Jan

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Havana Holiday & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

A trip to Havana
With its laid-back, effortless approach to life and iconic yet decaying colonial architecture, the Cuban capital has established itself as a cult destination that everyone wants to visit. Jose Marti International Airport is the sole gateway to Havana with connections to destinations all over the world so you’re never more than two flights away from a holiday of freshly-mixed rum cuba libres and evening of original salsa.

Flights to Havana
Jose Marti International Airport is the sole air hub for the Cuban capital with three international terminals, one charter, another receiving scheduled flights and Terminal 5 mainly receiving Afro-Caribbean flights. An additional terminal connects to domestic destinations. Most visitors here fly into Terminal 3. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Havana try Thomas Cook. The airport lies just 15kms south of the city so it’s a simple 20-minute ride in either by taxi, limousine, shuttle bus or hire car.

Around the city there are some interesting transport choices available. For a real taste of Havana get on an El Camello, a large truck that has been fitted out as a bus or one of the old Chevrolet taxis straight out of 1960s Americana. Another transport option particular to Havana is the coco taxi, a cheap and cheerful little three-wheeler that scoots around the city.

Havana


Sightseeing in Havana
Havana is a city of immense character which is most apparent in the old city, or La Habana Vieja as its known locally. Many of the places of interest are highly political such as the Museum of the Revolution which glorifies the exploits of Fidel Castro and his band of communist guerrillas. John Lennon Park is an unexpected addition to the Cuban capital with its statue of the Beatles legend.

Any visit to Havana would not be complete though without devoting time to rum and cigars, both major local exports, so head to the Havana Club Rum Factory for a tour and a taste of their wares before seeking out one of the many cigar factories for a look around.

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Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Despite its communist status, eating and drinking out in Havana is not cheap because foreigners are forced to use convertible pesos. Seafood is popular here due to the city’s coastal location and there is even a Chinatown that serves up noodles and stir-fried dishes. Head to the old town if you want a selection of restaurants serving set three-course meals.

As far as bars go, Havana offers an eclectic mix of places that mix some of the best rum cocktails in the world, the mojito and cuba libre being two favourites in the city. Bars, clubs and cabarets are the most popular forms of after-hours entertainment. Expect plenty of jazz and salsa and be prepared to stay up late.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
Havana’s main shopping and business district lies in Vedado and the main drag through this area, ‘La Rampa.’ Nearby Miramar is similarly up-market with a good range of shops. Most visitors end up going shopping for rum and cigars at the many factories around the city both of which make great to take back home.


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