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| Avenida del Puerto - Havana City |
Havana is the Cuban Capital and its historic center or Old Havana is considered by UNESCO World Heritage since 1982.
The foundation of the city of Havana, in its final place next to the entrance channel of a well protected bay, dates far back to November of 1519. La Villa de San Cristóbal de la Habana, became with the course of time the meeting place for the Spanish fleets in charge of transporting to the Metropolis all the wealth extracted from their domains in the so called New World. It also became the center of trade and communications between the region and the Old Continent.
Walking on the streets of Old Havana, many of them still cobbled also represents the opportunity of getting acquainted with more than a dozen museums and studio-galleries of famous Cuban and Latin American fine artists.
The famous Malecon of Havana, about 12 kilometers links the traditional center to the neighborhood of Vedado, where La Rampa, allows easy access to other places of interest for visitors like the University of Havana, the Revolution Square, the José Martí Monument (highest lookout in the city, 138,5 meters over the sea level) and the Cemetery of Colon with artistic values.
Like any other great city, Havana is the center of the political, scientific and cultural life of the nation. Tens of museums, theaters and concert halls, galleries of art and cultural institutions are known all over the city, and some like the National Ballet of Cuba, the House of the Américas, the Foundation of New Latin American Film, or the National Folkloric Dance Group have earned international reputation.
And, of course, it is also a city where you can find good food and entertainment like la Bodeguita del Medio, El Floridita and The Tropicana Show seen by thousands of visitors every year.
Cuba Travel Expert Reviews on Havana Cuba
I am generally a beach person and usually base my vacations around where the nicest beach is. I have traveled a lot to Varadero and spent so much time just relaxing on the beaches there that I finally decided to be adventurous and take a day trip to Havana City. It was only an hour and a half bus ride and after being to Cuba many times I was a little curious as to what Havana City was like. I booked me end my traveling partner on a day trip. We were picked up early in the morning in a beautiful air-conditioned bus and off we went. It was so excited during the drive. The guide on the bus was so fun and made the drive so interesting. The thing that I loved most about the drive was passing through all the small towns where Cuban people live. Well we arrived in Havana and were taken on a beautiful historic tour. It was so good to have someone explaining all the history to us. After a beautiful morning we stopped in Old Havana for lunch. Old Havana was this magnificent area with cobblestone streets full of stores and houses on top of stores. It was architecture that is so remarkable to see. So many structures being restored and such beauty it is unreal. We toured around Havana a little more and before we knew it the day was gone. We were off to the famous Tropicana show. We first ate dinner and then saw the most magnificent show I have ever seen. The costumes, dancing and talent left us truly speechless. We drank Cuban Rum and watched in amazement for hours. Time went by so fast and before we knew it, it was midnight and our day in Havana had come to an end. We were off on our bus driving back to Varadero. I generally don’t like to take organized tours as I usually like to discover things on my own. Since it was day trip and explained all the historical sights to me I really feel it was with while doing on your first time to Havana City. Havana is a great and safe city (of course use your street smarts) I just got back and I already and I plan to go back and spend some more time there later this year. This time I think I will rent a car and explore on my own.
Registration 50017038 |