I spent 48 magical hours in Havana with my bestie, and it was a whirlwind journey. I had been dreaming of going to Cuba for ages, and it was exhausting to resolve what to do with so little time.
From sipping mojitos seaside to salsa dancing the evening away, there’s simply a lot to see and do in Cuba’s capital.
Able to fall in love with this stunning metropolis? Listed below are my high 15 issues to do in Havana.
1. Have a Mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio
If the partitions of La Bodeguita del Medio might discuss! Because the birthplace of the Mojito cocktail, many individuals (celebrities included) have flocked to the restaurant for nearly 80 years now to get a style.
Undoubtedly, put the historic venue in your Cuba bucket checklist! It opens at 10:30 a.m., which is an ideal excuse to begin your day with a boozy brunch.
2. Hire a Traditional Automotive for a Spin Round Havana
Rumor has it that there are a whopping 10,000 traditional automobiles on the streets of Havana! Not solely do they make for some unimaginable pictures for Instagram, however they’re additionally the right strategy to tour town.
You may swing by any of the car-rental companies proper outdoors of the cruise terminal and do a tour for 40-50 CUC ($40-50 USD) per hour. Take a look at the bubble-gum pink traditional automobile that I rented for the day!
Strawberry Excursions additionally presents a Havana classic automobile tour. It prices $29 for a seat or you may lease the entire car out for $99.
3. Eat at La Guarida
La Guarida is a neighborhood cultural icon. With placing décor and scrumptious Cuban delicacies, this place is a must-see in Havana.
You’ll want to get a reservation (you may guide through a Skype name or by means of their web site), and plan for a while to linger on this quaint spot. They open at midday, so it’s a very good lunch or dinner choose.
Learn Extra: 10 Native Meals to Strive in Cuba
4. Eat at a Paladar
Going to a paladar is a one-of-a-kind expertise. In a rustic filled with government-owned eating places, these little culinary gems are family-owned institutions serving up genuine selfmade Cuban meals.
O’Reilly 304 in Outdated Havana is well-liked amongst locals, whereas Nao Bar is the right place for a conventional Habanero expertise. One other cool paladar expertise, Cafe Laurent, is positioned in an condominium constructing.
5. Strive a Cuban Sandwich
First created by Cuban immigrant staff in Florida, the Cuban sandwich is severely so scrumptious! With ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard tucked between slices Cuban bread, the sandwich has turn out to be a global favourite.
6. Stroll the Colourful Streets of Outdated Havana
It was love at first sight after I hit the streets of Outdated Havana. This UNESCO-honored Outdated City is a captivating district lined with pastel homes.
Rent a bicycle taxi or simply hit the streets on foot. All you want is an effective pair of strolling sneakers and a digital camera to soak up the enduring metropolis.
7. Go to the Museum of the Revolution
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff or are struggling to recollect Cuban details you discovered in highschool, the Museum of the Revolution is a vital cease. It should give you a glimpse into Cuban historical past and offer you larger which means behind how Havana developed over time.
8. Seize a Daiquiri at La Floridita
You may’t go to Havana with out swinging into the birthplace of the daiquiri! As Hemmingway’s favourite hang-out, La Floridita is a quintessential Cuban expertise.
9. Stroll El Malecón
For an ideal view of the Havana seaside, come to El Malecón. Stroll down this five-mile street and take all of it in. From fishermen working at sea to placing Spanish-colonial structure, this strip is teeming with life and power.
10. Store for Rum and Cigars
When in Rome! Love them or hate them, no person does rum and cigars higher than Cuba. Even if you happen to’re not a fan, these make for the right souvenirs.
11. Go to the Capitol Constructing
This placing constructing is house to the third largest indoor statue on the planet, La Estatua de la República, and a few really exceptional structure.
12. Watch the Cabaret at La Parisienne at Resort Nacional
I completely cherished watching the Cabaret at La Parisienne at Resort Nacional! A mix of dance, acrobatics and comedy, that is one after-dark expertise that you simply gained’t wish to miss out on!
13. Fabrica de Arte Cubano
One other nightlife hotspot, Fabrica de Arte Cubano is an expertise you may’t miss. Get there early in order to not miss the motion.
Open Thursday to Sunday from 8 p.m. to three a.m., locals love this art-gallery-turned-club. We waited in line for an hour however by no means obtained in, so be sure you accommodate sufficient time for the road when heading there.
14. Go to Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón
Established within the late nineteenth century, The Colon Cemetery, or within the Spanish language Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón, is without doubt one of the most traditionally important cemeteries on the planet. For those who’re a historical past aficionado, it’s undoubtedly worthy of a go to.
15. Go to Ernest Hemingway’s Home, Finca Vigía
For those who’re a Hemingway fan, you may’t miss Finca Vigía. The beautiful Spanish-colonial house is the place the writer penned a few of his most well-known works.
All pictures edited with my Lightroom #TBAPresets!
