Havana, the capital of Cuba, is one of the world’s most iconic and unique cities and is likened to visiting a living film set! With the narrow, bustling historic streets of Old Havana, the Malecon seafront promenade, downtown Vedado, and the mansions and tree-lined boulevards of Miramar, the city is a kaleidoscope of images and scenes. Our comprehensive choice of experiences and activities will enable you to fully absorb local life and enjoy a memorable few days exploring iconic Havana – you can even take a breather in the Havana forest park or on the East Havana beaches.
Old Havana (Habana Vieja) overlooks the harbour, and this easily walkable historic part of the city is where the main sights, restaurants, bars, museums, and galleries are located, and most certainly the area where we suggest you stay. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Havana is home to historic colonial buildings overlooking peaceful tree-lined squares. Many buildings are fully renovated in gorgeous pastel colours, filled with alfresco restaurants, bars, music venues, and galleries, most privately owned and offering an experience to match that of many global capital cities. Old Havana is a delight to stroll through at a slow pace, visiting the small museums, exploring the markets, soaking up the music, and pausing for coffee, or lunch accompanied by those famous rum cocktails.
Old Havana is full of contrasts with one street preserved and painted in warm pastels , with washed cobbled streets and smart restaurants . However around the corner the next street has wooden scaffolding holding up buildings waiting patiently to be restored. The narrow streets are hot, very weathered, potholed but bursting with life and with Cadillacs and Chevvys with rusting bodywork bouncing and `squeaking along. This is the Old Havana that offers a photo opportunity at every turn and the sounds of the city need to be bottled up somehow and taken home.
Music is everywhere mostly Latin, but on many occasions, classical music and song with soft harmonies drifting in the humid air. The chat of the locals and the shrieks of fun from the children as they play with simple toys in the street add to the hive of activity and sound. This is a different Old Havana to enjoy, an experience of a local life that is tough, tiring , uncomfortable and frustrating , but balanced by song , dance , humour , love and gossip , the Habaneros LOVE a gossip !
There are many other fascinating areas to explore around Havana, including the Malecon, the oceanfront seawall and promenade that stretches for 5 miles along the length of the city. For many the Malecon is a window on a world across the ocean, so different to Cuba. The Malecon washed by the rollers of the Atlantic is an important social centre for the Habaneros who flock here as the day cools for socialising, fishing, catching up with friends , family and lovers. Different local communities gather at their usual part of the wall, skateboarders, anglers, classical music buffs, baseball fans, the LGBT community and more, they all have their patch.
Overlooking the Malecon the two fortresses cast an imposing shadow across to Old Havana and when built were the largest Spanish defensive complex in the Americas repelling both British and countless pirate attacks. Nearby stands The Christ of Havana, a sculpture standing over 60 metres coincidentally erected just 15 days before Fidel and his Revolutionaries entered Havana. Near the statue is the former home of Che Guevara , now a museum dedicated to his life and both can be reached by an enjoyable local ferry ride across the harbour .
Along the Malecon, a number of interesting sights can be seen including the Memorial to the USS Maine battleship that mysteriously exploded and sank in the harbour in 1989, leading to a brief USA- Spain war. The iconic Hotel Nacional De Cuba still stands elegantly overlooking the Malecon , a favourite pre Revolution haunt of Hollywood stars and the Mafia and certainly worth popping in for a nostalgia trip .The USA Embassy stands on the Malecon and was opened again during the Obama administration when relationships thawed, however it has been the focal point of large scale protests over many years.
Downtown Vedado is the Government and administrative district for the nation and the area has wide avenues and larger houses with many small parks. The area is dominated by the imposing Revolution Square a vast expanse that comes to life on 1st May when millions of Cubans converge on the square for the Workers Parade. In the centre of the square proudly stands the monument to Jose Marti, Cuba’s national hero and overlooking the square are huge murals of the revolutionary heroes Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos placed on Ministry buildings.
Other notable sights include the Colon Cemetery one of the most important in the Americas , with elaborate monuments and tombs, many in disrepair now after surviving relatives have left for the USA. Music lovers can head to John Lennon Park where a statue of the famous Beatle sits perched on a bench, often minus his famous spectacles, which are looked after by a security guard to help with the visitors photos !
The embassy district of Miramar is an area that was where the wealthy lived before the Revolution in their beautiful villas and mansions set in sumptuous gardens, hidden behind high walls. Many are now in a state of disrepair, however a number are fully restored to their glory and house embassies and office apartments. While the area does not have the sights of Old Havana its well worth visiting on one of our classic car or cycling tours.
Havana’s varied and intoxicating nightlife certainly has some buzz and there is a wide mix of experiences to enjoy. The private restaurant scene is amazing, despite the challenges and many hidden away restaurants managed by creative and experienced Cuban restauranteurs are pushing the boundaries on the dining experience. From quirky tapas bars to elegant rooftop fine dining, the list is surprisingly long and we can certainly help with those all important recommendations and table reservations.
How about world class ballet or classical music recitals, then Havana is the leading city in the Americas for such performances in beautiful historic theatres. Music and dance is in the blood of the locals and venues are located throughout the city including large scale cabarets like the Tropicana , to cool, vibey industrial venues such as Fabrica Del Arte, world class Jazz at La Zorra y El Cuervo and salsa music , dance and big band sounds literally throughout the city !
El Bosque de la Habana is the largest urban forest in the Caribbean and is known as the ” lungs of Havana ” great for a nature boost during a Havana stay. This oasis of greenery and sub tropical woodland with giant trees shrouded by hanging curtains of vines runs alongside the Rio Alemendares and is a pleasant spot to spend an hour or two and can be visited on our classic car tours.
For those that wish to combine their days exploring Havana with some time at the ocean, then the fabulous East Havana beaches are only 15 minutes away by taxi and in Summer months are popular with the locals.
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