Long known as the “Key to the New World”, Havana pulsates with all the art, music, and tropical sensuality. The capital city of Cuba offers an intoxicating mix of rhythms, rum, revolution, and history. Today, the city has an air of excitement about it. Whatever your interests - old forts and castles, contemporary theater, decorative arts, classic cars, beaches - the city has something that will please everyone. What better way to appreciate Havana than living like a local? Travelers to one of the most beautiful cities in the Caribbean have accommodation options like houses, apartment rentalss, villas, suites, rooms, or casa particulares. Owner Direct and the owners of the vacation rentals will make sure that the lodging you choose is cozy, safe, and has a great location.
Owners provide suitable accommodations for guests looking for tranquility, excellent service, and attention to their needs. The vacation rentals listed here can comfortably accommodate from 2 persons and more, with a private bathroom where you’ll have access to hot and cold water. The beds have high-quality mattresses, rooms have air conditioning, ample space for your stuff, and many have a safe for your valuables. Everything is furnished with a comfortable, modern design making sure you enjoy all possible facilities according to your preference and budget.
Most of the vacation homes and villa rentals have kitchens that are fully equipped, but the owners can provide meals on request that you can enjoy in the dining room or in the charming terrace with excellent view of the city. Outside, there can be either a big porch with a view, a backyard and garden with fruit trees, or a private patio. Other amenities can include a landline for local and international calls, garage/parking, TV, DVD player, WiFi, laundry facilities, safety card, and first aid kit. Some even offer pick-up from the airport or schedule taxi service, city guided tours, and other services - just ask! Other lodgings even have a bar, library, swimming pool, and games room.
The best way to experience the life and style of Havana is to do as the Cubans do. Start each morning with a cafe Cuban or dine al fresco in one of Old Havana’s historic plazas. Take a stroll at El Malecon then dance with the crowds after the sun sets. If you appreciate art, head to the Great Theater of Havana, the International Ballet Festival, and the Havana International Jazz Festival. Learn about Cuban history at the Museum of the Revolution and discover its colonial past at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Habana Vieja. Admire the architecture of Havana while meandering through the streets that are framed with baroque facades and colorful houses. Enjoy the beach and tropical climate at Playa del Chivo and Playas del Este, perfect places to splash in the Caribbean Sea. For Cuban culture, the island is known for producing cigars, and traditional music is still immensely popular. You’ll hear styles like habanera, mambo, and discover the modern Cuban hip-hop.
Trying Cuban dishes is a must during your trip. Some of those include barbecued meats, rice, and beans. For traditional Caribbean fare, Restaurante Cafe del Oriente, La Guarida, and Bella Habana are great options. For a mix of Chinese and Caribbean influences, Flor de Loto or Tien Tan is the place to go. Seafood, you say? Try El Litoral, Mediterraneo Havana, or Paladar Vistamar. Visit a few cafes for their traditional sandwiches such as Bar Bilbao or Bar La Dichosa. Head to Bishop Street or walk a few blocks away from any popular area to find street food like pork burgers and coconut pies. La Fontana Havana is known for its excellent drinks and live jazz with their local Cuban classics. Make sure to try Havana Club rum and mojitos. The best drink makers tend to be tucked away and hidden.
Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) is located nine miles southwest of Havana and has three separate terminals. Terminal 1 is for domestic flights, Terminal 2 is for charter flights from the US, and Terminal 3 is for all other international flights. If you’re from any other city on the island, you can easily drive to Havana. Take Autopista to Havana if you’re leaving from San Cristobal, Pinar Del Rio, or another location in the western portion of the island. If you’re leaving from Santa Clara or another city in the eastern portion of the island, follow the Autopista Nacional to Havana.
The best way to get around Havana is on foot. Many of Havana’s most popular attractions, including Habana Vieja, El Malecon, and Museo de la Revolución, are less than a mile away from each other. Taxis are both plentiful and a great means of transportation. Those vintage automobiles you’ve likely seen in pictures and videos of Havana are actually taxis and open for tourists to use.
Weather-wise, the best time to visit Havana is between November and April - where the hurricane season is over and temperatures are pleasant. Don’t rule out a visit during May through October; although it’s hurricane season, there are fewer tourists.
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