Nostalgic But Fun Things to do in Cuba

Che Guevara enthusiasts would instantaneously understand the faithful connection with the cigar. Cuba Havana took this neat tobacco product and exemplified it to an art form. The highest quality tobacco, hand-rolled to perfection, if there’s one iconic picture that defines Cuba Havana, it would be cigar, sombrero, wife-beater, wooden table and a dramatic filter. Photo edits aside, though, taking a tour through one of the more established tobacco factories in the tobacco-farm filled valley of Viñales is so quintessentially Cuban that it can’t be ignored on the Cuba Havana bucket-list.

Trendy Neighborhood in Havana

A timestamp of Cuba Havana’s resplendent past, Vedado’s tree-lined avenues are adorned by row after row of magnificent mansions from the 1850s. Each of these houses epitomizes a unique style of architecture, and most properties are still family homes. However, many of these majestic works of art have been converted to embassies (including the recently opened U.S. Embassy) and government offices. Just walking through this grid styled neighborhood gives you a glimpse of the rich and arduous history that the country has been through. However, that not all. Vedado serves as the cultural epicenter of Cuba, Havana. Many of these beautiful structures have been converted to bars and pubs, each with a unique vibe. The culinary scene has taken off, and if you have gotten to know any of the locals well, they will point you towards the latest additions in Vedado for a great night out. Dirty dancing to Cuba’s upbeat jazz music, is something on the must-do list if you’re traveling as a couple or on a solitary sojourn. Vedado is home to Cuba Havana’s numerous arts and culture festivals and fosters the musicians and artists that are currently carving the path forward on Cuban lifestyle. A day at Vedado makes for an unforgettable time that takes you through several journeys, and as dusk turn to dawn, the vibe transitions so unnervingly that you are sure to look back and be mesmerized.

A deluge of dichotomy is what best describes Cuba Havana’s Old Town. A remnant of the 16^th century, Habana Vieja is an architectural wonderland consisting of barely preserved squares and grandiose palaces. If you are wondering why Old Town is a dichotomy, the dilapidated buildings sit side-by-side with Cuba Havana’s very much alive urban community. Plaza Vieja is probably the most remarkable square in terms of architecture. From 1559, the place went through a renovation project in 1996 to showcase some of Cuba Havana’s finest stained-glass buildings housing microbreweries, bars, pubs, and restaurants. Plaza del Cristo is also quite popular but hasn’t been restored completely yet. Some of the more eclectic pieces of architecture in Cuba Havana are in the form of churches, including Parroquial del Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje and Cathedral de la Habana. Calle Merdes in Habana Vieja is home to a collection of museums that tell the story of the city through social projects, paintings, and sculptures. It is also a popular shopping destination, and most shops are restored structures.

A 5-mile-long sea drive, Cuba Havana’s Malecon is soulful in that it has long been serving as the inspiration of the country’s best poets, philosophers, fishers, and lovers alike. The sunset along the drive is a sight to behold and throws light on the beauty of this Caribbean Island with a quintessential Latin vibe. The Malecon itself has an interesting history that also serves as a remnant of neoclassicism. Meet and great native Cubans as they park themselves on the boulevard’s seawall and reminisce. No wonder it is sometimes called the “world’s longest sofa.” People watching is a beloved past-time, but Cuba takes it another level as you watch divers take the plunge on the beach. As you walk through this drive, you’ll suddenly find yourself staring at the Morro Lighthouse or the monument to the victims of the USS Maine as well as the Anti-Imperialista statue. That’s the beauty of Cuba, Havana. Just when you’re getting acclimatized to natural beauty, you are suddenly hit with a burst of warm memories that throw you back. As day turns to night, pick yourself up and walk towards the National Hotel where you’ll find yourself brimming in the sea breeze as you watch the exquisite fountain while sipping on your rum bottle with friends. Malecon has a buzzing night culture and is home to some crazy bars and pubs with amazing views. End the night here.

Plaza de la Cathedral is an architectural amusement like no other. One of the five main squares in Cuba Havana, the place rings of impressive 18^th-century architecture and Cuban Baroque. Of course, the Cathedral of Havana is the showstopper. Plaza de la Catedra also houses the Museo de Arte Colonial, which is a must-visit if you’re interested in how colonialism shaped today’s Cuba. Other notable buildings in the square include Palacio de Los Marquesas de Aguas Claras, Conde de Lombillo palace, Marques de Arcos Palaca, and Wilfred Lam Center. The place also houses Ernest Hemingway’s regular hang out, the La Bodeguita del Medio, as mentioned in his famous saying, “My daiquiri in Floridita and my mojito in La Bodeguita.” The place serves authentic Creole cuisine, and if you are visiting advance booking is recommended.

It is an argentine art museum in Buenos Aires. It is also located in the Recoleta section of the city. This museum was inaugurated in 2004. It is Argentina's incredible fine museum. Some of the artworks are Benito Quinquela Martín, Xul Solar, Eduardo Sívori, and other Argentine artists, including a whole room of works by Antonio Berni. You will also get to see pieces by European masters such as Cézanne, Degas, Picasso, Rembrandt, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Van Gogh. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is home to Argentina’s largest national fine art collection. You will also get to see Spanish art and culture. Private collectors donate many works. Admission to this museum is free.

