Why Should Havana Be at the Top of Your Travel Bucket List

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By Teller Thomas

Let’s be real: the moment you land in Havana, Cuba you feel it—that electric energy of the city. It’s colorful, charming, and somehow still unbelievably cool. If you’ve been daydreaming about a destination that’s overflowing with music, flavor, history, and heart, let me save you the search: it’s Havana. 

Now let’s really unpack the statement… Here are the reasons why your next trip should be in Havana, Cuba.
 
Old Havana Feels Like a Movie Set (Because It Basically Is)

Wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Havana feels similar to stepping into a technicolor postcard from the 1950s. Think historic pastel buildings, vintage cars in candy-colored hues, and plazas that beg you to sit with a mojito and just watch the magic unfold in the city. Don’t miss Plaza Vieja  and Plaza de la Catedral—both are stunning and full of life, often with live music and salsa dancers surrounded by Cuban baroque architecture.

Ride in a Classic Convertible (Yes, It’s As Fun As It Looks)You can’t visit Havana without cruising the Malecón (a dreamy seaside esplanade) in a retro convertible. Picture the sea on one side, locals playing music or fishing on the rocks, and the wind in your hair as you glide past Havana’s historic skyline. If you book a driver, ask for some local history—they often double as tour guides with incredible stories.

What to Know About Currency in Cuba
Heads up: the money situation in Cuba is unique. Although Cuba uses the Cuban Peso (CUP), the U.S. dollar is now widely accepted all over Cuba. Cash is king. US credit and debit cards may not be accepted at most places, so it’s best to take money out before your trip rather than rely on a card. 

Also, keep in mind that prices for tourists are often different from local pricing.

Eat Like You Mean It: Top Five Foods & Drinks to Try in Havana

Havana’s food scene is having a moment. Here are five unforgettable Cuban delicacies to savor during a visit to this city.

• Ropa Vieja, Cuba’s national dish, is shredded beef simmered in tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Comfort food with flair.
  
• Arroz con Moro is flavor-packed rice and black beans, often served with meat or plantains. Simple, satisfying, and everywhere.
  
• Lechón Asado is roasted pork with crispy skin, marinated in mojo (a citrusy garlic sauce). Order this at a family-run paladar and thank me later.
• Cuban Sandwich is pork, ham, cheese, mustard, pickles—pressed into golden, buttery perfection. It’s even better in Cuba.
  
• Mojito incorporates Havana Club rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar and soda water.
• Guarapo is a refreshing sugarcane juice, sometimes mixed with rum for a local twist.
• Cuba Libre - Invented during the Spanish-American war, the Cuba Libre is freedom in the form of a beverage. Refreshing, exhilarating, and sweet, the Cuba Libre is made of rum, cola, and a squeeze of fresh lime. 
• El Presidente may as well be called “liquid sunset.” It is made of white rum, dry vermouth, orange caracao, and grenadine, garnished with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry, this drink is more stunning, and refreshing, than an Aperol Spritz in the summer. 
• Daiquiri - Simple but classic. The Cuban Daiquiri consists of white rum, fresh lime, and simple syrup. You can’t go wrong with this order, and you’ll likely find that it beats American daiquiris by a long shot.
• Café Cubano (Cuban coffee) is not for the faint of heart. It’s strong, sweet, and usually served in a shot-sized cup.

La Bodeguita Del Medio is a must-visit restaurant for all visitors in Cuba. The birthplace of the Mojito and a historic cultural hub, La Bodeguita has served musicians, artists, and writers such as Ernest Hemingway since 1942. Enjoy traditional Cuban cuisine, live music, and timeless ambiance, with an original mojito in hand, of course. 

Music Is Everywhere—and It’s Magical
In Havana, music doesn’t live in concert halls—it spills into the streets, the bars, the living rooms. From impromptu bands in alleyways to live jazz in the clubs,  there’s always something playing. Don’t be surprised if someone grabs your hand and invites you to dance. Say yes.

Culture, Art, and Soul
Cuba is bursting with creativity, and Havana is its heartbeat. Visit Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, showcasing Cuban art from colonial times to today, and international works including European and Latin American art. Next, check out Museo de la Revolucion, located in Havana’s former Presidential Palace. This museum traces Cuba’s political history, especially the 1959 Revolution, featuring exhibits on Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and includes the Granma yacht used in the revolutionary landing.

Don’t forget to take in the street art as well, beautiful murals cover the walls of Callejón de Hamel, an alley dedicated to Afro-Cuban culture. Ernest Hemingway’s old residence, Finca Vigia, is also a must-see location. Situated on top of a hill, the 1886 Spanish Colonial style home overlooks Havana and houses a collection of more than 9,000 books as well as Hemingway’s personal belongings. 

Are you looking for something interactive? Visitors can take a salsa class, savor an organic farm to table Cuban meal, or even a cigar-rolling workshop.

Final Thoughts: Go Now, Thank Yourself Later
Havana is a city with rhythm in its bones, stories in its walls, and a vibe that lingers long after you’ve left the city. Go for the colors, the music, the food, and the people. Go because your soul needs something a little different. Go because Havana will surprise you—in the best way.

​So pack that linen and toiletries, bring an extra memory card, and get ready for the most unforgettable trip of your life.

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