dilapidated buildings in many places, which for some travellers is part of its charm and for others a reason to prefer elsewhere.

It suits travellers with a limited budget and those who want to experience the real daily life of the city. Less suitable for those seeking luxury or travelling for the first time without experience in emerging destinations.

Area Comparison at a Glance

Area	Ideal for	Price range/night	Distance from centre
Habana Vieja	First visit, couples	90 to 220 €	In the centre
Vedado	History, nightlife	90 to 200 €	2 to 3 km
Miramar	Families, business	110 to 170 €	6 to 8 km
Centro Habana	Budget holidays	40 to 90 €	1 km

Practical Information for Your Stay

José Martí Airport is located approximately 18 km south of Havana's city centre, and transfer to the city is usually by pre-booked taxi, a journey that takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and the destination area. It's advisable to have arranged your transport in advance through your accommodation, as card payments are not always possible on the island, and you'll need cash in euros or local currency.

Within the city, the most common option is taxis, either the classic American cars that run fixed routes like shared buses, or private taxis for specific journeys. There are also the Habana Bus Tour buses for tourists, with stops at the main attractions, but if you're staying in Habana Vieja or Vedado, you'll cover much on foot. The humidity and heat in summer make long walks more tiring, so plan your strolls for early morning or late afternoon.

Accommodation prices vary by season. In winter, from December to March, prices are higher due to greater demand and better weather, with an average cost of 100 to 220 euros per night for mid to high-range hotels. In summer, from June to September, you'll find lower prices, often under 100 euros, but you must factor in the heat and the risk of tropical storms. Spring and autumn are a good middle ground, with fewer crowds and more reasonable prices.

Before you leave, make sure you have cash in euros with you, as cards issued by American banks often don't work on the island due to the embargo. If you plan to travel to other parts of the Caribbean or Latin America after Cuba, also check practical tips for flights to America to compare possible routes. If you're visiting Havana as a stop before New York or vice versa, take a look at the New York travel guide to better organise your itinerary.

For your suitcase, it's worth reading some packing secrets so you don't forget essential items, given that certain products, from sunscreen to pharmaceutical goods, are not easily found in Havana. If you're travelling with a flight that only includes hand luggage, you need to check your airline's hand luggage dimensions, and in case of delay or loss of luggage, there's a luggage loss compensation procedure that's good to know before you leave.

If you intend to combine your trip with other destinations in the wider region, also see the complete guide to Egypt or the guide to Dubai for ideas for distant destinations with a different character from the Caribbean. Finally, if you prefer an autumn or winter trip to a European destination instead of the Caribbean, check out the list of 29 European cities that are more charming in winter, or if you're looking for a New Year's Eve destination, see the 25 top destinations for New Year's Eve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Havana?

For your first visit, Habana Vieja is the most practical choice because you're close to attractions and can get around on foot.

How much does accommodation in Havana cost?

A mid-range room typically costs 70 to 150 euros per night, while more luxurious hotels exceed 200 euros, especially in winter.

When is the best time to travel to Havana?

The period from November to April has a milder climate and fewer chances of rain, while summer coincides with hurricane season in the Caribbean.

How do I get from the airport to Havana city centre?

The most common solution is a pre-booked taxi from José Martí Airport, with a journey of 25 to 40 minutes depending on the destination area.

Do credit cards work in Havana?

Cards from American banks usually don't work due to the embargo, so it's best to carry enough cash in euros.

Which area suits families with children?

Miramar is the most convenient option for families, as it features larger hotels with swimming pools and more space.

Is it worth staying in Centro Habana for economy?

Yes, if you want to reduce accommodation costs and don't mind a more authentic, less touristy side of the city.