Havana Highlights: A 2-Day Cultural Journey

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by Caroline

March 29, 2024 · 2 min read

Havana 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 2-day exploration of Havana's rich culture and history. Begin your journey in the heart of the city, Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site that exudes charm with its colonial architecture and lively streets. Spend 2 hours soaking in the ambiance before heading to the Plaza de la Catedral, where the grandeur of the historic church awaits your admiration for another 2 hours. As the sun sets, stroll along the Malecon, Havana's famous waterfront, for an hour of picturesque views and local life. On day two, delve into Cuba's past at the Presidential Palace Museo de la Revolucion, a 2-hour visit that promises a deep dive into the country's revolutionary history. Continue your time travel at the National Capitol of Cuba, spending 2 hours marveling at its majestic buildings and museums. Conclude your itinerary at the iconic Plaza de la Revolucion, a square that's not just vast in size but also in its significance to the Cuban people. This 2-day itinerary is designed to leave you with a profound appreciation of Havana's spirit and story.

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Roc Presidente Hotel
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Day 1: Time-Traveling Through Havana's Historic Heart

1

Old Havana

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Kickstart your Havana adventure by stepping into the past with a visit to Old Havana, a neighborhood that's a living museum of Cuban history. As you wander through the vibrant streets for about 2 hours, you'll be enveloped by the area's rich cultural tapestry, designated as a World Cultural Heritage site. The colorful buildings, lively plazas, and the hum of local life make Old Havana an essential first stop in your journey through the city.

Attraction Info

  • Old Havana, Havana, Cuba
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

San Cristobal Paladar
San Cristobal Paladar
4.5/5 · 20 reviews
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La Guarida
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4.4/5 · 7 reviews
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Donde Lis Restaurante & Bar
Donde Lis Restaurante & Bar
4.4/5 · 5 reviews
0.7 km from attraction
Esto No Es Un Cafe
Esto No Es Un Cafe
4.2/5 · 9 reviews
0.7 km from attraction
Nazdarovie
Nazdarovie
4.3/5 · 12 reviews
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La Bodeguita del Medio
La Bodeguita del Medio
3.8/5 · 37 reviews
0.7 km from attraction
14 min,1.02 km
2

Plaza de la Catedral

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Following the cobblestone trail, your next encounter is with the majestic Plaza de la Catedral. Spend another 2 hours here, basking in the grandeur of the church and the historic site that surrounds it. This square, nestled in the heart of Old Havana, is not just a testament to religious architecture but also a gathering place that has seen centuries of stories unfold within its embrace.

Attraction Info

  • | Old Havana, Havana, Cuba
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours
7 min,3.49 km
3

Malecon

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As the day wanes, make your way to the iconic Malecon, a waterfront promenade that's a social hub for locals and visitors alike. With just an hour here, you'll witness the characteristic neighborhood come alive against the backdrop of a stunning sunset. The Malecon is the perfect spot to reflect on your day's journey through Havana's history and culture, all while the ocean whispers tales of the city's maritime legacy.

Attraction Info

  • Havana, Cuba
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

San Cristobal Paladar
San Cristobal Paladar
4.5/5 · 20 reviews
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4.4/5 · 7 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
Donde Lis Restaurante & Bar
Donde Lis Restaurante & Bar
4.4/5 · 5 reviews
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Nazdarovie
Nazdarovie
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Esto No Es Un Cafe
Esto No Es Un Cafe
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Porto Habana
Porto Habana
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Havana
|0.03km from Malecón of Havana
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Havana
|0.04km from Malecón of Havana
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Havana
|0.08km from Malecón of Havana
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|0.23km from Malecón of Havana

Day 2: Havana's Historical Heartbeat

1

Presidential Palace Museo de la Revolucion

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Begin your second day in Havana with a journey through Cuba's poignant history at the Presidential Palace Museo de la Revolucion. Nestled along Belgium Avenue, this museum is housed in the former Presidential Palace, offering visitors a two-hour glimpse into the country's revolutionary past. The building itself is a memorial to Cuba's complex narrative, with exhibits that narrate the story of struggle and triumph that has shaped the nation. The museum's grand architecture and the rich collection of artifacts make it a must-visit for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

Attraction Info

  • Belgium Avenue, Havana, Cuba
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 9:30am-4:00pm

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San Cristobal Paladar
San Cristobal Paladar
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La Guarida
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Donde Lis Restaurante & Bar
Donde Lis Restaurante & Bar
4.4/5 · 5 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
Nazdarovie
Nazdarovie
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Esto No Es Un Cafe
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Porto Habana
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2

National Capitol of Cuba

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Continue your historical exploration with a visit to the National Capitol of Cuba, located just a short distance from the Museo de la Revolucion. This iconic edifice, reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol, stands as a testament to Cuba's architectural grandeur. Spend two hours marveling at the building's neoclassical design and the wealth of historical and cultural exhibits housed within its walls. The Capitol is not only a symbol of political history but also a beacon of Cuban identity, making it an essential stop on your Havana itinerary.

Attraction Info

  • 66 Cienfuegos, La Habana 10200, Cuba
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-4:00pm
11 min,4.61 km
3

Plaza de la Revolucion

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Conclude your day at the expansive Plaza de la Revolucion, the political and administrative epicenter of Havana. This vast square is a canvas of Cuba's modern history, where political rallies and celebrations have etched their mark. Allocate two hours to soak in the atmosphere of this iconic space, surrounded by significant structures and monuments that pay homage to Cuba's revolutionary heroes. The plaza's sheer size and historical significance offer a unique perspective on the city's pulse and the spirit of its people.

Attraction Info

  • Havana, Cuba
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours

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La Guarida
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Top Things to Do in Havana-2024

TOP 1
Old Havana
Old Havana
4.5/5 · 108 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 20,753 review
Highlights:
Havana is divided into two parts: the new city and the old city. The new city is close to the Caribbean Sea, with wide and tidy streets, row upon row of high-rise buildings, and is full of modern atmosphere. The old city is located on a peninsula on the west side of Havana Bay. It covers a small area and can spend most of the day on foot.
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TOP 2
Museo de Ernest Hemingway
Museo de Ernest Hemingway
4.3/5 · 68 review
Highlights:
The Hemingway House is located at the FincadeVigia in Old Havana. The estate was built in 1887 and Hemingway lived here from 1940 to 1961. Many important works are also written here. The former residence still retains the appearance when Hemingway lived. In the pavilion of the garden, Hemingway's fishing boat is also preserved when he went to sea.
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TOP 3
Malecón of Havana
Malecón of Havana
4.4/5 · 53 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 12,078 review
Highlights:
The scenery is very open, and the famous Havana Carnival is held here on July 26 every year. It is also an important place for Havanese to walk, fall in love, dance and hold folk concerts.
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TOP 4
National Capitol of Cuba
National Capitol of Cuba
4.3/5 · 88 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 2,922 review
Highlights:
The Capitol Building in Old Havana is a tall and characteristic building in Havana. It was completed in 1929. It used to be the seat of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cuba. It is currently the seat of the Cuban Academy of Sciences and the Cuban Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment. It is one of the six famous congress palaces in the world, and there is a statue symbolizing the Republic in the building, which is the third largest indoor sculpture in the world.
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TOP 5
Plaza de la Catedral
Plaza de la Catedral
4.5/5 · 64 review
Highlights:
The Cathedral of Havana is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Havana, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and San Kitaujo. The Baroque façade of Havana Cathedral is designed to be asymmetrical, with one of its twin towers wider than the other. It is the oldest and most beautiful cathedral in Cuba. It was built in 1748 and is known as the music composed by stone.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Havana 2 Days Itinerary