Part 3

By V. Lori Hedges

Havana is a city of rich history, vibrant art, and lively music, with plenty for a visitor to see, hear, and experience. However, when my son, Tyler, and I set out on our adventure to live in Havana for 10 days, we had one main objective: Film a documentary. Our lesser objectives were, for me – to gather material for this travel blog and to shoot photos for an art show – and for Tyler – to play music with Cuban musicians.

Through these objectives, we planned to see and experience as much of Havana as possible. However, because we were so busy meeting people and working, we had little time to tour most of the places tourists usually go.

The Museo de Arte Colonial (right building) is located in the Plaza de la Catedral.

We didn’t get to tour the following places during our trip, but they were on our list of places to see and are certainly worthy of consideration when you make up your own Cuba itinerary. Here are a few places to consider:

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes – Edificio de Arte International
Calle Trocadero e/ Zulueta y San Jose, Habana ViejaOpen Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 5 CUCs for one building or 8 CUCs per person for both galleries.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes – Edificio de Arte Cubano
Calle Trocadero e/ Zulueta y Monserrate, Habana ViejaOpen Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 5 CUCs for one building or 8 CUCs per person for both galleries.
Museo de Arte Colonial
San Ignacio #61 e/Empedrado y O’Reilly, Habana ViejaNo admission
Museo de la Revolución
Refugio #1 e/Avenida de las Misiones y Zulueta, Habana ViejaOpen Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is 5 CUCs.
Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro
Northeastern Side of the HarborOpen daily 10am-7pm daily; Lighthouse: 9am-8pm daily. Admission is 4 CUCs.
Catedral de la Habana
Empedrado #156 e/San Ignacio y Mercaderes, Habana ViejaOpen Monday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

This list barely scratches the surface of the places that should be on your list to see. For a more comprehensive list of information on what to tour in Havana, visit www.lahabana.com.

TASTY TREATS

While you are in the Old Havana area, you may also want to take a break and drop in at La Bodequita del Medio, Ernest Hemingway’s favorite hangout, for lunch or a refreshing libation from the originators of the mojito. However, these days, this famous writer hangout is THE place to go if you’re a tourist so be prepared for an elbow-to-elbow, standing-room-only situation.

If you’d prefer a quieter place to lunch and recharge, you might consider the Barroco Café, just off the Plaza de la Catedral on Calle Mercaderes. You can watch the chef’s make your meal from the dining area while you sip one of the best Piña Coladas you’ll ever taste!

SHOPPING

Venders selling paintings on the sidewalk in Old Havana

Old Havana is also the perfect area to purchase inexpensive souvenirs. Shops line the streets offering everything from the expected T-shirts to musical instruments and paintings of all sizes. The Troubadours who walk the streets in search of an audience also often offer CDs of their music, usually for about 10 CUCs. Whether you’re shopping from a cart on the street or a proper souvenir shop, don’t be afraid to haggle as you’ll often get a better bargain.

Since Americans can only travel to Cuba for official activities, planning several visits to the Old Havana area during down times is a good strategy to fit in a bit of tourism. Old Havana has enough cultural activities, shopping and food options to fill out your time for several days without having to spend a lot of time driving or walking. The streets are full of music, historical sites, art, and interesting people. Enjoy!

Tips for Sightseeing in Havana:

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Streets in Havana are often uneven, and you will be walking a lot.

Go early in the day or later in the evening to avoid the hot, sticky temperatures of midday.

Carry toilet paper and wet wipes with you. Most public restrooms do not have toilet paper or soap and paper towels.

Carry a bottle of water with you to avoid dehydration.

Wear sunscreen and a hat! The Havana sun in brutal, and you don’t want to spoil your trip with a painful sun burn.

Carry some change for bathroom fees and tips for musicians.

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Stay tuned for Part 4 as we visit Ernest Hemingway’s Havana home: Finca la Vigía or Lookout House, located in the town of San Francisco de Paula.

(Featured photo is the Catedral de Havana.)

All photos are the property of V. Lori Hedges, and may not be used without permission.