A video shared on TikTok by the user @reiniercruz88 shows Obispo Street in Old Havana completely deserted at what he claims is a Saturday at 9:00 p.m.. In his account, the young Cuban walks through this iconic street and expresses his surprise at the lack of activity in an area that has traditionally been one of the main tourist and commercial hubs of the Cuban capital.
"If you're Cuban, you probably recognize this place because it is very busy during the day. It used to be the same at night," he says as he walks down the empty street. "But once you see what it looks like now, I'm sure you won't recognize it." The author describes the scene as a "ghost street" and attributes the decline to mass migration and the drop in tourism: "Given the number of Cubans who have left the island and the few tourists that come, that's why this area is the way it is."
Beyond Obispo Street, the young man insists that this situation is repeated in other corners of the historic center. "In many other areas where there used to be a lot of people, it is completely empty... You walk around there and you don’t recognize it. You think, ‘My God, what has happened here?’" He also recalls a past Havana, vibrant and lively: "The very old ones say that people used to come here just to see the shop windows... Those shops that many have already closed, and others, the ones that are still open, sell clothes and things that no one buys or needs, or simply that no one can afford."
A few days earlier, the user @kary_v_jony also posted a video on TikTok reflecting on the changes in the Havana boulevard: “Nothing is the same anymore. If you walked along the Obispo boulevard a few years ago and return today, you wouldn’t recognize it. What was once the vibrant heart of Old Havana, full of life, commerce, and culture, now bears a different face.” She describes neglected streets, piled-up trash, and faces that “plead for help to survive,” yet she also notes that “the aroma of coffee still lingers in the air” and that “the traces of its history remain.”
The images and words of both creators have sparked reactions among users: “It’s true, it was always full,” commented one. “It’s scary,” added another user. “Cuba is no longer a good place for tourism,” wrote someone else. Even @reiniercruz88 himself replied: “Unfortunately, no.”
What these testimonies reveal aligns with the official data. According to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), tourism in Cuba has decreased by 30% in 2025 compared to the same period last year. Between January and February, only 496,858 travelers arrived, of which 374,267 were international visitors, a 29.1% decrease from 2024. Canada, Russia, Spain, and Italy show the largest declines.
La Habana Vieja is not the only affected area. In Varadero, the youtuber Karina Sánchez Rodríguez documented the lack of nightlife, empty restaurants, and prices that are out of reach for Cubans. “I don't think a worker with a basic salary, nor a professional, can afford to visit this place,” she commented.
In the capital, another viral video showed the facilities of the Memories Miramar hotel almost empty. "It feels like this hotel is just for the three of us… Who are we going to socialize with? Casper?", said the TikToker @johnfashion_official. Similarly, @jonixdose walked through streets and tourist businesses without customers in Old Havana, as shown in a video that highlights the near-total absence of visitors in areas that were once very crowded.
Despite this situation, the Cuban regime continues to invest in the construction of new luxury hotels, while power outages, shortages of basic goods, and a deficient transportation system persist, directly affecting the visitor experience.
The image of an empty Obispo Street in the middle of the weekend thus becomes a symbol of a city that has lost its tourist pulse and of an industry that was once seen as an economic hope, but which today, according to many Cubans, is no longer recognizable.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Crisis in Havana, Cuba
Why is Obispo Street in Havana empty?
According to the video shared by @reiniercruz88, the lack of activity is due to the decrease in visitors and the exodus of locals. This situation reflects a broader issue in the historic center of Old Havana, where there used to be much more activity during both the day and night.
How has the economic crisis affected tourism in Cuba?
The economic crisis has significantly impacted tourism in Cuba. The number of international tourists has decreased by 30% in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI). The decline in visitor arrivals has been noticeable in destinations such as Old Havana and Varadero, where tourist facilities are nearly empty, and services are unaffordable for Cubans due to their high costs.
What measures is the Cuban government taking in response to the tourism crisis?
The Cuban government continues to invest in the construction of new luxury hotels, despite the decline in visitors and the criticisms received. However, this strategy has been questioned for not addressing the structural and socioeconomic issues affecting the country. The lack of basic services, the scarcity of products, and the poor infrastructure negatively impact the visitor experience, leading many to prefer other Caribbean destinations.
What do Cubans think about the tourism situation on the island?
Many Cubans express their frustration and discontent regarding the tourism crisis on the island. Comments on social media reflect a widespread disillusionment, with criticism directed at government policies and the decline of the tourist infrastructure. The perception is that the investment in new hotels is disproportionate and does not address the real issues facing the sector, such as the lack of basic services and the poor condition of tourist destinations.
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