5 Reasons Why Havana Should Be At The Top Of Your Travel Bucket List
Cuba has been trapped in a timewarp since 1960, and is only recently opening up to tourism from the USA. Now is the time to visit this colorful country, before it becomes too modernized, commercialized and “samey.” Choose a great vacation rental in Havana, or head out to one of the beautiful Caribbean beaches, such as Guanabo.
1. The Architecture
Old Havana is a deserving UNESCO World Heritage Site, as almost every public building is a showcase of baroque and neoclassical architecture. Highlights include the Cuban-baroque San Cristobal Cathedral, the huge Gran Teatro de La Havana and the dome-topped El Capitolio, apparently inspired by the Pantheon in Paris.
In contrast, the forbidding Castillo de la Real Fuerza is an impressive military fortress. More fortified buildings can be found at the Historic Military Park on La Cabana Hill. The huge Fortaleza de San Carlos guarding the Bay of Havana was built by the Spanish in the 1770s and was the largest and most expensive of their constructions. La Cabana was used as the HQ of Che Guevara during the Revolution and now houses some interesting exhibits in the museum. The City Museum is another must-do, housed in the splendid Palacio de los Capitanes on the Plaza de Armas.
The best view of Havana’s architectural gems is from the Camera Obscura tower or along the Malecon (waterfront promenade). It is lined with buildings that range in style from Art Deco to neo-Moorish and makes for a beautiful photo at sunset.
2. The History
Vintage cars are an unmissable part of Havana’s historic charm and make any taxi ride a memorable experience. Every parking lot in Havana resembles a Cruise-In with a fabulous line-up of 1950s vehicles that have been carefully maintained since the embargo on imports since 1960.
3. The People
Mixing with locals is a great way to appreciate the culture and history in this friendly vacation destination. Cubans are happy to chat and answer questions, so making the effort to communicate can be the start of an interesting conversation. You’ll find the Cuban people are fiercely proud of their country, what they have and how they dress.
4. The Culture
Smokers will appreciate the fine aroma, swagger and sense of contentment that comes from smoking a genuine Cohiba or Montecristo cigar. Non-smokers will enjoy watching tobacco being deftly rolled and sealed at one of the many cigar factories.
In Cuba, one man’s graffiti is another man’s art, so prepare to enjoy street murals, sketches and beautiful artworks in this colorful and expressive country.
Music is another way that Cubans choose to express the vibrant character of their culture. You will be serenaded by the sounds of salsa, merengue, jazz, Afro-cubana music and many other Latino vibes during your visit to Cuba. Cozy backstreet bars are the perfect place to dance the night away.
5. The Food and Drink
Fresh seafood and ice-cold drinks go down very nicely in the heat, especially at local Cuban prices! Other typical Cuban dishes include rice and black beans, chicken and the famous Cuban sandwich, called a “mixto” here.
You’ll appreciate why Hemingway loved Havana when you see the range of different rums they have to offer, called “ron” in Cuba. Visit the rum distillery at La Occidental Guayabita del Pinar or sample the sweet guava rum in local bars. Locals love to drink rum “on-the-rocks” but it makes a mean daiquiri or mojito too!
Any visit to Cuba will embrace all these five elements, but you must go soon to catch Havana’s unique 1950s charm.
1. The Architecture
Old Havana is a deserving UNESCO World Heritage Site, as almost every public building is a showcase of baroque and neoclassical architecture. Highlights include the Cuban-baroque San Cristobal Cathedral, the huge Gran Teatro de La Havana and the dome-topped El Capitolio, apparently inspired by the Pantheon in Paris.
In contrast, the forbidding Castillo de la Real Fuerza is an impressive military fortress. More fortified buildings can be found at the Historic Military Park on La Cabana Hill. The huge Fortaleza de San Carlos guarding the Bay of Havana was built by the Spanish in the 1770s and was the largest and most expensive of their constructions. La Cabana was used as the HQ of Che Guevara during the Revolution and now houses some interesting exhibits in the museum. The City Museum is another must-do, housed in the splendid Palacio de los Capitanes on the Plaza de Armas.
The best view of Havana’s architectural gems is from the Camera Obscura tower or along the Malecon (waterfront promenade). It is lined with buildings that range in style from Art Deco to neo-Moorish and makes for a beautiful photo at sunset.
2. The History
Vintage cars are an unmissable part of Havana’s historic charm and make any taxi ride a memorable experience. Every parking lot in Havana resembles a Cruise-In with a fabulous line-up of 1950s vehicles that have been carefully maintained since the embargo on imports since 1960.
3. The People
Mixing with locals is a great way to appreciate the culture and history in this friendly vacation destination. Cubans are happy to chat and answer questions, so making the effort to communicate can be the start of an interesting conversation. You’ll find the Cuban people are fiercely proud of their country, what they have and how they dress.
4. The Culture
Smokers will appreciate the fine aroma, swagger and sense of contentment that comes from smoking a genuine Cohiba or Montecristo cigar. Non-smokers will enjoy watching tobacco being deftly rolled and sealed at one of the many cigar factories.
In Cuba, one man’s graffiti is another man’s art, so prepare to enjoy street murals, sketches and beautiful artworks in this colorful and expressive country.
Music is another way that Cubans choose to express the vibrant character of their culture. You will be serenaded by the sounds of salsa, merengue, jazz, Afro-cubana music and many other Latino vibes during your visit to Cuba. Cozy backstreet bars are the perfect place to dance the night away.
5. The Food and Drink
Fresh seafood and ice-cold drinks go down very nicely in the heat, especially at local Cuban prices! Other typical Cuban dishes include rice and black beans, chicken and the famous Cuban sandwich, called a “mixto” here.
You’ll appreciate why Hemingway loved Havana when you see the range of different rums they have to offer, called “ron” in Cuba. Visit the rum distillery at La Occidental Guayabita del Pinar or sample the sweet guava rum in local bars. Locals love to drink rum “on-the-rocks” but it makes a mean daiquiri or mojito too!
Any visit to Cuba will embrace all these five elements, but you must go soon to catch Havana’s unique 1950s charm.