La Habana Destination Guide

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Why La Habana, Cuba

Malecon de la Habana is an attractive promenade that stretches for eight kilometers from the Castillo de la Punta to the Torreon de la Chorrera and the mouth of the Almendares River.

The city has been able to preserve its colonial heritage, so much so that you can even see a transition of European eclecticism to North American modernity depicted in the buildings.

La Habana Travel Directory

10 Reasons to Visit La Habana

1) Historical Center

You could spend all day walking through Old Havana, strolling its narrow streets, visiting its museums and monuments, and beholding the exquisite colors and shapes of its architecture. The town of San Cristóbal de la Habana was founded on July 25, 1514. The section known as Old Havana has an area of about 1,235.53 acres (5 sq km). It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982.

You will hear the sounds of music on almost every corner of the streets, and you will nose will capture the scents of authentic Cuban food emanating from the restaurants and paladares. Havana is a safe city, so you can enjoy your walk knowing you won’t have to worry about a thing.

2) Walk along the Malecon, Havana's greatest promenade

Malecon de la Habana is an attractive promenade that stretches for eight kilometers from the Castillo de la Punta to the Torreon de la Chorrera and the mouth of the Almendares River. Considered a symbol of the City, the Malecon is one of the most authentic and moving avenues of Havana and the favorite meeting place of musicians, philosophers, poets, fishermen, vendors, and love birds.

Strolling along this emblematic esplanade is a must-do, an experience you cannot miss. No trip to Havana is said to be complete without going to el Malecon.

3) Museums

Most of Cuba's history has taken place in Havana, that explain why it holds a large number of museums, most of them located in the neighborhoods of Old Havana and Havana downtown.

Here is a list of the most important: Palacio de Bellas Artes, Museo de la Ciudad, Museo de la Revolucion, Museo de Arte Colonial, Museo Castillo de la Real fuerza, Museo Morro Cabaña (Cannon blast ceremony held each night at 9:00 PM, a must-see event!) Museo Yoruba, Museo del Ron, Museo del Chocolate and Farmacia Museo Taquechel.

4) Night Life

At night, Cuba comes alive with the clicking of mojito glasses, salsa rhythms, and Afro-Cuban jazz. Are you a foodie, a cocktail connoisseur, or simply a music lover? Get ready to party it up in Cuba! It is said that Cubans carry talent for music and singing in their blood so you can expect the nights in Havana to be aplenty with good live music, salsa, rumba, boleros, and jazz.

There are famous concert halls, nightclubs, and iconic bars where you can enjoy a great musical show. Come and enjoy performances of world-famous bands such as Buena Vista Project and Compay Segundo, among some others. Here is our recommended list of some venues: Tropicana, La Zorra y el Cuervo, Fabrica de Arte, Cabaret Parisien, Casa de la Música Miramar, Habana Café, Bodeguita del Medio and Bar Floridita.

5) Tour to Tobacco Factories

Havana tastes like rum and smells like Habanos, some have said when they visit Cuba. The cultivation of tobacco has long been a Cuban trademark. Visit one of the many tobacco factories to get acquainted with its growth and processing. You will also learn about the fascinating history of Cuban tobacco throughout time.

Recommended factories: Partagas Factory, Romeo y Julieta Factory.

6) Beach - Blue Circuit

Cuba is a beautiful island with incredible landscapes, white or golden sandy beaches, turquoise seas, and benign climate. In Havana you can visit beautiful beaches just a few miles from downtown.

Along Via Blanca road there is a long line of beaches, mostly visited by locals. Due to the spectacular turquoise color of the waters, the following beaches are best known as Blue Circuit: Bucaranao, Megano, Santa Maria del Mar, Boca Ciega, Guanabo, Jibacoa, and Tropico.

7) Restaurants

Since its beginnings in the 90's, Paladares (mostly family-run businesses), as they are known, have always had a marked difference from other restaurants. In them, you can partake of delicious home cooking, in many cases in the house of a Cuban family; a must-do while in Cuba.

Recommended establishments: Paladar La Guarida, La Cocina de Liliam, Paladar San Cristobal, Paladar Al Carbon, Ivan Justo Cheff, Paladar La Moneda Cubana, Paladar Los Naranjos, Paladar Doña Eutimia, Paladar Habana Mia.

8) Architecture

For more than two hundred years, Havana has been the most attractive city in the Caribbean basin and the Gulf of Mexico architecturally wise. The city has been able to preserve its colonial heritage, so much so that you can even see a transition of European eclecticism to North American modernity depicted in the buildings.

Venturing in Havana's neighborhoods serves to decipher their history through architecture; this can be the ideal excuse to behold from another perspective a city that seems stopped in time.

9) Enjoy a Ride in Classic Cars

Something that draws attention to visitors to the island is the number of vintage cars that still roll the streets; many of them retain their authenticity and style, fact that makes Havana look in the eyes of many as a rolling museum.

Jump in one of them and you will feel like you are traveling back in time.

10) The nicest people

Dominicans are famous for their warmth, hospitality and uplifting spirit. The friendly local people are always ready to help you out; their smiles and happiness are simply infectious and will make you regret having to leave again.