Insider’s Guide: Havana
In college, I spent a lot of time studying US-Cuba relations and history. Once NCL listed Cuba as a destination though educational exchange – people to people, my mom and I booked our tickets. Havana is a beautiful time warp, a place where you can experience history like a time traveler. The people are so alive! Everywhere you go, people are smiling, laughing, dancing, and music fills the air. Yet, everywhere you turn, there is beauty and sadness, full of the past and hope for the future.
EAT
Growing up in Florida, there is authentic Cuban food everywhere! So when we got to Cuba, we didn’t focus much on eating, rather experiencing the people, history, and culture!
San Cristobal: Everyone told us to eat here, and they were not wrong! Fun Fact: This is where former President Barack Obama visited!
La Guarida: Good vibes and good food!
PLAY
When we went to Havana, we took a tour of Cuba for the morning part of the day, which included: Old Havana, Iglesia de San Francisco de Paula, Train Central Station, El Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro, Havana Vieja, Christopher Columbus, Revolution Square, Green Tile House, Miramar, etc. This was such a great mix of Colonial Life and modern times. There is so much to do and see in the two days we spent there.
Plaza de Armas: The last wooden road in Havana (seriously, so cool!)
Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas: I haven’t been here yet, but hear that it’s great.
Fabrica de Arte Cubano: Great art & great music – diverse and unique!
El Museo del Ron Havana Club: Calling all lovers of rum! This is for you!
Tropicana: An open-air cabaret nightclub that transcends you through Cuba’s history through music and dance!
Finca Vigía (Hemingway House): If you love literature the way I do, this is worth it.
STAY
Hotel Parque Central: While I have never personally stayed here, all of my friends that have stayed here have loved it.