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Hotel Nacional de Cuba and around
A day in Havana · 9:30–16:30 · 4 stops
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mapvivid.com/havana/itineraries/hotel-nacional-de-cuba-and-aroundA walking day around Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Fabrica de Arte Cubano and Museo Napoleonico, with a lunch break nearby and Cementerio de Colon to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Historic 1930 hotel overlooking the Malecon.
- Enjoy a drink on the terrace
- Tour the gardens and bunkers
↓ 13 min walk
10:452Fabrica de Arte Cubano ↗1 h 30 minGo early
Cultural venue with art, music and nightlife in an old factory.
- Open Thursday to Sunday nights
- Entry is cash
↓ 7 min walk
12:153Museo Napoleonico ↗1 h 30 minClosed Mondays
Large Napoleonic collection in a Florentine villa.
- Small but unique
- Combine with the university area
Lunch
13:45Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 24 min walk
Afternoon
15:304Monumental necropolis with ornate tombs.
- Visit the Milagrosa tomb
- Entry has a small fee
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Havana tips
Transportation
- Hop into an almendrón: These shared classic cars run fixed routes along main roads like Línea and Calle 23; wave one down, say your destination and pay in Cuban pesos.
- Agree the fare first: For classic convertible tours, regular taxis, cocotaxis or bicitaxis there are no meters, so settle the price before you get in.
- Take the ferry across the bay: Small ferries from Old Havana's waterfront cross to Regla and Casablanca, a cheap local ride with great views of the harbour and skyline.
Local Hacks
- Prepare for limited internet: Download offline maps and translation apps before arriving, and buy an ETECSA SIM or data package for when you need to go online.
- Catch the cannon ceremony: The nightly Cañonazo at La Cabaña fortress recreates the old firing of the cannon at 9pm with soldiers in period uniform.
- Explore Fábrica de Arte Cubano: This old oil factory in Vedado mixes art, live music and bars late into the night and is one of the best spots to meet young Cubans.
Saving
- Bring enough cash: Cards issued by US banks do not work in Cuba and other cards fail often, so bring euros or dollars in good condition and ask your casa host about exchange.
- Stay in a casa particular: Private homestays in Vedado or Centro Habana cost less than hotels, and hosts often serve big breakfasts and give useful local advice.
- Eat where Cubans eat: Small cafeterías and peso stalls selling pizza, sandwiches and batidos cost far less than tourist restaurants around Obispo street.
Security
- Ignore friendly jineteros: Street hustlers may pose as helpful locals and steer you to overpriced paladares, casas or salsa clubs where they earn a commission.
- Skip street cigar deals: Stories about a cigar workers' cooperative or festival sale are a well known scam; buy cigars only in official shops with sealed boxes and receipts.
- Check the currency on your change: Prices may be quoted in Cuban pesos, dollars or euros, so confirm which currency is meant and count change carefully before leaving.
Cultural
- Watch Sunday rumba: Callejón de Hamel in Centro Habana hosts lively Afro Cuban rumba on Sundays among colourful murals; arrive early to get a good view.
- Try classic Cuban plates: Look for ropa vieja, moros y cristianos rice and beans, and tostones, then queue with locals for ice cream at Coppelia in Vedado.
- Tip and share: Musicians, guides and casa staff rely on tips, and small gifts like toiletries or medicine are often appreciated, given ongoing shortages.
Weather/Clothing
- Visit in the dry season: November to April is less humid and sunnier, while May to October is hot and rainy with afternoon storms and a risk of hurricanes.
- Dress cool but tidy: Light cotton or linen clothes suit the heat, but bring trousers or a dress for nightlife, as some clubs and cabarets expect smart casual outfits.
- Pack a torch and power bank: Power cuts are frequent across Havana, so a small torch, a power bank and a refillable bottle make hot nights much easier.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/havana/itineraries/hotel-nacional-de-cuba-and-around
Day 2 of 39:30–16:304 stops
Hotel Nacional de Cuba and around
A walking day around Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Fabrica de Arte Cubano and Museo Napoleonico, with a lunch break nearby and Cementerio de Colon to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hHistoric 1930 hotel overlooking the Malecon.
3 tips
- Enjoy a drink on the terrace
- Tour the gardens and bunkers
- Photo-friendly lobby
📷 Photos
13 min walk
210:45 · 1 h 30 minCultural venue with art, music and nightlife in an old factory.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Open Thursday to Sunday nights
- Entry is cash
📷 Photos
7 min walk
312:15 · 1 h 30 minLarge Napoleonic collection in a Florentine villa.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Small but unique
- Combine with the university area
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:45
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps24 min walk
Afternoon
415:30 · 1 hMonumental necropolis with ornate tombs.
3 tips
- Visit the Milagrosa tomb
- Entry has a small fee
- Allow 2 hours
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Havana. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
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