Havana, Cuba
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Havana.
Raw Cuban life with visible poverty and broken infrastructure. Safety varies wildly. Only come during daylight for specific places like La Guarida, then get out. Don't explore casually or stay overnight.
Between Old Havana and Vedado, Centro Habana is where you see unfiltered Cuban reality - crumbling buildings, people living their daily lives, infrastructure that shocks anyone coming from tourist zones. Havana's economic problems are visible here: poverty, broken services, chaotic streets. Safety changes block by block. Basic rule: the farther from the Malecón waterfront, the rougher it gets. Main streets are okay during the day, but even locals avoid this area after midnight. La Guarida restaurant is here - famous place where Obama and Madonna ate, housed in a decaying mansion. Surreal mix of high-end food in a crumbling building. This is real Cuba, but it comes with real risks: more theft, aggressive hustlers, streets that empty out at night. If you come, do it during daylight for a specific reason like La Guarida, then leave. Don't wander around or book a place to stay here. No tourist infrastructure like Old Havana, none of the safety of Vedado. Authentic but uncomfortable.
Daytime Safety
ModerateNight Walking Safety
PoorHarassment Risk
HighPublic Transport Safety
ModeratePickpocketing Risk
HighScam Risk
HighPolice Visibility
ModerateEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
ModerateSolo Dining
ModerateDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
HighGetting By in English
ModerateSome mistakes you only make once in Havana. But you shouldn't have to make them at all. This free checklist reveals the 5 safety pitfalls that catch solo women off guard — so you can avoid them before they happen.
"Went to La Guarida for dinner then left immediately"
"Felt unsafe walking around even during the day"
"Saw real poverty and struggle - eye-opening but hard"
"Hustlers were more aggressive here than tourist areas"
"Don't recommend unless you have a specific destination"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
The colonial architecture and cultural sites are worth seeing, but only during daylight. Come between 9am-5pm for museums and bars, then get out before sunset. Don't stay here overnight.
Safer than Old Havana with actual Cuban neighborhood life instead of just tourists. Better lighting and security, though catcalling still happens and you'll want basic Spanish.
Safest area in Havana - embassies, luxury hotels, expensive restaurants. Far from the main sights and doesn't feel Cuban. Good for business trips or if safety outweighs everything else.
Help other women stay safe in Centro Habana
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.