If you want to travel to Havana and get tips from a Cuba travel expert, you are in the right place!
Before Beyoncé, Obama, or the Rolling Stones, I was traveling to Cuba. From my more than five years of adventures to Havana (La Habana) and around the once forbidden island, I can attest that Cuba is so much more than just Hemingway’s haunts, rum, and cigars.
Enjoy my top five things to do in Havana, Cuba!
1. Classic Convertible Car Ride
Cuba is a rolling museum of pristine classic 1950’s American cars in all colors. Even after years of traveling to the island, the moment I get out of the airport, I become a classic car paparazzi. It’s hard not to marvel at all of the vibrant relics that are still running, albeit with many jury-rigged engines. The best places to pick up a classic car are by San Francisco Plaza in Old Havana, at the Capitol building, or at any of the larger hotels. If you don’t have a destination in mind, but would like a recorrido (tour/spin of the city), expect roughly 40-50 CUC (approximately $46-$58). Always be sure to agree to a price for your ride.
2. Salsa, Son, Rumba, Timba, and más
Cuban musicians are world renowned for their dynamic sounds, complex rhythms, and bands. Going to Havana, Cuba and not experiencing music would be a sin. Do yourself and those that travel with you a favor. Go to at least one show. My recommendations are: La Zorra y El Cuervo (jazz) in Vedado, El Guarijito (Buena Vista Social Club show) in Old Havana by the train station, El Gato Tuerto (boleros/jazz) near the Nacional Hotel, and Jazz Café (jazz) near the Melia Cohiba hotel. Many people ask me about the Tropicana. There is no doubt it is a YOLO cabaret with phenomenal musicians, singers, and dancers, but the ticket price is pretty steep (80-100 CUC).
3. Walk on the Malecón
The Malecón, the ocean boulevard or seawall, is an eight-kilometer pedestrian path, which is nicknamed the world’s largest sofa. With multiple generations living in the same apartment, the Malecón is THE gathering place for all Habaneros (people from La Habana). In the morning, you will find Habaneros fishing, running, or even waiting for rides to school or work on the Malecón. After five p.m., groups of friends, families, musicians, and lovers meet to sing, dance, drink, and enjoy the moment. You must take a walk along the Malecón. It is very safe, both night and day, but be careful of potholes as the sidewalk is in need of repairs in many locations.
4. Art Around Every Corner in Havana
Whether it’s dance, music, paintings, writing, or sculpture, art is found around every corner in Havana. It is as if creativity and ingenuity are part of the Cuban DNA. Some of my favorites in Havana are Fusterlandia, a mosaic neighborhood done in a Cuban Gaudi style, Callejón de Hamel, and Muraleando, a community project showcasing murals, sculptures made from repurposed items like washing machines, bathtubs, typewriters, and more. I highly recommend for an evening out the Fábrica de Arte Cubano (Cuban Art Factory or FAC), which is a revamped warehouse turned entertainment and multi-media art gallery. Entrance is only 2 CUC.
5. Buen Provecho at Paladares
You’ve heard that the way to man’s heart is through his stomach. I believe that one of the surest ways to get to know a culture is also through your stomach. Go out and support local, private businesses called paladares and try traditional Cuban food such as roasted pork, ropa vieja (shredded beef), moros (beans and rice), yucca, squash, and malanga (taro). I would gauge about 15-25 CUC per person for dinner (approximately $17-29). Tipping is appropriate at restaurants and bars. It is customary to leave 10% of the bill. Some of my favorites for both traditional Cuban food and global fusion are Carbon, Chansonnier, Café Laurent, Nao, and Figaro
NOW is the time to discover Cuba and its riches for yourself.
If you are interested in more info before you go, grab a copy my book, Cubicle to Cuba available in print, ebook, and audio. (Updated June 2018, Cubicle to Cuba is available in español.)
You may be interested in these other posts as well:
- Falling in Love with Cuba – Why You Should Travel to Cuba NOW!
- Five Things You Don’t Know About Cuba But Should
- 4 Ways You Can Travel to Cuba NOW
