Spend a Day With Me in Havana, Cuba

For my 30th birthday recently, I fulfilled a lifelong dream to spend two weeks in Cuba. I’ve been fascinated (some may say obsessed) with its capital city – Havana, ever since I watched ‘Dirty Dancing 2: Havana Nights‘ 15 years ago.

Without ever visiting the country, Cuba seemed to me to have an energy incomparable to anywhere else in the world. It seemed exotic, unexplored, complicated, and frozen in time. Spending two weeks here did not disappoint; in fact, it left me wanting more.

Here are some things I noted as we strolled the streets of Havana during our stay here.

Lives are lived out in the open in Havana

Lives lived out in the open. That’s what Cuba is. Walking down the street in Havana, you’ll notice everyone leaves their front door open. Peer inside, and you’ll see anything from an old lady cooking over an open stove to teenagers sitting in the living room listening to Latina rap.

Neighbors sit on their front steps, chatting animatedly. Nobody seems to spend any time indoors, no TVs really, definitely no internet. It’s a great way to live, don’t you think? So unashamed and open and without modern-day distractions.

The streets here are colorful and chaotic

Below and above are possibly my favorite photos of the trip. This is exactly what it looks like to walk down almost every street in Havana, Cuba – kind of a chaotic, colorful, beautiful mess. And I cannot stress how important it is to visit Cuba now before THIS changes forever.

I will also add that the magic of Havana also shines through its friendly locals, whose stories and resilience add to the city’s appeal. Whether you’re hanging out on the iconic Malecón seawall watching the sunset, exploring bustling markets, or diving into the vibrant art scene, Havana promises an unforgettable experience that really speaks to your heart and soul.

Havana has an indescribable magic

“For me, Cuba has always had the allure of a forbidden fruit. I love it for its uniqueness, creativity, and survivalist spirit; but, above all, I love it because, despite 60 years of setbacks, it remains an upbeat and open place.” Source Unknown

I suppose it’s hard to describe Havana’s magic through words. You really need to experience it, to get it! Cuba’s capital city is like no other city I’ve visited before. It really does feel like you have been transported back to the 1950s.

Havana has an intense energy

I’ve been back from Cuba for over three weeks now, and I’m starting to think that it may be one of my favorite countries in the world. The things that frustrated me while I was there are now, I now realize what makes it unique and unforgettable.

There’s no place like it; it’s got an energy like no other. It’s like stepping into a time machine and being transported back to the 1950s.

But change is simmering below the surface; Cuba will change; it may not be tomorrow, it may not even be next year, but it will happen. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again  – visit Cuba NOW before it’s too late.

The BEST things to do with one day in Havana

This is what my perfect day in Havana would look like…

Spend your morning wandering around Old Havana (Habana Vieja). We recommend starting at Plaza de la Catedral, home to the iconic Cathedral of Havana, and then making your way to Plaza Vieja, where you can relax at a café and soak up the atmosphere. Don’t miss a walk along The Malecón.

Next, head to the Fortaleza de San Carlos for an awesome view of the city. This fort was built by the Spanish in the 18th Century to protect against pirates. As you explore its massive walls and intricate architecture, you’ll find museum exhibits detailing Cuba’s colonial history and revolutionary periods. One of the highlights of a visit here is the nightly cannon ceremony.

In the late afternoon, head to Rafael Trejo Gym to watch the locals training. We really enjoyed watching the locals (who were very talented) in the boxing ring. 

For sunset, my top tip is to ride along the Malecon in a beautifully restored classic car. The best choice of classic cars can be found at Parque Central. Be sure to haggle the price, it cost us around 50 CUC for one hour.

Spend the night partying the night away at Fabrica de Arte Cubano. This famous spot is so much more than a nightclub. Contained within an old cooking oil factory. ‘Fabrica’, as it’s known to locals, is an art gallery, a live music venue, a restaurant, and a street food stall. It has a variety of music rooms playing different genres.

Thanks for Reading!

Spending two weeks in Cuba did not disappoint; in fact, it left me wanting more. Have you ever visited Havana, Cuba? What did you think? Drop me a comment below.  

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Last Updated on March 27, 2025 by snaphappytravel