Havana Favorite Tips by LoriPori

LA HABANA Havana Vieja (Old Havana) Review

Favorite thing: The Capital of Cuba and a UNESCO World Heritage Site Havana or LA HABANA is also the major port and leading commercial center of Cuba. With 2.3 million inhabitants, Havana is the largest city in both Cuba and the Caribbean region.
Havana is located 106 miles ( 170 km ) southwest of Key West Florida, on the northwest coast of Cuba.
I thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the different Plazas like - San Francisco - Plaza de Armas - Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza de la Revolucion.
I found Havana to be a charming city to visit. It's like it is frozen in time with its vintage cars and Barocque-style buildings. Some of the once grandiose buildings, built during the city's more prosperous times, lie in disrepair, but still adds to the charm of the city. Hans and I are so glad that we decided to take a day tour here.

MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR Plaza de la Revolucion Review

Favorite thing: One of the buildings in Revolution Square is the Ministerio del Interior or MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR. It would just be another building, if not for the giant ironwork mural of the likeness of Ernest (Che) Guevara (1928 to 1967 ) Cuba's revolutionary Hero.
His motto " Hasta La Victoria Siempre" - "Towards Victory Always" is inscripted below his portrait.
It was the most photographed building in the Square.

CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE

Favorite thing: While having lunch at El Patio, we heard wonderful sounds coming from the square outside. We went to the balcony of the restaurant and could see and hear colourfully dressed locals walking on stilts and accompanied by a drummer and trumpet player. Creating a CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE they paraded through the streets of Habana Vieja while children gleefully followed them. What a fun thing to see and experience.

JOSE' MARTI MEMORIAL Plaza de la Revolucion Review

Favorite thing: Located in the Plaza de la Revolucion, the JOSE' MARTI MEMORIAL is a star-shaped tower dedicated to Jose' Marti, a national hero of Cuba. The highest point in Havana, the tower is 109 metres ( 358 feet) high, with an observation deck on the top floor, which gives wonderful views over the city of Havana.
Next to the tower is a giant marble statue of Jose' Marti.

PARQUE CENTRAL

Favorite thing: Central Park or PARQUE CENTRAL is a popular and safe place for the locals and tourists to walk and sit. Beautiful Royal Palms and exotic trees make the surroundings so enjoyable.
In the middle of the Park is a statue of Jose' Marti, made in 1905 of carrara Marble.
Hans and I and a few of our tour group friends took in the ambiance that this wonderful park had to offer. It reminded me of the beautiful parks in Spain where people gathered together to enjoy the surroundings and talk to their friends, while listening to the music that could be heard in the neighbourhood.

EL MALECON The Malecon Review

Favorite thing: Built along the Northern coastline of Havana, during the early 1900's EL MALECON is a favourite walk for the locals and tourist alike. It runs along the main arteries of Havana and provides incredible views of the Bay. The famous 12 kilometre oceanside road links Old Havana to the busy neighbourhood of Vedado,
We could see children playing, locals fishing, and folks just enjoying the afternoon of bright sunshine.

PLAZA DE SAN FRANCISCO Plaza De San Francisco Review

Favorite thing: Named after the convent next to it PLAZA DE SAN FRANCISCO or San Francisco Square, once served to stockpile goods arriving by ships from the harbour. Residences of the Captain Generals were built around the plaza.
The Square once had a busy commercial life, with locals buying and selling a variety of goods.

FUENTE DE LOS LEONES Plaza De San Francisco Review

Favorite thing: Located in San Francisco de Asis Square, in Habana Vieja (Old Havana) the FUENTE DE LOS LEONES or Fountain of the Lions, was built of white carrara marble, by the Italian sculptor Guiseppe Gallini in 1836.
It is a towering sculpture and very beautifully done and very popular for taking pictures.

MURAL ARTISTICO HISTORICO

Favorite thing: This mural, by artist Andres Carrillo, is a beautiful legacy to Cuban culture. This MURAL ARTISTICO HISTORICO named "Mural Merchants" took nearly 6 years to complete and the artist used special dyes for his masterpiece. 67 Prominent members of Havana are depicted here. The artwork was finally completed on December 27, 2000.
Located on Calle Mercaderes