Top 6 things to do in Havana

Cuba is a dream destination for those who appreciate sunshine, fresh air and lush beaches. In fact, the very mention of the word “Havana” is sure to conjure up images in your mind. The Caribbean is one of the most sought-after destinations for tourists, and Cuba regularly comes back as one of the most pleasant islands to visit. But apart from the beaches and spicy food, what else is there to do in Cuba? What are the key activities to try out in the capital, which is described by many as “a city of paradoxes”? Museums, landmarks, walks… After the various reports you’ve seen on this resplendent island, the largest in the West Indies, come and live your own adventures! Without further ado, discover below the six activities you must try at all costs.

What to do in Havana

1. The Statue of Christ

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: The statue known as “El Cristo de la Habana” is the capital’s star attraction. In fact, it is very similar to the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. The visit is estimated to take between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours: the view from the top is splendid, overlooking the bay as well as the various forts, giving you the feeling of reigning like the masters of the world. What’s the story behind this statue? It was in fact commissioned in Rome in 1958 by the wife of the Cuban dictator, Madame Batista. Some say that the face of Christ is strangely reminiscent of her lover… Is this gossip or the truth? We may never know. The statue is around 20 metres high, so it’s not gigantic, but it still commands respect and is easy to see. You can even admire the old town, as well as the famous buildings and works for which Cuba is famous. The best time to visit is at the end of the day, to admire the majestic sunset as its rays slowly caress your face.

2. Go for a ride in an old American car

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description : Ever wondered why some people love cars? More specifically, old American cars, with their yellow, green or red colours? Cars can quickly become a fetish, especially for men. Many of them look after their cars as if they were their own children, even going so far as to give them a little name as a symbol of their attachment. The island of Cuba offers a fascinating activity that is almost impossible to find elsewhere: driving around in an old American car, its engine roaring with power and pleasure. What could be better than criss-crossing the streets of the capital in a splendid ‘Chevrolet’ dating from the 1920s? It’s a mythical ride that appeals greatly to autophiles, as well as to anyone who appreciates the highlights of bygone eras. The best time to take this 2-hour drive is at the weekend. Local life is much quieter than during the week, and you’ll be able to pass through the streets without much difficulty, while admiring its famous squares: the Malecon, for example, or the Plaza de la Revolucion.

3. Morro Castle

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Havana is made up of superb landscapes, markets selling all sorts of exotic fruit and vegetables, souvenir shops that will make your eyes wander… But there are also exotic places to explore, to learn more about the history of the island, and even the Caribbean in general. Open every day from 9am to 7pm, the Castillo del Morro is located on the coast of Santiago. A nice little anecdote: “Morro” in Spanish, symbolises “a rock visible from the sea”, which helps navigators to find their bearings and land more easily. Built in the mid-17th century, this fortress reigns over and guards the entrance to Havana Bay. Open to the public, you can enter and explore the galleries to see where the prisons for the African slaves were located. It’s not much fun, but it’s a useful way of learning more about Cuba and its turbulent history over the centuries. Enhance and enrich your personal culture by visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Spend an afternoon on the beach

Category: Free/Sporty/Gastronomic

Description: Yes, we know you’ve been looking forward to it. The Caribbean means beaches, sunbathing and sunny afternoons. That’s why we’ve sorted through all the capital’s superb beaches and chosen Playa Santa Maria, a real pearl of happiness for all those who set foot on its white sand. Just a twenty-minute walk from the capital, it’s one of the most popular beaches with the locals. After work, they love to take a dip in the cold, but not icy, water to end the day in style. What luck! You can also try your hand at a variety of water sports. For those who are not very comfortable in this kind of environment, and have a slight phobia of water, or even drowning-related traumas (Navaway knows how to take care of you and reassure you), you should know that we have thought of everything. We’ve taken great care to choose a calm beach with clear, shallow water. And don’t forget that you can hire chairs and umbrellas, while sipping a delicious cocktail and enjoying a local speciality.

5. H.Upmann Cigar Factory

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: Cigars in Cuba are a bit like rum in Martinique: part of its identity, its soul and its essence. Did you know? Cuban cigars are the island’s main export. A “habano”, the most commonly smoked cigar there, is made from tobacco that has been planted, harvested and somewhat processed. Everywhere you go in the capital of Havana, you’ll come across locals carrying this cigarette in their mouths. You can’t end your stay without visiting the legendary H.Umpann cigar factory. It’s about twenty minutes’ walk from the capital’s city centre and welcomes many visitors, who are always keen to find out more about the history and manufacture of these highly original cigars. Thanks to guides with a complete knowledge of cigars, you won’t be left holding any secrets!

6. El Capitolio

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: This public building in Havana is open every day from 9am to 4pm. Today it houses the headquarters of the Academy of Sciences, as well as the National Assembly of People’s Power. You might as well say that this is THE place where all the country’s important decisions are taken, and visiting it would be an honour for you, wouldn’t it? It’s a very beautiful, fairly large monument. So you’ll need a guide to explore it, and good for you, because they’re reputed to be very friendly and have a very good command of English. A very well-preserved building, described as sparkling, it is in fact a replica of the ‘Capitol’ that sits in Washington. If you wish, you can even climb to the top of the steps to enjoy a literally breathtaking view of the main avenue, the legendary monuments and the old American cars parked in the capital. So get your camera ready for the best shots of your stay!