Havana Cuba

Discover Timeless Havana with WestJet Vacations

In Cuba's capital, colonial grandeur meets contemporary sophistication—and new direct flights from Toronto make this cultural treasure more accessible than ever.

Royalton hotel Havana
Hemingway House Havana
Hemingway House Havana
Ernest Hemingway House

With its baroque facades, vintage Cadillacs, and the infectious rhythm of salsa spilling from every doorway, Havana feels like stepping into a living museum where time moves to its own beat. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers an intoxicating blend of revolutionary history, architectural splendour, and refined experiences that few Caribbean destinations can match.

This season, WestJet Vacations makes Cuba’s crown jewel more convenient to reach with new direct flights from Toronto, opening the door to one of the Caribbean’s most culturally rich destinations.

Where Time Stands Beautifully Still

Havana’s magnetism lies in its remarkable preservation of five centuries of architectural evolution. In Old Havana, cobblestone streets wind past restored colonial palaces, now housing boutique hotels and world-class restaurants. The Gran Teatro de La Habana hosts world-renowned ballet performances, while the newly renovated Capitolio building stands as testament to the city’s renewed commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

Sophisticated Comfort Redefined

Cuba’s hospitality landscape has evolved dramatically, with historic properties now offering convenient modern-day amenities. Boutique hotels occupy colonial mansions, like the Mystique Habana by Royalton, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers impressive views in the city’s historic center. For a more modern experience in the historic city centre, stay at Royalton Habana, featuring five on-site restaurants and an infinity pool overlooking the sea.

Authentic Encounters Await

For sophisticated travellers seeking authentic cultural engagement, Havana delivers experiences that go far beyond typical tourist attractions. Private tours of Ernest Hemingway’s preserved estate offer insights into the Nobel laureate’s Cuban years, while exclusive access to recording studios provides encounters with musicians carrying forward Cuba’s legendary musical traditions.

The Perfect Escape

What sets Havana apart isn’t just its undeniable charm or its cultural richness, but the way refinement and authenticity intertwine seamlessly. Here, mornings might begin with expertly crafted café cubano on a private terrace overlooking the harbour, followed by guided explorations of architectural gems, and evenings that flow naturally from sophisticated dining to impromptu salsa sessions in atmospheric jazz clubs.

In Havana, premium experiences aren’t about opulence—they’re about access to moments that money can’t typically buy, delivered with the warmth and artistry that defines Cuban hospitality.

Discover this remarkable destination with a flight and hotel package from WestJet Vacations.

Cuba’s Coolest City – Havana by Day & Night

DAY

By day, the streets of Old Havana fill with tourists eagerly exploring Cuba’s thriving cultural capital.

CHECK-IN Any claims that Havana lacks true luxury hotels will quickly be put to rest by the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana. This five-star property in Old Havana began life as a shopping arcade more than a century ago. The 246 rooms and suites feature high ceilings and French windows. For those who like to be pampered, head to the spa or rooftop pool with its sweeping views of the district. www.kempinski.com/havana

FOOD A celebrity hangout since opening its doors in the 1940s, start the day with breakfast in the gardens of the storied Hotel Nacional de Cuba overlooking the Caribbean Sea. www.hotelnacionaldecuba.com

EXPLORE In Old Havana, take a walk along its charming cobblestone streets. Bars, restaurants, outdoor cafés, cigar lounges, and historic attractions abound in this gloriously restored district. Stop at La Bodeguita del Medio for a mojito. labodeguitarestaurant.restaurantwebx.com

HISTORY Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll find the Museum of the Revolution enthralling with its many exhibits telling of the guerrilla campaign that brought Fidel Castro to power and its recounting of Cold War tensions. www.cuba-museums-guide.com

STYLE Havana can be hot. Explore the city in the comfort of a chauffeured ‘60s American car, iconic of the city. These stylish vehicles are lovingly maintained and a fun way to get around. Cars for hire can be found outside prominent hotels and popular attractions. Ask your concierge.

NIGHT

Salsa, jazz, and incredible cuisine: night time is the right time in Havana.

FOOD For dinner, how about breaking bread in a restaurant Cuban authorities were confident was suitable for a world leader? San Cristobal hosted former U.S. president Barack Obama when he visited Havana. www.paladarsancristobal.com

PALADAR Or try authentic Cuban cuisine at one of Havana’s growing number of paladars – privately run restaurants licensed by the Cuban government to serve foreigners. La Guarida, whose celebrity guest list includes Robert De Niro, Natalie Portman, Jack Nicholson, and Rihanna, boasts it’s Havana’s “most elegant” paladar. www.laguarida.com

AFTER DINNER What would a visit to Havana be without taking in a show at the famed Tropicana? Presenting spectacular displays of Cuban music and dancing – it’s a must. www.cabaret-tropicana.com

LATE Cuban music and dance have built a worldwide following, and there are many places night owls can choose from. The Melià Cohiba’s Cafe Habana is always lively after sundown. Jazz Café and La Zorra y el Cuervo are renowned Cuban jazz hotspots. And the Buena Vista Social Club or Café Parisien at The Hotel Nacional de Cuba are other great choices in a city of great choices. Check out www.lahabana.com for a full list of late night hot spots.