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Havana
Havana Overview
Drenched in the splendor of its colonial past, Havana is unlike any city in the world and is an essential component of any Cuba vacation. Home to around 2.5 million people, Havana is the biggest city in the Caribbean and is the economic and political center of Cuba. The city never fails to charm travelers with its crumbling pastel-colored architecture and the exhilarating yet laid-back rhythm of life, combining to give the city a colorful character. As one of the first major colonial cities of the New World, Havana played an important role in the Atlantic trade between west and east and developed into a key commercial center for the Spanish Empire. Visitors are constantly reminded of this fact with the elaborate colonial architecture and impressive fortresses that are dotted around the city, with nostalgic echoes of Havana’s vibrant history. After years of charming dilapidation, great efforts have been made to restore the city’s architecture, especially in the Habana Vieja (old Havana) district. This area contains some excellent examples of architecture from the period of Spanish control. Exploring Havana is always an adventure as visitors immerse themselves into the rich culture and history that adorns every corner of the city’s streets. Highlights include traversing through the city’s cobblestone alleys whilst admiring the ancient, but still rolling, autos; strolling along the famous promenade, the Malecon; sampling the world famous Havana cigars and knocking back a few rum cocktails; or dancing salsa in one of the city’s many vibrant bars and clubs. There is also a whole host of cultural activities to keep visitors occupied, with bustling plazas, theaters, museums, art galleries and festivals all ensuring that Havana is one of the most irresistible travel destinations in Latin America.Havana Hotels
Old Havana Overview
Old Havana’s Historic Center is a World Heritage Site, declared by UNESCO in 1986. It houses the majority of museums in Havana such as the Museum of the Revolution, Cuban National Museum of Fine Arts, Numismatic Museum, Museum of Ceramics, Museum of Natural History, Museum of Colonial Art, Archaeological Museum and Museum of Havana Club Rum. Obispo Boulevard is the most popular and crowded commercial center within the area. The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Paula Church host two Cultural Centers specialized in ancient, classical music and fine arts. Walking trough Old Havana you can find a world of architectural details and interesting open spaces for locals and visitors: Old Square with The Planetarium and an always crowded Brewery; San Francisco de Assísi Square with its numerous open air Cafés and Commercial Centers; the Cathedral Square and the Arms Square. Of special recommendation is the recently opened Cultural Center “Antiguos Almacenes de San José”, seat of Craftsmen where there always will be a good souvenir to take home. Various hotels of excellent service are also located in Old Havana: Hotel Santa Isabel with its restaurant “El Templete” (probably the best seafood in Havana); Parque Central hotel, “Sevilla” and “Plaza” hotels; “Hostal Valencia” with its chef expert on Valencian food; “Raquel” hotel, “Los Frailes”, the “Armadores de Santander”, the “Florida” and “Santo Ángel” hotel, are all cozy and private. For nightlife, we recommend the numerous and popular bars of the area with live Cuban or instrumental music and of course, the “Floridita” restaurant, chosen by Hemingway because of its so special and famous Daiquiri cocktail. Old Havana is also the cradle for several cultural events throughout the year: Street Theater Festival, Ancient Music Festival, Havana Biennial, and Havana International Book Fair.Centro Havana Overview
Centro Havana is probably the most populated and ordinary neighborhood in the city. It has many commercial areas like Neptuno St., Ultra & Carlos III Commercial Centers, San Rafael Blvd., and the Galiano St. Deauville Hotel with its fabulous ocean view; as well as other hotels like the “Telégrafo” and the “Inlgaterra”. The area is also popular for its various cultural programs: live Cuban music every day at “Casa de la Música de Galiano” and shows by the Cuban National Ballet are performed at the Grand Theater of Havana. The Chinese Neighborhood has a rich commercial and cultural life and many different gastronomic options. Visiting the Capitol building and the Partagás Cigar Factory are also special recommendations.Vedado Overview
