Havana Cruise Guide

Cuba is the Caribbean's largest, most diverse island. With unprecedented changes since Fidel Castro's withdrawal, it's also the most dynamic.

Havana pulsates with laughter, music, and challenges. Even the name Havana (La Habana) evokes images of antique cars, fine cigars and revolution. The approach through Havana Harbor is among the city's most picturesque, with exquisite architecture rolling out along the Malecón, the famous sea wall.

Strolling the salt-sprayed sidewalks and the colonial heart of Habana Vieja (Old Havana) - a UNESCO World Heritage site - captivates even the worldliest travellers. Add an ice-choked mojito sipped to Cuban rhythms and it's no wonder why.

Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) is best explored on foot to take full advantage of the glorious Spanish colonial architecture, increasingly under restoration. Museum-lovers will be spoilt for choice as more and more open each year, many in wonderful old buildings.

A stroll along the Malecón, the famous seafront walk, which stretches almost the length of Havana, is a must. Here, old and young fish during the day and courting couples take their paseo (promenade) at night, wandering trios providing a sensuous soundtrack. The Malecón also provides a wonderful view of Havana's cityscape, especially at sunrise or sunset. For a different, perhaps even more brilliant perspective, view the city from the giant Cristo (Jesus Christ) statue across the bay or the Morro-Cabaña nearby.

Highlights
• Calle Obispo
• Capitolio Nacional
• El Floridita
• La Bodeguita del Medio
• Plaza Vieja
• Plaza de la Catedral
• Plaza de la Revolución
• Partagás Cigar Factory
• Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Infotur
Obispo #524, Habana Vieja, Cuba
Tel: +53 7866 3333.
Website: www.infotur.cu

Shopping in Cuba means top cigars, award-winning rum and fine art. Old Havana is a hive of shopping activity, with everything from artisan chocolates and perfume to sterling silver and hand-painted fans sold in cute boutiques. For crafts and Che Guevara everything, there's one-stop shopping at the Fería de la Artesanía, conveniently located two blocks from the Cathedral.

The hot spot for lingering over a microbrew or fresh brewed coffee, Plaza Vieja boasts a cafe and lively pub. For traditional mojitos, there are Hemingway's favourite watering holes: El Floridita or La Bodeguita del Medio.

Havana is hot and humid most of the year, with rainy afternoons common between May and October. Hurricane season is officially between July and November; the most devastating storms typically hit between August and October.

Havana.

3km (1.8 miles).

10-15 minutes.

Cuba

GMT - 5.

Convertible Peso (CUC$) = 100 centavos.

Spanish.

Western Cuba, Caribbean.

2.5 million.

Socialist Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1898.

Roman Catholic majority. There are also minority Afro-Cuban religions.

A handshake is the normal form of greeting. Some Cubans have two surnames after their Christian name; the first surname is the correct one to use.

Havana is generally very casual, but shorts are rarely worn away from the beach. Visitors doing so are not frowned upon, however. Everyone likes to dress up for evenings out.

Tipping: A 10% gratuity is appreciated.