Table of Contents
Introduction
The capital of Cuba, Havana is a vibrant city rich with history, culture, art, music, and life. Exploring the streets of Havana feels like stepping back in time to the 1950s, with colorful classic cars, Baroque architecture, and the rhythms of salsa and rumba filling the air. Havana provides a captivating look into Cuban culture. This article will guide you through the top sights, sounds, food, and attractions that make Havana an unforgettable travel experience.
History of Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 and quickly became an important Spanish colonial port city. The old part of the city, La Habana Vieja, contains many historic buildings dating back to the 16th through 19th centuries when Havana was central to the Spanish Empire’s trade in sugar, tobacco, and minerals.
After the 1959 communist revolution led by Fidel Castro, many wealthy Cubans fled the country, leaving many mansions and buildings frozen in time. Today, Old Havana remains remarkably intact, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering the cobblestone streets provides a glimpse into centuries past.
Architecture and Buildings
Old Havana
With its impressive squares and colonial architecture, Old Havana transports visitors back centuries. Plaza de Armas is the oldest plaza in Havana, surrounded by Baroque buildings like the palace of the Captains General who governed Cuba. Plaza de la Catedral features the stunning Catedral de San Cristóbal de la Habana.
Plaza Vieja was once the site of executions and today houses historic buildings containing shops, restaurants, and museums. Castillo de la Real Fuerza is a 16th-century fortress on the harbor.
Capitolio Nacional
Modeled after the US Capitol building, this imposing structure with a domed roof and Corinthian columns was built in 1929. After the revolution, it was converted into the Cuban Academy of Sciences. The marble halls and statues inside make it worth a visit.
Gran Teatro de La Habana
This magnificent theater opened in 1838. with a statue of the Greek muse of comedy presiding over the main lobby. The interior contains brilliant frescoes and sculptures. Catch a performance here to experience the superb acoustics.
Plaza de la Revolución
This plaza is where Castro gave speeches to millions of Cubans and holds sentimental significance. The Jose Marti Memorial with its star-shaped tower honoring Cuba’s national hero, and the steel memorial of Ernesto “Che” Guevara are iconic sites.
Culture and People
The culture and people are what make Havana come alive. Cubans are friendly, outgoing, and passionate. The city’s streets are filled with music and artistic expression.
Music and Dance
Cuba is the birthplace of salsa and mambo music, with live bands playing in city squares. Visitors can see locals dancing salsa and rumba in the streets and clubs. Enjoy the Habana Compás Dance Festival held yearly. Jazz is also popular in Havana’s nightclubs.
Cigars and Rum
Cuba is renowned for its hand-rolled cigars and rum. Visit a cigar factory for a tour and to watch cigar rollers practice their art. Sample Cuban rums like Havana Club at a local bar or distillery. Both make for great souvenirs.
Classic Cars
One of Havana’s charms is seeing the vibrant, colorful vintage cars from the 1950s driving down the streets. Go for a ride in a classic convertible to feel transported back in time.
Food
Havana provides a chance to indulge in distinctive Cuban cuisine and healthful tropical fruits and vegetables.
Local Cuisine
Traditional Cuban food makes use of staples like rice, beans, pork, and plantains. Try popular dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef), moros y cristianos (black beans and rice), and tostones (fried plantains). Opt for seafood caught fresh from the Caribbean like shrimp and lobster.
Paladares
Paladares are privately-owned restaurants found in locals’ homes that offer an authentic dining experience. Enjoy homecooked Cuban meals on a patio or rooftop terrace. This is a wonderful way to mingle with locals.
Street Food
Grab some street food from local vendors selling items like churros, popcorn, and empanadas. Pick up a Cuban sandwich (pan con lechón) stuffed with roast pork, ham, cheese, and pickles.
Nightlife
When the sun sets, Havana comes alive with legendary nightlife. Live music spills out of jazz clubs, dance clubs pump to the beat of salsa, and cabarets dazzle with Vegas-style shows.
Jazz Clubs
Havana performed a key role in the early development of jazz. Hear live jazz at historic venues like La Zorra y El Cuervo and El Gato Tuerto, or the famous Tropicana Club.
Cabarets
Las Vegas-style cabarets with colorful costumes, dancing, and pulsing music are popular nightlife attractions. The Tropicana is world-renowned but others like Cabaret Parisien are worth seeing.
Nightclubs
Dance alongside locals enjoying salsa, merengue, and other Latin beats at open-air clubs and discotecas. Some top picks are Casa de la Música, Club Fresa y Chocolate, and Salón Rojo.
Shopping
Shopping opportunities abound in Old Havana from souvenir stalls to cigar shops to art galleries. Haggle for deals at the open-air markets.
Souvenir Shops
Look for handmade crafts, artwork, and other souvenirs in Old Havana’s shops. Cigars make popular gifts from the official La Casa del Habano stores. Find unique jewelry or textiles.
Art Galleries
Havana has a thriving art scene. Browse contemporary Cuban art at galleries like Galería Habana and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Take home an original piece.
Markets
Barter for goods at Havana’s markets like Mercado de San José and Mercado de Cuatro Caminos. Find handicrafts, textiles, cigars, and instruments. It’s ideal for picking up inexpensive souvenirs.
Final Thoughts
Whether admiring the magnificent colonial architecture, grooving to live salsa music, or interacting with friendly locals, Havana offers an intensely fascinating cultural experience. Exploring Old Havana’s streets provides a vivid glimpse into the history, art, and life of Cuba’s people. From the tantalizing cuisine to colorful classic cars, Havana is one of the world’s most captivating cities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best way to get around Havana?
For seeing all the top sights in Havana, the two best options are walking or taking a classic convertible taxi. Wandering Old Havana’s cobblestone streets on foot allows you to stop and explore. Vintage cars add to the nostalgic atmosphere. Buses and bicitaxis are also available.
What should I avoid in Havana?
Avoid drinking tap water. Only drink or use bottled water. Also be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas. Only exchange money officially at banks or established exchange kiosks, not with individuals on the street. Only take official taxis, not unlicensed ones.
What is there to do in Havana at night?
Havana offers stellar nightlife, especially for enjoying live music. Attend a jazz performance at a club like La Zorra y El Cuervo or a cabaret show at the Tropicana. Go dancing at open-air clubs playing Cuban salsa, rumba, and more. Havana’s nightclubs and bars don’t start picking up until late.
What should I wear in Havana?
Light, loose clothing is recommended for Havana’s warm, humid climate. Dress modestly when visiting churches. Bring comfortable shoes for walking around town. Locals take pride in looking stylish, so bring some nice outfits for going out at night. But there is no need for formal attire.
What souvenirs are unique to Havana or Cuba?
Great souvenirs to buy are Cuban cigars, rum, coffee, artwork from street artists or galleries, handmade crafts, antique jewelry or textiles, vintage records, and musical instruments like bongos or maracas. Authentic Cuban guayabera shirts make nice keepsakes.