10 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Malecón, Cuba at Least Once in Your Lifetime

The Malecón seawall in Havana is an iconic spot for both locals and visitors. If you’re planning a trip to Cuba and want to know what makes this stretch a must-see destination for travelers, check out our list of reasons why you have to visit this unique slice of Cuban culture.

It’s great for people watching
Havana locals use the Malecón for all sorts of activities, and it’s a real social hub. Spend a few hours here and you’re bound to see some of life’s small dramas unfolding.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.You can meet the locals
Cubans are generally a friendly bunch, and the Malecón is where many people come to relax. If your Spanish is up to it, it’s a good spot to have a chat while they’re enjoying some downtime.

It’s the top after-party spot
If you don’t want to be inside a sweaty club, the Malecón turns into a massive open-air bar late at night. Grab a bottle of rum or some beers on your way down and listen to the numerous street performers doing their thing.

It’s perfect for stretching your legs
Walking the Malecón from the Hotel Nacional to Old Havana means that you’ll pass through the three most central neighborhoods: Vedado, Centro Habana and Habana Vieja. It’s interesting to see how the city changes.

You can watch the fishermen
Although it’s illegal, some daring Cubans brave the rough waters off the Malecón to go fishing on small rafts. Others stay on shore and cast lines from rods, which looks a lot safer!
The sunsets here are breathtaking
Wherever you are on the Malecón, it’s a great spot to watch the sunset. Looking out over the waters to Florida or along the seawall itself, you’ll see the yellow lights of the classic American cars get brighter and brighter as the sun goes down.

You can ride in a classic car
While you can take a ride in a classic car anywhere in Cuba, the Malecón is one of the most iconic spots to do so. At either end there will be drivers looking for passengers. Try to get a ride in an old convertible for the full wind-in-the-hair experience.
Diving displays are par for the course
If you’re lucky you might see one of the acrobatic diving shows when local kids jump from the sea wall into the waves. There is no schedule per se, so you’ll just have to keep your eye out.

The historic El Morro castle is an impressive sight
History buffs will be keen to find out more about the lighthouse built inside fortifications at one end of the Malecón. Walk along and visit the onsite museum at El Morro, which guards the entrance the port of Havana, the most important in Cuba.
It’s culturally significant
The Malecón is referenced constantly in Cuban music, art and literature. It has even entered the language in expressions such as ‘hasta que se seque el Malecón.’ The literal translation is ‘until the malecón dries,’ but figuratively it evokes a sense of something that will go on forever, because the Malecón is famously kept wet by the spray from the waves.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.