Havana

Overview

Havana is the capital of Cuba, full of 1950s American cars and colourful colonial architecture that makes it feel like a journey back in time.

History

Havana was founded in 1519 and became the most important Spanish imperial port in the Caribbean, growing into one of the wealthiest cities in the Americas in the 18th century. After the Spanish-American War of 1898 it fell into the American sphere and modernised rapidly into a city of hotels and casinos. Fidel Castro's revolution overthrew the Batista government in 1959, after which the US embargo left the city frozen in time, preserving a wealth of 20th-century architecture. Old Havana became a World Heritage Site in 1982.

Highlights

• •1950s American cars in vivid colours cruising Old Havana
• •Evening walks along the Malecón in the Caribbean breeze
• •The historic weight of the Morro and La Cabaña fortresses
• •The Che Guevara revolutionary museum
• •Visiting a working cigar factory and watching rollers at work

Practical tips

• •Change money into the local Cuban peso
• •Try a mojito and a genuine Cuban cigar

Practical information

Best time

November to April

Tickets

Most sights free or inexpensive; the revolution museum about USD 8

Opening hours

City open all day; museums roughly 9:00 to 17:00

Local food

Black bean rice, roast pork, mojitos and Cuban coffee

Getting around

Vintage cars and taxis dominate, the old town is walkable, and local currency is best exchanged in advance

Visa

Chinese citizens may enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days with a passport valid for at least six months. Travel insurance covering medical care is recommended.

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