CU
Havana
Colonial plazas, sea-wall sunsets and Spanish forts – in a capital facing severe power and fuel shortages
Colonial plazas, sea-wall sunsets and Spanish forts – in a capital facing severe power and fuel shortages
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
Cuba is going through a severe energy crisis. Nationwide blackouts have recurred throughout 2026, most recently in September, and fuel, water and cooking gas are scarce. Some hotels have closed, several airlines (including the main Canadian carriers) have suspended flights, and many foreign bank cards no longer work, so carry enough cash. US travellers face tighter restrictions from 30 September 2026. Check your flights, accommodation and official advice before booking.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
Havana Cathedral’s Baroque façade fronts one of Old Havana’s main squares. Nearby, Plaza de Armas and Plaza Vieja are linked by pedestrian streets such as Calle Obispo.
Photo: Wolfgang Sauber, CC BY-SA 4.0
The sea wall and avenue runs along Havana’s northern shore from Old Havana towards the Almendares River. In the evening locals gather along it to fish, talk and watch the sunset.
Waves break over the wall in rough weather.
Photo: PLBechly, CC BY-SA 4.0
Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, begun in the late 16th century, guards the entrance to the bay, with views back across to the city.
Photo: Kate Perez, CC BY-SA 4.0
The 18th-century Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña stretches along the east side of the bay. A cannon is fired here every night at 9pm in the cañonazo ceremony.
Check the ceremony is running before crossing the bay.
Photo: P. Hughes, CC BY 4.0
The domed National Capitol, completed in 1929, dominates central Havana.
Photo: Virtual-Pano, CC BY 4.0
Cuban staples include ropa vieja (shredded beef), moros y cristianos (rice and black beans), roast pork and fried plantains. Most visitors eat at private restaurants (paladares).
Shortages mean menus are often limited and change day to day. Carry bottled water or a filter, and some snacks.
José Martí International Airport is about 15km south of the centre. Several airlines suspended or cut Cuba routes in 2026 because of jet fuel shortages, so confirm your flight close to departure.
Taxis, including classic American cars, are the main way to get around; fuel shortages can make them scarce and expensive. Public transport is severely disrupted. US citizens face US restrictions on travel to Cuba; check them before booking.
Cuba uses the peso (CUP), but tourists usually pay in cash US dollars or euros. Cards issued by US banks do not work and ATMs are unreliable.
Prices change quickly; confirm in advance.
Three days for the old city, the forts and the Malecón, with slack for disruptions.
Walk Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja and Calle Obispo, then the Capitolio.
Cross the bay to El Morro and stay for the 9pm cañonazo at La Cabaña.
Walk the Malecón towards Vedado and watch the sunset from the sea wall.
Bring a power bank and torch; blackouts can last over a day.
Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash.
Bottled water can be hard to find.
Check government travel advice before booking.
Quick answers for planning time in Havana.
Canada advises a high degree of caution in Cuba because of worsening shortages of electricity, fuel and basic necessities. Petty theft is the most common crime against visitors. Check your government’s latest advice.
Yes. Scheduled daily cuts are common, and island-wide blackouts occurred several times in 2026.
Cash US dollars or euros. ATMs are unreliable and US-issued cards do not work.
A cannon fired every night at 9pm at La Cabaña fortress.
December to April is dry and mild; June to November is hurricane season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Cuba travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.