The warm tropical island of Cuba abounds with a rich history, sandy beaches, and delicious cuisine. If you are considering traveling to Havana, Cuba's capital and one of the oldest cities in the Americas, planning ahead will afford the opportunity to immerse yourself in its unique culture, centuries-old architecture, entertainment, and fine dining. Here are the top 5 hot-spots to round out your trip to this modern city in the sea.
- Old Havana Walking Tour (Havana Tour Company)
This 3-hour immersive tour begins at 9:00 a.m. and is $30 per person. Working your way through old Havana with an English-speaking tour guide, you will see and learn about landmarks such as the Capitolio, Gran Teatro, Museo de Revolucion, Parque Central, the Bacardi building, Calle Obispo, Plaza de Armas, and Hotel Ambos Mundos. Along the way, you will discover the daily street life of Havana. - The National Museum of Fine Arts
Housing Cuban art from the colonial times through present day, this beautiful building contains an impressive collection. You will also find ancient art and European sculptures and paintings. It is open Tuesdays through Sundays, and general admission is $5. - Santa Maria del Mar Beach
For a relatively inexpensive outing, take a 20-minute taxi ride to the beach. Santa Maria del Mar is the biggest and busiest beach in Eastern Havana and a popular location for diving, jet skiing, and sailing. It is convenient to the city so you can still enjoy the beach in the morning and take in a museum during the afternoon. If you want to soak up the sun and sand when the locals do, visit Santa Maria del Mar on the weekends. - San Cristóbal Paladar
Ranked #1 by Trip Advisor's 2014 Traveler's Choice Awards for the best restaurant in Havana, San Cristobal Paladar is famous for its authentic Cuban cuisine. Converted from an old home with tables available in the garden area, you can enjoy Cuban-creole offerings as well as international dishes from steak to lobster. It is open daily from noon to midnight, and as a special treat, a cigar is offered at the end of the meal. Average prices range from $8 to $14. - La Zorra y el Cuervo
This legendary night club features Latin jazz music. You'll spot the entrance from the street by its replica red English telephone box out front. The club is located in the basement and has a 120-person capacity. Come early if you want a seat as this club fills up quickly. The doors open at 9.00 p.m., and the music plays from 11:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. There is a $10 cover charge, and a selection of cocktails and snacks are available for purchase.
The months of June through October historically have heavier rains but are warm with an average temp of 80 degrees. The months of December through April have the lightest rainfall with mild temps in the 70s. Whether you are planning a winter escape or summer vacation, you can count on mild evenings in the 60s year-round when you travel to Cuba. You can also count on the historic and beautiful city of Havana to leave you with enjoyable memories to last a lifetime.
