Should I Visit Beirut or Havana for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Beirut or Havana?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Havana. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Beirut or Havana?

Beirut

Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

Which place is cheaper, Havana or Beirut?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

Beirut Prices
Lebanon Prices

Havana Prices
Cuba Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Beirut $2.25

Havana $65

The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.25, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Beirut and Havana in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Beirut $1.26

Havana $40
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Beirut $2.52

Havana $80

Compare Hotels in Beirut and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Havana? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Beirut Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Beirut $0.44

Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut

Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
Private Transfer from Beirut to Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport: $47

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:

Short Taxi Ride

$0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana and Beirut change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

Food

Food Meals for one day

Beirut $0.71

Havana $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut

For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
Motorbike Tour in Beirut with Local Street Food Dinner: $50
Motorbike Tour with Local Street Food Dinner: $50
Beirut Street Food Tour, Lebanon: $74
Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:

Pizza

$0.03

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Beirut $0.26

Havana $11

Tours and Activities in Beirut

For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $10
Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
Beirut Walking Tour - Discover Beirut by foot: $25
Hidden Gems of Hamra and Ras A Walking Tour: $30
Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $35
Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
Lebanon's Historic Gems: Private Tour of Jeita, Byblos & Harissa: $40
Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $49
New Small-Group Tour Semi-Private to Jeita,Harissa&Byblos: $50

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Beirut $0.23

Havana $5.76

Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut

Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Bekaa Valley Wine Tour: Savour Lebanon's Finest: $50
Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
Byblos & Chateau Musar: History and Wine Tour: $65
Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
Private Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch from Beirut: $82
Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $106
Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:

Mojito

$0.15

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Havana, we can see that Havana is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Havana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Havana than you might in Beirut.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beirut or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Beirut. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and Havana, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Beirut or Havana?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Beirut or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Beirut during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

Beirut usually gets less rain in July than Havana. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Beirut is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beirut in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Summer Average Temperatures July

Beirut 27°C (81°F)

Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Havana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Beirut usually receives less rain than Havana. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 25°C (77°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Beirut 25°C (77°F)

Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Havana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Havana. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Beirut receives a lot of rain in the winter. Beirut usually gets more rain in January than Havana. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Beirut is much colder than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Winter Average Temperatures January

Beirut 13°C (55°F)

Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Beirut usually receives more rain than Havana. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Beirut is cooler than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beirut in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Spring Average Temperatures April

Beirut 17°C (63°F)

Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Beirut

	Beirut		Havana
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	13°C (55°F)	130 mm (5.1 in)	21°C (70°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb	13°C (55°F)	110 mm (4.3 in)	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar	15°C (59°F)	60 mm (2.4 in)	23°C (73°F)	40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr	17°C (63°F)	50 mm (2 in)	24°C (75°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)
May	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	26°C (79°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun	25°C (77°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	27°C (81°F)	80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul	27°C (81°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	27°C (81°F)	50 mm (2 in)
Aug	28°C (82°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	27°C (81°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep	27°C (81°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	26°C (79°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct	25°C (77°F)	60 mm (2.4 in)	25°C (77°F)	80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov	19°C (66°F)	50 mm (2 in)	23°C (73°F)	40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec	15°C (59°F)	130 mm (5.1 in)	22°C (72°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beirut vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons