Havana the famous star of Cuba, the city of sultry salsa beats, domino, and rum. I would highly recommend 48 hours in Havana before moving further on in Cuba. Indulge in the hustle and bustle of Havana and have yourself a lovely Mojito at any corner you want!
If you want more travel inspiration, read my Postcard from Cuba.
1. Walk Around the Old Town of Havana
For anyone entering Havana, the one thing that must be done is walking around in the streets of the old town of Havana. Also known as Habana Vieja. Walk around, get lost in the many old buildings that have a grand structure, but are now left in pieces. In the center of the old town like in Plaza Vieja, they have done a magnificent reconstruction of the old buildings. And that is great and grand, but still, many houses are missing. Adore the grand architecture of a lost golden time of Havana, but also beware that people are living in unsafe houses. The buildings do collapse and they kill people.
2. Drive a Vintage Car from 1952
Who does not want to ride around in a car from 1952? It is outstanding and fascinating how well maintained these cars are. And it’s thrilling to be driving around in Havana with a hot pink cabriolet car along the Malecon. Either you are barging about the price on the street. Or you do an Airbnb experience with a vintage car included. Options are many. Due to traveling solo, I went on a tour to share the care ride with more people. I did end up alone on the Airbnb experience, but I had a great time cruising around the Papi Chulo car from 1952 with my guide, Robin.
3. Dance at the Malecon
If you are 20 something and maybe even older? Take a walk to the Malecon during the evening to check out the people. And discover new music and Body parts you did not know you could move. The hottest song right now in Cuba: NKM01, Chacal & Yakarta – Champagne!
4. Hop on Hop off Bus and Cover Land of Havana
If you want to see more than the old town, I highly recommend going on the Havana bus tour. And then you quickly cover land and see the most famous sights of Havana. Cruising along the Malecon all the way to the coast, Hotel Nacional De Cuba, residential neighborhood, and Plaza de Revolution.
5. Discover the Best Rooftop Bars with Panorama view of Havana
I went on this captivated Airbnb experience that included three amazing rooftops bars of Havana, and the vintage car from 1952. Blown away from the Rooftop views. It was brilliant to get an overview of the city from three different bars. And best of all drinks, because it is a vacation. The most fabulous host was Robin, and he has taken full responsibility of being; Un Amigo en la Habana – A friend in Havana. Robin has made himself a better future with Airbnb experience. By this, he can finally afford his own apartment and living his life as he wants. Airbnb is definitely for the better in Cuba!
Check out Robin’s experience:
Havana Rooftop View
One of the rooftop bars to visit in Havana is the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana.
6. Pre-Game in a Cuban Home with Domino, Cigars & Vitamin R
When I was done with the Best Rooftop Bars in Havana, it was time for the next experience with Robin, which was going to his home for a Previa – Pregame.
At the house party, we were learning how to play domino, smoke cigars, and drink vitamin R – also known as Rum. After a couple of hours in the house playing domino and drinking, it was time to go out. Robin lives in this swanky neighborhood of Havana named Vedado. And we went to this trendy Cuban bar named King bar, where everyone was dancing and having a good time.
The Airbnb experience was maybe the best thing I did in Havana, and even in Cuba. Robin is authentic, and he has a love for the people; he genuinely cares that you are having a great time in Cuba. If you have the chance to go for one of his experiences, do it, you will not regret it.
Check out Robin’s experience:
7. Lunch at El Chanchullero
The food in Cuba is not a gastronomic dream, but there are definitely some places where you will find better food. And one of these places is at Chanchullero in Havana. Cuban food but with an understanding of the international guests. Remember to go up at the rooftop terrace, and enjoy the view of the plaza, and feel the vibration of Havana.
Places to Check Out in Havana
Drinks at Mojito Mojito
Sunset view at Hotel Ambos Mundos at the Rooftop Bar. Ernest Hemingway has his room in this hotel.
Dinner at Habana 61
If you want to be a super tourist drinks at Ernest Hemingway’s Watering Hole: La Bodeguita Del Medio.
Party as you were in Europe at Fabrica de Arte.
Drinks at El Dandy
Wander around the neighborhood of Vedado
Traveling Solo in Havana
I was traveling alone in Havana and in Cuba, I felt completely safe walking around in the city at any time of the day and night. I loved that I could take out my camera anywhere to take pictures, this is not possible in some Latin countries (Argentina and Colombia).
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