Bucket-list of Havana’s BEST: Nightlife, Art Scene, Restaurants, & More

Like many, I’ve been intrigued by the elusive island for years. The island embraced me with open arms and squeezed me tightly from Baracoa to Havana. By 2017, I was hauling three large suitcases through JFK with a one-way flight to Havana. I’ve now been to Havana countless times and there is always more and more to explore to its ever-changing nightlife, art, and restaurant scene!

My consistent trips to the island exhibited through my photography, news articles, and blogging have not gone unnoticed. So nearly every single day, someone will ask questions about travel to Cuba, specifically Havana. The general questions can feel a bit overwhelming because I have so much to recommend! But now, my friends, I have FINALLY put together a list which I will continuously update. Here are the best and my top favorite experiences in Havana. Starting with…

The Best Restaurants in Havana

Espacios

EspaciosThis resto-bar inside a mansion consists of a spacious outdoor terrace, a small bar, and various rooms inside. In the daytime, it’s a cute place for lunch. At night, it becomes the spot for both foreigner and hip Cubans to pre-game or finish partying. It closes at 6 AM, so you can catch the local Cubans here after 1 AM. And they sometimes have live music here. My favorite dishes: the pizza and the tostones ceviche.

Dona Eutamia: This famous restaurant is situated in the historic part of Havana, which makes it perfect for a lunch stop in between sightseeing. Its interior’s warm ambiance and homestyle creole food, makes it feel like you’re in a Cuban grandmother’s dining room. Make reservations ahead of time.

El Del Frente: Hidden between buildings, from the outside this restaurant looks like it leads up to an office. But once you get up the tiny stairway, you enter its spacious, sleek, and beautiful interiors. Upstairs you can find a colorful outdoor terrace adorned with antiques and artsy decor. I had one of the freshest and healthiest plates in all of my time in Cuba here.

Café Brown: One of the most affordable places to grab a hearty plate of food. They offer delicious and generous Spanish-Cuban inspired plates. My favorites include the tomato-roasted chickpeas with vegetables ($2) and the freshly-made gazpacho soup ($3). The perfect stop after checking out the University of Havana.

Razones y MotivosThis cute space is divided into an indoor space and an outdoor terrace. You will see many Cuban families here celebrating special occasions with their families. The prices are pretty reasonable, especially considering the tasty food, location, and space. I hope it stays this way so Cubans can keep coming!

La GuaridaMade famous due to being a filming spot for the Oscar-nominated Fresa y Chocolate, this special place is now more than just a restaurant. It’s five floors of surprises, with side terraces to eat outdoors under the stars, a super chic rooftop bar with pink lights and great music, and after more spiral stairs to the side of the bar, a tiny silent outdoor lounge perched at the very top. It’s magical.  You’ll find a long menu bustling with varied options that will likely cater to almost any restriction.

Nazdavorie: Here you can time travel to the Soviet-Cuba era. An era that dominated the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis. A time when the Soviet Union subsidized Cuba for many years, so the country thrived with new cars and food. If not for the food, come here to feel the history through your palate. Savor the Soviet-Cuban dishes and top off your dinner with their famous mojito. It is my favorite mojito in all of Cuba. And I’ve tried lots of mojitos in Cuba. Also, they have killer views of the beach boardwalk and Malecon boulevard.

Best Cafes in Havana

Cuba Libro

Cuba Libro: An incredible bookstore, cafe, art gallery and indoor/outdoor community meet up space for foreigners and locals to come together. It was created by a very special American journalist, writer, and blogger who has been living in Cuba for over 15 years.

Café Galeria Maimanes: Costa Rica meets Brooklyn in Havana. This hipster café offers a sweet respite from the hustle and bustle of Havana. Here you can find other Cubans studying, meeting, talking, or relaxing. It’s one of the few places where I was the only foreigner and the menu was much more affordable. (#206 Calle L between 15 & 17)

Best Havana Nightlife 2018

Top level of La Guarida

Nightlife in Havana changes quickly. Bars get shut down by the authoritarian government, tourists find out about a place and it becomes a jinetero fest, and new businesses pop up like mushrooms around the city. But in the blur of the ever-changing Cuban business landscape, here are my favorite nightlife spots as of 2018:

MangoMio y Tuyo, Fantasy, & Bolahabana: These are all in Playa/Miramar and are frequented more by local Cubans just wanting to have a good time. You will likely not find that many jineteros here which is a relief if you want to actually make “real” Cubans friends. Partying in Playa/Miramar is incredible, you’ll find a variety of nightlife in this neighborhood. From pubs with live rock bands to fun modern dance venues.

Roma BarThis is my new favorite spot in Havana. The drinks, the decor, the view and the location are cool. But what really makes this place special is the music and the people. It’s a fun clash of foreigners and young/non-jinetero Cubans — a rarity in a country where probably most of the population ages 21-35 is missing. The bar is located on a small outdoor terrace with a random giant painting of a horse over the bar, but it’s got charm and an incredible vibe. I loved it.