Vedado has been the cultural and commercial center of Havana since the 1950s. Its heart, also known as “La Rampa”, houses the best nightclubs and cabarets, although the best known are the Jazz Club “La zorra y el cuervo”, the “Gato Tuerto” Boleros Club, and the “Parisien” Cabaret near Hotel Nacional. Habana Libre Hotel and the movie cultural complex “Yara” are the emblems of Vedado as well as “Coppelia” ice cream parlor, also known as “Ice Cream Cathedral”. Other hotels also have their own space in this neighborhood: Meliá Cohiba hotel and its “Habana Café”, Riviera hotel with its Nightclub “Copa Room”, and “Salón Rojo” at the ancient Capri hotel with live Cuban music; Victoria hotel, ideal for executives. On 23rd & 12th, a crowded mall can be found with galleries, cafeterias, and movies. “Necrópolis de Colón” Columbus Cemetery, declared World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, is very close to this area. We recommend many special restaurants in Vedado including “El Polinesio”, the “1830”, “El Monseñor” and “Las Bulerías” just across from Habana Libre hotel. Moreover, the outstanding Revolution Square with its Jose Marti Memorial, the National Library, and the National Theater of Havana are also outstanding places to visit in this area.Miramar Overview
Miramar is a residential area in Western Havana. Most diplomatic and consular seats, important business and trade centers, International Fairs and Events Seats are located in this area. The major hotels of Miramar, such as Meliá Habana, Comodoro, Occidental Miramar, Monte Habana, Chateau Miramar, Copacabana and Panorama, are located around the Miramar Trade Center. Among the places of major interest, the National Aquarium hosts entertaining Dolphin and Sea Lion Shows. Top restaurants include the “Grand Blue” restaurant, specializing in fish and sea food, “Don Alfredo” in the Panorama Hotel, offering excellent Italian cuisine, the Brazilian Grill restaurant at Meliá Habana Hotel and Comodoro’s Stores restaurant. Special attention should be paid to “El Aljibe”, with the best Cuban traditional food and maybe the most complete cellar in Cuba, and to the “Tocororo” where you can choose from an exquisite Japanese Sushi to other fine dishes of International Cuisine, or the “Jazmín” Arabic food restaurant. For nightlife, we recommend Café Amelia in the Miramar Trade Center and Cultural Complex “Dos Gardenias”, famous for its “boleros”. If you prefer privacy and good taste we recommend “Casa del Habano” in Miramar with its collection of quality Cuban cigars.For more information on our itineraries and tours and to speak to a travel advisor, please contact us at 512-535-7677 or email us at travel@cubaforless.com.
Old Havana Attractions
Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana Declared a national monument, the grandiose Cuban Baroque façade of this church, with its two large, asymmetrical towers and several niches and columns, is considered one of the most beautiful in America. Along with the square stretching right in front of it, Old Havana’s classic cathedral is the most visited attraction in Old Havana. Its construction began in 1748 under the supervision of Jesuit priests, and was finished by Franciscans in 1777. That’s why the differences in style are present. Despite the magnificence of the façade, with its undulating lines, convex surfaces, and columns which set off the brightly colored rose window; the Neo-classical interior is rather simple. Its architecture is in keeping with other Jesuit churches throughout the world: Latin cross layout, chapels on the sides and to the rear, the nave higher than the side aisles. It houses eight chapels; the largest one, Sagrario Chapel, is the oldest, dedicated to Madonna of Loreto and contains quaint, tiny houses used as ex votes. The cathedral houses a modest art and antiquities collection, including frescoes, paintings, and other works by important artists like Jean Baptista Vermay, who rebuilt the wooden and plaster ceiling, and Giuseppe Bianchini who created the high altar. There is also a huge wooden statue of Saint Christopher carved by the Seville sculptor Martín de Andújar. The legs are out of proportion with the trunk as they were cut in order to allow the statue to pass through the portal.
Museo de la Ciudad (Palacio de los Capitanes Generales) Probably the best example of 18th-century Baroque architecture in Havana, this fine palace, now the Museum of the City, was built for Cuba’s old colonial rulers. The palace originally housed a Chapter House and the governor’s residence, as well as a house of detention. The seat of the Cuban government for many years, the building became the Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City) in 1967, and today the original structure still preserved. The complex as a whole offers an overview of the history of Havana from the remains of the Parroquial Mayor Church (previously here) to mementoes from the different Cuban wars of independence. The monumental gallery in the second floor, featuring a collection of busts of illustrious patriots, overlooks a large, leafy, inner courtyard with a white marble statue of Christopher Columbus being escorted by splendid royal palms (the Cuban national tree). It houses luxuriant rooms with many colonial antiquities like La Giraldilla, located at the foot of the steps leading to the mezzanine. This is the oldest bronze statue in Cuba. It was commissioned by one of the governors for the lookout tower of the Castillo de la Real Fuerza. You should not miss the Salón de los Espejos (Mirrors Hall), a light-filled salon with Venetian mirrors where the end of the Spanish rule was proclaimed in 1899. It was the office of the first president of the Republic of Cuba, Tomás Estrada Palma, in 1902.
