Scott Sporleder

15+ Must Have Experiences in Havana

Cuba Havana Insider Guides
by Matador Creators Feb 2, 2017

Cuba’s capital city, Havana, is one of the largest urban areas in the Caribbean region. The city is well known for its Spanish colonial architecture in 16th-century Old Havana. Havana’s vibrant culture and architectural beauty attract over a million visitors every year. Here are a few things you absolutely have to do and see when in the city.

Editor’s note: These spots are all taken directly from travelstoke®, a new app from Matador that connects you with fellow travelers and locals, and helps you build trip itineraries with spots that integrate seamlessly into Google Maps and Uber. Download the app to add any of the spots below directly to your future trips.

Fusterlandia

 FusterlandiaLa Habana, CubaHeading to Havana? Be sure to check out the studio of artist Jose Rodriguez Fuster, as well as the surrounding neighborhood (Jaimanitas). Everything is so colorful and lively! No wonder it is called “Fusterlandia.” It reminds you of Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth!

Plaza de Armas

 Plaza de ArmasLa Habana, CubaCool square that has lots of vendors selling things like records, books, posters and trinkets from pre-1960 #souvenirs #bargins

Centro Habana

 Centro HabanaLa Habana, CubaHavana, Cuba street life

Almacenes San José Artisans’ Market

 Almacenes San José Artisans’ MarketLa Habana, CubaTake at least 3 hours to get through all of this. Some awesome hand made leather goods, souvenirs and amazing paintings from local artists. Put your bargening shoes on because you will be in for one heck of a ride. Also there is a stand that has frozen coconuts and they will put a bunch of rum in it for an extra dollar. #souvenirs #bargins

Café París

 Café ParísLa Habana, CubaGreat cafe to grab an espresso and have a cigar and pastries. Also at night it becomes lively with a great mojito and live music. #cheap-eats #coffee #casual #dancing

La Catedral de la Virgen María de la Concepción Inmaculada de La Habana

 La Catedral de la Virgen María de la Concepción Inmaculada de La HabanaLa Habana, CubaThis is an amazing cathedral in central Havana that still holds mass and is free to walk around in. Don’t forget to take off your hat when entering as a sign of respect. Located in the beautiful renovated square for many opportunities for great shots. #free

Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras

 Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas ClarasLa Habana, CubaThis is a great cafe called El Patio adjacent to the front steps of the cathedral. Beautiful architecture and views of the Cathedral Square. This is also a hostel/particular that you can get reasonably priced rooms. #cheap-eats #coffee

Policia Nacional Revolucionaria

 Policia Nacional RevolucionariaLa Habana, CubaVery cool building which is still used as a police station today. #history

Centro Habana

 Centro HabanaLa Habana, Cuba#streetlife #havana #cuba

Great Theatre of Havana

 Great Theatre of HavanaLa Habana, CubaAnother stunning structure in Old Havana. We were not able to see a show but heard amazing things and can’t wait to go back to see a show. #history #gallery #dancing #musicvenue #livemusic

IBEROSTAR Parque Central

 IBEROSTAR Parque CentralLa Habana, CubaGreat location,nice room,excellent rooftop bars.Good food, great music when we were there.

Paseo de Martí

 Paseo de MartíLa Habana, CubaBeautiful central walk where you can sit in the shade on the marble benches while enjoying the breeze and watching the classic cars roll by. #free #statue

Museum of the Revolution

 Museum of the RevolutionLa Habana, CubaWorth the 10 pesos to get in and see all the amazing history that evolved around the revolution. The building alone is worth the trip with amazing architecture and bullet holes from the fight. #history #gallery

Paladar La Familia

 Paladar La FamiliaLa Habana, CubaAmazing dining experience. Secret hole in the wall and up a tiny staircse where the famous people come like the Rolling Stones. There is usually a live band playing in a very cool open atmosphere. #cheap-eats #food #casual

Visiting neighboring cities

 HavanaLa Habana, CubaHire a private car with a driver . Costs USD$100-150 per day. Visit cities out of Havana. My fav were Trinidad, Santa Clara, Santiago de Cuba
# road trip #photography

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