There’s no place in the world like Old Havana, or La Habana Vieja, as it is called in Spanish. Filled with narrow streets and colorful buildings, it is the historical heart of Cuba’s largest city, and one of the oldest and most popular places to visit in the country. Old Havana is centered around five main plazas, with its rainbow facades proudly flaunting its rich and diverse cultural heritage. But Havana is more than just Instagram-worthy architecture, and there is a myriad of things you can do here.
1. Get a taste of some amazing Cuban foods.
Old Havana is a treasure trove of food lovers. Walk into one of the many paladares that line the streets and you will be treated to a smorgasbord of flavors, whether in the form of beans, meat, rice, plantains, coffee or fresh fruits. Some of the restaurants offer a finer dining-esque experience while others are cozier. If you are staying in a casa particular, you might also stumble across some of the best meals of the journey right there in the family’s kitchen.
2. Drink!
Some of the most popular cocktails around the world, such as the mojito and the daquiri, were born in Cuba, and Old Havana is the perfect place to taste their authentic flavors. La Bodeguita del Medio is famous for its mojitos, while El Floridita is where you need to be for the best daquiris. The latter is the spot where daquiris were first invented. If you love literature, it might delight you to know that these were popular haunts of Ernest Hemingway back when he lived in Old Havana.
3. Visit museums.
For the history buff, Old Havana has quite a lot to show off. Visit the Museo de la Revolución, which is located in the former presidential palace, where the exhibits tell an enthralling story of the Cuban Revolution. There are also a host of other places with interesting historical photos, paintings and objects, such as the Granma Memorial, Museo de las Bellas Artes and Museo de las Orishas, among others.
4. Go on a walking tour.
The best way to experience the charm of Cuba is on foot and Old Havana is filled with promenades where you can simply sit and take in the beauty of the place, its people and its gorgeous architecture. Visit the plazas. Go to Parque Central. Take a stroll around El Paseo. And how can you forget the famed Malecón? If you feel like you are not well acquainted with the place to check all these places out on your own, you can always join an Old Havana walking tour by a local tour company.
If you want to book vintage car tours or Old Havana walking tours, get in touch with us today!
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