htacuIt is 3 years ago since I visited Havana, so some things may have changed. Havana must have been a place with real grandeur considering the many beautiful buildings and mansions, but due to total lack of maintenance the last 40 years they are in very bad shape. Only part of the old city centre - Habana la Vieja - has been partly renovated. The best way to get the feel of Havana is wander through on foot. If you don't like walking there are taxis. Beware, the official taxis are expensive. A far cheaper alternative is the private taxis. The cars aren't very comfortable and maintenance has been long forgotten, but is great fun riding around in a 1950 DeSoto. In my opinion car rental is no option asking $80 a day for a Suzuki jeep. People are very friendly and helpful. If you speak Spanish it's very easy to get contact. The only luxury goods you can buy in Cuba have to be paid in US dollars. So everyone is after dollars.
Picture: In this building was the famous Sloppy Joe's Bar
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| Favourite spots: |
The whole city of Havana, but especially the old city centre. The Malecon, the famous boulevard (see picture).
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| What's really great: |
The friendly way the people treat you. The various bands playing typical Latino music (see picture).
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| Accommodations: |
Hotels vary in class. The nicest, though expensive, is the Hotel Nacional, the former Hilton.
A very nice place is the Hostal Valencia.
Picture : The patio of the Hostal Valencia.
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| Hangouts: |
The bar at the Hostal Valencia in Habana la Vieja.
Picture: Typical Cuban transport. A bus truck called "camello" (camel) because of it's two humps.
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| Restaurants: |
There are hardly restaurants in Havana other than the ones in the hotels.
Right in front of the entrance of harbour is an apartment building. There is no sign or nothing, but if you just walk in and take the elevator to the top floor, you'll find a very nice restaurant in the former penthouse with a wonderful view. The food is good though comparatively expensive.
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Published on Wednesday June 19th, 2002
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9 votes
