You just must walk around Havana to experiance alk it has to offer, yes parts of it are ramshacklled and crumbling, yes some streets are dark and dirty but at no time did we ever feel threatened or unsafe its a must when you travel to see how the locals live In my opinion to truly understand a place and its culture.
Lots and lots of old American cars.Fabulous old buildings.Bars with jazz groups and impromptu salsaMohitos to die forCheap snacks on roadside stallsWonderful Cuban people to chat to
So many bars and cafes all around. Great beer at all times of the day or night, From small to very large. All cobble stoned streets so wear sensible shoes.
very enjoyable. We were a group of 8 walking through centro and found it to be interesting. The Cubans were in no way bothersome. Rather we felt welcome in the neighbourhood.We were invited into one persons place as he was very proud of it. We graciously accepted and the walls were fully adorned with items that I certainly would not put on my wall but he sure was proud of his possessions. It was a great glimpse into a cuban neighbourhood.
It is true that much of Havana is in a very poor state of repair and that where renovations have taken place they are not always in keeping with what Havana used to be. Having said that, for the time being, the city is steeped in art and history that more than justifies a visit. Hiring a private guide in museums and art galleries is not expensive and well worthwhile and of course things like the haunts of Ernest Hemmingway, although touristy, are a "must see" - if only once! The old American cars are everywhere and not all have modern engines so air quality invokes memories for us oldies! Cuban music is joyful and infectious - Cuban people love to dance and its very hard not to join in so go for it and enjoy!Eat in the paladars! Choose carefully though because some of the not so good ones pay commissions to hotel staff for guests who eat there. The good paladars may offer limited choices but the food should be of a high standard, well prepared and nicely presented in lovely, if sometimes eccentric, surroundings.Havana is a safe city for tourists who take reasonable care of themselves. Go there before it changes too much!
Not the shiny side of Havana like Old Havana, but the people's area. No tourist stuff, just people living and working(?) every day. Great for photos. We walked even at night with camera equipment, never felt threatened, even though you hear there is petty crime in the area, we spent many days wandering the photogenic streets of "Centro". Nothing is refurbished here, for that go to Old Havana with the tourists. Old Havana is also great, just different.
It´s the poorest part of the City of Havana, (apart from some of the run down districts in Vedado) but at the same time full of character.There is a mixture of old buildings in need of repair, and many people live in very crowded conditions. There is an atmosphere of the real Cuban life here in this part of the city of Havana...noisy, dirty and packed with people.There are a few interesting routes through Central Havana which takes you from the old part of the city to the district of Vedado, such as Neptuno Street, Zanja, Reina (Simon Bolivar) and Avenida de Italia (Galiano)
We walked several miles through and around Central Havana and really enjoyed it. The cars are amazing -- mostly from the 50's and 60's and in mint condition. Take a taxi ride in an old Pontiac convertible! The buildings are beautiful and I hope as they modernize, the government will require any renovation to keep their magnificent facades. Even basic English is non-existent with the locals, so brush up on your Spanish. There seemed to be two sets of prices in most places, one for tourists and one for locals, so be careful. Be sure to go to their craft/art/warehouse/center.(I don't remember the name) You can find all kinds of items, and loads of beautiful, local art.
Any visit to Havana should encompass a few hours at least, walking around the old town with hundreds of restored as well as crumbling facades to see and experience. A great deal of restoration is ongoing so with each passing year the city is changing. We felt very safe walking around and were not hassled at all. The worlds largest open air classic car display is as unique as the city itself. You should not visit any of the nearby resorts without coming to see the real Cuba, the city of Havana.
Havana is a place that grows on you and the longer you are there the more you want to see, it is well worth a really good look round as many parts of the city as you can because every corner has something different to see, the old trains, cars, craft market and buildings are charming along with the people!!