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Captivating Cuba an independent boutique specialist tour operator, with more than 25 years’ experience providing high-quality tailormade travel to Cuba and beyond.

+44 (0) 1438 419 111
[email protected]


ADDRESS
Suite F35
Business & Technology Centre
Bessemer Drive
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 2DX
United Kingdom

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Havana

Havana Highlights

The Capital of Cuba

Havana, the capital of Cuba, is a vibrant city with a strong sense of its unique history and literally bursting with character. Here you will find a diverse mix of building design, a dynamic music scene, impressive monuments and museums, and a city known for its passion for music and dance.

Seemingly frozen in time yet peppered with modern touches, Havana is home to crumbling buildings that lie alongside beautifully restored colonial homes and 20th Century high rises from a more austere age. The city’s architecture is an eclectic mix of Baroque, Neo-classical and Art Deco styles, and pastel-shaded Old Havana is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Havana is very safe to explore day and night, and you can visit museums and galleries, enjoy a vast array of music in bars, clubs and other venues throughout the city.

Spend an evening at the Opera or Ballet in the ornate Grand Theatre, or just relax at a café or bar and watch the absorbing street life.

Dine in one of many new hidden-away private restaurants and you will be amazed at the quality and service, the myths of Cuba having bland or substandard food has been banished! Chat to the friendly and approachable locals, explore this intriguing metropolis, and if you want a break from the bustling city, head to the beaches of East Havana for a swim and to relax.

Havana Location

Accommodation in Havana

Below is a selection of some of the hotels and boutique casas that we can book. Favourites are chosen by us due to overall quality and experience, hospitality, authenticity, location and customer feedback.

  • All
  • our favourites
  • hotels
  • boutique casas
  • top of the range
  • mid range
  • budget

Pre-booked Havana Experiences

We can organise before you travel to Cuba, a wide range of fantastic experiences that can be completely tailored for you.
Take advantage of our friendly and knowledgeable pre-booking service and save time making arrangements during your holiday.

Taste of Havana

Introducing the main sights and amazing unique street life of Havana, this fully guided tour starts with a stroll through the bustling streets and quiet squares of Old Havana.

Ultimate Havana Tour

A jam-packed day combining a cigar factory visit, walking tour of Old Havana with lunch, 2 hour old American car tour with guide, and a cocktail making class with tapas.

Old American Closed Top
Car Tour of Havana

Cruise through Havana in an Old American car with a local driver, the ultimate Cuban experience! We recommend a 2-hour drive taking in the impressive sights.

Havana Cycling Tour

A fascinating and relaxing way to explore Havana with our fully guided leisurely cycling tour of Havana. Experience the local life and gain an insight into the vibrant community spirit of the Habaneros.

Authentic Cocktail Making Lesson
in Havana

Held at a local bar-restaurant and a community project located in a neighbourhood in Old Havana, here you will learn how to make perfect speciality cocktails from an expert mixologist.

UNESCO World Heritage Site
of Vinales Valley - Group Tour

Exploring Cuba’s stunning landscape at Viñales Valley, where you will get a taste of rural life in Cuba and absorb the totally unique scenery.

Parisien Cabaret Show at
the Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Enjoy the vibrant and extravagant show at the Parisien Cabaret located in Havana’s iconic and majestic Hotel Nacional De Cuba. Follow in the footsteps of Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner and Winston Churchill.

Private Walking Tour of
Old Havana

A fully tailored walking tour of Old Havana with a knowledgeable and professional guide. Choose your visits from a huge range of options including the Havana Club Rum Museum, City Museum, and the Belles Artes Museum.

Old American Open Top
Car Tour of Havana

The ultimate Cuba experience! Travel in style through the streets of Havana, taking in the sights and sounds of this unique, historic city in an old open-top American car with a local driver.

Salsa Lesson in Old
Havana

A fun 2-hour salsa dancing lesson in the historic heart of Old Havana. We use the leading dance school in Cuba and their teachers and dancers are very friendly and professional, and used to teaching from beginners upwards.

