Old Havana, Varadero, Viñales…Oh My!
Cuba was definitely a sight to behold! I’d like to think I took a step back into time. Amongst the best mojitos one might ever imagine also lies the most beautiful people! Old Havana is the historic center of the city, and it is full of colonial-era buildings, narrow streets, and charming plazas. Vedado is a more modern area, with wider streets and high-rise buildings. If you are looking for a beach holiday, then Varadero is the place to go. It has some of the best beaches in Cuba and a range of all-inclusive resorts.Vedado is a more modern area, with wider streets and high-rise buildings. If you are looking for a beach holiday, then Varadero is the place to go. It has some of the best beaches in Cuba and a range of all-inclusive resorts.
Day 1
The day we landed at José Martí International Airport was a rainy one. The rain did the most the whole time! After grabbing our bags, we hailed a taxi and went out for our adventure to our new home for the next few days. Finding our residence was quite the task, as many street names and addresses are not readily available, but we made it! After we met our host and settled in for a bit, we decided to get out and take a walk to find some food. My friend decided that we both download the maps.me app so we’d be able to navigate the streets without any internet access.
I’ll just say we ended up miscalculating how far we had to walk and got a cab to the restaurant.
Things to See and Do
Havana is the cultural and political center of Cuba, and it is full of historical landmarks and cultural attractions. Some of the must-see places in Havana include:
- The Malecon: This is a famous seafront promenade that stretches for 8 km along the coast of Havana. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, especially at sunset.
- Old Havana: This is the historic center of Havana, and it is full of colonial-era buildings, narrow streets, and charming plazas. The best way to explore Old Havana is on foot.
- The Museum of the Revolution: This museum is housed in the former presidential palace and is dedicated to the history of the Cuban Revolution.
- The Tropicana Club: This is a famous cabaret club that has been entertaining visitors since the 1930s. It is a must-visit for those who love music and dancing.
Varadero is a popular beach destination and has some of the best beaches in Cuba. Some of the best things to do in Varadero include:
- Relaxing on the Beach: Varadero has some of the best beaches in Cuba, with crystal-clear waters and white sand. You can spend your days relaxing on the beach or swimming in the sea.
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: The waters around Varadero are full of marine life, and there are several companies that offer snorkeling and scuba diving tours.
- Day Trips to Havana: If you are staying in Varadero, you can take a day trip to Havana to explore the city’s historical landmarks and cultural attractions.
Food and Drink Cuba has a rich culinary tradition that blends Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. Some of the must-try dishes in Cuba include:
- Ropa Vieja: This is a traditional Cuban dish made with shredded beef, peppers, and onions in a tomato-based sauce.
- Moros y Cristianos: This is a rice and beans dish that is a staple in Cuban cuisine.
- Cubano Sandwich: This is a classic Cuban sandwich made with ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
Cuba is also famous for its rum and cigars. You can visit one of the many rum factories or cigar factories to see how these products are made and to sample some of the best rum and cigars in the world.
In conclusion, Cuba is a fascinating destination that offers