There are a number of options when it comes to accommodations when visiting Havana. For longer stays, it may be wise to consider staying at a B&B instead of a hotel. This option is particularly ideal for budget travelers and those who plan to come back to Cuba again.
For shorter trips, however, it may be more convenient to book an all-inclusive hotel package deal. This will eliminate the hassle of finding meals and will free up your time to explore the city’s attractions.
Varadero
If you’re considering traveling to Varadero for your vacation in Havana – Cuba, you’ll find that there are many things to do in the area. If you’d like to see a variety of sights, there are several tours and packages available. For the most part, these trips are much cheaper than paying for each activity individually.
If you’d rather stay near the beach, you can stay in an all-inclusive resort, like the Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort and Spa. Rooms here have balconies and are bright with high-quality bedding and modern amenities, such as satellite TV and coffee makers. Rooms are available in a variety of sizes, and larger suites have living rooms.
If you’re planning a trip to Havana from Varadero, it’s a good idea to spend two to three days in the Cuban capital. This will give you enough time to see the highlights and return to Varadero when you’re ready. However, remember that money goes a long way in Cuba and negotiating isn’t a bad idea.
If you’re planning a vacation in Havana and Varadero, you can also opt for an all-inclusive package. This package combines cultural immersion in Havana with a relaxing vacation in Varadero. There are also packages for 14-night stays.
Finca Vigia
If you are planning to take a vacation in Havana, Cuba, you may want to visit Finca Vigia. This former home of famous writer Ernest Hemingway is now a museum. The house was built in 1886 and is still being maintained.
The home was once owned by acclaimed author Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Cuba for nearly 20 years. Upon leaving, the novelist donated the Finca Vigia to the ‘Cuban people’, as it was not the place he wanted to spend his time. Today, the house has been transformed into a museum and is almost as Hemingway left it.
The Finca Vigia is located approximately eight miles from Old Havana. It is best accessed by taxi, which costs around $3. Admission to the house varies by day. You may want to make a reservation before you go to see the house.
The Finca Vigia is now a museum where you can learn about the life of Ernest Hemingway. This famous writer lived here when he was nearly suicidal. It’s now a renowned tourist attraction in Havana and is a must-see on any vacation to the city.
Old architecture
The old architecture of Havana has a colorful past, and you can visit these buildings to experience its history. The city is protected by UNESCO, but its preservation is still a work in progress. Throughout Havana, you can find magnificent mansions and beautiful churches, but also dilapidated buildings.
These buildings need major restorations and maintenance due to the constant impact of tropical storms. In some buildings, ceilings have caved in and doors have fallen off hinges.
After the 1959 Revolution, the state of Cuba seized foreign-owned properties. This led to a new era of architecture in Havana.
During this time, stained-glass windows were replaced with wooden ones. In addition, new materials like wood were used for buildings instead of lead. Shutters were also added to give homes more privacy and ventilation. You’ll also notice many balconies and iron lampposts.
The city center has a long architectural history. Old Havana has a variety of imported styles and is known for its architectural ethos. Many colorful buildings are found here, with narrow streets and heavily used public plazas.
Classic cars
If you love classic cars, a vacation in Cuba may be just the thing for you. The country is home to an amazing collection of classic American cars. Many of these cars date back to the 1950s and are in mint condition. Others have been MacGyvered to add modern amenities.
In Cuba, the best way to get a taste of the classic car culture is to visit the city of Havana and see these cars in person.
Taking a classic car tour in Havana is a great way to see the city without taking a cab. The driver can recommend routes and help you get around town. You can also cruise along the Malecon, which runs along the ocean. A great time to do this is at sunset, when the city is at its most scenic.
Renting a classic car for a vacation in Cuba can be a great way to experience the country’s history and culture. Cuba is a very large island, and driving is often lengthy. Using a vintage car adds a lot of time to your daily trip, and the car can break down.
Live music
While you are in Havana, you can take in live music. You can listen to live performances in restaurants and bars. Local musicians and guitarists often play in these venues. Many musicians perform for tips, which is a major source of income for these musicians. If you are lucky enough to catch a show here, you will be able to enjoy a live performance of your favorite Cuban music.
If you have never experienced Cuban music, it might seem difficult to know what to expect. Cubans are passionate about music and you can hear it everywhere.
Whether you’re looking to listen to salsa, rumba, or the famous Buena Vista Social Club, you’ll enjoy the diverse sound of Cuban music. The music itself is often a blend of African, French, and Spanish influences and is always evolving.
You can enjoy live music in Cuba during vacation in Havana at the Teatro de la Revolucion. This large open-air space plays a variety of music and has several rooms to accommodate concerts. The Havana Cafe, located in the Hotel Melia Cohiba, is also a good choice for live music.
You can also catch a band at La Tropical in Playa, which offers live performances. Another great spot for listening to live music in Cuba during vacation in Havana is the Tropicana Club, an iconic Havana bar.
Tacky mojitos
Mojitos are a classic cocktail, and they are incredibly refreshing, but they have developed a bad reputation. In fact, bartenders often apologize for them. They are a white rum, sugar, lime, and mint cocktail, which is then pulverized and poured over ice.
If you’re looking for a bar in Havana that serves mojitos, consider visiting Bodeguita del Medio. This bar is a smaller version of a living room and usually has live music. Try one of the Mojitos if you’re in the mood for a cocktail in a beachy atmosphere.
A Mojito’s origins date back to a 17th-century concoction known as the “Draque.” The name Mojito comes from the word “Mojo,” an African word meaning “scurvy.” The cocktail is believed to have been created by slaves during the 18th century, when white rums began to dominate the market.
Cuban tourism operators have been breathing a sigh of relief after the first tourists returned to Havana. This brought much-needed funds to the island’s struggling economy. In September, the country was hit by Hurricane Irma, which left thousands of homes destroyed.
