Check out Havana

There is an endless number of things to do in Havana. I will only concentrate on the ones I have done personally.

Tours

I am generally not a fan of guided tours. However, in this case, I would recommend to spend half day with a knowledgeable person taking you through town. There is so much to learn.

Got my personal guide

I was introduced to Prof. Dr. Orestes del Castillo del Prado, member of the Conservation Board of Havana. He gave me an amazing insight not only of the intriguing history of Havana but the country as a whole. I also got to see the four most important squares of Havana with all the details explained to me. If interested, his contacts are +535 802 1292, [email protected]

Hop on hop off busses

Another touristy thing I did was to take one of the hop on hop off busses. There are two routes that can be done.  One stays more in Old Havana and the other heads out to Vedado and La Playa.

Finca La Vigia

I found Finca La Vigia, home of Hemmingway in San Francisco de Paula, worth a visit. It gives a good insight into the writer’s life.

Social Club Buena Vista

In the Social Club Buena Vista you will find the original, now rather aged, Cuban singers and entertainers. While again very touristic and not cheap, I still enjoyed it. Dinner was not the best.

Rum Museum

I found a couple of billboards with instructions on how to prepare a proper Mojitos and Daiquiri Cuban style. Other Cuban drinks prepared with the Havana Club Rum are also listed.

Cuba is birthplace of the Bacardi Rum but the only memory of it is the splendid building in town.

National Theater

You can hardly miss the splendid National Theatre in the main square of Havana. I recommend that you also visit the interior.

Try to get a ticket for a show. Best done well in time as they are always sold out.

National theatre, Havana
Botegita del Medio

Bodegita del Medio and Floridida

There are also Botegita del Medio and Floridida, both famous for being Hemmingway’s preferred hangout places.

Albeit, I found better cocktails in other bars.

Hotel National

Check out this national monument of Havana.

Get yourself informed on the amazing history of this place including its illustrious guests.

Hotel National, Havana, Cuba
Hotel Inglaterra, Havana, Cuba

Hotel Inglaterra

This is the oldest hotel of Havana. Hemingway’s would reside here when in Havana.

From the roof terrace, you get witness large curse ships squeezing through the narrow entrance of the bay.

Malecon

This is the promenade of Havana. The contrast between the dilapidated buildings and the skyline of modern Havana is amazing.

Visit it at sunset and enjoy a great view onto the fortress on top of the entrance to the well protected Bay of Havana.

Male con
Skyline of modern Havana

Parque Central and surroundings

But then you can always hang out in the central park and observe the locals. As in all the major squares in Cuba, there is internet and you a have chance to check your inbox.  Or join a game of chess or just do nothing.

Check out the surroundings

Walking around in the side roads of the surrounding area, you might discover some unusual balconies. You will also get an insight into the Cuban reality of every days life. There are several restaurant around that offer a sort of Cuban street food and live music.

Oldtimer cars

Or take some pictures of these amazing colourful, vintage cars encountered in town. You can rent get a ride on them but make sure you agree on the price beforehand.

tours

So much more to do in Havana

The above is just to tickle your desire to visit Havana. There is so much more to see here. The Plaza de la Revolucion; the four important squares in Old Town Havana; Vedado, the residential area of the rich etc.

Click here to see more on Havana.

Leaving Havana for Vignales

I am leaving Havana so rich in history and architecture to travel to Vignales in Pinar del Rio province.

I take with me a lasting impression of the extreme contrast between the well-kept marvelous buildings influenced by Spanish, French and Italian architects including Moorish style patios, compared to the very run down neighborhoods just off the main streets.

 

_________________

Check out my list of restaurants in Havana.  For more tips on Cuba click on Transportation in Cuba, and What to Pack, Cuba visited as a sole female traveller

My destinations in Cuba were Havana, Trinidad, Vignales, Cienfuegos, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba

Enjoy the reading!