Plaza Vieja This square was laid out in 1599 and was originally called Plaza Nueva (New Square). In the 19th century, it was renamed Plaza Vieja (Old Square) since it lost its role as the city’s main public square after the widening of the Plaza de Armas and the creation of new urban areas nearby. For many years it was just a car park, but it has now been thoroughly restored to its original appearance. A fountain designed in the 18th century stands in the middle. This is perhaps the most cultural of the 4 squares in Old Havana, enlivened with food, live music, and a vivid environment. Surrounding the square, there are many culture-promoting institutions: The Center of Visual Arts, a photographic library with a photo gallery, an important Contemporary Art gallery, and a recently finished planetarium. Sitting at a café or enjoying the clear beer at the brewery can make your afternoon unforgettable at this square.
Centro Havana Attractions
Capitolio The 92m (300 ft) high dome of one of the most imposing buildings in Latin America towers over the urban landscape of Central Havana. A symbol of the city, the “Capitolio” combines the elegance of Neo-Classicism with Art Deco elements. It was built after the Capitol in Washington DC, but this one is even taller and longer. It rises in the boundaries of Old and Central Havana, in an area once occupied by a botanical garden, and later by the capital’s first railway station. Home of the government until 1959, today the building houses the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment. Tours there are strongly recommended. You can be delighted by the opulence of the 17 m (56 ft) high, 49 ton, 22-carat gold plated statue of the Republic welcoming people at the entrance; or by the magnificence of the original furnishings of the former Government Chambers; or the superb library, decorated with impressive bas-reliefs; or by its immaculate marble floors.
Callejón de Hammel This narrow, relatively short alley in the heart of the working-class Cayo Hueso quarter in Centro Habana is a curious open-air Afro Cuban sanctuary. The brightly colored 200 m mural, for which the street is now famous, is the work of native painter Salvador González. It’s been 20 years now since he first started this enormous cultural project. His varied cultural roots are reflected there by representing all the religious sects and movements of African deities that are still active in Cuba, as well as symbols, writings, and images of African gods and Abakuá devils. Local shops sell handcrafted religious objects like Nganga, a big cauldron-like pot that is the basis of Palo Monte, the religion of former Bantu slaves from African Congo. There is also a small workshop-gallery exhibiting and selling pieces by the famous artist. On Sundays, the alley becomes the venue for Rumba musical dancing shows, led by Cuban folkloric groups and popular among locals and tourists.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes The Cuban National Museum of Fine Arts was inaugurated in February, 1913. It is now divided between two buildings: the Museo de Arte Universal (by the Central Park), and the Museo de Bellas Artes, which stretches a whole block next to the Museo de la Revolución. The Mueseum of Fine Arts is entirely devoted to Cuban Art. Watching the entrance lies a tender marble sculpture by the famous Cuban sculptor Rita Longa, depicting two male figures creating a counterpoint, characterized by a free-flowing concept of volume. More sculptures line the perimeter of the central courtyard, and the mezzanine houses rooms for cultural education, the auditorium and the library. Many galleries are in the two upper floors, divided into three sections: Colonial, academic, and 20th-century art (divided into decades from 1930s to 1990s). The permanent exhibition of 17th-21st-century Cuban art offers a complete overview of works by individuals and schools, and highlights the leading trends in each period. Renowned avant-guarde Cuban Masters like Wifredo Lam, Amelia Peláez, and René Portocarrero, are comprehensively represented there. There are also some temporary exhibitions which add variety and richness to the permanent exhibition. Designed as the home of the collection of world art, the Museum of Universal Art has maintained its original architectural elements. It was first designed in 1927 and recently restored. The building houses a modest collection that comprises many pieces of ancient art together with classical and neo-classical European paintings and sculptures, displayed by sections. There are also some American, Latin American, and Oriental works. You should devote quite a few hours to stroll around each museum if you really want to get a comprehensive vision of the vast, Cuban art collection.
