Overview to Havana: Travel Guide and Tourist Information

  Havana Harbor

Cut off from the rest of the world by the revolution of New Year's Eve 1959, Cuba is a museum piece; the land that time forgot. And one of the things to come out of its long international exile is that Havana is one of the most remarkable travel destinations to be found anywhere in the world.

The city is an incredibly sensual place: music and cigar smoke seem to constantly fill the air. And it’s hard not to rub your eyes in disbelief at the sight of old Chevrolets and Buicks (powered admittedly by new Asian engines) driving down the grand boulevard of the Paseo del Prado.

The pearl of the Antilles, as it was known, was one of the most important outposts in the Spanish Empire. Fortunately La Habana Vieja, or Old Havana, was largely untouched by the War of Independence, preserving some of Latin America's most spectacular colonial architecture.

Additionally, the city has a number of excellent museums and galleries. The Museo de la Ciudad, set in a stunning 18th century baroque palace positioned on the Plaza de Armas, is one of the best. Just off the Paseo del Prado sits the excellent Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes; this wonderfully restored building is divided into two galleries, one containing Cuban art and the other housing works from international artists.

In recognition of its unique status, Havana was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. In addition to the private houses and riot of different cracked and faded colors, its urban landscape is full of glorious old churches and sun-bleached squares to explore.

Grander than even the grandest of Spanish cities, even with its glories long in the past and its Old Town full of huge crumbling mansions the streets continue to course with life. As you look out across the sea with the waves crashing on the Malecon, it’s impossible to deny that Havana is truly one of the most romantic and atmospheric cities.

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