Unique experiences to do in Havana

What to visit if you want to enjoy unique experiences in Havana?

When we travel to Havana, cultural offer is wide and varied. Sometimes choosing is complex. However, the Cuban capital offers more special destinations every day, standing out from classic tourist attractions. Besides emblematic places in the city that the traveler cannot miss, people looking for an authentic experience when they decide to travel to Habana are taking over.

Therefore, it would be interesting to list those spots that we consider worth a visit: for their special design, their gastronomic offers, their unique experiences, their panoramic views... They are spaces that stand out not only for the cultural activities they offer, but also as places to stay in Habana, places to enjoy live Cuban music, places to buy local crafts and design, places to taste typical Cuban food and so on.

1. Design stores. What to buy in Cuba?

Art in Cuba emerges in each corner of the island. We can find art galleries, museums, graphic and industrial design stores, spaces dedicated to local crafts and cinematics. In Old Habana, lie many of the most representative premises of the good work of Cuban design and, as part of the route through design in Habana, we prefer to move away from the San José Warehouses and bet on more peculiar stores such as Piscolabis. : a shop-bazaar where Cuban design items, decorative and utilitarian objects, clothing and accessories, gifts, souvenirs, pieces of art and local crafts are exhibited and sold.

In the same area, we find the design store Clandestina, which is now trending in Cuban clothing design. It has a showroom where you can discover monthly exhibitions of local artist, ranging from paintings, scuplture or photography. Likewise, Conga, Arte & Diseño shop in the neighborhood of Miramar, exhibits original and exclusive Cuban design objects that combine high aesthetic, functional and cultural values with personalized manufacturing, by renowned Cuban designers. And when it comes to daring design, La Marca gallery is the ideal for tattoo lovers. It has become a cultural alternative for those who not only love this task and understand it as an artistic expression; but it also aspires to add all those manifestations that have to do with the personal image. If you are interested in fashion made in Cuba don't miss out on our selection of trending brands.

2. A route through the pictorial and graphic art of Cuba

3. Museums and art galleries

You can pay a visit to museums and galleries at Havana to complete a tour about visual arts. Wihtin this museum network, we highlight National museum of fine arts , which has an important collection of Cuban art, Egyptian art and universal art. In addition, the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of Music, the Museum of Ceramics and the Museum of Dance offer a range of possibilities for lovers of the history of these artistic manifestations.

Likewise, state and private galleries run exhibitions throughout the year, both by national and foreign artists. Among them Factoría Habana, Villa Manuela, Galería Servando, Galería Galiano, Galería Habana y Artis 718 stand out, although contemporary artists are finding their space in this network by creating their own studio-galleries. The latest being Espacio Seis-Seis Estudio de Arte Contemporáneo : a studio of contemporary Cuban art in the heart of Old Habana, created within the framework of the XII Habana Biennial (2015) and reopened on July 1, 2016. Moreover, we highlight workshops of creators such as Carlos Garaicoa, Lidzie Alvisa, José Manuel Fors and Beatriz Salas Santacana.

4. Religion and folklore

Certainly, the Caribbean island is the result of a mixture of cultural traditions from Spain, Africa and the United States, among other influences. This is reflected in the religious substratum of Cuban society, where the Catholic religion, the Protestant, Palo Santo and Santeria live together. This has caused a very peculiar religious syncretism, which is revealed in the base of people beliefs and is shown through everyday religious practices.

Taking part in those experiences is an adventure. That is why we recommend a visit to Callejón de Hamel, where you will discover a communitary cultural project resulting in an open air art gallery where you can dive into afrocuban culture. You can also visit Casa de África and Orishas' Museum a good opportunity to get in touch with the history, costumes and other accessories featuring in Afro-Cuban religions. However, to enjoy a much more impressive experience, we recommend a visit to the babalawo Alfredo's house, there you can live directly the experience of a saint's touch and appreciate in detail an altar dedicated to the Orishas.

5. Following the beat of music: from tradition to modernity

Music as an essential component of Afro-Cuban religions and Cuban culture in general, cannot be absent from this cultural guide. When you think of Cuba, a fun culture, of sociable and dancing people, generally comes to mind. Because dance is something that characterizes the Cuban, its flavor and its most traditional rhythms have transcended borders. In Havana you will be able to learn from teachers and professional dancers traditional rhythms such as: rumba, salsa, mambo, son, cha-cha, etc.

Those wanting to dance salsa and enjoy the rhythm of son will enjoy the Taberna de Benny Moré, and enjoy the rhythm of the son will find in La Taberna de Benny Moré, located next to the Plaza Vieja, one of the classic places to dance son montuno. The place is specially dedicated to the famous Cuban musician Benny More and there are musical groups and dancers who liven up the atmosphere. At night, places like Casa de la Música de Galiano and Miramar offer musical shows with Cuban salsa orchestras.

