Havana is the most beautiful city I have seen. And I do not say it because it is the city where I was born. But for all the amazing treasures that it keeps. I hope you enjoy this Havana travel Guide that I made with love!
You can find everything in Havana. Music, history, culture and the most eccentric and funny characters you can see in your life.
Havana contains secrets that only a local Cuban knows and some of those secrets you will discover in this guide.
My Colorful Havana is an atypical city where there are no maps or routes.
To get to know Havana inside and out you need to go hand in hand with a habanero because only a local can show you the real life of the Cuban. Welcome to my beautiful and colorful Havana!
(Mones, 2019)
I invite you to join one of our yoga and culture retreats, where we visit and discover Modern Havana. In addition, we penetrate into the Heartbeat of Old Havana and travel to other cities in Cuba. Like Trinidad, Viñales, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos Camagüey, and others.
The Best Experiences in Havana
The Malecón Habanero:
The Malecon is one of the most popular avenues in all of Havana. The pier runs along the north coast of the city and extends from the Castillo de la Punta at the entrance of the bay, to the chorrera, the mouth of the Almendares River, a total of 17 kilometers.
An ideal place, especially at the time of sunset, which is eliminated by the northwest and offers spectacular views to all who visit.
Between the boardwalk and the sea, there is a wide sidewalk and a wall all the time. To this wall come the crowds of young people, and not so young, both day and night, to fall in love or, simply, to escape the daily routine. In the summer, among other activities, we can enjoy the colorful carnival of Havana.
The University of Havana:
On January 5, 1728, was born the convent of San Juan de Letrán, the first University of Cuba, the royal and pontifical university of San Geronimo in Havana. In the inauguration ceremony, Fray Tomás Linares del Castillo is named as its first rector, who will govern the first faculties: Arts and Philosophy, Technology, Canons, Laws, and Medicine.
Currently, the University of Havana has an enrollment of 60000 students distributed in its 17 faculties and 15 municipal venues. In the current period of educational education, 32 careers are studied. This university enjoys great international prestige. Located: San Lázaro and L.
The Hammel Alley:
Community cultural project that emerged in 1990 and that constitutes an authentic outdoor art museum of African origin. Located in the heart of La Barriada in Key West, it is mandatory to visit if you are a lover of rumba in the streets, religion and Afro-Cuban art. Located: between Aramburu and the Hospital, Key West. Center of Havana.
Cemetery of Columbus:
The first stone was placed on October 30, 1871, and before its extension completed in 1934, it had a capacity of 504 458.22 square meters.
The Plaza located in the central street between the chapel and the great door was called Christopher Columbus because it was planned to erect a monument to the discoverer next to the remains, which never passed in front of the Cathedral of Havana, being the first bust in every continent and the only one that exists in the whole world with a beard.
So the cemetery dedicated to the Grand Admiral, full of famous sculptures, lacks one by which he has been given his name. Located: Calles Zapata y 12, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución.
Tropicana Cabaret:
The world-famous cabaret, identified by its large arch, was built in 1939 in the old land of the Villa Mina farm, but it was not until 1940 when it adopted that sound name.
In its main room under the stars, a legendary show, usually involving the participation of a hundred artists between dancers and musicians. It has the capacity for a thousand people and also has other spaces such as the restaurant Los Jardines and El Bohemio.
In 1992, the North American Academy of Restaurant Industry awarded him the “Best of the Five Diamond Stars” for the best cabaret in the Americas. If you love music, dancing, and joy, Cabaret Tropicana is a place you can not miss.
Marina Hemingway:
It combines urban hotels with a nautical service. Its port has well-equipped channels for docking and provisioning of boats. Its greatest fame is to be the permanent headquarters of the International Fishing Tournament of Ernest Hemingway that takes place every year, instituted in the 50s in the life of the novelist. Located: 248 Street and Fifth Avenue, Santa Fe, Beach.
Cuban Art Factory:
The Cuban Art Factory (known locally as La Fábrica de Arte or F.A.C) is an art gallery and club in Havana.
The gallery and setting of the factory were set up inside an old oil factory, and it has gained notoriety as one of the best nightclubs and art galas in Havana. Several media outlets have described the factory as a symbol of Cuba’s accelerated opening to the world. Located: Calle 26, Havana.
East beaches:
The eastern beaches, located only 25 kilometers from the Cuban capital, are an unbeatable place to rest and enjoy the delights of the tropics. Bacuranao, Tarará, Mégano, Santa Maria del Mar, Boca Ciega, and Guanabo make up the coast of sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
Its coral reefs near the coast are favorable for snorkeling and diving. If you love these sports, I invite you to visit the eastern beaches, where you will find several tourist services, places to rest, have a snack and enjoy the sea breeze, as well as get accommodation in motels, hotels, and villas.
Travel Guide to Havana: Main Attractions
Christ of Havana:
At the entrance to the port of Havana, between the fortress of San Carlos of the cabin and the town of Casa Blanca, stands a colossal statue known as the Christ of Havana.
It was inaugurated on December 25, 1958, and is one of the three that exist in the world. It was built in Italy and shows the figure of Jesus standing, with one hand on his chest and the other held high, in an attitude of blessing, he looks towards the city and has a height of 20 meters on the base of 3 meters. It weighs 320 tons and is composed of 67 pieces of white Carrara marble.
The Capitol:
The majestic neoclassical building was inaugurated on May 20, 1929, and marks the zero kilometers of the country’s roads. Its dome is Renaissance style. The Statue of the Republic of Cuba that is exhibited here is the third largest in the world under the roof. Located: Paseo del Prado between Dragons and San Martín, Old Havana.
The Floridita:
It is a bar restaurant and one of the Havanan places immortalized by Ernest Hemingway. On this site, Hemingway created a special Daiquiri drink with his name: “Papa double” or “Hemingway Special”. Located: Monserrate corner to Obispo, Old Havana.
The Cathedral of Havana:
Its construction began in 1748 as a Jesuit church and was converted into a major parish in 1777, later, in 1788, it became the cathedral of Havana. in this church there are ancient tombs, the signatures of thousands of hands on the traces of the wall of slavery and art. Located: Empedrado between San Ignacio and merchants, Old Havana.
