Havana, Cuba
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Havana.
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.
Colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, UNESCO sites - this is the Havana everyone pictures. During the day it's crowded with tour groups, vendors, and live music in Plaza Vieja. Tourist police are around and some speak English. But the whole place transforms after sunset around 6-7pm. Vendors pack up, tours leave, and those charming narrow streets get dark and empty fast. Even Cubans from other neighborhoods avoid walking here at night. The shift is stark - busy tourist area to sketchy empty alleys within an hour. Catcalling is worse here because you're obviously a visitor. Come during the day (9am-5pm) for museums, plazas, and historic bars like Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio. Then taxi to Vedado or Miramar for the evening. Don't book accommodation here - the safety changes too much after dark.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
PoorHarassment Risk
HighPublic Transport Safety
ModeratePickpocketing Risk
HighScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
ModerateSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
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"Fascinating during the day but I left before dark as advised"
"Catcalling was relentless - men following me for blocks"
"Tourist police helped when I felt uncomfortable"
"Beautiful plazas and museums but don't stay here overnight"
"Felt like a tourist target constantly - exhausting"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
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.
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 Old Havana / Habana Vieja
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.