Best Tourist Attractions to Visit in Havana, Cuba
The sun-kissed, cobblestoned, salsa enthused city is irresistible to any traveler with the faintest interest in art, culture and history. Havana in Cuba is place like no other in the whole wide world. It has a certain mystique charm in its air that draws you in the moment you step foot there. When you have decided to give this place a chance to cast its spell on you.
Here are the 5 amazing things to do and see in Havana, Cuba.
1. Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
A walk through Old Havana is one of the most culturally picturesque moments you could imagine. The area is entirely preserved in its old glory with cobblestone streets and Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Many landmark buildings like Catedral de San Cristobal and Castillo de la Real Fuerza add to the magnificence of the old city. You should make a stopover at Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum), Palacio de los Capitanes and Plaza Vieja while exploring the area. And if you want a full view of the city, do climb to the top of the 35-meter tall tower called the camera obscura. To enjoy the most delectable culinary delights in the city, head to La Bodeguita del Medio – a place Hemingway would often go to during his time in Havana.
2. The Malecon
The Malecon is a seafront boulevard with many exciting sights, sounds and historic buildings lining it. Watching the sunset here could make for one of your most photogenic Cuba moments. It’s not just tourists but also locals that come to the Malecon every evening for the sheer bliss this place is. Along the Malecon is a really interesting place you should definitely consider stopping by – the Hotel Nacional de Cuba; some very famous people have stayed here like Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando.
The place has the largest public collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures of the Norway. The building of the museum gives the best reflection of the modernist architecture and also an example of the architects of the 19th and 20th centuries.
3. Paseo del Prado
Just adjacent to Old Havana lies a breathtakingly beautiful, tree-lined, art-rich street called the Paseo del Prado. Along the street are several old mansions, elegant cinema theatres, hotels and quaint eating joints. Besides, the beautiful lampposts, marble benches, sculptures and the terrazzo will give you a photo opportunity at every step. Take a long, slow stroll here and soak in the art, culture, history and demographics of Cuba at their glorious best.
4. Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana
This imposing fortress sits on top of the La Cabana hill. The Spanish built this fort in the 1770s and it remains to date the largest fort they ever built. La Cabana, in addition, also has more recent historical association with it – it served as the military prison during the regime of Batista and later, after the Revolution, Che Guevara used the place as his headquarters. The fort dedicated one section to a museum, which has many significant artifacts from Cuban history and personal items of Che Guevara on display.
5. El Morro
El Morro, also known as, Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, is a formidable structure from the late 16th or the early 17th century built primarily with the intention of protecting the city of Havana from pirate attacks. It still looks exactly the same except for its lighthouse which was rebuilt in the 19th century. This is an ideal place for getting some mesmerizing views of the city.
Havana is a treasure trove of beautiful places, cultural activities and culinary delights. Explore the things we mentioned above and many more in addition, and the city will keep you coming back for more.
