Havana Cuba

Havana city is a fascinating mix of crumbling architecture and vibrant culture along with vintage cars and cigars all thrown in. Its greatest asset however, is the local “Habaneros” who give the city that unmistakable Cuban charm.

Districts of Havana

The most important parts of Havan are the districts Habana Vieja - Old-Havana, Centro Habana (Capitolio), Vedado (Culture, Nightlife and green residential area), Miramar (elegant residential area) and Playas del Este - the beaches of Havana.

In these districts you find the majority of all the hotels and private lodgings - casas particulares in Havana.

Old-Havana (Habana Vieja)

The old part of Havana is literally chock-a-block with museums, memorials, art galleries and churches - way too much to see in one day. This is where most of the tourists go but don’t let that put you off, Habana Vieja is the most beautiful part of the city. It’s a lively spot, where you can expect to be hassled by one or two Jineteros (hustlers) but this is all part of the fun! Rest assured, Havana is an amazingly safe city due to its heavy police presence.

The old town is famous for the Catedral de San Cristoal de la Habana and Hemingway's bar - "La Bodeguita del Medio” where the drinks can be very pricey!

Central Havana (Centro Havana)

Central Havana is home to the Capitolio - one of Havana’s divine architectural highlights. It looks like the US Capitol building in Washington (USA) but has much finer detail. Other highlights include the Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagas - one Cuba's oldest cigar factories.

This is a working class area, where a lot of the buildings are unfortunately in a state of near collapse. It’s the place to go if you want to experience real Cuban life and culture - away from the glitzy resorts.

Havana Vedado

Located along the seafront, Havana’s Vedado district is packed with high-rise hotels, restaurants, and upscale commercial establishments. Casas particulares in Vedado are often more expensive but generally offer better quality.

Vedado is now Havana’s main commercial area. There’s a number of important landmarks here including: the Colon Cemetery (Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón), which dates back to 1876, and the University of Havana.

Havana Miramar

Go further west and you’ll come to the very exclusive Miramar. It’s all swish foreign embassies, up-market shops and wealthy foreigners. Accommodation in Miramar can be pricey. Although, it’s not perhaps the kind of cultural experience you’re likely to have in Central Havana, Miramar does have some fine colonial buildings and a very pleasant and relaxed feel to it.

Life isn’t easy in Havana - buildings have fallen into ruin and, water supplies are uncertain and it’s badly polluted. Yet, the local Habaneros remain gracious and outgoing.
Hotels in Havana offer all the usual tourist facilities but staying in a casa particulare in Havana is the best way to integrate with these exuberant and friendly people. This derelict and romantic city is certainly the coolest spot in the Caribbean.