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Jan
10
Havana Holiday & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Cuba
A trip to Havana
With its laid-back, effortless approach to life and iconic yet decaying colonial architecture, the Cuban capital has established itself as a cult destination that everyone wants to visit. Jose Marti International Airport is the sole gateway to Havana with connections to destinations all over the world so you’re never more than two flights away from a holiday of freshly-mixed rum cuba libres and evening of original salsa.
Flights to Havana
Jose Marti International Airport is the sole air hub for the Cuban capital with three international terminals, one charter, another receiving scheduled flights and Terminal 5 mainly receiving Afro-Caribbean flights. An additional terminal connects to domestic destinations. Most visitors here fly into Terminal 3. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Havana try Thomas Cook. The airport lies just 15kms south of the city so it’s a simple 20-minute ride in either by taxi, limousine, shuttle bus or hire car.
Around the city there are some interesting transport choices available. For a real taste of Havana get on an El Camello, a large truck that has been fitted out as a bus or one of the old Chevrolet taxis straight out of 1960s Americana. Another transport option particular to Havana is the coco taxi, a cheap and cheerful little three-wheeler that scoots around the city.
Havana
Sightseeing in Havana
Havana is a city of immense character which is most apparent in the old city, or La Habana Vieja as its known locally. Many of the places of interest are highly political such as the Museum of the Revolution which glorifies the exploits of Fidel Castro and his band of communist guerrillas. John Lennon Park is an unexpected addition to the Cuban capital with its statue of the Beatles legend.
Any visit to Havana would not be complete though without devoting time to rum and cigars, both major local exports, so head to the Havana Club Rum Factory for a tour and a taste of their wares before seeking out one of the many cigar factories for a look around.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Despite its communist status, eating and drinking out in Havana is not cheap because foreigners are forced to use convertible pesos. Seafood is popular here due to the city’s coastal location and there is even a Chinatown that serves up noodles and stir-fried dishes. Head to the old town if you want a selection of restaurants serving set three-course meals.
As far as bars go, Havana offers an eclectic mix of places that mix some of the best rum cocktails in the world, the mojito and cuba libre being two favourites in the city. Bars, clubs and cabarets are the most popular forms of after-hours entertainment. Expect plenty of jazz and salsa and be prepared to stay up late.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Havana’s main shopping and business district lies in Vedado and the main drag through this area, ‘La Rampa.’ Nearby Miramar is similarly up-market with a good range of shops. Most visitors end up going shopping for rum and cigars at the many factories around the city both of which make great to take back home.
Daytrips
Havana is within convenient reach of practically every major destination on the island of Cuba. Varadero is an upscale resort area known for its exclusive clubs and pristine beaches, all of which offer the entire scope of amenities to package tourists. This is also home to the only 18-hole golf course in Cuba.
The historic city of Trinidad belongs at the top of every visitor’s must-see list. This UNESCO-sponsored city boast centuries-worth of architecture crammed into an extremely compact historic centre. Travel agents bill Trinidad as a museum unto itself, and it truly is worth the drive (or bus ride) from Havana. Be sure to visit the Valley of the Sugar Mills, a standing tribute to the city’s history in the sugar industry.
Must-see attractions
One of the best ways to take in the sights of Havana is to stroll along the El Malecon walkway. Along the way, you’ll bask in the old-world architecture of this 500 year-old city. UNESCO has included the entire historic quarter on the World Heritage list so it’s hard to go wrong no matter where you venture in old Havana.
The Plaza de la Catedral is home to some of the city’s best-preserved architecture. At the heart of this plaza is the San Cristobal Cathedral, an architectural gem that has been painstakingly restored. Be sure to visit at night when the bell tower is illuminated.
Another of the city’s central squares is the Plaza de Armas, regarded as the literal founding point for the city of Havana. Most tours of the city begin here as it is both the historic and spatial centre of the city. The Castillo de la Real Fuerza (16th century) is here alongside the city’s historical museum.
Finally, the Parque Historico Morro y Cabana is arguably the single most important site in the city. A network of ramparts and forts, this area dates to the late 16th century and has remained relevant throughout the centuries. The lighthouse from the 1800s is of particular interest to visitors.
Best time to go
The climate of Havana is typical of the Caribbean. Temperatures are warm and comfortable throughout the year, with wintertime highs seldom dipping below 20°C. Potential visitors can rest assured that every time of year is prime for visiting Havana, as the breezy trade winds keep temperatures comfortably mild in every season. The only hindrance to travellers is the rain, which falls during the summer months (May to November). Hurricanes are also a potential threat this time of year, so visitors do well to arrive on the shoulders of summer, ideally June or November.
Rainy day suggestions
If you happen to get rained out while touring Havana in the summer, head for one of the local museums for shelter. The Ernest Hemingway Museum is of particular interest to literature aficionados. His house features stuffed big-game trophies, artwork by Picasso and his dry-docked fishing boat, Pilar. Also of interest is the Museum of the Revolution, home to numerous exhibits exploring the cultural shift that came to a head in the mid-20th century.
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