Havana Shopping Tips by swesn

HAVANA : ART-WORK

Old Havana has a wonderful art market located near Parque Luz Caballero, round the corner of the Catedral de San Cristoball de La Habana, towards the harbour.

There are many huge colourful abstract art-works, those with typical La Habana look - the Chevrolets and crumbling colonial houses and other sorts of interpretations.

However, I read from the guidebook that you have to obtain an export permit and official receipt in order to bring the art-work out. For more details, I supposed your best bet is to check with your hotel, HOW to get the export permit.

Apparently, many people had had their art-works confiscated when they are leaving Cuba. The customs officer apparently claimed the works were 'state treasures'. Yeah, right... (Sorry, no personal experience.)

Theme: Art

HAVANA : CALLE OBISPO IN LA HABANA VIEJA

Calle Obispo is touted as the main shopping street of Havana.

OK, this is NOT Rodeo Drive. Indeed, there appear to have more shops along the pedestrian street, but with not much material goods available in Cuba, do not expect too much.

There are some souvenir stores for tourists and also some household stores. For snacks, you can buy something from the many Cuban-Pesos home-run window stalls too.

The street indeed is very busy and seems very popular among the locals as well. There are many harassments too due to the large number of tourists.

Theme: Other