UNESCO World Heritage Site
of Vinales Valley - Private Tour

A classic introduction with a few unique and exclusive extras. The tour takes in the world-famous tobacco plantations and more.

Ernest Hemingway Tour

The famous author Ernest Hemingway lived in Cuba for nearly 20 years and the island was a major influence on his life and globally recognised books. See where Hemingway lived, visit his favourite bars and learn about his life.

Visit a Working Cigar
Factory

Experience the whole process where local rollers still hand roll every cigar using tobacco leaves brought in from the plantations at Pinar Del Rio. You can also watch the sorting and packaging process linked to tobacco quality.

Legends of Cuban Music

Enjoy an authentic evening of the best Cuban big band music with ‘Legendarios de Guajirito’. The band is made with former members of the Buena Vista Social Club and Afro-Cuban All Stars. An inspiring musical experience.

Club Tropicana Cuban Cabaret

Enjoy a night under the stars at the historic and world-famous Tropicana cabaret which has been an iconic part of Havana’s nightlife for 80 years.

Ballet and Opera Performances

Tickets to Havana’s world-class ballet performances. Excellent quality ballet, opera and cultural music performances take place regularly throughout the year in the main theatres in Havana.

Cigar, Rum and Coffee
Experience with a Cigar Sommelier

In a local traditional venue in Old Havana, you can watch the master cigar roller at work. An introduction to the world of tobacco and cigars, the history, cultivation, and production processes.

Pre-Booked Private Havana Restaurants

Formerly known as ‘paladars’, Cuba’s privately owned restaurants, are highly recommended and undoubtedly offer the best food. These sought after eateries range from hip to elegant, offer varying cuisines, creative menus, have passionate owners, and are great for foodies. If you’re not in the know, eating out at mediocre restaurants in Cuba is easy to do. They get booked up well in advance, so we recommend our restaurant pre-booking service before travel. Talk to our team for reservations at our favourite recommendations.

5 Sentidos, Havana

Well located in Old Havana, this contemporary and very popular restaurant is perched on the corner of Compostela and San Juan de Dios. There is an extensive menu, with lots of delicious choices including ceviche, meat, and fish dishes as well as vegetarian choices.

La Guarida Restautant terrace

La Guarida, Havana

Probably the most iconic Havana paladar, La Guarida first opened its doors in July 1996 and has since become a landmark of Havana attracting thousands of visitors to Havana including international film stars and royalty. Patrons of this impressive restaurant usually agree that Enrique and Odeisys have created a memorable and special dining experience.

El del Frente, Havana

The sister restaurant of O’Reilly 304 situated on the opposite site of the street, this hip and happening eatery and bar is a must-visit whilst in Havana. Try to get a table on the rooftop, where the DJ and cool bar area makes this, in our opinion, the best location in the restaurant.

Jama Restaurant building exterior

Jama, Havana

Jama is a culinary gem that brings together the flavours of Jamaica and Asia in a delightful fusion. Located in the heart of Havana, this restaurant showcases a diverse range of dishes, from Jamaican jerk chicken to Asian-inspired stir-fries and sushi rolls. The vibrant atmosphere is complemented by a stylish décor that combines Jamaican and Asian aesthetics.

Restaurante Antojos, Havana

This is the place to be seen, with plenty of cool and colourful photo opportunities. Antojos is famous for the croquettes that they serve but also have a great full menu and fantastic drinks. There is both an indoor restaurant and outdoor terrace and vegan options are also offered.

La Catarina Mexican Restaurant - street side dining in Havana

La Catrina, Havana

A vibrant culinary gem that brings the flavours of Mexico to Havana. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, La Catrina captures the essence of Mexican culture through its colourful decor and lively ambiance. The menu boasts an extensive selection of traditional Mexican dishes, from sizzling fajitas to mouth-watering enchiladas.

Already know what you want or need inspiration?

We’d be happy to answer all of your questions. Give us a call to start planning your tailormade holiday.
Call us on +44 (0) 1438 419 111 or click below to send us a message.

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