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Havana, The capital of Cuba, is a charming city. From the faded charm of the colonial architecture to the rhythms of the Cuban salsa bars and the classic American cars, it is full of contrasts and an amazing place to begin or end your holiday to Cuba.
In 1492 when Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba he described it as 'the most beautiful land on earth'. Cuba offers a unique cultural experience with its blend of African and Spanish influences, laid-back charm and 50 years of socialism.
The beautiful buildings of Habana Vieja (Old Havana) hark back to the heyday of the Spanish Empire, when the city was a major trading port. The old town is one of the most intact examples of Spanish colonial architecture anywhere in Latin America, and is home to the country's best museums, finest churches and most graceful public squares. UNESCO declared Old Havana and its fortifications a World Heritage Site in the early 1980s, and wandering around the city centre it's easy to see why.
The houses of the Centro Habana district haven't fared as well, and it's here you'll see the iconic street scenes which for many sum up life in Havana - crumbling facades, cigar-smoking locals and musicians perched on doorsteps. The area is definitely more rough and ready than the slightly manicured old town, but equally as charming - have your camera ready to grab some shots of hulking Cadillacs cruising the uneven avenues.
Havana's colonial past contrasts quite markedly with its communist present, and everywhere you're greeted with revolutionary slogans, murals of Fidel and Che Guevara, and monuments to the heroic worker. In the Plaza de la Revolución, there is a famous ironwork mural of Che on the Ministry of the Interior along with his famous motto - "Hasta la victoria siempre" ("Towards victory always") - as well as a large memorial to Jose Martí, the 19th century independence hero revered by Fidel Castro.
In the evenings, Havana is a really lively city - hang out with the locals on the Malecón, the seafront road near the city centre, enjoy an evening sipping mojitos in one of Hemingway's old haunts, or live it up at one of the all-singing all-dancing salsa shows such as the legendary Tropicana Club.
You'll find a range of Exodus adventure holidays below which include time in Havana.