Why visit
Havana is Old Havana (UNESCO), Malecón seafront drives in 1950s Chevys, Museo de la Revolución, and Afro-Cuban music in every doorway. Crumbling and astonishing.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Havana is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Cuba. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Havana, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Cuba better matches the trip style.
Havana at a glance
City population
2.1 million
Elevation
59 m
194 ft
Time zone
UTC-5 (UTC-4 DST)
America/Havana
Airport
HAV
José Martí International
Founded
1519
Getting around
Buses (guagua), classic American taxis (almendrones), maquinas
Signature dish
Ropa vieja, moros y cristianos, lechón, mojito, daiquiri
Neighborhoods for travelers
Habana Vieja (old city)VedadoMiramarCentro Habana
Cuba at a glance
Country center
21.5°, -80.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
109,884 km²
42,426 mi²
Country population
11.2 million
102/km²
Subregion
Caribbean
Currency
Cuban convertible peso ($)
CUC
Dial
+53
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Cuban
Internet
.cu
UN
Member state
ISO code
CU / CUB
Where in the world
21.5° - -80.0°
Cuba
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Havana's old town has over 900 buildings of historical significance from the Spanish period.
- 1950s American cars still dominate the streets because of the US trade embargo.
- The Malecón seawall stretches 8 km along the coast and is Havana's unofficial living room.
- Cuba has two currencies (or had: the system changed in 2021): one for locals, one for tourists.
- Havana's old town has over 1,500 buildings from the Spanish colonial period still intact.
Traveler notes
- Casa particulares (homestays) are the real stays
- Cash only. Bring euros, change small
- Trinidad (3 hours) is the second essential
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Havana
What currency is used in Havana?
Havana uses the Cuban convertible peso ($), ISO code CUC.
What languages are spoken in Cuba?
The primary language is Spanish.
What is the international calling code for Cuba?
The calling code is +53.
What airport serves Havana?
José Martí International (IATA: HAV).
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