Havana has dozens of attractions that can be explored in two or three days by taking advantage of the well-organized guided tours offered by our local SoGuide guides. If you only have one day to see it all, here’s an article covering the main historic sites, restaurants, traditional cuisine, unique modes of transportation, cigars, mojitos, a souvenir market, a trip to the beach, and salsa dancing.

7:30–8:30 AM: Strolling and sightseeing in Havana

With the exception of hotel-restaurants, few places in Havana are open before 8:00 AM. It can therefore be a bit difficult to have breakfast before that time (unless your accommodation offers an option). But you can make the most of this precious hour of daylight by walking to one of the cafés that open at 8:30 a.m. and enjoying the local architecture along the way, before the sun gets too high.

8:30–9:30 a.m.: Have breakfast at Café Arcangel

In addition to enjoying a hearty breakfast to prepare for a long day of exploring, at Café Arcangel you can savor excellent Cuban coffee—a must—in a country where coffee culture is so strong.

9:30–10:00 a.m.: Take photos around the Capitol

After breakfast, walk to Parque Central and visit some of Havana’s iconic buildings. Nearby attractions include: the Capitol, the first statue of national hero José Martí, the Hotel Inglaterra and the Hotel Telegrafo—two of the country’s oldest hotels—a sports stadium named after one of the greatest Cuban boxers of all time, Eligio “Kid Chocolate” Sardiñas, and the Gran Teatro de La Habana (home of the National Ballet of Cuba).

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Tour of the Partagas Cigar Factory in Havana

Just a short walk from Prado Street is the Partagas cigar factory, located directly behind the Capitol. You can tour the factory to learn all the details of cigar production and watch some of the world’s best cigar rollers at work. If you’d like to buy cigars to take home, there’s a cigar shop at the factory entrance.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Take the Havana Tour bus to Vedado (T1) and enjoy the sights

It’s time to enjoy some sights while sitting back. Walk to Parque Central and take the Havana Tour bus (T1, heading toward Vedado). Sitting on the upper deck, you’ll be able to see many important buildings and landmarks: Old Havana, Centro Habana, and Vedado—including El Morro and its iconic lighthouse, the Malecón, the Anti-Imperialist Tribune, the Casa de las Américas cultural center, and 23rd Street, as well as many other interesting sites.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Visit to Revolution Square

Head to Revolution Square and stop at the historic site where Fidel Castro and his supporters celebrated the ousting of dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. Flanked by large-scale images of rebel army commanders Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, the square features a tower in the center and a statue of national hero José Martí. At the base of the monument is a memorial that provides access to the top floor of the tower—the highest point in Havana—making it an excellent spot for taking photos and viewing Havana from above.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Ride in a vintage convertible in Havana

On the left side of the square, you’ll find a number of vintage convertibles just waiting for you. Ask your local SoGuide to arrange the route so that the ride ends in Old Havana; and take selfies in this convertible that’s over 60 years old.

2:00 PM – Lunch in Old Havana

Sample Cuban seafood at one of the many restaurants in Old Havana, including El Templete, El Patio, and La Mina. They’re all just a short walk from the Bodeguita del Medio.

3:30 PM: Hire a CocoTaxi to head to the San José souvenir market

Yellow coconut-shaped motorcycle taxis called CocoTaxis are everywhere in this part of the old quarter. And it’s easy to find one to take you to the Almacenes de San José, Havana’s largest craft market. From trinkets and keychains to bags, original paintings, and photographs, you’ll find plenty of options if you’re looking to buy gifts.

4:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Santa Maria Beach

Hire a maquina to take you to Santa Maria Beach; one of the best stretches of Playas del Este, a long stretch of beach east of Havana. “Maquina” is a popular term for old American hardtop cars. Unlike convertibles and other classic cars, they offer lower rates for long distances. They’re ideal for beach trips because they have much more space.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Get ready for a night out in Havana

Head back to your accommodation, take a shower, and get ready to hit the road again.

8:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Dinner featuring traditional Cuban cuisine

Roast pork, fried plantains or yucca, white rice, black bean soup, and salad are the staples of a traditional Cuban meal that you can enjoy at most restaurants in Cuba. Ropa Vieja, tamales, congrí, or moros y cristianos (rice and beans) are also typical. Among the most popular restaurants serving Cuban cuisine are La Guarida and Doña Eutimia (if you’re staying in Old Havana); La Paila and El Cimarron (for those staying in Vedado).

10:00 PM: Go dancing in Havana

There are many places where you can watch salsa dancers in Havana; you can join them, or even take a free lesson with an enthusiastic Cuban eager to teach you. Another great option for an evening out in Havana is the Cuban Art Factory, a cultural center where visitors can enjoy visual art exhibitions, live performances by various groups, and delicious drinks.