Visit Havana and its bases, but only…

Cuba’s success is undeniable for travelers. It must be said that the largest island in the Caribbean is not without assets. Starting from its capital Havana.

Capital of the largest island in the Caribbean

Atlantic Ocean on one side, Caribbean Sea on the other. It is 1200 kilometers long and 30 to 210 kilometers wide. Make no mistake: Cuba is indeed the largest island in the Caribbean. And if this surname makes you think of the famous pirates, don’t worry: Cuba today is no longer a pirate haunt, but a real tourist paradise!

The most grumpy will rightly say that tourists distort Cuba: certainly, the island has succumbed to some of the temptations of the West. But it would be wrong to say that it has lost all its original features. Rum, old American cars and cigars are part of the stereotypes inherent in Cuban culture. But Havana, the capital of Cuba, is enough on its own to make this long journey from Europe.

Wonders of Havana

Cuba old square
© Matthias Oben / Pexels

The historical center of Havana is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It must be said that the heritage of the Spanish settlers is very present here, with many buildings with Andalusian influence and multicolored facades. It’s impossible to miss the plaza de la Catedral, plaza Vieja or plaza de Armas here. High up in the city, Christ of Havana offers a breathtaking panorama… and gives Havana a fake Rio de Janeiro vibe.
The Christopher Columbus cemetery, the Hemingway museum, the Vedado district or Paseo del Prado are just some of the other places that make a trip to Cuba unforgettable.

3 must-see places in Havana

You understand, the best thing is to wander around the heart of the city and discover its riches. But here are 3 addresses that should not be missed during your visit.

Revolution Museum (Havana)
Revolution Museum © DR
  • Revolution Museum
    Also known as the Granma Monument, the Museum of the Revolution witnesses the struggle of the Cubans to gain their sovereignty. During your visit you will see, among other things, a tank and the Granma yacht.
  • Ernest Hemingway Museum
    Nobel Prize laureate Ernest Hemingway lived for a long time on a Cuban farm that is now visited by many tourists. You will thrive in the midst of your personal belongings and library.
  • National Botanical Garden
    On an area of ​​about 600 hectares, about 4000 plant species that come naturally from the tropics, as well as from Australia and America, are arranged.

2 addresses to go out in Havana

Even though the reputation of Cuban nightlife has declined a bit since the American embargo, the island is still bustling with a unique nighttime energy. There are many places to go to party in Havana: here is a small selection of 2 unmissable places…

  • Cabaret Tropicana
    This open-air cabaret awaits you for a wonderful evening with its unique shows and delicious food in a restaurant like no other in Havana. Please note: As Tropicana is very popular, it is safer to make a reservation before you arrive.
  • medium bodeguita
    If Ernest Hemingway made you dream, take a trip to the Bodeguita del Medio restaurant where the author of The Old Man and the Sea goes Cuban cuisine is yours!

But also Cuban…

However, for all its charms, it would be a shame to limit yourself to Havana on a Cuba trip. The list of things to discover there is almost endless: the seaside town of Gibara, the valley of Viñales, Santa Clara (the city of Che), the Zapata peninsula, the islets of Jardines del Rey, the ancient city of Colonial Trinidad…

MUST BE READ:
Travel to Cuba: where to go and where to visit on the island?

Naturally, the easiest way not to miss the wonders of Cuba is to apply to a tour operator who knows the region very well. For example, you can book a tour in Cuba: the variety of accommodation offered will allow you to explore this magnificent island in all its facets!

Trinidad's former colonial city
Trinidad’s former colonial city © iStock

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