Havana Things To Do

The capital city offers real character, with Havana offering a vibrant slice of Cuban life. Take a horse-drawn carriage trip or classic '50's car ride around the centre, or stroll around the colonial streets, shady squares, colourful buildings and historic museums, whilst soaking up the intoxicating sights and sounds of this lively Caribbean city.

With its rich history and troubled revolutionary past, Havana has plenty of interesting sights to see. Old Town Havana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a main attraction, home to a wealth of colonial buildings and museums, as well as El Capitolio, Revolution Square, the Museum of the Revolution and Granma Memorial, and the Partagas Cigar factory. The Botanical Gardens makes for a colourful day out, housing an array of tropical plant life, including both local Cuban and Caribbean species.

Enthusiasts looking to learn more about Ernest Hemingway can visit the famous author's house, the village of Cojimar which inspired 'The Old Man and the Sea', the Hotel Ambos Mundos, where he lived and wrote 'For Whom the Bell Tolls', and the modern marina, named after him. 

Havana's nightlife is famed, and boasts numerous lively bars, pubs, discos, salsa clubs, cabarets, and floor shows, where visitors can find a steady supply of rhythmic Afro-Cuban beats, with the city really coming alive after dark. There's a good selection of state-run and private restaurants to suit all budgets, with specialities to try including grilled pork, chicken, rice, beans, and dishes with a spicy Caribbean influence - all washed down with a local rum or a mojito.

The city has facilities for swimming, tennis, working out and golf, with other pursuits including scuba-diving and sport fishing. Baseball remains the national sport, with fans able to watch the local team play from November to May.  

Havana shopping includes malls, markets and traditional shops, with classic souvenirs and momentos including hand-rolled cigars, rum and coffee, as well as t-shirts,'guayaberas' (colourful shirts), local music CD's and art pieces.  

 

Local Havana beaches sit on the Playas del Este, and include Bacurano, Playa Guanabo and Santa Maria del Mar - each an easy trip from downtown. There are convenient tourist facilities here, including water sports, however the local beaches tend to get very busy at weekends. Further along the coast are glorious tropical beaches such as Varadero, Jibacoa and Cayo Coco, each of which can be combined with Havana for a two-centre holiday in Cuba.