Another emblematic spot is Restaurante Bar Espectáculo Habana Café del Hotel Meliá Cohiba, with an atmosphere of 1950s Havana. You can dance to the rhythm of “Tiempos” orchestra. Lovers of classical ballet will enjoy the periodical performances hosted at Gran Teatro de La Habana, the Avellaneda and Covarrubias halls in the Teatro Nacional, Teatro Mella and Martí. Besides, every two years you can enjoy Havana International Ballet Festival "Alicia Alonso", which is the most important event in Cuba regarding ballet.

6. Live music: Son cubano, latin jazz, rock

The musical atmosphere in Havana is very seductive, with options for the most diverse tastes. The city offers different options to enjoy an interesting cultural proposal. Vedado and Miramar host the majority of clubs, theaters and cultural centers. Enjoying live music is the best option.

Therefore, those who travel to Havana may, according to their musical preferences, visit spaces such as the Yellow Submarine, recommended for rock lovers; Jazz Café & Club de la Zorra y el Cuervo, for latin jazz lovers el Delirio Habanero, for son and bolero romantics, and Fábrica de Arte Cubano for people rooting for alternative music. You have yet another interesting option: La Casa de la Bombilla Verde, , a charming bar where you can breathe a bohemian atmosphere and where you can enjoy Cuban trova live, and even taste a refreshing cuban cocktail.

7. Panoramic views

Truth is that Havana after dark has a lot to offer; In addition to the aforementioned musical offers, a walk along the Malecon with the sea breeze as a companion becomes a magical experience. There are corners of the city that allow you to appreciate it in all its splendor, thanks to the panoramic views they have to offer. These include the view from Tres Reyes del Morro Castle and La Cabaña, or a panoramic view of the port of Habana that can be spoted from Cristo de La Habana, which can be accessed after a ride on the boat in Casablanca.

Inside the city, views from colonial rooftops can also be charming, specially Hotel Ambos Mundos & Hotel Inglaterra rooftops. From la Torre restaurant, at the top of the FOCSA building, you can take snapshots of both a daytime and nighttime Havana that still preserves many architectural details from its colonial and republican past.

8. An inside look at Habana with locals

To discover Habana from the inside, you need to get yourself guided by local people who show you those spots, events and ways that only a native of the island knows. Only this way a traveler can enter neighborhoods outside the classic tourist guides of Cuba, reflecting the actual life of a Cuban today. Therefore, we recommend you to be accompanied by a friend from Cubaunique who shows you the authentic city, not the one built for tourism.

For example, you can visit the local markets of J and 25, 19 and B in the Vedado neighborhood - an exciting opportunity to live a current experience of a Cuban when shopping fruits and vegetables. Or you can also enter a traditional Cuban house where a grandmother will teach you to prepare traditional Cuban dishes that you can later taste. You will even be able to live the experience of riding on the Regla and / or Casablanca ferry, which crosses the bay of Habana and is used daily as a means of transportation by Cubans residing in these neighborhoods.

9. Field trips near Habana

In addition to discovering the more classic Havana, we recommend excursions close to the city with a unique attraction and totally off-guides. For example dive down a sunken ship on the beaches of Bacuranao and Boca Ciega, which are home to the remains of the "SS Olivette" and "City of Alexandria" vessels. Those fond of ecological tourism, lovers of underwater photography, will be able to take the most intrepid snapshots of both the boat, and the marine fauna and flora.

Likewise, still inside Havana, we can discover a unique nature spot in the heart of the city, called Bosque de La Habana. This emblematic and popular capital city spot, takes up approximately seven kilometers along the banks of the Almendares River. It is an ideal place to relax and escape the overwhelming city rithm, enjoy nature and take pictures of its landscapes and embedded architectural ruins.

10. Where to eat in Habana

When we are going to travel to a new destination, we usually inform ourselves about the activities we can do there. However, we always try to treat ourselves with local dishes of the city we visit. Many travelers arrive on the island eager to discover traditional Cuban food, as well as their most recent reinterpretations carried out by professional chefs.

We recommend treating yourself in some cuban paladares or restaurants, such as: La Guarida - where famous Fresa y Chocolate movie was filmed, included in our selection of restaurants with the coolest rooftops in Habana, the restaurant Riomar, with beautiful sea views; El Cocinero, located at Fabrica de Arte top floor, from where you have quite a spectacular sunset view from Vedado; or Paladar La Esperanza located in a mansion in Miramar and distinguished by its vintage decoration. And if you want to enjoy the restaurants with the best rooftops in Havana follow the link.

How are Cuban paladares like?

In these restaurants, the local product is pampered with an overflowing creativity and traditional flavors are combined with the latest trends in international cuisine. As a common feature, diplomats, artists, international celebrities and numerous heads of state have eaten at their tables. Regarding prices, you find a wide range of them, but you can discover top notch cuisine in paladares with really low prices.

