Mini Guide To Havana

Habana offers a vibrant mix of cultures, history, and experiences. Its cobbled streets are alive with cafes, bars and the rhythmic sounds of the rumba. The city?s architecture is an eclectic mix of Baroque, Neo-classical and Art Deco styles and the colonial buildings of ?Old Havana’ have earned the city a UNESCO World Heritage Listing.

Where to go

The Plaza de Armas is a good place for anyone to begin to get their bearings in old Havana. The plaza is a pretty square, surrounded by grand and well-maintained buildings. You will love the open-air booksellers around the place; it lends a highbrow air to proceedings. This plaza was originally the site of the first Cuban governor’s residence, although the current plaza was rebuilt in the late 1700′s.

While in Havana, be sure to visit the Bodeguita del Medio, a tiny restaurant on a side street near the Cathedral. It is famous not only for its menu of out-of-this-world traditional Cuban dishes but also for its delectable Mojitos and its unique decor. Ever since its opening in 1942, its clientele has included countless world celebrities in the arts and VIPs in the spheres of science and politics.

Revolution Square: Prior to the famous Cuban Revolution, this square situated in the Vedado area of Havana was known simply as the Civic Square. It became historically famous however with the times of the Cuban Revolution, as it was central stage of where many concentrations, parades and combative revolutionary acts where held.

Malecon: There is no other place which shows more of the Havana’s soul, or attracts more locals and tourists than the long streched Malecon. This sea boulevard stretches for 7 km along the historical areas of the city, from the colonial centre (Habana Vieja) through the boring (Russian) apartments of Vedado, it is a resume of Havana’s history.

The Paseo del Prado is one of the prettiest main streets in the old part of the city. It begins at the Central Park Hotel and leads down to the seafront known as the Malecon, which gives this avenue its reputation. A wide walkway lined with trees and stone benches bisects the street, while in either side you can see the columns and arches of the mostly residential neocolonial balcony buildings, painted in a whole host of colors.

Jose Maurette is the Director of Quest World Travel Ltd and a specialist in organizing holidays to Cuba. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk for further information on the best Havana Holidays.