| Book cheap airfare to Havana on CheapOair and visit one of the largest islands in the Caribbean with the most diverse scenery and culture. Situated on the north coast of the island and built around a natural deep-water harbor, it is easy to see why the city was so much fought over by past generations of colonialists. All have left their mark but none more so than the Spanish.
The exquisite architecture of Old Havana is very reminiscent of Seville with its narrow, cobbled streets, shady plazas, grilled windows and grand, if in many places, crumbling buildings. Tantalising glimpses of cool courtyards and wrought iron balconies, where whole families sit to observe the world are round every corner. With the help of UNESCO and money from tourism, many of the unique buildings are being restored again to all their former glory. So Havana offers the unusual sight of brightly painted and restored buildings along side those that look as if they would collapse if anybody rang their doorbell. However gradual the improvements, the city fathers have recognised the significance of Old Havana to world heritage and its treasures will not be lost forever as the area comes back to life.
Old Havana is best explored on foot to take full advantage of the glorious Spanish colonial architecture, much of it under restoration. Visitors can easily occupy many an hour meandering through the narrow streets and around the shady plazas. There will always be something happening to catch the eye and, thankfully, there are many more refreshment facilities in which to linger and watch the colorful pageant. Museum-lovers will be spoiled for choice as more and more open each year, many in wonderful old buildings.
While Old Havana holds many charms for visitors, it would be a pity to neglect other areas of the city, such as Vedado, or New Havana, the former centre of gambling and good living. La Rampa, Vedado's main street runs from the Habana Libre, a hotel built as the flagship of the Hilton chain just before the Revolution and then used by Castro as his headquarters, down to the Malecon. On either side of La Rampa are many fine examples of Art Deco and 1950s architecture, not least the imposing Hotel Nacional. To the west of the city is the former upscale district of Miramar, with its grand mansions giving evidence of a bygone age of prosperity. Many are now being restored as offices for joint-venture companies and embassies.
A good overview of the city can be enjoyed from the observatory at the top of the Jose Marti Memorial in Revolution Square. A stroll along the Malecon, the seafront walk, which stretches almost the length of Havana, is a must-see. Here, old and young fish during the day and courting couples take their paseo (promenade) at night. The Malecon also provides a wonderful view of Havana’s cityscape, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Havana nightlife is thriving and the choice of venues is endless. Although some bars are open only to locals, you do not need to be indoors to sample great live music. Cubans know how to party and every street can turn into a live concert. The social scene starts to liven up about 2200 and, as there are no official licensing hours, clubs and bars tend to close when the last customer leaves, normally between 0200 and 0300. The free entertainment paper, Cartelera, which comes out every Thursday, has a list of what's on around the city, including any gigs for famous bands, such as the Buena Vista Social Club or Los Van Van. The paper can normally be found at hotel reception desks. Generally, Cubans expect to dress up when going out and most clubs have a rule of no shorts, T-shirts or jeans. |