Vedado Havana Attractions
Cementerio Necrópolis de Colón Havana’s Monumental Columbus Cemetery is a miniature city of mausoleums, crypts, family chapels and vaults, soaring sculptures, and ornate gravestones covering 55 hectares (136 acres). One of the largest in the world, the cemetery was designed in the 1860s by Spanish architect Calixto de Loira, who based the layout on the symmetrical designs of Roman military camps. The Statue in Carrara marble of the three theological Virtues, Faith, Hope, and Charity, sumptuously rises at the main entrance. In the middle way of the Avenida Colón, there is a Central Chapel containing impressive frescoes by the Cuba artist Miguel Melero. There's also a monument housing the fallen soldiers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and an avant-guarde memorial honoring the students killed during the attack on Batista's Presidential Palace in 1957. “La Milagrosa” (The Miraculous One), is one of the most popular graves in the “necropolis”; it’s the grave of Amelia Goyri de la Hoz, who died in childbirth in 1901 along with her daughter. In keeping with the custom of the time, she was buried with her stillborn daughter placed at her feet. According to the legend, a few years after her death the tomb was opened, and she was found intact, holding the baby in her arms. Amelia became the protector of pregnant women and newborn children. Hundreds of pilgrim future mothers pay homage and ask her for blessing every day. However, they must never turn their backs when leaving, based on the fact that her husband never did when he visited her every single day after she died.
Plaza de la Revolución Previously known as Plaza Cívica (Civic Square), Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square) was renamed after Fidel Castro’s victory in 1959 and it has been Cuba’s political and administrative center ever since. Its architecture and design are not particularly impressive; however, it’s a not-to-miss place because of its historic and symbolic importance. It was the venue for the first mass rallies following the triumph of the revolution and of the festivities for the campaign against illiteracy in 1961. It has been the center of all mass gatherings throughout the years, both political and cultural ones like the Second Concert for Peace, recently done in Cuba, sponsored by such renowned artists as Juanes, Olga Tañón, and Miguel Bosé. Representing a 5-pointed star, a 109 m tower, together with a white marble statue of the Cuban National Hero (José Martí), forms the José Martí Memorial in the square. The memorial houses mementoes of the hero, describes the history of the monument and the square, and displays temporal contemporary art exhibitions. On clear days, the lookout on top of the tower, the highest point in Havana, affords a view of the entire city.
Coppelia - 23 y L This is, perhaps, the most cosmopolitan crossroad in the Vedado quarter. In one of the corners of the crossroad, is the Coppelia ice-cream parlor, a large glass and metal building. Made famous by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea’s film Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate), Coppelia is the most popular ice-cream parlor in the city (hence the queues). On the other side of the street 23rd, the Habana Libre Hotel (former Habana Hilton) rises impressively, with a tiled mural by the renowned Cuban artist Amelia Peláez. It first opened in 1958, and a year later, it was requisitioned from the Americans and became Fidel Castro’s headquarters for almost one year. Inside there are two mosaics by Portocarrero and Sosabravo. Just across from the hotel, there is another always-crowded cultural center: Yara cinema, and just next to it is the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television (ICRT). Down the road, the Rampa stretches up to the Malecon. This crossroad is also a must if you want to grasp a comprehensive idea of how the Cuban people culturally socialize.
El Malecón The Malecón is a broad pedestrian promenade as well as a seawall, and a roadway stretching 7 km long along the Havana coastline from the mouth of Havana Bay Harbor in Old Havana to the fortress of EL Torrión de la Chorrera over the Almendares river which divides Vedado from Miramar. A meeting point for hundreds of lovers every night, the Malecon has become a very popular landmark of the city. You must not leave Havana without spending at least a whole afternoon or night strolling around the area. It’s always full of liveliness and fascination, people selling homemade food, guitar players singing traditionally famous Cuban songs, children swimming, men fishing, and university students hanging around. It was built in three parts from 1901 to 1952; it has no common style throughout, and that’s precisely what makes it unique. It shows an eclectic architecture representative of different époques. You can be delighted by the scenario it depicts, contrasted by the crumbling façades and faded paint of apartment buildings in some areas. Probably the most crowded section is the one along Centro Habana. You will certainly enjoy a walk from Old Havana to the area dominated by the headland occupied by the Hotel Nacional. You can also taxi one of the funny cocotaxis or a horse-pulled carriage so that you can enjoy the fresh air constantly blowing from the ocean.
