Why Havana? 

Havana is a lively, colourful capital city – full of bustle and entertainment, with glorious Spanish colonial architecture and 50s/60s American cars cruise the streets!

Ernest Hemingway wrote his most famous novels in Cuba . He was at Finca La Vigia in 1954 when he found out that he had received the Nobel Prize –“This prize belongs to Cuba , since my works were created and conceived in Cuba , with inhabitants of Cojimar, of which I am a citizen.”

When to go?

Havana remains a “hot” destination year round with December to April being the busiest time.

Where to stay?

While Havana has accommodations for every taste and budget, we suggest you to stay in at least, a 4 star resort. Hotel Nacional de Cuba has been the choice of Hollywood stars for over 70 years. Its architecture and aesthetic are original and the nightly entertainment is famous worldwide! Melia Cohiba is another good option – it overlooks the Malecon Sea promenade and is close to Revolution Square and other historic landmarks.

What to do? Where to go?

Havana has many things to offer but these are few highlights you may not want to miss:

Walk the Malecon – there is no other place represents Havana better than the Malecon – a seafront promenade winds for 7km lined with many attractive and unique buildings! Young people love to gather along the Malecon to meet friends, socialize, swim and drink rum. Oh! The spectacular sunset at the Bay of Havana is a must-see – it’s striking!

Dominated by two unequal towers, the Catedral de San Cristobal was described by novelist Alejo Carpentier as “music set in stone”, Its striking baroque façade creates an unrivalled ambience, especially at night when live music mingles with laughter in the wide-open plaza.

Museo Jose Marti – this modest 19 th-century building is where you can see furniture, paintings, first editions of writer’s works and the ivory pen that was used by Generalissimo Maximo Gomez to sign the Manifesto de Montecristi which officially marked the beginning of the war against Spain . Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Havana by taking elevator of the mirador to the top – approximately 6 convertible pesos per person.

Bodeguita del Medio (“little shop in the middle”) has become a big attraction in the last few years with its memento-covered walls and typical Creole dishes. The walls are plastered with photographs, drawings, graffiti and autographs.

Museo de la Revolucion – the museum features documents, photographs and memorabilia presenting an overview of the Cubans’ struggle for independence. The building has Neo-Classical elements and was decorated by Tiffany of New York. Allow at least 2 hours for this tour if you can.

If you have even a passing interest in Cuban tobacco, you will enjoy touring around the Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás – one of Havana ’s oldest cigar factories. The tobacco shop and smoking lounge are bonuses here.

There are nice white-sand beaches at about 10km east of Cojimar.

Where to eat?

Some of Havana’s most delightful restaurants are housed in well-restored Colonial buildings with period furnishings. Live music is often performed and music is often performed and makes for a lively atmosphere.

While in Havana, be sure to visit La Bodeguita del Medio – a tiny restaurant on a side street near the Cathedral. It is famous not only for its menu for out-of-this-world traditional Cuban dishes but also for its delectable Mojitos and its unique décor. The atmosphere is bohemian, and guests are welcome to write or carve their names on the walls (if you can find space to do so).

Looking for rich and tasty Cuban food?! Try Paladar El Helecho in Western Vedado – you will enjoy the atmosphere in this cosy little place. Established since 1830, La Zaragozana is the oldest restaurant of the city. It is located in the Monserrate Street , just a few minutes from the colonial area. It enjoys a deserved fame for its culinary excellence and its painstaking service.

How to get around?

We recommend you to take “taxis”.

The Weather

Seasonal Highs and Lows (ºC)

Currency

Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC). US dollars and American Express Credit Card/Travellers’ Cheque are no longer allowed. [click here to find out the latest exchange rate]

Other information you should know!

A valid passport is required for Canadians travelling to Cuba. Tourist visa supplied on arrival.

Departure tax (25 pesos convertible) has to be paid in cash.

Want to know more?!

To learn more about Havana, call (604) 273-8228 now, or, click here to check the latest deals on Havana.

Disclaimer: This article is being written based on the travel experiences of our consultants. There are many sources to review in preparation of making the most of your “Havana” experience. The tips are subjective and do not necessarily represent the views of travelSavingstoday.com.