Holidays in Havana Give New Meaning to Vacations

A country where most visitors head to the resorts of Varadero, I opted to head into the capital of Cuba, filled with history, life and adventure. 

If you’re one of the people who has gone to an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or South America, you know what it’s like. Buffet food, watered-down alcoholic drinks and a list of pre-set activities that never have enough people involved. As someone who got tired of all of this, I had to find a better alternative when planning a vacation away. That’s why I’ve turned to Havana, Cuba.

History

Havana tourism has only increased over the last few years, with the country maintaining its history through monuments and aging 18th century aesthetic, which the government is dedicated to protecting. Walking the streets of Havana gave me an experience that is difficult to find elsewhere. Seeing an overview of Old Havana from a rooftop where Fidel Castro marched through the city to conclude the Cuban Revolution was enough to intrigue me and should be sufficient to draw the attention of fellow history buffs.

Overview of Old Havana from the rooftop of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski. 

Photo: Michel Johnson-Figueredo

Life

Havana is Cuba’s most populated city but it still lags behind the world in internet connectivity. You can expect to find people living in the moment and being outside on the street instead of locked indoors.  Dancing and loud music can be heard at anytime during the day, in the morning as locals clean their homes or late at night as parties blare through the old city. This makes it a dream for those who love live music ranging from Jazz to Afro-Cuban tunes. Salsa floods the streets, I’ve even encountered a couple of dancers performing on my way to breakfast.

El Barrio del Arte (Art District) 

Photo: Michel Johnson-Figueredo

Adventure

With so much to discover, you may need to take an extra week to see it all. It took me two years to really enjoy everything there was to offer and I’m going back in December. Havana has many viewpoints which make for wonderful pictures and experiences. El Malecon, a long boardwalk-style avenue along the coast, gives a wonderful view of the sunset over the Cuban horizon. I found myself going for walks as much as I could because of the views this development had to offer. The surrounding beaches of Havana, Santa Maria and Boca Ciega are also a joy to look at. Cuba is known for its beaches in Varadero, although the ones close to Havana are just as majestic and less crowded with tourists.

Playa de Boca Ciega, 20 minutes outside of Havana. 

Photo: Michel Johnson-Figueredo 

If you find yourself in the same situation I was in, take my advice and look into this wonderful, often overlooked location. If you have similar getaways you would like to share with other readers or myself feel free to leave suggestions in the comments below.