A vacation in the Caribbean is a real dream for many people around the world. One of the most popular travel destinations is Havana. No wonder: After all, the capital of Cuba has countless small and large sights to offer for every taste and every age group.
With more than two million inhabitants, Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean. Diversity is very important in the metropolis, which is located on the northwest coast of Cuba. The city offers every visitor a very special flair of Cuban rhythms, exotic scents and historical buildings. Havana is not only the political center but also the cultural center of Cuba.
If you are visiting Havana, you should definitely take time to stroll through the narrow streets of the historic old town and enjoy the very special flair of the city. The historic centre of La Habana Vieja has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the early 1980s. In addition to the countless historical buildings from the Middle Ages, the eventful history of the former Spanish colony is just as omnipresent on every corner as the famous Cuban attitude to life.
With the Aeropuerto Internacional José Marti, Havana has the most important and largest international airport in the country. This is located about eleven kilometers from the city center. In addition, there is another small airport at the gates of the city, which is used daily mainly for numerous domestic flights.
Sights: Landmark “Capitol”, Great Theater, Dream Beaches
If you are traveling in Havana, you should not miss Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, among other places. The fortress from the 17th century is extremely imposing and impressive. Also worth seeing and experiencing is the Catedral de la Virgen María de la Concepción Inmaculada de La Habana.
One of the city’s biggest tourist magnets is the second largest cemetery in the world, the Cementerio Cristóbal Colón. When visiting the huge complex with more than 53,000 graves, you should plan a lot of time. Another must-see in the city center of the Cuban capital is a visit to the world-famous Capitol. The former residence of the Cuban head of state, which is also the city’s landmark, is one of the most popular photo motifs in the city. The Great Theatre is also always worth a visit – even outside of the top-class performances.
If you want to enjoy a fantastic sunset on your Havana holiday, you can do so from the famous El Malécon waterfront. There is a lot of activity here, especially in the evening hours – as well as in the numerous small cafés and bars. The beaches of Havana on the Gulf of Mexico are also world-famous. A popular destination for beach and relaxation vacationers are the Playas del Este. The so-called city beaches are located about 20 kilometers from the city center. One of the most beautiful and well-known beach sections is Playa Santa Maria del Mar. The wide beach is characterized by white Caribbean sand, turquoise blue water and beautiful palm trees – just as you would imagine a typical Caribbean beach. If you want to explore the fascinating Havana region on your own, you should definitely rent a car and make a round trip.
A very special highlight is a round trip with a real American classic car, of which there are several thousand in Havana. “Pure relaxation” is also offered by the numerous parks in Havana. Central Park in the city center is always a good address for those seeking relaxation. In the center of the park is a large statue of José Marti, the national hero of Cuba. The Almendares Park on the banks of the river of the same name offers an exciting insight into the flora and fauna of the Cuban capital. In the east of Havana, there are other worthwhile excursion destinations with the nature reserves Laguna del Cobre Itabo and El Rincón de Guanabo.
Where to stay in Havana
Havana and the surrounding area offer numerous different accommodations for the countless visitors from all over the world. Whether in a luxurious five-star hotel on the beach or in the city centre, in a large holiday home in nature or a rather spartan hostel in the old town – in the city every tourist is sure to get their money’s worth. In addition, there are countless inexpensive private accommodations throughout the city.
The best time to visit Havana
The best time for an extensive and exciting trip to Havana is the winter months. From November to April, there is no major rainfall during this time due to the rainy season. Instead, tourists can look forward to “plenty of sun”. Temperatures during this time are a pleasant 28 degrees Celsius and rarely fall below the 20 degrees Celsius mark.
