10 Experiences to Have in Havana, Cuba
After constantly seeing stunning photos of Havana, Cuba, I couldn't wait to cross it off my travel list. Images of old classic cars, historic attractions, charming dilapidated architecture and brown smiling faces raced through my mind when my best friend suggested we embark on a girls trip to Havana for labor day weekend. I didn't miss a beat while purchasing my flight. I heard different opinions, both negative and positive, about traveling to Cuba, especially with the current political climate, but I was determined to form my own opinion by experiencing the island with my girls. So with open minds, we set off to Havana oh na na.
In order to travel to Cuba from the United States, you must purchase a visa under one of these 12 travel categories. Traveling to Cuba any time soon? Here are 10 experiences you must have:
Stay in a Casa Particular
I chose support of the Cuban people while purchasing my travel visa, which entailed lodging at a casa particular and a robust itinerary filled with Cuban owned businesses.While hotels are great, staying in a casa particular gives you the ultimate Cuban experience. A casa particular is a privately owned bed and breakfast owned by a Cuban family. My girls and I stayed in the Verdado neighborhood at Casa Lillia, a beautiful Cuban mansion owned and operated by a sweet woman named Lillia and her family. Her grandmother, Carmen prepared a delicious breakfast spread for us each morning and catered to us as if we were her own children.
2. Explore the city in a classic '50's car
Try to avoid paying for a city tour prior to your trip. There are plenty of American classic cars lined up in Havana with drivers ready to take you for a spin. The prices are less expensive in person and negotiable, plus you'll explore many hidden gems and city sights. We were able to haggle with a trustworthy local who showed us around the city in her pink convertible for about 20 pesos (CUC) per person.
3. Stroll Old Havana
It's amazing how many adventures you'll find by just walking around! Use a few hours to explore Old Havana by foot. You'll meet new people, stumble upon a salsa lesson in the streets with a live band performing and of course street food. Dress comfortably because the weather in Cuba is hot, scorching hot.
4. Visit Plaza Vieja
Established in the mid-16th century, Plaza Vieja (Old Square) is located in Old Havana and is bustling with cafes, art galleries, breweries, shops and tourist attractions. It is the perfect place to grab ice cream or churros, walk around and mingle with locals. It is truly one of Cuba's most architecturally diverse plazas with a beautiful, white (and totally instagrammable) Carrara marble fountain located in the middle.
5. See the most beautiful view of Havana from Camera Obscura
In one corner of Plaza Vieja, lies an intriguing old tower most people barely notice. At the top you'll find an amazing aerial view of Havana that is absolutely breathtaking. Osmin Reyes, the historian who greeted us at the entrance, gave visitors a spiel on the history of Plaza Vieja and Leonardo da Vinci's invention, Camera Obscura. For only 2 CUC, this is something you just have to experience for yourself.
6. Dine at La Flor De Loto
Dining in Cuba is affordable. As a professional foodie, I kept my eyes peeled for the hot spots. La Flor De Loto was highly recommended to me and after my first bite of their mouthwatering fried plantains - it lived up to its honor. The restaurant serves a mix of traditional, Asian and creole foods and owns a very robust menu. Not to mention the drinks were $2-3 each. You won't be disappointed!
7. Vibe out at Havana's hippest art factory, Fabrica de Arte Cubano
My favorite slice of Cuba is the arts and culture scene. You will feel the pulse of the city beating vibrantly with excitement everywhere. You cannot leave Cuba without checking out Fabrica de Arte, an art gallery and club housed in a former cooking oil factory. Founded by one of Cuba’s most respected and revered Afro-Cuban fusion musicians, X-Alfonso - the space features local Cuban artists, photographers, filmmakers and performers. You can eat, drink, dance and take in art all in one place.
8. Spend time at John Lennon Park
Did you know the Beatles' music was once banned in Cuba? In 1964, Cuba's former Prime Minister, Fidel Castro banned their music believing the band promoted vulgar consumerism. Four decades later, Castro came around, lifted the ban and unveiled a bronze statue of John Lennon in a Havana park, commemorating the musical icon's death. The park is serene, picturesque and less crowded with tourists. If you want to get away from the bustle of the city, I recommend spending some time here and grabbing a bite to eat from any nearby restaurant.
9. Tour a cigar shop/factory
If you're a cigar aficionado, you must buy a Cuban cigar in Havana. Cuba's capital city is brimming with fine cigar shops and most are located inside of hotels. I do not smoke at all, but the experience of visiting one was exciting to me. You'll get an inside look into how cigars are rolled and packaged, which are the most popular and why, and which type a celebrity just purchased. I ended up buying the one President Obama smoked as a collector's item! The world's most famous cigars: Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta are not hard to find, make the best gifts and will cost around $3-10 CUC each.
10. Practice your Spanish with the locals
Before you go to Cuba, you should definitely refresh your Spanish or learn some basic phrases because not everyone speaks English. Spanish will come in handy when you're at the airport, hailing a taxi or asking for directions. Locals are friendly and will assume you speak Spanish, so don't be afraid to engage with them and immerse yourself into their culture.
No matter what you decide to do in Havana, you're bound to have fun. The city is vibrant and pulls you in at every turn. Don't be afraid to discover hidden gems and meet the locals. Prepare to unplug, because wi-fi isn't that easily accessible and the world around you deserves little distraction anyway. ¡Que te diviertas!