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 arduous to determine what to do with so little time.
From sipping mojitos seaside to salsa dancing the evening away, there may be 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 may speak! 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.
Positively, put the historic venue in your Cuba bucket listing! It opens at 10:30 a.m., which is an ideal excuse to start out your day with a boozy brunch.
2. Lease a Basic Automobile for a Spin Round Havana
Rumor has it that there are a whopping 10,000 basic automobiles on the streets of Havana! Not solely do they make for some unimaginable photographs for Instagram, however they’re additionally the right method to tour the town.
You possibly can swing by any of the car-rental businesses proper outdoors of the cruise terminal and do a tour for 40-50 CUC ($40-50 USD) per hour. Try the bubble-gum pink basic automotive that I rented for the day!
Strawberry Excursions additionally provides a Havana classic automotive tour. It prices $29 for a seat or you’ll be able to hire the entire automobile 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.
Remember to get a reservation (you’ll be able to guide by way of a Skype name or by way of their web site), and plan for a while to linger on this quaint spot. They open at midday, so it’s a superb lunch or dinner decide.
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O’Reilly 304 in Outdated Havana is fashionable amongst locals, whereas Nao Bar is the right place for a conventional Habanero expertise. One other cool paladar expertise, Cafe Laurent, is situated in an residence constructing.
5. Strive a Cuban Sandwich
First created by Cuban immigrant staff in Florida, the Cuban sandwich is significantly so scrumptious! With ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard tucked between slices Cuban bread, the sandwich has turn out to be a world favourite.
6. Stroll the Colourful Streets of Outdated Havana
It was love at first sight once 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 efficient pair of strolling sneakers and a digicam 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 information you realized in highschool, the Museum of the Revolution is an important cease. It’ll give you a glimpse into Cuban historical past and provide you with larger that means behind how Havana developed through the years.
8. Seize a Daiquiri at La Floridita
You possibly can’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 highway 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 one does rum and cigars higher than Cuba. Even should you’re not a fan, these make for the right souvenirs.
11. Go to the Capitol Constructing
This placing constructing is residence to the third largest indoor statue on the earth, La Estatua de la República, and a few really outstanding structure.
12. Watch the Cabaret at La Parisienne at Resort Nacional
I completely beloved watching the Cabaret at La Parisienne at Resort Nacional! A mix of dance, acrobatics and comedy, that is one after-dark expertise that you just received’t need to miss out on!
13. Fabrica de Arte Cubano
One other nightlife hotspot, Fabrica de Arte Cubano is an expertise you’ll be able to’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 received in, so you’ll want to 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 vital cemeteries on the earth. 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’ll be able to’t miss Finca Vigía. The beautiful Spanish-colonial house is the place the creator penned a few of his most well-known works.
All pictures edited with my Lightroom #TBAPresets!
