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Havana Journals

Havana Cuba - Habana Vieja

A November 2003 trip to Havana by kjrst9

Hotel Dancers Photo - Hotel Meson de la Flota, Havana, Cuba More Photos
Quote: A review of the wonderful city of Havana, Cuba. Hidden from most, this treasure is definitely worth the exploration you will undertake.
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Havana Cuba - Habana Vieja Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Habana Vieja Photo - Havana, Cuba
Quote:
People-watching is a must in Havana - from the street life to the parks to the outdoor cafes, watch the locals chat, make music, and go about their lives. Also, soak up the beautful architecture that, while often forced into decay due to the financial hard times of the nation, still reflect the rich heritage of the people and their city.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking.
Hotel Dancers Photo - Hotel Meson de la Flota, Havana, Cuba
Quote:
This hotel is amazing. Only one block from Plaza Vieja, about 2 blocks from Plaza San Francisco, and about 3 blocks from Plaza de Armas, the location is great. No cars on the streets in Habana Vieja, the pedestrian-filled streets are great for people-watching and quiet late at night. A mere five guest rooms above a "tavern-like" restaurant, the staff and bartenders will all know who you are. The rooms are very large with heavy wood furniture, double-high ceilings, and private baths. If you get one of the streetside rooms, you will have a balcony overlooking the street. Inside is an open courtyard. Downstairs at the bar and restaurant, each night there is live music and Flam...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 9, 2004

Hotel Meson de la Flota
Habana Vieja
Havana, Cuba

Jardin del Oriente Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Jardin del Orient"

Quote:
This is a small patio restaurant tucked in a nook of Habana Vieja 1/2 block from Plaza San Francisco. The menu has only about 5 things on it - and nothing exciting (sausage, chicken, frankfurters). I recommend the chicken - it is much like what Habaneros would eat (and who wants to eat hot dogs in Cuba anyway)? It's a peaceful setting with average service, but they don't care how long you sit at your table (great for journal writing). But, the best part? Drink, entree, AND tip came to $2.50. Now THAT makes it worth it!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 9, 2004

Jardin del Oriente
Habana Vieja
Havana, Cuba

Bodeguita del Medio Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

restaurant Photo - Bodeguita del Medio, Havana, Cuba
Quote:
A tourist destination, known for its famous guests. The menu is big, and you'll find somehting you like - though some are more traditional Cuban dishes than others. Live musicians to entertain while there, and you MUST sign the walls!!! Get a mojito while there!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 9, 2004

Bodeguita del Medio
Empedrado 207 entre San Ignacio y Cuba
La Habana, Cuba 10100
+53 7 571375

Carnaval de la Habana Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Carnival"

Quote:
Carnaval time ... means streets flooded with music, drink, and food booths, as well as some craft and CD stands. Very crowded, and it is mostly Habaneros there (not tourists). But it is a lot of fun.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on July 9, 2004

Carnaval de la Habana
Centro Provincial de Carnaval, 4 entre 21 y 23
La Habana, Cuba 10400
+53 7 300285

Memorial Jose Marti & Memorial Che Guevara Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Memorial Jose Marti & Memorial Che Guevara"

Plaza de la Revolucion Photo - Memorial Jose Marti & Memorial Che Guevara, Havana, Cuba
Quote:
The museo at the Memorial Jose Marti, which is across the plaza from the ironwork mural of Che, is not very exciting - a lot of reading and looking at photographs. If you will be in the area - which I do recommend, since the Che mural is a "must-see" - plan on going up the monument for panoramic views, but only if you are a museum lover and/or history lover is the museum itself worthwhile.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on July 9, 2004

Memorial Jose Marti & Memorial Che Guevara
Plaza De La Revolucion Nuevo Vedado
Havana, Cuba
7/59-2347

Tropicana Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Quote:
I signed up for a trip to the Tropicana show through a tourist agency that picked me up at my hotel and took me there. There were a total of three of us signed up for the trip, so it was nice to have people to sit with, since we were all travelling alone. I signed up for the more expensive package, which included a full dinner as well as a bottle of Havana Club Rum. There are different price packages, depending on what "extras" you want. If you just go for the show (no food, etc.) it is obviously cheaper, though still expensive by Cuban standards. That being said, you can certainly see good dancing for cheaper prices at places other than the Tropicana. But, you might just get hom...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 9, 2004

Tropicana
Calle 72 y Avenida 45
La Habana, Cuba 13500
+53 7 270110; +53 7

Museo del Ron, Fundación Havana Club Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Museo del Ron Habana Club"

Museo del Ron Photo - Museo del Ron, Fundación Havana Club, Havana, Cuba
Quote:
You can't go to Havana without visiting the Museo del Ron! This is great. You can sign up for a guided tour (in your language) and go through a replica distillery. There are scale models of the process of making rum, replica rooms and machines, etc. The guide I had was excellent and made it very very interesting. After the tour, you go to a bar and get free samples! Also there is a great little gift shop where you can get rum, glassware, shirts, etc. at fair prices.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 9, 2004

Museo del Ron, Fundación Havana Club
Avenida del Puerto 262 esquina Sol
La Habana, Cuba 10100
+537 62 4108; +537 6

Quote:
Havana is potentially the greatest place you will ever visit. A word of advice though - it is NOT for all travellers. If you like to vacation in the lap of luxury, this is not a trip for you. If you like to explore places, cultures, etc. this IS the place for you. You will simultaneously be saddened by the state of disrepair in Cuba, and overwhelmed by its real beauty and genuine realness. You will see the irony of the conditions resulting from the US Embargo - the poverty coupled with the beautiful lack of McDonalds and American influence. Some pointers: ARRIVAL: Upon arrival at the airport, keep two things in mind. 1. Customs will take forever if you fly directly from America,...Read More

About the Writer

kjrst9

kjrst9
Jersey City, New Jersey

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