One of the best ways to see Havana, Cuba is by going on a tour. A tour can take you to all the spots where you can have fun, learn about the history, and take a few memorable photos. While you’re there, make sure you stop by these spots.
1) Calle Obispo
This is one of the most famous streets in Havana (and also one of the most touristy) but for a good reason. Here, you can find restaurants, shops, live music, bars, all squeezed together on this narrow, but beautiful section of Havana Vieja. You can also stop by and have a drink in El Floridita, which is where Hemingway would once come for a drink himself.
2) Hotel Raquel
There are plenty of gorgeous hotels in Havana, which each make a good place to grab a drink, listen to some jazz, and not for nothing…soak up the air conditioning. A few of my favorite hotels were Hotel Telegrapho, Hotel Saratoga, and Hotel Raquel. Hotel Raquel has an awesome roof-top bar/restaurant, where you can see the rooftops of buildings and the sea ahead.
3) Plaza de la Revolucion and Museo de Revolucion
When you come to Havana, you must experience the history. There are museums for days here, and even if you’re not a fan of museums or touristy sights, you should definitely go to these two. Museo de Revolucion is a good place to learn about The Cuban Revolution, for those who feel like they want to know more about the country’s history. Then, at night time, head to Plaza de la Revolucion where you can see the giant, lit up buildings showing Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos-two prominent leaders of the Revolution.
4) Plaza de Cristo
There are many plazas in Havana and each one is a good place to sit and relax, people watch and also get some Internet, which is hard to come by in Cuba. One of the coolest plazas, in my opinion, was Plaza de Cristo, which is located near some really cool bars, like Hanoi, Henky’s, and
5) Smoke a Cigar at Fábrica de Tabaco Partagas
Ahh…Cuban cigars. How wonderful. I don’t even smoke and we knew we couldn’t miss the opportunity to smoke an authentic Cuban cigar at the place where they were once made: Fábrica de Tabaco Partagas. You can buy one for 6 CUC which is a little pricey, but trust us…it’s good quality. Smoke it right in their lounge and order a brandi while you’re at it.
6) Plaza de Armas
If you love books, then you’ll love Plaza de Armas. While the plaza (yes, there we go with plazas again) is a sight to see on its own, look on the right and you’ll see a little section where vendors come and sell books as well as other tchachkies. We got issues of National Geographic from the 1950’s!
7) Calle Muralla
Last but not least, another street thats worth your while in Cuba in Calle Muralla. The street is just nice in itself, but take the time to stop at a little bar called Creperie Oasis Nelva. The atmosphere is very cool and the drinks, crepes, and cheese platters are delicious and reasonably priced.
Havana has so many awesome places to see, so let this list help you decide where to go! You’ll also get to see another side of the city, too.
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in Mexico and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