La Fabrica de Arte Cubano: La FAC is a maze of 3+ floors, and about 10 different rooms with live theater, live music, multiple bars, food stands, dance floors, incredible art exhibitions, an outdoor terrace, and more. All simultaneously taking place throughout the building. I spent the night there seeing, doing, tasting, and absorbing all of it. The high caliber of art and the intellectual stimulation was extraordinary. It is hands down one of my favorite spots in all of Cuba. Possibly my favorite place. It’s gotten wildly tourist since I first came here but it’s still a must do. Get here before 9 PM (Thurs-Sat) or the lines are unbearable. You didn’t go to Havana if you didn’t come to La Fabrica. Secret Confession: I dream to one day have an exhibition here.

Bar Efe – The hot new bar in Havana. Check it out before it gets shut down!

La Guardia – See above for description under restaurants.

Espacios – See above for description under restaurants.

Best Art Venues in Havana

Museo de Bellas Artes

Museo de Bellas Artes (of Cuban art NOT international art)This is one of my favorite museums in the world. The art is both traditional and modern, but most of all captivating. Cubans are known for their incredible art, so if you’re an art lover like me, you have to check out the official museum of Cuban art in Cuba. And sometimes they have incredible low key events open to the public. In the photo above, I got to see Dayme Arocena and her band perform!

FusterlandiaJose Fuster turned his little Jamainitas neighborhood into a dreamy art world. Jose’s vibrant use of ceramic art with his abstract paintings has gotten earned him the nicknames “Cuban Gaudi” and “Picasso of the Caribbean.” While it’s a compliment to classify his style to these well-known artists, it’s important to recognize his unique and the wonderful things he’s done for his impoverished community.

Gran Teatro de la Habana: First opened in 1915, this gorgeous theatre is currently home to the Cuban national ballet as well as other concerts and events. It’s big and vast with beautiful and different parts. I’ve seen the upstairs for a fashion show and the stairs, interior, and balcony views left me breathless. The theatre side is also awe-inspiring and beautifully restored. Treat yourself to a fancy night and meet some local Cubans over a fun art show. Click here for my directions on how to get tickets to a ballet show.

Fabrica de Arte Cubano – See above for description under nightlife.

Best Experiences Not to Miss in Havana

El Malecon

El Malecon: This is a lovely seaboard to walk along or sit by to people watch. Since there’s no cover, at night, Cuban friends families meet here to socialize, relax, drink and sing. It’s also one of my favorite and most peaceful drives in Havana. Don’t miss it at sunset.

Hotel Nacional: Beside luxury and a view, this hotel is a gorgeous place to visit for its historical importance. Guests such as Frank Sinatra and John F. Kennedy stayed here. The hotel was originally owned by the American mafia who played a huge role in fueling Cuba’s revolution and in US-Cuba politics afterward. Some speculate it was these mafia members who murdered JFK in an attempt to get back their seized hotels and other assets! You can tour the hotel twice a day and check out the caves built during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Or just sit outside and gaze out to the Florida Straits while sipping on a mojito

Club Havana: Did you know that in Communist Cuba there exist different class systems? Club Havana is where the more affluent or bureaucratically connected Cubas get to hang around this former country club. The last time I visited, it was under some fast-paced renovations. This probably means there are some big plans in store for it. But for now, it’s a relaxing and gorgeous establishment with at least two giant pools, a modern gym, a dining room, a cute and small bar, and a private beach. Entrance ranged from $10 to $15. A thought-provoking dichotomy in a country where the monthly average salary is $25.

Collectivo Machina Rides: Sit with local Cubans and split a collective taxi. It’s about 50 cents each way. Learn how to take one here.

Un Cafecito Cubano: While walking around Havana be sure to stop by one of the privately own coffee windows and tasting a little cup of Cuban coffee for less than 5 cents. Remember to return the cup!

Wandering/walking through neighborhoods: This is the best way to discover new and interesting things that are out of plain sight if you are driving.

Best Beaches near Havana

Santa Maria BeachThis soft blue, clear-water beach is 30 minutes east of Havana. In my opinion, it is arguably just as good if not better than the famous Varadero Beach. After a good swim, you can rent an umbrella with a table and order seafood and drinks. Try to bring a volleyball if you want to befriend some local Cubans over a friendly game.

Interested in a tour of Havana? Contact me for my local tours, excursions, and trip planning services to Cuba! [email protected] 

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5 thoughts on “Bucket-list of Havana’s BEST: Nightlife, Art Scene, Restaurants, & More

  1. Corinne says:

    I feel like there’s so many misconceptions and unknowns about Havana and Cuba, in general, so I love these suggestions. Very down to earth and things people can actually do. I’d love to visit!

  2. Erika Stauffer says:

    Aaahh magical Cuba! I had no idea you’ve spent this much time in Cuba! I have to ask, what was in the three suitcases? Gifts? Donations? Lotions and potions (this is where I personally fail as a packer lol)? I’ve been to a few of these recommended spots but you’ve given me a list for a follow up trip.

    • Isabelle says:

      Food. Lots and lots of food ????. My own clothes/stuff. Anything I could think of that I needed (seriously its very hard to get many things in Cuba)… And then stuff I was going to get rid of and knew they would go to waste in the USA but would be valued and used in Cuba.. like sheets and curtains.

      Gift giving is its own morally ambiguous/relative machine in cuba/developing that I actually wanna write about. When are you going next? Lemme know!

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