Arts & Culture, Cuban, Discover Havana, Music, Nightlife, Old Havana, Sights, Vedado

20 cool things not to miss in Havana

20-cool-things-post

 

1. SOUVENIRS

Clandestina: Villegas #403 e/ Tte. Rey y Muralla, Habana Vieja +53 53814802

This centrally-located shop in Old Havana is run by the well-known Cuban designer Idania del Río. Look for hip hats, slick t-shirts, posters of famous Cubans, and much much more.

 

2. TATTOO

La Marca: Obrapía 108C (bajos) e/Oficios y Mercaderes, Habana Vieja +53 78012026

Here’s one way to never forget your trip to Havana: Get a tattoo from this local professional.

 

3. BIKE TOURS

Velo Cuba: Obrapía #360 e/ Habana y Compostela, Habana Vieja +53 78608986

Ideal for visitors looking for guided tours of Havana (and even outside the city) as well as bikes for those wanting to plot their own adventure around the area.

 

4. ICE CREAM

Helad’Oro: Calle Aguiar #206 e/ Empedrado y Tejadillo, Habana Vieja +53 53059131

After walking through the street of Old Havana, cool off at this little “heladería”.

 

5. TANGO & MILONGA

FAC: Calle 26, e/ 11 y 13, Vedado.

Learn the tango with Leonardo Rodríguez. Classes start at 8:30 p.m.

 

6. JAZZ JAM SESION

Corner Café: 1ra y B, Vedado +53 78371220

The best drummer in Cuba, Oliver Valdés, rocks out at this popular bar with his friends on Mondays only.

 

7. BEAUTY & HEALTH

Pura Vida: Calle 88 #525 e/ 5taC y 7ma, Playa +53 72094634

Relax with a therapeutic massage, yoga, and Tai-Chi or try your hand at zumba, Cuban dance classes and classical ballet.

 

8. SWEET TREATS

Assukkar Café: Calle 20 esq. 35, Miramar +53 72125019

An excellent international bakery in front of “La Casa de la Música” of Miramar.

 

9. QUICK EATS

D’Camino: Ave 41 #3008 e/ 30 y 34, Playa +53 53297635

The only place in Havana open 24-hours a day serving sandwiches, roasted chicken, burgers, and much more.

 

10. COFFEE BREAK

Café Fortuna Joe: Calle 1ra esq. 24, Miramar +53 54133706

Serving a host of coffee drinks, this nostalgic café has old boats and cars for tables and seats.

 

11. FARMERS MARKET

Agro de 19 y B: Calle 19 esq. B, Vedado

Havana’s best farmers market with the best fruits and vegetables. Closed on Mondays.

 

12. ROCK & ROLL

Casa de la Amistad: Calle Paseo e/ 17 y 19, Vedado +53 78303114

Every Sunday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., “Vieja Escuela” (“Old School“) performs covers of famos rock and roll songs in the backyard of a Vedado mansion “La Casa de la amistad”.

 

13. MUSEO DE LA REVOLUCIÓN

Calle Refugio #1 e/ Ave. de Las Misiones y Zulueta, Habana Vieja, +53 78015493

A must-visit for first-timers in Havana to learn about the Cuban Revolution.

 

14. ART MUSEUM

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Calle Trocadero e/ Zulueta y Monserrate, Habana Vieja, +53 78632657

The country’s most famous and iconic artists and their works, dating back to colonial times, in one building.

 

15. RUMBA

Palacio de la Rumba: Calle San Miguel #860 e/ Hospital y Aramburu, Centro Habana, +53 78730990

Think you know how to move? Try the rumba on Tuesdays at 4:00 pm with the “Septeto Habanero” (cover 5 cuc) and Sundays at 7:00 pm with “Timbalaye” (cover 10 cuc).

 

16. LOCAL THEATER

Teatro Trianón: Calle Línea e/ Paseo y A, Vedado, +53 78319304

Director and playwright Carlos Díaz and his company, El Público, put on his works at the “Trianón” theater.

 

17. SCUBA DIVING

Mar Abierto: Calle 1ra #1605 e/18 y 16 Miramar, +53 72022199, +53 58344873

Why drive two hours to another city to scuba dive when you can do it ten minutes away in Miramar? Dive courses, guided tours, and certification courses available. Closed on Mondays.

 

18. BALLET

Gran Teatro de La Habana “Alicia Alonso”: Calle Prado #548 e/ San José y San Rafael  +53 78613077

Home to the prestigious National Cuban Ballet, led by the legendary Alicia Alonso, who was a revolutionary in the field of dance. Located at the steps of the Capitol.

 

19. SALON

Luly: Calle 3ra e/ 26 y 28, Miramar +53 72065859

One of the trendiest salons in Havana for guys and girls looking for a fresh cut, pedicures, manicures and facials. 

 

20. CLASSICAL MUSIC

Iglesia de San Francisco de Paula: Intersección of Desamparados (Ave. del puerto), San Ignacio and Paula (Leonor Pérez) streets, just at the end of Alameda de Paula

A concert hall dedicated to classical music as well as an exhibition space for contemporary Cuban art. Also home to the Esteban Salas International Music Festival.