 A Beginner's Guide to Havana Updated 1/11/2024 Havana was one of our more interesting travel destinations. Cuba had long been at the top of Marvin's bucket list, and his excitement when he learned that it was now possible for Americans to travel to Cuba bred a deep desire in me to visit this island country as well. But due to a severe case of food poisoning half-way through our trip, I didn't get to experience as much of Havana as I wanted to. So this trip caused an even greater spark, making my desire to see more of this beautiful country even more intense. Cuba, we'll be back! Read More to See our Havana travel guide!Know.CurrencyMany places in Havana do not take credit cards. Hotels generally do, and some of the larger restaurants do, but if you want to grab a snack from a small market or you want to buy a souvenir from one of the street vendors, or even if you want to eat at many of the smaller local restaurants, you will need cash - specifically the Cuban peso. You can try to get pesos from your local bank before you go, or you can get them from the currency exchange at the airport or from a Cuban bank upon arrival. TouristsWhen we visited in 2017, Cuba was not particularly ready for tourists. Many of the Cuban people, though not rude at all, seemed suspicious of us. Restaurants did not have the customer service attitudes that we are used to in the United States. Small children followed us around asking for money. Things may have changed in the years since then. When we have a chance to return, I will update you again! See.Vintage CarsWander the streets of Havana and look at all the classic cars. The colors and the lines of those American classics make me long for a return to the auto manufacturing designs of the 1950s and '60s. Museum of Rum (Old Havana) Havana Club; The Rum of Cuba
Hotel Nacional de Cuba (Vedado)Even if you aren't a guest at the historic, luxurious National Hotel, you can still enjoy some of its beauty from its ornate lobby. This art deco hotel built in 1930 attracted such high profile guests as John Wayne, Marlon Brando, Ava Gardner, and Rita Hayworth. So enjoy the decor, and make sure you amble down to the cigar shop to browse their large selection of Cuban cigars. Location: Avenida O at 21st (near the Malecón and La Rampa), Vedado Statue of John Lennon (Vedado)Beatles fans will love the bronze statue of John Lennon in John Lennon Park. Get your photo taken with the music icon; then wander down Calle 6 to El Vampirito for a Cristal and a sandwich or pizza. Location: Calle 8, between Calle 15 and 17 Plaza de la RevolucionThe Plaza of the Revolution is dedicated to the Cuban Revolution. The national monument of José Martí is the centerpiece of the Plaza and is an impressive memorial to the famous author. Completed in 1958, the tower stands 358 feet tall, making it the tallest structure in Havana. A colossal statue of José Martí sits at the foot of the tower. The faces of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro are mounted to two buildings surrounding the Plaza, and are among the most photographed sites in Havana.  The Beginner's Guide to Havana, Cuba Eat.La Makina Gastro Bar (Old Havana)  La Makina Gastro Bar
El Biky (Vedado) El Biky, Vedado, Havana #havanacuba #wheretoeatinhavana El Biky features two sides - the bakery and the restaurant. The bakery doles out fresh breads, sweet treats, and Cuban express coffee. The restaurant serves up pizzas, pastas, and specialty dishes. We sampled both the breads and sweets from the bakery, as well as pastas from the restaurant, and all were delightful. Location: Infanta at San Lazaro, Vedado Marakas (Vedado) Marakas, Vedado, Havana You'll find this darling Italian restaurant just off La Rampa, at the St John's Hotel. Their menu features a nice selection of pastas and brick oven pizzas. The pastas we selected arrived piping hot, with lots of flavor in the sauces and healthy portions of cheese. Our server was kind and eager to please. Location: Calle O near 23rd, Vedado Do.Private Taxi Tour Get a private tour of the city from a local. Take a private tour of the city with a local tour guide. Post-food-poisoning (if you're into humorous food poisoning stories, you can read more about mine here), and still in my weakened state, we took a taxi down the Malecón, from La Rampa into Old Havana. Along the way, our driver pointed out various sites around the city, and mentioned that he does private tours. Pedro was personable and informative, and clearly loves his city. Call him to book your tour! Tip: To get a feel for the city, take your tour on the day you arrive. Keep a notebook with you, and write down places you want to go back to on foot. Sunrise over the MalecónGet out of bed early to stroll along the Malecón at sunrise. The views are astonishing, especially looking out at the Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro. Listen to the water lapping against the wall and watch as the city opens its eyes to a new day. Stay. Stay at Hostel Leo We mentioned Leo's place in a previous article about how to go to Cuba as an American, but it's worth mentioning again. Leo and his girlfriend have a wonderful, warm, friendly home with a darling private room with private bathroom for rent. They are located in the heart of Vedado, with plenty of restaurants nearby, within walking distance of Habana Centro. Call Leo directly, or book through their AirBNB link. * If you are new to AirBNB, use our referral link to get a credit toward your first stay! Before You Go:Before heading to Havana, Cuba, read Carlos Eire's Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy. In addition to some delightful stories and satirical humor, you'll receive valuable insights into Havana pre-, mid-, and post-Revolution, with the author's thoughts on both Batista and Castro.  For more ideas on things to do in Havana, check out "Free Things to Do in Havana."  Travel is Always a Good Idea You May Also Enjoy:
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Carolyn Barnes
11/6/2021 07:27:28 am
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