he so-called Pearl of the Antilles and the largest island in the entire Caribbean Sea, Cuba can seem a world apart from the refined paradisaical holidaying spots that surround it.
For one, its history is still very much alive.
Revolutions and communism are still fresh on the mind, and the museums showcase weapons that helped overthrow the government only decades ago.The hills are still marked by the footprints of men like Che Guevara and Castro, while sugar plantations belie the colonial boom and dark tales of slave driving.Then there’s historic Old Havana, bursting with age-stained Baroque builds and glorious palazzos, the sounds of lively jazz and cabaret after dark.
Meanwhile, Cadillacs unchanged from the 50s whizz by down pot-holed roads, and the locals erupt in ad hoc fiestas of dance, song and barbeque. Here are some of favorite things to do in Cuba that should be on everyone’s Cuba bucket list.
Things To Do In Cuba
Smoke a Cuban cigar
When in Cuba it’s a must to smoke a real Cuban cigar. Cuban cigars can be bought everywhere in Cuba, but some of the best Cuban cigars come right from the tobacco farms. We’ve seen Cuban cigars being sold for less than $1 on the streets of Havana, but we don’t think the quality of them is that great but they make for a great photo opp.
Dance in the street
Might seem crazy to us, but dancing down at the Callejon de Hemel is just a normal day in the life of a Cuban. Spontaneous live music is the norm and the pounding Afro-Cuban rumba is a hypnotic draw for passing tourists. Get sucked in to the raw Cuban culture and crack out those night club moves – you’ll soon get knocked down and shown how to do it properly by a friendly Cuban. Callejon de Hemel is where many of Cuba’s famous musicians cut their teeth in the 40s and 50s. The area is also a great photo opportunity with bold African murals adorning the walls and artists’ studios popping up. The peak time to be here is Sundays at noon. Make sure you warm your hips up beforehand.
Ride in a 1950’s Convertible
The Malecón is the famous, historical stone wall that separates the pronounced city of Havana from the daunting ocean waters below it. For decades, families, friends, and couples have gone to the Malecón to talk, drink, and of course kiss and cuddle!
It becomes somewhat of a hotspot at night — many locals go there to drink and socialize because it’s much cheaper than going to a bar or club — but it is truly a majestic sight to see at sunset. Every night the air cools down and the sky turns orange and pink for a truly spectacular show!
Go on a Havana city
Rent a classic car and go to Havana city. That is a great city. There are many, many sides to the Cuban capital but it's the enticing Old Havana a Unesco World Heritage site, which has the city's prettiest buildings. And it's here you should spend most of your time wandering.
Walk on the beach
Take a walk on one of the many white sandy beaches in Cuba. One of the favorite beaches in Cuba was Varadero, which is 20km of white sandy coastline. Another off the beaten path beach is Playa Jibacoa, which is only accessible by ca. so for those renting a car put Playa Jibacoa on your list of things to do in Cuba. There are over 200 places on Airbnb in Varadero so finding accommodation is no problem.
Drink more Mojitos than you ever have
Drink more Mojitos than you eve have and make sure they contain the authentic Havana Club Rum for a true experience. Top places to enjoy a Mojito include the Hotel Nacional de Cuba – where the likes of
Churchill, Al Capone, Sinatra, Ava Gardner and Nat King Cole supped the good stuff with a beautiful view of the harbour, the sea wall and the city – La Bodeguita del Medio and El Floridita. Although these venues are mostly for tourists now, as inflated prices and questionable quality has pushed the locals out. To drink like a modern day local get yourself down to Bar Monserrate or Lluvia de Oro, keep an ear out for a band playing and you’re in for a top night.
The Malecón at Sunset
The Malecón is the famous, historical stone wall that separates the pronounced city of Havana from the daunting ocean waters below it. For decades, families, friends, and couples have gone to the Malecón to talk, drink, and of course kiss and cuddle!
Wonder at the works in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Another of the great and unmissable institutions to make its home in the midst of the historic streets of La Habana Vieja, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is loaded to the brim with masterworks that chronicle the various artistic periods of the island and its people.
Visitors can come and see the psychological portraiture of Federico Beltrán Masses, the politically infused paintings of Guillermo Collazo, and modern sculpture works by the likes of Rita Longa.
Another branch of the institution nearby offers a host of worldly art, from ancient Greek vases to canvasses by El Greco and other Spanish masters.
Watch The Cannons Fire at 9pm
Every night at 9pm, a cannon is fired from Morro Cabaña. If you want to go to the fort to watch it from there, get there around 7:30pm because they have a little celebration before hand, and also because it gets pretty crowded. Otherwise take a seat along the Malecón or perhaps the rooftop of Hotel Ambos Mundos to watch it from there.
Go Dancing at Casa De La Musica
If you want real, authentic Cuban nightlife, head over to Casa de la Musica in Miramar — just west of Vedado and close by the Tropicana. This is where all of the young locals go to dance to live salsa or reggae music, but I noticed a lot of tourists there as well. There’s another one in Centro Havana but I was told that one is all tourists and that locals will only go to the one in Miramar.
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