Havana, Cuba 🇨🇺
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Havana is the capital city of Cuba, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and colonial architecture. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 2.1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 5-10 Mbps in public Wi-Fi hotspots, slower in residential areas |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 24.00 CUP. Foreign currencies can be exchanged, but it is often best to bring cash. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Etecsa is the main provider; data plans can be purchased at kiosks throughout the city. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted at certain hotels and restaurants, but cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include casas particulares (private homes) and hotels, with prices ranging from $20 to $150 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is still the primary method of payment; card acceptance is limited. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms offer a wide variety of properties for different budgets. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Casa de Ania is a popular budget option, with prices around $30 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café de los Artistas - A vibrant coworking space offering reliable internet and a creative atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | El Escorial - A café with good coffee and Wi-Fi, perfect for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by the Havana Entrepreneurs network focus on local and digital enterprises. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Havana Expat Group on Facebook often organizes casual meetups and local events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | BlaBlaCar for intercity travel, while local taxis are available, but not app-based. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | BiciPara - A bike-sharing program with rental stations throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Varadero Beach is about 2 hours away by car, famous for its crystal-clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cubana de Aviación operates local flights across the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue provide frequent flights to Havana. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A1 highway connects Havana with other major cities like Varadero and Santiago. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Estación Central de Trenes is the main train station offering occasional intercity services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport options are limited; local bus cards are available but rarely used by tourists. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses such as Viazul connect Havana with other major cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico is one of the largest hospitals servicing both locals and tourists. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en el Parque offers outdoor classes for a refreshing experience. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Club Habana has basic facilities and a swimming pool. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería El Reloj provides affordable laundry services across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No established apps; food delivery via local restaurants is usually done by phone. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ropa Vieja - a traditional Cuban dish served in many local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bamboo is a popular vegan restaurant with diverse offerings. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Gelateria - well known for their homemade ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de San José - a local market for fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Much of Cuban e-commerce is limited; local artisans sell through social media. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; best to visit local markets for fresh produce. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Centro Habana is famous for vibrant nightlife and salsa clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza La Tropical - Cuba’s oldest beer with a brewery tour available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Bodeguita del Medio - famous for its mojitos but offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | El Cuentapropista - known for tasty street food options around the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Mamma Mia - Italian cuisine popular among locals and tourists. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Malecón, the iconic seawall, is a must-visit for stunning ocean views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes - showcases Cuban art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Castillo del Morro - historic fortress offering great views of the harbor. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Catedral de la Habana - a stunning baroque cathedral in Old Havana. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Havana Jazz Festival in January attracts international musicians annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional de Cuba hosts various performances including ballet and classical music. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Plaza de la Catedral - known for artisan crafts and local culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Casa de la Música showcases live Cuban music and dance. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Callejón de Hamel features vibrant murals celebrating Afro-Cuban culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cuba Cultura offers culinary classes to learn about traditional cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Habana features works from contemporary Cuban artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Capitolio is a classic landmark worth visiting for its architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The flag and emblem of Cuba symbolize its rich revolutionary history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Soroa Waterfall, a beautiful natural site about 80km from Havana. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | El Nicho National Park is about a 3-hour drive, known for its trails and waterfalls. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Malecón stretch is popular for jogging and cycling along the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de la Torre offers panoramic views of Havana and the bay. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Zapata Peninsula are great for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Playa Santa María is a designated area allowing bonfires on the beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL offers reliable international delivery services from Havana. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Cuba Telecom provides limited tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Parque de la Habana offers ping pong tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Superior de Arte offers Spanish classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional de Cuba is the main library for studying and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura is a hub for community events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; most gaming takes place in private homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Habana Riviera offers gaming options along with nightlife. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 50% for private businesses |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Income tax is progressive; corporate tax law is strict. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% for incomes above approximately $2,000/month |
| 🧾 VAT | Currently not applicable; limited indirect taxes |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, foreign entities face stringent regulations |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes depend on the property's location and value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% on all real estate transactions |