| 4 min read
Nine things to do in Havana
From spotting vintage American cars to exploring the old city center and sipping mojito’s in Hemingway’s favorite bars, here’s a list of things to do when in Havana.
1. Explore the historical center of Havana
The Havana Vieja district has so much to offer you could easily spend a day or two here. Roam the streets and marvel at the colorful, colonial buildings. Have a cocktail in one of the bars that line the squares while people watching or act cultural and check out one of the museums.
We joined a Qué Bola Havana city tour to explore the center and learn about its historical background.
2. Take a photo of the Capitolio Nacional
One of the most famous landmarks of Havana, the Capitolio Nacional is a copy of the Capitole in Washington DC. It is situated next to Parque Central, a small park where you can take a break under the shade of the trees.
3. Do your own mojito research
Which bar serves the best mojito’s according to you? Our favorite was Más Habana, which serves large, delicious cocktails. During happy hour you even get two for the price of one!
But make sure to check out the others too. El Dandy, Jibaro, La Floridita… There are plenty to choose from!
4. Take a salsa class
Apart from its mojito’s, Cuba is also known for its passionate Cuban salsa dancing. Cubans can shake their hips like no other on the rhythmical sounds of salsa music. The island is basically one big dance floor, which makes it the perfect setting for tourists to pick up some salsa moves. Which is exactly what we did, by taking a salsa dance class in Casa de Sono.
5. Enjoy the rooftop view at Hotel Ambos Mundos
Frequently visited by Hemingway, Hotel Ambos Mundos is a large hotel situated in the heart of Habana Vieja. Take the elevator to the top for a breathtaking view of the center. While you’re there, why not order a cocktail from the rooftop bar and hang around for a while?
6. Visit Fusterlandia
Jose Rodriguez Fuster felt so inspired by Gaudi & Picasso that when he returned from his trip to Europe, he decided to start his own artistic project in Cuba. He covered his house with mosaic tiles and proceeded to doing the same for his neighbours. The results is a ceramic wonderland which consists of about 80 houses plastered in mosaic imagery and design, aptly named Fusterlandia.
7. Check out the Callejon de Hamel
A small, colorful alley dedicated to Afro-Cuban culture, Callejón de Hamel is full of street art and sculptures made out of found objects. Expect to find walls adorned with mosaics and paintings, sculptures, a bench made of old bathtubs… The artist behind this mix of surrealism, cubism and abstract art is Salador Gonzáles Escalona.
8.Watch vintage American cars
Although you can pay to be driven around in a American car, it can be just as fun to watch them while roaming through the streets of Havana. They definitely make for some good shots.
9. Take a ferry to the other side around sunset
Take a ferry to Casablanca and walk from the Christ of Havana towards Castillo del Morro while marveling at Havana’s skyline. Although many city guides recommend strolling on the Malecón (where you’ll suffocate from the exhaust fumes), the experience from the other side is way more romantic and relaxing.
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