"Back to Havana December 2004" Top 5 Page for this destination Cuba by YanetT

Cuba Travel Guide: 5,242 reviews and 12,831 photos

La Habana

After 5 trips to Cuba, I took the plunge and went to Havana, mainly because I know some people there (Cubans) as well as internet friends.

It was a great experience and I am ready to go back anytime. Travelling as a single woman is no problem for me in Cuba, but it certainly helped having friends there to show me around, introduce me to life in Habana.

Whether you know people there or not, Cubans are always willing to help answer your questions (I was always getting lost and asking for directions), so no worries there.

I was only there for one week, not enough time to see everything in Havana, two weeks at least, I didn't even get inside most of the museums, galleries etc. maybe because I spent alot of time with my friends, and just walked around taking photos, but not entering alot of the buildings. So next trip, I will make time to go INSIDE those museums.

To everyone here GO TO HAVANA , ENJOY. You will love it.

being with friends in Havana

Janet and friends

At the bar, La Bodeguita del Medio, frequented by Ernest Hemingway - a toast to my friends and to la Habana. These ladies acted as my tour guides for a few days, as we bombed around in an old VW bug, gracias amigas. I got to practice my Spanish, they practiced their English and a good time was had by all.

Singer at La Bodeguita

cancione

This lovely lady, can't remember her name, played castanettes and sang Spanish and Cuban songs beautifully.

Pros and Cons

Pros:wonderful friendly people, amazing scenery, history, music, warm climate
Cons:lack of facilities, ie bank machines, local transportation can get expensive, taxis, more variety of restaurants
In a nutshell:Cuba has a different flavour than other Latin American countries, go see for yourself

Last visit to Cuba: Apr 2003
Intro Updated Jan 27, 2005
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Reviews (46)

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In July of 2007 my boyfriend and I visited the area of Pinar del Rio, just outside of Havana, and drove to a beautiful... more travel advice

Feria del Malecon (market) Shopping (2)

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Memorial and Museo Jose Marti Things to Do (10)

A 58 foot white marble statue of Jose Mari in a contemplative mood. Behind the statue is a grey marble tower, 350 ft... more travel advice

Sunset on the Malecon Things to Do (10)

So many different photos of this beautiful stretch of Havana, and every one shows the Malecon in a different light. more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Regla
Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All More thefts in Havana
Tourist Traps (5)
See All El Capitolio, Centro Habana
Restaurants (4)
See All Excellent Chinese restaurant
Nightlife (4)
See All Jazz in Havana

Transportation (6)
See All taxi particulares
Hotels (7)
See All Farallon del Caribe Hotel, 4 Star
What to Pack (1)
What to bring (and possibly give away)
Local Customs (1)
Lots of besos
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Comments (35)

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florry Oct 18, 2007 at 10:21 PM

Hi Janet, just reading you pages , wonderful..i have been 4 times there and going again in january for 2 month..and i cant wait to meet my friends and travel around more as i did before. thanks for sharing Barbara
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brooklynss Jan 13, 2007 at 10:29 PM

My husband and I are so excited to travel to Cuba in March. I am a travel "virgin", and your page has put me more at ease. Thank you.
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Sininen Jun 26, 2006 at 10:11 PM

I am very interested in travelling to Cuba and will return to your page later on. Happy birthday from Finland!
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JessH Apr 18, 2006 at 11:17 PM

Hello Janet. I really enjoyed your tips & photos on this country I've been wanting to visit for so long! Thanks for sharing your insights. Greetings from Dubai :-) Jess
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TravellingSpirit Feb 5, 2006 at 7:16 AM

Your pages are fantastic and highly informative - thanks
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scottishvisitor Jun 20, 2005 at 2:34 PM

Cuba looks colourful & vibrant - loved the way you connected with the people Good page
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hgchuy May 14, 2005 at 8:29 AM

have you ever visited Rancho Boyero Restaurant? It is located in the outside vecinity of Havana city. They have the best roast pork!
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tak_pap Feb 22, 2005 at 10:38 PM

just great ! well done !
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nomada Jan 27, 2005 at 2:35 PM

Liked to come back to this page Janet !!... a Cuban flavour ...A mi tambien me gusta Cuba siempre :)
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la_beba Nov 18, 2004 at 1:36 PM

I really *MUST* visit Cuba at least once in this life! Looks unbelievable!