Why you HAVE to visit Havana, Cuba
Visiting Havana before Cuba changes has been on my list for years. The city is a living museum, a crumbling mess dating from the early to mid-1900s. The most interesting area for us was Central Havana where people actually live (as opposed to Old Havana which is for the tourists). You see little streets with broken sidewalks, old cars on cement blocks, washing hanging out of balconies, electric wiring strung out in every direction, and buildings that had once been beautiful which have crumbled and faded with time. Old cars are everywhere and if you like cars or other modes of transport (like old trains – we saw a few on display dating from the 1800s) then Havana is a great place for you.
I talk about how Havana is a crumbling mess – but with its Caribbean setting there is a lot of beauty in its decrepitness.
Havana was a fashionable city in the early 1900’s, a place where celebrities, businessmen and politicians would come. Theatres and mansions were built and most of the buildings that you see falling apart today date from this period.
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Old Havana (photos below) is probably what the authorities want you to see. It is completely different than Central Havana. It has forts, plazas, and cathedrals dating back from the 16th century when the Spanish made it one of the most important cities in the Americas. It would, along with Cartagena, become the most heavily fortified of the port cities of the New World.
I’ll be honest; although beautiful, we found that Old Havana had been restored to such a degree that most of it seemed almost artificial.
Lasting Impressions…
Overall, we can’t say that we loved every aspect of Havana. The touts are pushy and you can’t walk anywhere without someone wanting to give you a tour or asking for basic necessities. After two days, we couldn’t walk out of the hotel without seeing the “usual suspects” making a beeline for us (usual suspects: Mr. Bicycle Taxi Man, Mr. Old Car Man, Mr. Horse Carriage Man, Mr. “Let me show you the real Cuba” Man, Mr. “Let me take you to the foreign exchange” Man). Women begged for clothing and toiletries and we ended up giving one woman the contents of almost half of our suitcase before leaving. We felt bad for their situation.
Another thing: we found the city incredibly loud and polluted, the diesel fumes from the old cars overwhelming.
Nevertheless, Havana has to be seen. In it’s own way, it’s one of the most beautiful cities on earth. It is an amazing city that has no comparison anywhere. It also made us appreciate what the people who live here go through every day. The great thing about travel is that it always reminds you to be thankful for what you have.
Practical Information:
Accommodation: We stayed at the Iberostar Parque Central Hotel. It is a beautiful hotel with the most fantastic views from its rooftop. A refuge from the noisy, chaotic streets of Havana. Recommended.
Beware: We were targeted for an exchange rate scam in Havana. Keep your eyes out, don’t let anyone “help” you exchange your foreign currency.
Flying in: Most international travellers entering Cuba will fly into Havana’s Jose Marti Int’l Airport (airport code: HAV). Another popular entry point is Varadero (Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport. Airport code: VRA)
You think Havana looks amazing? Trinidad was actually our favorite place in Cuba.
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Have you been to Havana?
Related: What’s Cartagena (Colombia) like? Here’s why it’s incredible
Related: Cuba Travel Guide: Where to Go and What to Do (including the Best Beaches)
Related: The Most Beautiful City in the World? Our candidates…and winner
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