7 Bars Havana: Ultimate Rooftop Bar Guide Havana By A Local (2024)

When you visit Havana, regardless of the time of year, it will be hot. And busy. And lots to see and do. At the end of the day, you are going to need this amazing Bars Havana rooftop guide!

I have traveled regularly to Havana for five years for long periods of time, and I love its rooftop bars!

What is better on super hot evenings after having explored Havana than taking a few hours lounging on one of the city’s airy terraces?

Ultimate Guide To Havana Rooftop Bars

Whether you want to stay up in the sky for lunch, dinner, or just hang out for drinks in the evening. Cool down and stare into the horizon away from the sizzling sun, with ice cubes and a fancy drink in your fancy glass.

Here are 7 rooftop bars in Havana where you can escape the city’s heat and noise. Read on for the top tips on airy rooftop lounging in the Cuban capital.

Be smart, call ahead, and book a table. These Oases in the Sky are super popular!

1. Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

The rooftop terrace bar and restaurant of the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski on the border of Old Havana offers a stunning view of the city both day and night.

The seating area is just beside the beautiful blue pool and offers tables both under the roof or in the sun if you prefer that.

Manzana Kempinski is located just across the street from Parque Central, between Old Havana and Central Havana. The terrace is on the 6th floor and offers an amazing view of more than half the city – the sea and the Capitolio.

Once you step out of the elevator, the first thing you see is the sunlit blue water from the pool, merging with the blue skies behind it.

All airy and light with spectacular views of Havana. Dinner tables are under the half-open ceiling, and lounge sofas are under parasols to help you keep cool and comfy.

Pop in here for a short break and a drink during your day, for lunch, or for a nice long dinner in the evening.

The menu offers both simple lunch courses and more gourmet-type dinner courses that will keep you happy for the evening.

If you are not a hotel resident, it is smart to call ahead and book a table, especially on the weekends, to ensure there is space for you and your company. This rooftop is popular.

You can also book a «Day Pass» on the rooftop of the Gran Manzana. For a non-resident price, you can spend the day (until 7 p.m.) chilling by the pool while the city noise below is barely noticeable.

On the same floor, you also find the Gran Manzana Spa, where you can book treatments and enjoy the facilities even as a non-resident at the hotel.

2. Hotel Inglaterra Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

The Inglaterra is an «institution» in the Cuban capital, situated at the crossing points between Old and Central Havana.

Once considered one of the most famous hotels both in Cuba and the world, the Inglaterra attracted important people and famous people from all over the globe.

It’s also the oldest hotel in the city, founded in 1875 and declared Nacional Monument in 1981.

There is live music almost every night, and this is where locals and tourists alike go dancing, have a mojito, chat, and enjoy the night and the ambiance.

You just go through the lobby and take the little elevator directly up to the bar area. Some nights, there may also be a little queue to get in here, but if your main objective for the evening is to dance, it is very much worth the little wait.

The Inglaterra rooftop is also open during the day for light meals or a drink, but this terrace comes to life in the evening (rather late as well).

Hotel Inglaterra on Tripadvisor

3. Hotel Iberostar Parque Central Old Havana Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

The rooftop of the Iberostar Parque Central consists of white and light shapes and bright life.

It is conveniently divided into two parts. One that has lounge seating just for meals and drinks outside the restaurant, and one where you find the chill area with a pool and sunbeds.

The architecture of the whole rooftop is stunning, all in white or light colors, greenery, artsy details, and airy.

Mind you, the outside dining area could benefit from adding some parasols when I was there, as the sun is ferocious on Cuban rooftops in the summer!

Still, I enjoyed both my pizza and glass of cold white wine and the waiter was super attentive and agreeable.

This rooftop is also on my list for a Day Pass to a poolside hang-out day after the pandemic releases its grip and rules lighten.

📍 EpicNomadLife tips: Want some help with the Havana nightlife? Check out this FREE Havana Night Tour.

4. Galeano 212 Bar Central Havana

The Galeano 212 bar in Central Havana is situated along Galeano Street, only a few blocks from the Malecon.

This bar has an indoor area that is more like a club, all red and dark, and with an elegant bar and a dance floor. But one floor up from this nightly den, there is also an intimate but airy rooftop bar.

Reggaeton music playing, you can chill on one of the tables while the staff serves you right where you are.

Although there is not really a dance floor here on the rooftop bar, you can definitely do a swing if you want to. Everyone else does. This is Cuba, after all!

5 Top-Rated Tours In Havana

5. Malecon 663 Boutique Hotel Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

Along the Malecon, very close to the Parque Antonio Maceo, is a little, almost hidden gem of a place called Malecon 663.

The door is small and anonymous, hidden behind a bright red stiletto shoe-shaped bici-taxi.

Malecon 663 is both a hostel, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar that provides you with an unobstructed view of the sea almost all the way to the Florida Keys.

To be on the safe side, it may be smart to book a table in advance at Malecon 663, as it is very popular and not very big.

I had brunch when I was there, which was like a large breakfast with fruit, eggs, and a mojito to start it all off. The bar on the rooftop plays chill lounge music that completes the relaxed vibe.

While waiting for your meal, you can even take your cocktail with you into the small glass jacuzzi on the roof. On this super small but super cozy rooftop terrace bar, you can easily spend at least half a day – if not more.

6.Hotel Ambos Mundos Old Havana

Hotel Ambos Mundos (Hotel Both Worlds) is a hotel, bar, and restaurant situated on Obispo Street that used to be Hemingway’s home away from home!

It also has a lovely rooftop bar and restaurant to show for it.

Check out cubadirect.co.uk or therooftopguide.com, second opinions, and a few more places from other people.

7. The Saratoga Boutique Hotel Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

The Saratoga Boutique Hotel was where a devastating accident took place at the beginning of May 2022 when a lot of people sadly lost their lives in a split second in a gas explosion.

According to the authorities, the plan is to rebuild this beautiful building and restore it to its grand beauty.

I will update the information about the Saratoga once the hotel is back in business.

Wrap-Up Havana Rooftop Bars & Restaurants!

This overview of Havana rooftop bars and restaurants is a work in progress, and I am updating it every time I visit a new place in the city!

And don’t forget about daytime Havana; there is a myriad of things to do and explore!

You can easily explore the old city on your own, but if you want to know a bit of history and other famous places in the capital of Cuba and make the most of your stay.

You should also consider one or a few organized tours to help you maximize your adventure.

Related blog posts:

Best Restaurants In Havana | Ultimate Dining Guide From A Local

Is Female Solo Travel In Cuba Safe? A Local Woman’s Advice

Cuba Trips From US: How To Travel To Cuba From US