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 want to chill in an airy and cool place. This is why you need this extensive guide to rooftop bars in Havana!
I have traveled regularly to Havana for five years for long periods of time, and I love its rooftop bars, so this is a guide created from the heart.
What is better on super hot evenings after exploring Havana than 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
Lets start with a high-end option, super centrally located in Havana. 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.
Day Pass For A Pool Day
You can also book a «Day Pass» on the rooftop of the Gran Manzana Kempinski and just chill by the pool all day while the staff will make sure you have what you need at any time.
For a non-resident price, you can spend the day from morning 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. La Guarida Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Tucked away in one of the narrow streets in Central Havana you find La Guarida, truly a hidden gem in Havana – with a spectacular rooftop bar.
In fact, La Guarida has two rooftop areas for the restaurant with amazing outdoor seating and stunning views over Havana at night, and one bar-bar rooftop.
You first climb a lot of wide, elegant marble stairs winding up a few floors before you get to the restaurant reception. And please, book a table here beforehand, this is a really popular place.
You can choose to sit indoors, too, which can be a good solution during the wet season or the peak of winter when it might actually be a bit chilly at night in Havana.
But if you can, I totally recommend you have a table on the top-floor rooftop, which is super elegant with white tablecloths, lots of lights creating an amazing atmosphere, and sometimes they also have live music.
Can I also say that the food here is amazing, and they have great fish courses (fish is generally hard to find in Havana and Cuba, weirdly, even though it is an island surrounded by water).
On the top floor, at the other end of the building, is the rooftop bar area, which is not very big.
It is super stylish, kind of quiet with nice music, and with incredible views over Central Havana, the Malecon, and the sea, and all the way towards the Vedado district.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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 is a more relaxed rooftop bar where you will meet a lot of locals.
Galeaon 212 has an indoor area on the second floor 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, you find this airy rooftop bar.
Normally with 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!
Top-Rated Tours In Havana
📍 EpicNomadLife tips: 5 top-rated tours of Havana you will love!
6. 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.
📍 EpicNomadLife Tip: All the information you need to research & plan your Cuba journey in one place:
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7.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.
From the hotel lobby, you enter a very small and very old elevator in the middle of the room with ornate iron doors, and there is actually an elevator driver taking you up and down (if you don’t try for the stairs).
On the top, the view is nice, not as spectacular as some of the other rooftop bars on this list, but then again, Ambos Mundos has significant historical importance that makes a visit here worth it.
Check out cubadirect.co.uk or therooftopguide.com, second opinions, and a few more places from other people.
8. 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.
Before this time, I visited Saratoga often; it has a beautiful rooftop with amazing views right next to the famous Capitolio, the old parliament building in Havana.
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.
FAQs Havana Rooftop Bars
Do I need to make reservations to visit these rooftop bars?
While some rooftop bars in Havana operate on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s advisable to make reservations, especially for popular spots like La Guarida’s and Manzana Kempinski.
Better safe than sorry, I recommend you call and book a table just in case, to avoid wandering aimlessly around Havana at night without a table anywhere.
What is the typical dress code for rooftop bars in Havana?
Dress codes can vary depending on the venue, but many rooftop bars in Havana maintain a casual or smart casual dress code.
For instance, La Guarida recommends smart casual attire, while places like Malecón 663 are more relaxed. It’s best to check with the specific venue if you’re unsure.
Are children allowed in rooftop bars in Havana?
Policies regarding children vary by establishment. Some rooftop bars may welcome families like the Manzana Kempinski.
Others might be better suited for adults, especially those that have more of a bar atmosphere, like Galeano 212.
If there is something special you want to go to, I recommend you call them (or have someone who speaks Spanish call them) to ask about their policy on children to make sure you find a place everyone will enjoy.
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
