Havana, Cuba

Havana's classic American cars, crumbling colonial facades, and live music on nearly every corner give it a genuinely distinct character shaped by decades of isolation from much of the world. Travel logistics and payment systems work differently here than in most destinations, which rewards a bit of extra planning.

Top attractions

• •Old Havana (Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage old town
• •The Malecón, Havana's seafront promenade
• •A ride in one of the city's classic 1950s American cars
• •The Museum of the Revolution
• •Fusterlandia, artist José Fuster's mosaic-covered neighborhood

Practical tips

• •José Martí International Airport (HAV) has no rail link — taxis are the standard way into the city, and fares are often negotiated rather than metered.
• •US-issued credit and debit cards generally don't work in Cuba — bring sufficient cash (euros or Canadian dollars often exchange more favorably than US dollars) and plan accordingly.
• •Internet access is limited and often requires prepaid Wi-Fi cards used at public hotspots rather than in-room connections.

Frequently asked questions