Is Havana Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Havana is generally safe for solo female travelers. Violent crime is relatively low, and locals are usually friendly and willing to help. However, petty thefts, pickpocketing, and scams are common, especially in touristy areas. It's important to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas and keep your belongings secure at all times.

Safety rating

3.3 /5

Based on 2 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Safe

Havana is generally considered safe for solo female travelers, even during the night hours. The area is well-patrolled and most parts are well lit. As in any major city though, certain areas could be less safe and it's advisable to use common sense like avoiding poorly lit or deserted areas at night, not flashing expensive belongings, and keeping an awareness of your surroundings. Always ensure to research and stay within recommended areas. However, overall, Havana does have a safe atmosphere for nighttime exploration.

Public transportation: Moderate

Public transportation in Havana includes buses, taxis, and rickshaw-like vehicles known as 'bicitaxis'. While generally reliable, it can sometimes be crowded and may be inconsistent in terms of schedule. It is also important to note that not all taxis are licensed, so it is advised to be vigilant. Nevertheless, serious crime in Havana is relatively low. Still, like any other cities, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, so it is always important to keep a close eye on your belongings and avoid isolated areas at night.

Street harassment: Moderate

Havana is generally regarded as a safe city for solo female travelers to visit. However, it is not unusual to experience some level of street harassment, in the form of catcalls or amorous advances. This can be more noticeable in populated areas and is often regarded as socially acceptable behavior in Cuba. As always, it's important to remain conscious of your surroundings and exercise reasonable precautions when traveling.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Havana is relatively safe when compared to many other global cities but petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching still exist. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and avoid flashing expensive items. Take precautions but also remember that these incidents aren't rampant and should not hinder you from experiencing the city's beauty and culture.

Tap water:Unsafe

It's generally advised for travelers to avoid drinking tap water in Havana as it's not regularly considered safe. Contaminants and bacteria could potentially cause harm to your health, even though locals might be used to it. Play it safe by consuming bottled water instead.

Get the Travel Ladies app

Meet new people, find travel buddies, share experiences, discuss travel plans and stay with local women through couch surfing
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

Travel experiences

Overall rating

3.3 /5

based on 2 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

3.9/5

Safety

3.3/5

Food

3.3/5

Budget-friendly

2.2/5

Group travel experience

Havana was pretty cool. I definitely recommend visiting la bodeguita del medio, its where they invented the Mojito. We also went to a place called Mojito Mojito, which was touristy, but they had the most delicious Cuban sandwich ever. You can negotiate to cost of riding in the 1950s car, I recommend doing that tour, they take you everywhere important and I think we ended up paying $30 for 4 of us to go! The rum is cheap, like $3 for a huge bottle cheap, we drank rum and sat on the Malecone. Everybody was very nice and I felt safe.

Posted: November 20, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
favorite_border 60
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

Havana is unbeatable. I would recommend staying in a casa with a family if you can (I stayed in a hotel at the end and preferred seeing how locals lived!). I also went to a few other places in Cuba as well (including one resort at the end) but Havana was my absolute fave. I'd leave a lot of time just to explore and see the sights.

Posted: October 23, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 60
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Havana

Merle

Merle

Speaking

About Me

Soy una joven de 27 años. Me gusta mucho hacer amigos de distintas partes del mundo y conocer sobre otras culturas y costumbres. A la misma vez, me encanta mi ciudad, La Habana, y enseñar sus lugares y su historia. Fui estudiante de Arqueología, mi pasatiempos son los hechos y los lugares históricos de la ciudad donde vivo, así como la arquitectura. Por otra parte, si así lo deseara, pudiese ofrecerle visitas guiadas y guía especializada a sitios de interés y a cualquier otro lugar de Cuba, según sus intereses. Pueden escribirme a mi WhatsApp +53 55829483 y con gusto kes hablaré. I am a young woman of 27 years. I really like making friends from different parts of the world and learning about other cultures and customs. At the same time, I love my city, Havana, and teaching its places and its history. I was an Archeology student, my hobbies are the historical facts and places of the city where I live, as well as architecture. I am a fan of photography, I like sports, especially martial arts. My favorite music is rock, and I love to read, especially classic and historical novels. On the other hand, if you wish, you could request guided tours and a specialized guide to places of interest and to any other place in Cuba, according to your interests. You can write to my WhatsApp +53 55829483 and I will gladly talk to you.

mode_comment 0
Kathleen

Kathleen

Speaking

About Me

Adventurous and fun I have decided to focus on myself and my well-being. Excited to keep discovering this world that we live in!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇯 Benin, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇦 Gabon, 🇱🇧 Lebanon, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇦 Panama, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo, 🇸🇳 Senegal, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇬 Togo, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe, 🇿🇲 Zambia, 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Havana

Merle

Merle

Speaking

You can stay for:

7 days

About me

Soy una joven de 27 años. Me gusta mucho hacer amigos de distintas partes del mundo y conocer sobre otras culturas y costumbres. A la misma vez, me encanta mi ciudad, La Habana, y enseñar sus lugares y su historia. Fui estudiante de Arqueología, mi pasatiempos son los hechos y los lugares históricos de la ciudad donde vivo, así como la arquitectura. Por otra parte, si así lo deseara, pudiese ofrecerle visitas guiadas y guía especializada a sitios de interés y a cualquier otro lugar de Cuba, según sus intereses. Pueden escribirme a mi WhatsApp +53 55829483 y con gusto kes hablaré. I am a young woman of 27 years. I really like making friends from different parts of the world and learning about other cultures and customs. At the same time, I love my city, Havana, and teaching its places and its history. I was an Archeology student, my hobbies are the historical facts and places of the city where I live, as well as architecture. I am a fan of photography, I like sports, especially martial arts. My favorite music is rock, and I love to read, especially classic and historical novels. On the other hand, if you wish, you could request guided tours and a specialized guide to places of interest and to any other place in Cuba, according to your interests. You can write to my WhatsApp +53 55829483 and I will gladly talk to you.

mode_comment 0

Safety in Cuba