It takes less than a few hours to fall in love with Havana. Its colourful, decadent buildings are as beautiful as much as they are in shambles. Its chaos is almost relaxing. Its sounds will get you to dance from dusk till dawn. Here’s what to do to take in the sights of the Cuban capital properly.
Habana Vieja
The most touristic part of the city, including sights like Plaza de la Catedral, Parque Central, the Capitolio (pictured above, mocking Washington D.C.’s Capitol) and the Calles O’Reilly, Empedrado and Obispo. Quaint buildings, street art and the most fashionable shops Havana can offer are what you will find in this area of the city.
Museo de la Revolucion
Over-the-top, nationalistic, Senator McCarthy’s nightmare: the Museo de la Revolucion is all of these things together, but you can’t really miss it if you’re hoping to get the gist of what the Cuban revolution was all about.
Hosted within a beautiful palace and including war planes and satirical graffiti amongst its exhibits, the Museo is a Cuban trade mark.
Playa de Santa Maria/Hotel Tropicoco
The closest beaches to Havana are only 30 minutes’ driving away, but you’re better off reaching them via bus than via taxi. Leaving every day from 9 to 5 from Parque Central, the T3 bus will take you to Playa De L’Este, Playa de Santa Maria and Hotel Tropicoco for only 5 CUC return. Think white, empty sandy beaches, a fresh breeze and incredible colours and you’ll get the picture.
Malecon
A long boulevard connecting the Vedado neighbourhood to Habana Vieja, the Malecon is an opportunity to admire Havana’s colourful buildings and its old-fashioned American style cars.
Havana, you’ve been everything I wished for and more. Hasta siempre!
Wanna go out in Havana? Learn more about where to go and what to do in my blog post here.
Pictures: Carolina Are
