Cuba’s Coolest City – Havana by Day & Night

DAY

By day, the streets of Old Havana fill with tourists eagerly exploring Cuba’s thriving cultural capital.

CHECK-IN Any claims that Havana lacks true luxury hotels will quickly be put to rest by the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana. This five-star property in Old Havana began life as a shopping arcade more than a century ago. The 246 rooms and suites feature high ceilings and French windows. For those who like to be pampered, head to the spa or rooftop pool with its sweeping views of the district. www.kempinski.com/havana

FOOD A celebrity hangout since opening its doors in the 1940s, start the day with breakfast in the gardens of the storied Hotel Nacional de Cuba overlooking the Caribbean Sea. www.hotelnacionaldecuba.com

EXPLORE In Old Havana, take a walk along its charming cobblestone streets. Bars, restaurants, outdoor cafés, cigar lounges, and historic attractions abound in this gloriously restored district. Stop at La Bodeguita del Medio for a mojito. labodeguitarestaurant.restaurantwebx.com

HISTORY Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll find the Museum of the Revolution enthralling with its many exhibits telling of the guerrilla campaign that brought Fidel Castro to power and its recounting of Cold War tensions. www.cuba-museums-guide.com

STYLE Havana can be hot. Explore the city in the comfort of a chauffeured ‘60s American car, iconic of the city. These stylish vehicles are lovingly maintained and a fun way to get around. Cars for hire can be found outside prominent hotels and popular attractions. Ask your concierge.

NIGHT

Salsa, jazz, and incredible cuisine: night time is the right time in Havana.

FOOD For dinner, how about breaking bread in a restaurant Cuban authorities were confident was suitable for a world leader? San Cristobal hosted former U.S. president Barack Obama when he visited Havana. www.paladarsancristobal.com

PALADAR Or try authentic Cuban cuisine at one of Havana’s growing number of paladars – privately run restaurants licensed by the Cuban government to serve foreigners. La Guarida, whose celebrity guest list includes Robert De Niro, Natalie Portman, Jack Nicholson, and Rihanna, boasts it’s Havana’s “most elegant” paladar. www.laguarida.com

AFTER DINNER What would a visit to Havana be without taking in a show at the famed Tropicana? Presenting spectacular displays of Cuban music and dancing – it’s a must. www.cabaret-tropicana.com

LATE Cuban music and dance have built a worldwide following, and there are many places night owls can choose from. The Melià Cohiba’s Cafe Habana is always lively after sundown. Jazz Café and La Zorra y el Cuervo are renowned Cuban jazz hotspots. And the Buena Vista Social Club or Café Parisien at The Hotel Nacional de Cuba are other great choices in a city of great choices. Check out www.lahabana.com for a full list of late night hot spots.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Latest

Polar adventure company launches helicopter trip through Patagonia

Quark Expeditions has blazed a new trail in expedition travel with its inaugural helicopter-supported voyage through Chilean Patagonia. The polar operator also confirms that 90 of the 165 passengers (55 per cent) who joined the maiden voyage of “Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine” in March 2024 were repeat guests of Quark Expeditions. The 15-day itinerary, which ran March 13 to

Air Canada just added extra summer flights to Asia and Europe

Air Canada customers have a wide range of exciting options across Europe and Asia this summer, along with a choice of 120 destinations in North America, to fulfill their summer travel plans. Alongside new and enhanced international routes to Singapore, Madrid, Stockholm, Osaka and Seoul, the carrier’s Summer 2024 international capacity is growing by 30 per cent into Asia-Pacific and 25 per cent to key leisure destinations in Southern Europe compared to last

Oceania is visiting these exciting Mediterranean islands in 2025

Oceania Cruises has debuted an array of new 2025 Mediterranean sailings, ranging from nine to 56 days through Europe. The line’s Marina and Nautica will set sail on enticing voyages taking in iconic islands in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic; well-loved European resort towns and bustling cities, and lesser-known ports of call. Cities including Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, Rome and Lisbon

Mondrian Mexico City Condesa relaunches its rooftop bar

Nestled in the vibrant Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City, Mondrian Mexico City Condesa is an architectural masterpiece boasting avant-garde design and a multitude of gastronomic offerings. The hotel’s renowned SkyBar stands out with its seductive ambiance and breathtaking views. In the past month, it unveiled revamped offerings that provide an inspiring experience for guests and locals alike, seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant