Havana
Population: 2.1 million (est. 2010)
Why you should travel here: As the capital of Cuba, Havana, is the largest city in the Caribbean, and one of the most culturally rich urban centres in the world. The historic neighborhood of Vieja Habana (Old Havana) is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, with over 900 landmarks, including the Presidential Palace and Cathedral Square.
Interesting Fact: Cuba’s capital is known for its many statues, some of which might be unexpected. In the center of John Lennon Park is a bronze likeness of, yes, John Lennon. It was unveiled in 2000 after Fidel Castro declared the former Beatle to be a “true revolutionary.”
My Experience:
- Liked: Havana is one of those grandiose cities where you will feel very safe! Cubans are friendly, warm and welcoming people. Also, it’s so wonderful to see the colonial and baroque buildings, some of them wonderfully restored while others revealing their troubled past.
- Not so much: Cuba is one of my favourite places, so I can’t think of many things that I don’t like about this country. As most people will point out, you can really see poverty in Cuba – but according to which standards? But I personally find it so inspiring that Cubans have a joy of life and are happy with whatever they have – and you will definitely see that in Havana!
Travel tip: When I visited Havana, I went with a tour operator for the day. I found that there are so many things to see and take in, that the whole day felt rushed. My recommendation is to take a cab or find a deal with someone from the hotel to take you to Havana for a day or two. Go explore on your own and you will not be sorry!
What to see:
- Habana Vieja, the best-preserved colonial Spanish complex in the Americas
- Museum of Revolution (Museo de la Revolucion) – Formerly the Presidential Palace and headquarters of the Cuban government, the impressive building now houses documents, photographs and artefacts pertaining to the Cuban Revolution
- Havana Cathedral
- Ernest Hemingway Museum – Finca Vigia, his home just outside Havana, has been restored and now functions as a museum to the famous author. The residence is kept as it was when he lived there, and visitors can see his typewriter and library of over 8,000 books. It was in this house that Hemingway wrote two of his most famous books, For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea (for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature). Make sure to also visit El Floridita, the var that he loved to visit.
- Capitolio Nacional, former seat of the Cuban government
- Plaza de la Revolucion – The gigantic square, which is dominated by the imposing José Martí Memorial, has provided the setting for numerous political rallies, and the podium in front of the memorial is where important political figures, like Fidel Castro, have addressed more than a million Cubans. Opposite the memorial, on the far side of the square, is the much-photographed Che Guevara image with the slogan Hasta la Victoria Siempre (Forever Onwards Towards Victory), that identifies the Ministry of the Interior building.
- Coppelia Ice Cream Bar – Havana is home to one of the largest ice cream shops in the world and, while you may now think Coppelia is famous for its equally large choice of flavours, you may be in for a little surprise. This iconic spot, decked out in authentic 1950s style, was the brainchild of Fidel Castro, who loved ice cream so much he was determined to get all Cubans addicted.
- Tropicana Restaurant and Theatre – Havana’s most famous cabaret theatre and although nowadays it is patronized only by tourists (entry price is equivalent to four months’ wages for locals) it is nonetheless one of the Cuban capital’s most authentic and memorable experiences. This place has been vowing audiences since the 1940’s, when filthy rich gangsters were the norm in town and, although this side of Havana may be a thing of the past, the explosive and captivating Cuban cabaret show at Tropicana has remained as enthralling and enlivening as ever.
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