5 Must-See Places to Visit in Havana, Cuba
Plaza de la Revolución
Cuba has such a unique and interesting history. If you’re planning on going to Cuba, I recommend watching a few documentaries about the history so you can fully understand and experience the importance of this square for cuban people. Fidel Castro would use this plaza on many important occasions to speak to the Cuban people. Within the plaza you’ll see memorials of all the greatest Cuban revolutionaries. The plaza is dominated by José Martí memorial which is the largest monument to a writer in the world. You’ll also see two of the most important deceased heroes of the Cuban revolution: Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos. Such a note-able and historic area in Havana.
Hotel Sevilla
While in Cuba, I didn’t let a day go by without stopping by Hotel Sevilla. Beautifully designed and centrally located, it’s considered a historic hotel in Havana. But aside from the beauty and convenience, I loved it for the music and mojitos. Some of the most talented musicians I’ve ever heard performed here, and it was all while drinking the best mojito in Havana!
Christ of Havana
Just a short ferry ride across the Havana harbor leads you to a small town called Casablanca. Most locals use the underground tunnel to get to the other side of the harbor, but the ferry is definitely the more scenic route (and is only 1 CUC). The ferry drops you off at the bottom of the hill, but once you walk to the top you get beautiful views of Havana and an up-close look at the Christ of Havana (or Cuban Christ as I like to call it). It’s rumored that the Christ of Havana has no eyes resembling that Jesus looks at all from everywhere. The statue’s hands are also positioned to resemble Jesus holding a cigar in one hand and mojito in another.
Ropa Vieja and Cuban Salsa
You’ve probably heard the hype about Cuban sandwiches but I’m here to tell you, Don’t Even Bother! Ropa Vieja is where it’s at, and still to this day I can’t stop thinking about the Ropa Vieja at Restarante Antojos. You’ll definitely want to go early, since there is always a line. Or you can make a reservation, just make sure you’re not late! They take timeliness very seriously. Dancing Cuban salsa in Cuba is also a MUST. I also enjoyed the show and dancing at Buena Vista Social Club, although it is very touristy. The cool thing about it though is that there is still one performer in the group that used to perform with the Buena Vista Social Club band. Worth noting that if you’re going to Cuba, you should listen to their album at least 5 times. Every bar, every restaurant, every shop around the corner has live music so it’s very easy to find opportunities to dance. But if you want to guarantee dancing, Casa de la Musica is also a shoe-in for a good time.
El Malecón
El Malecón is a walkway along Havana’s coastline stretching from Habana Vieja to Centro Havana to Vedado. In other words, pretty much all of Havana. It’s also a great place to watch the cannon ceremony which happens every night at 9pm. Soldiers dressed in 18th century uniforms fire a cannon over Havana bay as a historical reconstruction dating back to the colonial era. Back then, the cannon fire announced the official end of the day and the time to close the city gates for the night.
