Welcome back to Kyle’s Weekly Travel Guide. I missed last week due to a bit of personal travel; to my three readers, worry not, for I have returned.
This week, I have decided to turn my gaze toward one of my favorite places I have ever visited. This location is full of history, with much of it happening in the last couple of decades. From this city, you can see the glittering lights of Key West on a clear day. This week, I will be giving you a guide to the City of Columns:
Havana, Cuba
Things To Do
The colonial city of Havana is full of rich history, life, music, culture, and fun! This city has museums and buildings with great significance, as well as monuments to their national revolution.
Museum of the Revolution
This museum resides in Old Havana, and is full of exhibits that tell the history of the brutality Cubans faced under Batista’s government, and how the events of the revolution unfolded.
This museum was especially interesting to me as it is one of the few war museums that I have been to that featured a war that occurred so recently.
National Capitol of Cuba
The Cuban capitol building is one of the iconic sights of the city. Towering over the surrounding area, it is easy to find and use as a landmark when exploring the city. This stunning building has a rich history. However, expect some scaffolding in your photos, as it is typically always under construction.
Malecon
The Malecon is the seawall on the north side of Havana. It is an excellent place to go for a walk, ride a bike, or watch the sunset. Additionally, if you rent one of the old, iconic cars Havana is known for, it is an excellent place to cruise while enjoying the Caribbean climate.
Plaza de la Catedral
This plaza dates back to the 1770s and features a colonial cathedral that began construction in 1748. In this square you may find shops and restaurants featuring delicious Cuban cuisine.
Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro
Honestly, who doesn’t like looking at old castles and forts? Erected between 1589-1630, the Castle of the Three Kings of Morro was used to protect Havana Port from pirates and invaders. This castle is just one of a few forts that were erected in Havana. Others include Castillo de la Real Fuerza and La Fuerza Fortress.
Plaza de la Revolución
This plaza is dedicated to the heroes of the Cuban Revolution. This plaza in New Havana features three key sights: two murals and one giant obelisk. On the two murals are Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos (one of the more forgotten heroes of the revolution). Under Che, the words “Hasta la victoria siempre” are featured, while under Cienfuegos, it reads “Vas Bien Fidel.”
In the middle of the square is the Memorial de José Martí. This memorial is a massive obelisk dedicated to José Martí, a man who was a primary symbol of Cuban independence from Spain.
Restaurants
La Guarida
La Guarida is one of the staple icons of Havana. This paladar (privately owned restaurant) is located on the rooftop of an old building, and serves elevated, traditional Cuban dishes. If you want a taste of great Cuban seafood, La Guarida is your location.
Otramanera
Otramanera is considered one of the best restaurants in Havana. Reasonably priced and easy to find, Otramanera is considered one of the best bang for your buck restaurants in Cuba. Like La Guardia, it serves elevated Cuban and Caribbean cuisine that surely will not disappoint.
Los Mercaderes
Yet another Paladar on this list is Los Mercaderes. Here, hungry diners can find Italian-Cuban fusion, which is a very intriguing and delicious sounding idea. Additionally, the interior of the Paladar is gorgeous, and sets the scene perfectly for a night out in Havana.
El Del Frente
If you want some non-elevated, greasy Cuban food, then El Del Frente is your place. El Del Frente is sure to leave you satisfied if you choose to dine at this location during your trip.
Ivan Chef Justo
Ivan Chef Justo is a paladar that is very well known in Cuba both domestically and abroad. Here, you can find contemporary Cuban and Caribbean dishes that mix in some inspiration from Spanish cuisine.
Nightlife
I have actually had a small taste of Cuban nightlife, and let me tell you, I had a blast. The bars here are mostly found in restaurants, but the drinks found at these places are fantastic. Prepare to drink daiquiris, mojitos, and piña coladas until you can’t stand up. Once there, a few drunk Cubanos and maybe a cigar will straighten you up for some dancing.
El Floridita
El Floridita is famous for being Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bar in the city. This bar has a deep, 200 year old history, with one of those histories being that it claims to have invented the Daiquiri in 1931. If that’s true, I have no clue, but I would recommend trying one to see if their house recipe tastes original.
La Bodeguita del Medio
La Bodeguita del Medio is yet another of Havana’s historic watering holes, as it was founded in 1942. Similar to El Floridita, La Bodeguita claims to have invented the Mojito. Well, this drink became so popular around the world that famous patrons such as Salvador Allende, Pablo Neruda, and Nat King Cole had to go and see what the fuss was about.
Fábrica de Arte Cubano
Fábrica de Arte Cubano was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. To many Cubans, it is the place where everyone goes out on the weekend. Technically, it is an art gallery, but drinks are flowing and the music is bumping, so it can be considered Cuba’s closest thing to a club. This bar has also been featured on World’s Best Bars, so it is a must see.
Madrigal Bar Cafe
Madrigal Bar Cafe is yet another iconic Havana bar. Here, you can enjoy refreshing cocktails and live music in an old Havana setting.
Pazillo
If you are looking for a place with great food and cocktails, Pazillo is your place. Pazillo is known for their ceviche and hamburgers. Once you have stuffed yourself with those delicious food items, you must wash it down with a tasty mojito or piña colada.
Safety and Don’ts
When I traveled to Havana, I felt as safe as I did in traditionally safe locations such as Switzerland or Iceland. Some pick-pocketing can occur, but it is not a common occurrence.
One major thing to expect in Havana is long wait times. Things move slow in Havana, so some patience is needed when visiting this city.
Havana is very friendly with photography; however, do not take pictures of the military or the police.
Finally, bring plenty of cash. Debit cards WILL NOT work in Havana, so ensure that you bring enough cash to last you through your stay. Also, you cannot get Cuban currency outside of Cuba as it is not an internationally traded currency.
I would also stay away from political conversation with the locals. You are a guest in their country, and there is no reason to discuss personal political views in a nation with controversial political history.
Getting Around
Havana used to be more difficult to get to. Now, several direct flights travel to the city. One can fly to Havana direct from New York, Miami, Houston, and Tampa.
Havana also has limited public transportation, so it is best to get around by bus or taxi. Sube is the Cuban equivalent to Uber if you prefer rideshare.
Language
Spanish. Duh.