Travel to Havana, Cuba: A Guide to Its History, Culture, and Attractions

Exploring Old Havana's Historic Plazas

• 🏛️ Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a glimpse into colonial architecture dating back to its founding in 1519.
• ⛪ The Plaza of the Cathedral features a stunning Baroque cathedral and former colonial government buildings.
• 🌳 Plaza de Armas, meaning 'Weaponry Square', is where the city was originally founded and boasts a garden and the Museum of the Captain's General.
• ☕ Plaza Vieja (Old Square), a former slave trading point, is now a lively area with cafes, a brewery, and street musicians.
• 📸 Plaza of San Francisco is known for its church, a white marble fountain, and is a popular spot for family celebrations like 'Quinceañeras'.

Experiencing Havana's Culture and Attractions

• 🚗 A classic American car tour offers a fun way to see the city, costing around $35-40 per hour.
• 🖼️ The Museum of Fine Arts is world-class, with a particularly interesting Cuban wing showcasing beautiful art.
• 🏛️ The Napoleonic Museum holds an impressive collection of Napoleonic artifacts outside of France.
• ✍️ Ernest Hemingway's house, Finca Vigía, is preserved as it was in the early 1960s, featuring his typewriter, glasses, and hunting trophies.
• 🎭 The Cuban Art Factory (FAC) is a unique artistic venue in an abandoned factory, hosting poetry readings, art exhibits, cinema, and dance performances.
• 💃 Floor shows similar to Las Vegas style are available in hotels like the National and Parisian, offering dinner and entertainment.

Practical Travel Tips for Havana

• ✈️ Americans can travel to Cuba under categories like 'Support for the Cuban People', requiring stays in 'casas particulares' (private homes) and dining in 'paladares' (privately owned restaurants).
• 🌶️ Due to a lack of spices, it's recommended to bring your own spices for better meal flavoring.
• 🏖️ Playas del Este (Beaches of the East) offer spectacular, beautiful beaches about 20-40 minutes east of Havana.
• 🏞️ A day trip to Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is recommended for its stunning natural scenery, tobacco plantations, and underground river boat tours.
• ⚾ Baseball games and boxing matches are popular sporting events that can be attended.
• 📶 Internet access is spotty; Wi-Fi cards can be purchased for about $1 per hour at telecommunication offices (ETECSA) or in hotel lobbies.
• 💰 The convertible peso (CUC) was eliminated in June 2021; only the Cuban peso (CUP) is currently in use.
• 🐶 A unique sight in Havana plazas is stray dogs with name tags, belonging to local offices or museums, adding a touch of whimsy.