Comparison · Havana vs Miami · Cuba / United States
Havana vs Miami
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: RenaatPeeters, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Havana for Old Havana, Malecón and lower day-to-day costs; choose Miami for South Beach and Art Deco architecture. Havana is generally less expensive, and the two are about 368 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 368 km
- Less expensive
- Havana
- Best time for Havana
- November–April
- Best time for Miami
- December–April
Side by side
| Havana | Miami | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Cuba | United States |
| Known for | Old Havana, Malecón and Classic American cars | South Beach, Art Deco architecture and Cuban food |
| Best time to visit | November–April | December–April |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$220 | $230–$400 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 32°C (90°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 26°C (79°F) | January, 24°C (75°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 6 |
| Beaches | Santa María del Mar | South Beach |
| Airports | HAV | MIA, FLL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Havana for…
Old Havana, Malecón and lower day-to-day costs. Havana, Cuba's capital, spreads west from a sheltered harbour along the Caribbean coast. Old Havana (Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its fortifications, holds four restored colonial plazas, baroque churches and pastel mansions; Centro…
Choose Miami for…
South Beach and Art Deco architecture. Miami pairs a long barrier-island beach, Miami Beach, with a mainland city of Cuban cafés, glass towers and street art. South Beach's Art Deco District and Ocean Drive face the Atlantic; across Biscayne Bay, Little Havana, Wynwood, Brickell and Coconut Grove…
Top sights compared
| # | Havana | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plaza de la Catedral and Havana Cathedral | South Beach |
| 2 | Plaza de Armas | Art Deco Historic District |
| 3 | Plaza Vieja | Wynwood Walls |
| 4 | Plaza de San Francisco de Asís | Vizcaya Museum and Gardens |
| 5 | El Capitolio | Little Havana and Calle Ocho |
Food compared
| Havana | Miami |
|---|---|
| Ropa vieja | Cuban sandwich |
| Moros y cristianos | Cafecito and colada |
| Lechón asado | Croquetas |
| Yuca con mojo | Pastelitos |
Which is cheaper?
Havana is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $110–$220 per person there, against $230–$400 in Miami (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Havana on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Havana and Miami are about 368 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Havana and 5 in Miami.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Havana or Miami cheaper?
Havana is usually less expensive: about $110–$220 a day mid-range against $230–$400 (estimates).
+Is Havana or Miami better for a first trip?
Pick Havana for Old Havana, Malecón and lower day-to-day costs, or Miami for South Beach and Art Deco architecture.
+How far is Havana from Miami?
About 368 km in a straight line.