In keeping with the Hemingway theme, taking a walk through his home-turned-museum gives insight into how Cuba Havana inspired this literary genius. The colonial architecture, named Fina La Vigia, was the work of Spanish architect Miguel Pascual y Baguer. This home was where his magic came through with the novels ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ and ‘The Old Man and the Sea.’ An earnest pilgrimage for the bibliophile, the place takes you through the clean lines and big windows that offered incredible views that allow you to put yourself in Ernst's shoes for just a moment.

Scuba Diving in the Caribbean

One for the adventurists and the outdoorsman, Cuba Havana offers incredible spots for Scuba diving. Cuba’s reefs are well-preserved and have not lost versatility due to overfishing, unlike other more developed islands in the Caribbean. In Maria la Gorda, about fifty exclusive sites are comprising innate features such as plunging walls, swim-throughs and caves. Beware of the stingrays around. To catch some of the best that all of the Caribbean offers, you can visit Jardines de la Reina Marine Park where you can spot all kinds of sea turtles and sharks. Dive straight from the shore at bay of Pigs to spot vibrant fish along with the purpose-sunk Jaruca.

Cuba’s most well-preserved colonial town, Trinidad Cuba, is a must-visit site to spend a couple of days. Gorgeous bright buildings and cobblestone streets make you feel like you’re in eastern Europe rather than a Caribbean island. Plaza Mayor is great place to start your Trinidad tour as it is the heart of the city. The square is the breathing space of the town and houses stunning churches, eclectic restaurants, and great pubs. Combine viewpoint with cultural exploration at the tower inside the Historical Museum. Of course, the serene blue waters come beckoning to you anywhere in Cuba, and Trinidad is no different. The shores of Playa Ancon and Playa Jibacoa are amazing sunbathing spots. If you want to get adventurous and take in natural beauty, Trinidad is very close to the Topes de Collantes reserve. The park offers taxing hiking trails. There are also hundreds of waterfalls around the city, including the impressive El Nicho, where you must stopover at if you’re a nature enthusiast.

The quintessential Cuban cocktail, mojitos are a celebrated tradition in the country. An authentic Cuban mojito has Havana club, cane sugar, lime juice, soda, and mint. An untainted and simple recipe, the classic mojito combined with live music, really sets the mood in this beach heaven. Several places in Havana have built themselves a giant reputation thanks to this delicious drink, one of them being the Hemingway’s daily den La Bodeguita. Another Hemingway approved location is La Floridita. If you’re looking for good views while you sip on the mojito, Vista Mar is the place to be. The infinity pool overlooking the sea is as enchanting as it gets. If you’re looking for romantic spot, enjoy the poetry at Torreon de la Chorrera, a 17^th century stone tower on the waterfront. La Guarida, La Fontana, and Hotel Nacional de Cuba are also unmissable.

Nightlife in Havana is all about glasses clinking, salsa music, jazz, and of course, swaying to the rhythm. Get ready to party it up in Cuba’s hottest and trendiest sites and lose yourself every night to the beauty of the town. Don’t be surprised to see long lines at the Hemingway approved destinations. However, there’s a lot more than the city offers, both at Old Havana and Malecon. A music mecca, each one of the bars features a trio or a quartet livening up the atmosphere with some great African influenced rhythms. As it rings through, you’ll catch hints of the rumba, bolero, and even cha-cha. Salsa nights are the best, and Hotel Florida, La Gruta, and Club 1830 are the preferred destinations if you want to get the body moving. At the Tropicana club, you can find entertainment through cabaret under the star-studded sky. Cuba has perfected the nightlife situation with the Cuban Art Factory. A trifecta of nightclub, gallery and performance center, the place is the perfect way to start your wild nights in the city. El Vedado is the most famed neighborhood for the best nightlife in Havana.

Once a forbidden paradise to US citizens, it all changed when President Obama lifted the Cuban embargo in a historic move in 2014. However, the current Trump administration has yet again resorted to reversing democrats, and the Cuba situation has also taken a hit. In 2016, the Trump administration placed several restrictions that you need to familiarize with if you’re planning on a Cuba vacation. Organized groups are not allowed anymore. There are also restrictions on staying at most state-run Cuban hotels. However, there’s still hope. US citizens can still apply for a ‘general license’ to travel to Cuba is they fall into one the 11 vaguely defined categories. In the two years before the restrictions were put in, most travelers chose to region the Caribbean island via cruise. But now airlines seem to be the only viable option, and complying companies include JetBlue, American, Delta, and United. While it all may seem to tax to undergo severe scrutiny, the journey is worth preserving as the locals are more than happy to welcome rule-defying citizens and make them feel home.

Whether you’re there for nature, culture, music, food, or architecture – Cuba cannot disappoint you. As you tread through this jungle, you will come to silly conclusions regarding how you would have wanted your own life back home to have not passed through changing times. But you will also realize how lucky you are that it did. Through varying degrees of human emotions, Cuba takes you on a journey that sensationalizes your spirit and keeps you grounded. Even if you’re just in it for the lazy beach days as you lay on the sand like a log and occasionally move a muscle or two to sip on that incredible mojito, you’re going to find that doing that is just much better in Cuba than anywhere else. An exotic retreat that includes salsa dancing, chiseled getaways, neoclassic architecture, hand-rolled premium cigars, vast plains, incredible waterfalls, immensely preserved reefs – the list is never-ending and Cuba is the only place to experience it all.