Havana (Cuba)

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Music pulses from every window, American gas-guzzling cars from the 50s cruise empty streets lined with elegant buildings, their wrought-iron balconies and peeling plaster free from neon adverts. All this combined with friendly people makes an unbeatable mix, and the Caribbean's most exciting city, bar none. Holidays to Havana are like nothing else on Earth!

Beaches

Havana's not a beach resort. There are far better spots in Cuba for sand and sea worshippers. But there are several stunning spots just a short drive from town. So you could say it's the perfect base for those wanting a blast of big city life, and an easy escape route to the beach. The closest is lively Bacuranao, just 15km east of town.

Eating Out

In the intimate Cathedral square, surrounded by arcades and old mansions, you are likely to be entertained by jugglers and stilt-walkers as you enjoy a wonderful meal at one of El Patio restaurant's open-air tables. In general, Old Havana is the place to head for atmospheric haunts like this, complete with tasty Cuban food, which tames the spices of the Caribbean with the flavours of Latin America. As a capital, you'd expect lots of international cuisine, too, and you'd be right.

Shopping

Refreshingly free of all those identi-kit malls which line the harbourside of upscale Caribbean resorts, Havana's markets and shops are unlike any you'll find anywhere else. The town's liveliest outdoor arts & crafts market is situated in the square outside the Cathedral. Great bargains include the obligatory Che T shirts, cigars and glassware. Cuban rum is palatable too, as is the strong and sugary Cuban coffee. Plaza de Artisans is an open-air street market on Calle Tacón selling colourful canvasses.

Nightlife

In a word - throbbing. Almost every bar has a live band. Almost every club stays buzzing til the early hours, and almost every restaurant clears its tables for a spot of impromptu dancing (well, all but the haute cuisine establishments, that is). Colourful cabarets are sizzling, sequin-drenched and great fun. Rum fuelled dancing sessions take place in the city's cool clubs. One of the busiest is El Chevere, a giant open air disco in Parque Almendares. Less energy? Try a mojito at one of Hemingway's favourite haunts, La Bodeguita del Medio, Calle Empedrado 207, in Old Havana.

Activities and Attractions

With so many places to see, it's wise to hire a guide, or jump on an official city tour. Highlights include the Plaza De Armas, palatial buildings with colonnades and inner courtyards which surround a leafy 200-year old square. Here, too, is the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, now the Museo de la Ciudad. The UNESO preserved Old Town is a delight. Its unique collection of Spanish colonial buildings, slowly crumbling away, are wonderful.

The excellent Museo de la Revolucion occupies the presidential palace on the edge of the old town. The infamous President Batista fled from it to the Dominican Republic taking government funds of 40 million dollars on New Year's Day 1959.

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