Havana City, Cuba
Tourism Information
Aside from its famous Old City, Havana also has a
fascinating modern section that began to grow quickly at the
start of 20th century. Here you will discover houses of a
unique eclecticism and tall buildings, products of Havana's
contemporary vitality.
Of all the suburban neighbourhoods that make up this other
Havana, the Vedado is the one preferred by everybody, Cubans
and foreigners alike. Along their streets you will find the
greatest number of theaters, art galleries, movies, cultural
institutions, specialized restaurants, cafes, bars, cabarets
and entertainment hotspots.
Its main artery is 23rd Street, best known as La Rampa,
where you have to pay attention as you walk down the
streets, because there is art under your feet, traditional
works of art on tiles of multicolored granite that renowned
Cuban artists such as Wifredo Lam, René Portocarrero and
Amelia Peláez, among others, decided to offer the general
public as a means of beautifying 500 meters of sidewalk.
Havana is the focal point of Cuban culture, rich in visual
artists, musicians, poets, dancers, actors and writers and
the home office of the world famous Ballet Nacional, the
Casa de las Americas and the Fundación del Nuevo Cine
Latinoamericano; thus, important international events take
place every year in this city, happenings such as movie,
ballet and theatre festivals and the renowned Biennial of
Visual Arts.
But there is another Havana, a nocturnal Havana, for all
those wishing to discover the good vibrations of music that
moves even the most rigid hips and reluctant spirits to be
enjoyed, in discos and night clubs such as the Tropicana,
the mythical cabaret under the stars, most coveted for its
breathtaking shows and its rumba-dancing beauties who defy
the sky when they emerge dancing from the trees. And what
can one say about Havana's famous rum, savoured straight or
on the rocks or mixed in fabulous cocktails, renowned as the
best in the world. Sampling Cuban rum makes Havana nights
more memorable still.
We recommend both the cultural and night-life facets of
Havana and also the Plaza de la Revolución "José Marti",
featuring monuments and sculptures of Cuba’s National Hero,
an enormous open space, the scene of parades,
demonstrations, and political and public ceremonies. Also
you must not forget the Botanical Garden; the Parque Lenin,
on the outskirts of the city; the already celebrated fair
grounds of EXPOCUBA and PABEXPO; the International
Conference Center, that each year receives hundreds and
hundreds of participants from all over the world for the
many international events they come to celebrate; the
Pan-American Tourist Complex; the fishing town of Cojimar;
Jibacoa Beach; the Capilolio National; or simply walk
through Havana, which always mean discovering something new,
different and attractive.
Of course, the city is hot almost all year long, and
sometimes it is necessary to cool off; we then suggest the
beaches of Santa María del Mar; only 20 minutes east of
Havana and featuring 18 kilometers of white sands and
tempting waters, called by many the Blue Circuit, where the
sun, the sea and excellent facilities provide a perfect
context for water sports and recreational activities that
will satisfy a wide variety of pleasure seekers. Cubans know
they have received many gifts from nature and they prefer to
share them with you, so that when you get home you will
remember their country's marvelous, sensual beaches and
other splendid attributes.
Havana offers the most exciting adventures anyone can
experience in the Caribbean: both colonial charm and modern
comfort, along with the beauty of the sea, welcome
travelers with gentle hospitality. Havana is one of the
most cosmopolitan cities in the Caribbean, a cultural center
and host for international events.
But even more than the sea, the most impressive thing about
Havana is its people; as hospitable and smiling as anybody
in the world, they look forward to giving you information,
showing you how to dance to the rhythm of Cuban music,
talking about pictures or poetry, or inviting you to have a
"strong" coffee, of the sort that takes away sleep, because…
who wants to sleep in Havana?
A popular destination for day trips out of Havana is Varadero,