What to do in Havana?

1. The Christ Statue

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: The one nicknamed "El Cristo de la Habana" is the capital's main attraction. To tell the truth, it looks very much like the famous statue of "Christ the Redeemer" in Rio de Janeiro. We estimate about 2.5 to 3 hours for the entire visit: the view from the top is splendid, you will overlook the bay as well as the various forts, which will give you the sensation of reigning like masters of the world. The history of this statue? It was actually commissioned in Rome in 1958, by the wife of the Cuban dictator, Mrs. Batista: moreover, some claim that Christ's face strangely resembles this lady's lover... Is it gossip or the pure truth? We may never know that. The statue being about 20 meters high, it's not gigantic, but still commands respect and is easily visible. You will even be able to admire the old town, as well as the buildings and famous works that make Cuba's reputation. The best is to go there at the end of the day, to admire a majestic sunset, whose rays slowly caress your face.

2. Take a ride in an old American car

Category: €€/Cultural/Unusual

Description: Have you ever wondered "Why do some people love cars"? Particularly old American cars, in yellow, green, or red colors? Cars can quickly become a fetish object, especially for men. Many take care of their vehicle as if it were a child, and even give them a nickname, a symbol of attachment. The island of Cuba offers a fascinating activity that is almost impossible to see elsewhere: rides in an old American car, whose engine rumbles with power and pleasure. What could be better than cruising the streets of the capital aboard a splendid "Chevrolet" from the 1920s? This is a mythical ride that appeals greatly to car enthusiasts, as well as to all those who appreciate iconic objects from ancient eras. The best is to take your ride, about 2 hours, during the weekend. Local life is much calmer there than during the week, and you can pass through the streets without great difficulty, while admiring its famous squares: such as the "Malecon", or the "Plaza de la Revolucion".

3. El Morro Castle

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Havana consists of superb landscapes, markets offering all kinds of exotic fruits and vegetables, souvenir shops that will make you dizzy... But also exotic places to explore, to learn more about the history of the island, or even the Caribbean in general. Open daily from 9am to 7pm, the "Castillo del Morro" is located on the coast of Santiago. Nice little anecdote: "Morro" in Spanish symbolizes "a rock visible from the sea", which helps navigators to locate themselves and dock more easily. Built in the middle of the 17th century, this fortress reigns and guards the entrance to Havana Bay. Open to the public, you will be able to enter and penetrate the galleries to see where the prisons intended to lock up African slaves were located. An activity that is certainly not joyful, but nevertheless useful to learn more about Cuba and its turbulent history over the centuries. Enhance and enrich your personal culture by visiting a high place inscribed on the "UNESCO World Heritage".

4. Spend an afternoon at the beach

Category: Free/Sports/Gastronomic

Description: Yes, we know you were waiting for it impatiently. Caribbean means necessarily beaches, tanning, and sunny afternoons. For this, we sorted through all the superb beaches of the capital, and our choice fell on "Playa Santa Maria", a real pearl of happiness, for all those who tread on its white sand. Located only about twenty small minutes walk from the capital, it's one of the beaches most appreciated by locals. After work, they love to take a dip in cold but not freezing water, to end the day beautifully. What luck! You will be quite able to engage in different nautical activities as well. For those who are not very comfortable in this kind of environment, and have a small phobia of water, or even traumas related to drowning (Ryo knows how to take care of you and reassure you), know that we have thought of everything. For this, we have made sure to choose a calm beach, where the clear water is shallow. Not to mention that you can rent chairs and umbrellas, while sipping a delicious cocktail and savoring a local specialty.

5. The H.Upmann Cigar Factory

Category: €€/Cultural/Unusual

Description: The cigar in Cuba is a bit like what rum is to Martinique: part of its identity, its soul, and its essence. Did you know? Cuban cigar exports are the main export products of the island. A "habano", the most smoked cigar there, is made of tobacco planted, harvested, and somewhat transformed. Everywhere you go in the capital of Havana, you can meet locals carrying this cigarette in their mouth. Thus, it is impossible for you to finish your stay without visiting the mythical H.Upmann cigar factory. It is located about twenty minutes walk from the downtown capital and welcomes many visitors, always eager to discover the history and manufacture of these cigars, so original. Thanks to guides with complete knowledge of cigars, it will have no more secrets for you!

6. El Capitolio

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: This public building in Havana is open daily from 9am to 4pm. Today, it houses the headquarters of the Academy of Sciences, but also of the National Assembly of Popular Power. We can say that this is THE place where all the important decisions of the country are made, and visiting it would be an honor for you, wouldn't it? It is a very beautiful monument, quite large. The presence of a guide to explore it is therefore necessary, and so much the better for you, because they are reputed to be very friendly and master English very well. A very well preserved building, described as sparkling, it is actually a replica of the "Capitol" that sits in Washington. If you wish, you will even be able to climb to the top of the steps, to enjoy a literally breathtaking view, of the main avenue, the mythical monuments, but also the old American cars parked in the capital. So prepare your camera, to take the best shots of your stay!