On the other hand, Cafés have become attractive within the Habana culinary circuit. Among them, we recommend Café Bianchini, located in the Callejón del Chorro (although to be reopen in a new location). It is in a small but cozy space where a pleasant design is combined with the offer of desserts, breakfasts and, of course, aromatic coffees.

Likewise Café Jacqueline Fumero, located in the Plaza de la Loma del Ángel, offers its visitors exquisite snacks, together with an exhibition and sale of textile and goldsmith's design, by the designer Jacqueline Fumero. Already in the Vedado area we recommend Café Mamaine where you can enjoy a bohemian atmosphere vegetarian friendly.

11. Where to stay in Habana

After a long day full of activities, there is nothing you want more than to rest in a comfortable accommodation, which has a good location and meets the standards of comfort, cleanliness and friendliness of your hosts. These requirements are met by the accommodations Malecón 663, Suite Havana and Hotel La Reserva. The first of them is located in an old house from the early twentieth century, renovated into a vintage design boutique hotel, which due to its location offers a panoramic view over the Havana boardwalk.

Furthermore, Suite Havana, with a more minimalist design, is located in the heart of Old Habana and allows you to explore all the tourist spots of the city on foot. While Hotel La Reserva in the center of Vedado offers tranquility and comfort in an old restored palace, where art and design are the hallmarks. If you want to check our selection of exclusive accommodations to travel to Cuba as a couple, follow the link.

12. Habana la nuit

Habana after dark is a universe of endless possibilities. A walk along the Malecón allows dialogue with local musicians who walk along the avenue playing live for friends and couples who are gathered there. On the 23rd avenue in Vedado, you can breathe the hectic atmosphere of a city that does not sleep at night. The bars on this street give the city an effervescent life, highlighting the Bar EFE, a restaurant-bar where music meets visual arts and gastronomy.

It puts together rustic style that bets on large and restored furniture, hanging fabrics, antique mirrors and objects rescued from another generation. Another recommended site is the King Bar. A live music venue, which makes it stand out. Reinier Mariño flamenco set performs some hours at night. You can also find Bar Esencia Bar hosting night shows to lighten up chating and dancing. If you want to discover the most famous bars in Havana follow the link.

13. Vedado: 3 MANDATORY VISITS

Modern Havana is an area of ​​the Capital fully developed in the mid-twentieth century, although it began to take shape much earlier. Its most eloquent exponents are the neighborhoods of El Vedado and Miramar. In the modern neighborhood of Vedado we recommend not to miss three essential spots such as the Orfebrería Rox. ROX950 is the work of the Cuban goldsmith Rosana Vargas, devoted to the art of jewelry. So, you can discover more than ten collections of minimalist style.

Dance lovers should not miss the visit to the academy Acosta Danza, founded in 2016 by Carlos Acosta, finding its place into the international stage scene with an artistic proposal that includes contemporary movement and classical ballet. And finally Fábrica de Arte Cubano will let you discover a great transdisciplinary creation laboratory that exposes the best of contemporary Cuban art, integrating disciplines such as music, theater, visual arts, etc.

14. MIRAMAR: 3 MANDATORY VISITS

Habana is a city stopped in time. Part of this vintage atmosphere circulates around the city daily, because, beyond its buildings, its American cars from the 50's of the past century are a living heritage of past styles and times. So we recommend a ride in a convertible car ("almendron") to know the neighborhood of Miramar along Quinta Avenida, , where you will see the large mansions typical of the area.

Another space full of tranquility in the city is the Marina Hemingway, a spectacular center of nautical activities, where regattas and fishing tournaments are organized. The one that stands out the most is the sport fishing of the Aguja. And to top it up, in the traditional Cuban music rythm, we recommend a visit to the Casa Museo Compay Segundo, in Miramar. He was one of the stars of the Buena Vista Social Club and lived in that house, now turned into a museum for his last 6 years.

15. OLD HABANA: 3 MANDATORY VISITS

Cuba is known worldwide for its rum and havano cigars. It is a well worth fame, as it has been the result of years of experimentation and hard effort on the part of professionals in both branches. Therefore we recommend a visit to Museo del Ron in Old Havana, an ideal space to learn about the process of making this national drink, its history, distribution mechanisms and of course, enjoy its flavor.

Another must is the Bacardí building, an art deco example, run by the company Bacardí S.A. There, you can learn about the history of this company and its majestic building, with its central tower, from where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Habana. And, as a climax, we suggest not to miss the unique cannon shot ceremony in Havana. A tradition that recalls the closure of the city in times of the Spanish colony, wich is hold every day from the fortress of La Cabaña.

Obviously, Havana retains that charm that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is a city that has a lot to offer from the field of culture, gastronomy, folklore, its architecture, its people and its warm atmosphere. These recommendations are intended to encourage those who have not yet decided to visit the island, and have it as a pending destination.

Julienne López Hernández
Degree in History of Art
www.artisticulturaltheory.com

Pictures by Juanma Cruz del Cueto

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