Miramar Attractions
Centro Cultural Dos Gardenias There is a special Magic at this small club located in Miramar. It’s a tribute to Isolina Carrillo, a famous Cuban bolero's singer and the author of the so famous song "Dos Gardenias". It’s a private and cozy atmosphere for enjoying and listening to good Cuban music, especially for lovers of the bolero, the musical style first made popular in Latin America in the 1940s, and which is now experiencing something of a come-back, particularly in Europe. This is due mainly to the success of the group, "Buena Vista Social Club ", who has certainly been given a helping hand by the documentary film of the same name. So at this venue, visitors have the chance to enjoy the rhythmic and romantic sounds played by traditional bolero bands. At midnight the "jam" session begins in the Salón del Bolero or Bolero Room, which is when the audience can sing along with the musicians. Other options include the Bar La Tarde, which offers daily presentations by singers and Cuban bands, or a visit to one of the three restaurants that specialize in Chinese, Italian and local cuisine respectively. And if that was not enough, there is also La Casa del Tabaco (The House of Tobacco) and a shop open to the public.
Marianao Attractions
Tropicana The most famous night club in Cuba, America, and perhaps the World is located in the outskirts of Havana, in the Marianao district. It was originally a farm estate, but in 1930, the owner transformed it into a nightspot with a restaurant and a casino. It opened as a nightclub in 1939; and has surprisingly been alive and kicking ever since (even with the change of regime). It stands in the middle of an extraordinary tropical forest. AT the main entrance, the Fountain of the Muses, a garden statue of ballet dancers by the Cuban artists Rita Longa is now the symbol of the club. Many legendary figures hve performed here including Josephine Baker, Bola de Nieve, Rita Montaner, and Nat King Cole. A reminder of the Tropicana’s golden age is the enormous Bajo las Estrellas (Below the Stars) ballroom, one of the largest with a capacity of 1000 people.
Old Havana Restaurants
El Templete One of the best places to be delighted by seafood in Havana, El Templete has a great reputation among the diplomat personnel and foreigners settled in Havana thanks to its excellent service, variety of plates, and the quality of its offerings. It also has a modest, but decent wine selection featuring outstanding Spanish and Chilean wines. We strongly recommend the Shrimps with garlic (Camarones al ajillo) and the Mariscada Vasca. You can choose to sit either at their terrace, with a wonderful view of the Havana Bay, or inside where you can enjoy a more intimate, cozy atmosphere.
La Torre de Marfil Ornamented with interesting porcelains and Chinese carvings, this is the only restaurant is Old Havana offering Cantonese style Chinese food. It’s got a good reputation, quality service, and excellent cuisine created by Cuban chefs of Chinese ancestry. You can also choose to eat at their air conditioned pagoda hall with specialized service. They offer top-quality soups and vegetable-stuffed spring rolls. Special recommendations are the veal Chop Suey or the breaded fried fish.
Vedado Restaurants
Las Bulerías Small and lively, this is a perfect place for breakfasts and light meals within a cosmopolitan environment, right in front of the Habana Libre Hotel, and just a few meters from the oh so famous Coppelia ice-cream parlor. Economical and with a varied menu of Spanish and Creole starters, tapas, and sandwiches, it’s an ideal place for taking a rest and grabbing something to eat after strolling around the streets of Vedado.
1830 This is an upscale restaurant featuring Baroque ornamentation. In the afternoon, a wonderful sight of the Malecon from the mouth of the Almendares River can delight you. Its cozy ambience and specialized service adds perfectly to the satisfaction of being in Havana, and is the perfect setting for a romantic date. We especially recommend the Pato a la Naranja (Duck in orange sauce). The restaurant features a wide selection of wonderful wines and a Piano-Bar that is often visited by famous Cuban musicians.
Miramar Restaurants
El Tocororo This is an excellent place offering delicious, exquisite food and some occasional live music. Their menu has a variety of plates and a very good customer service. It’s the only place in Cuba where you can enjoy fresh Japanese dishes and drinks like Suchi and Sake at the Sakura salon, a private room decorated in the ancient Japanese style. The main salon offers International and Creole food in a former Republican Cuban style. Excellent wines. Excellent bar. Expensive restaurant.
Kasalta Popular place, especially after 6 pm. This is a cozy restaurant, decorated with pictures, awards, T-shirts, and personal belongings of the most famous Cuban baseball players. Most Cuban baseball fans come here, especially during the play off season to watch the games. They offer a varied menu from typical Cuban plates to the classics of International cuisine including quite tasty Italian dishes. It’s an economical restaurant, ideal for sharing with friends, and taking the opportunity to make good Cuban friends. During the baseball season, it’s the appropriate place for watching the games and experiencing the Cuban passion for baseball.