Some experiences change your life. Like waking up to the sound of the ocean crashing in your backyard. It sets you free and there aren’t a whole lot of things that make you feel that way.
Being a serial traveller, there isn’t a whole lot that I haven’t done. From snorkelling with sharks to hikes in the Himalayas. I’ve spent a good amount of my life indulging in activities that fulfil the soul. And the high of changing a ‘never have I ever moment drives my life.
There aren’t a lot of top tourist destinations that I haven’t visited. However, for the past 10 years, there was one thing that I always wanted to try; Maybe the most anticipated bucket list item of mine. A trip to the Cuban capital city of Havana. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, it got delayed every time I tried to plan a trip to Cuba.
Finally, in 2022, I welcomed the new year in this paradise of a city, Havana. And to top it off, I got a chance to tick mark this long-time bucket list item of mine.
A ride in a classic American convertible in the rhythmically Latin city of old Havana. And god it was an experience to cherish. The old-world charm of riding the lanes of the capital city in a convertible takes you back to the 60s.
Ever since I was a child, I used to watch old movies and shows which featured this picturesque Latin city. I remember James Bond trying to save the world as he wrestles bad guys in the streets of Havana. And riding around in scenic Havana in an old-school Ford convertible took me straight to the movie. We spent a couple of weeks journeying around Cuba which was amazing. But the city of Havana has my heart. The thing which impressed me the most is how well-preserved the city is. It feels like the city is still back in time. The intricately detailed building facades, the look of streets, neon signs and propaganda art. Everything looks the same even after this many years.
One night we went to dinner, this old house was a restaurant and it had this staircase with a road underneath. Can you believe that?
We started the day with a long-anticipated car tour and I was very excited to check out the selection of cars on offer. When we reached the location my jaw was dropping looking at all the beautiful cars the company was offering. From old-school Chevys to Towncars they had it all.
Finally, We decided to take the topless Pink and White Ford for a full 3-hour tour of the city.
The Classic car tour crossed every prominent spot from the Plaza Vieja in the heart of the old town to the diplomatic lanes of Miramar and one of the world-famous landmarks of the Christ of Havana. And I don’t have words to explain how good the car tour is. Rolling around town in a classic car has always been a dream of mine. And getting to ride an old-school Ford car from the 1960s is just out of this world.
In my tour of Havana, I tried a whole lot of activities from the highly recommended classic car tour to a walking tour of the old town. And it has been an experience I can’t forget. The city has so much to offer and I often get lost in the tales of the city which is stuck in time. The city of Havana feels like a town right out of the 60s. The old-school charm, the buildings and the overall vibe of the city are unreal.
There are a lot of things to cover in Havana but a few places deserve a special mention. As I reminisce about the lovely time I spent in the golden city of Havana, Cuba, I am pleased to take you through this journey of the historical city of Havana.
Places of Interest
To mention every place that we saw will be a difficult task so I’m putting a list of some of the top spots we visited. But trust me there are numerous other locations to explore.
Old Town
The city centre feels like a whole different world. The buildings, the architecture, it just feels unreal to see. The place has so much diversity and is full of character yet still welcoming and full of charm.
Pro Tip: For an amazing city view book a walking tour and an old car tour of the city to get the full experience of the Old Town.
Plaza de la Catedral
One of the most visited tourist places in Havana. This church is probably the 1st Catholic church built in the Cuban capital.
Pro Tip:
- You can buy a lot of goodies to take back home and try some tasty food around the building
- Beware of Hawkers and beggars.
Plaza Vieja
A place to sit and try some fine restaurants. It is the heart of the restoration of the historic town centre. The brewery here is something you should not miss.
Pro Tip:
- There is an open-air market every Saturday.
- You can start a walking tour of the city from here.
Capitol Building
A living copy of the US White House, this old parliament building symbolized a time of US occupation of Cuba.
A pro tip:
- If you want to explore the inside of this building without a lot of crowds go early in the day.
- You will need to buy tickets from a booth at the BOTTOM of the steps. You need a ticket first so don’t go up until you have one.
China Town
One of a king Chinatown which once was home to the Sino-Cubano (people of Chinese ancestry). Now feels like just any other part of the city. However, it does make for a nice picturesque backdrop for a picture with the white and pink Ford.
Christ of Havana
An impressive statue overlooking the coast of Havana. Locals often say that the statue looks like Jesus is holding a Mojito in one hand and a Cuban Cigar in another.
Pro Tip: Take the Old Car tour to the top of the mountain to see the marvellous statue up close.
Revolution Square
The site of a giant Ernesto Guevara Monument and a lot of government buildings. This place has a charm of its own and is a major part of the history of the city. Posing in front of the Guevara monument in a classic car with the top down was a major ‘Instagrammable’ moment.
Pro Tip: 1. If the tower lookout point is open, go up and enjoy the full perspective of Havana.
2. Try to visit the place early in the morning; walking is hard at noon, too hot
Fusterlandia
Just about 30 mins away from the city centre are this magical psychedelic wonderland. The creation of Jose Fuster this art wonderland is one site to behold.
Pro Tip: 1. You can even meet the creator himself. He is often seen strolling in the building.
Taxis aren’t frequently available here so it would be better to have a cab waiting while you explore.
The Havana Forest
A gem of a place and a major highlight of our Old Car tour. You can spend some time taking a stroll in the park or try the city’s famed Pina Colada at the spot restaurant.
The small stop at the forest certainly was an appreciable change from the hustle and bustle of the Cuban capital.
Pro Tip: You can put as much rum as you want in your Pina Colada
Miramar
Driving around international diplomatic buildings and embassies on the main street of Miramar in your old school car turns a lot of heads. In this calmer part of the city, the streets are empty. And riding in an old car with the top down as trees shade the road from the sunlight is a magnificent experience.
Quinta Avenue in the Miramar district is one of the most picturesque. One of the most interesting landmarks is the mansion called Casa de la Tejas Verdes (House of the Green Tiles), and Reloj de Quinta Avenida, a large clock. In addition to embassies, Quinta Avenida has a lot of the neighbourhood’s most interesting buildings. Apparently, before the revolution in the 1950s, this neighbourhood used to play a role of an important residential area for Battista’s upper class.
El Malecon
Visiting Malecon is an essential stop on any trip to Havana. Driving along this wall provides a view of Havana…old and new.
Pro Tip: You can stop to see some interesting sculptures and may even spot Hermit crabs crossing the sea
El Morro or Morro-Cabaña fortress
The classic car tour took us to this place with a nice view of the city. Here you can see the skyline of the city. A top tourist destination with a very fancy shopping station.
Pro Tip: You can watch the ceremony with soldiers marching to the cannon and the cannon blast at 9 pm.
Also a rum and cigar shop with a free tasting of the rum.
Christopher Columbus Cemetery or the Cristobal Colon Cemetery
A beautiful cemetery; one of the largest in the world. Established in 1876, it’s built around a central chapel, laid out in a grid pattern and feels like an open-air museum. The locals told us that the occupants of the cemented are placed according to their social status, with wealthy and well-to-do in prominent positions and lowly individuals out in the burbs. It is indeed a striking sight to behold.
Pro Tip: I would recommend going either early in the morning/day or at a time when the temperatures are not too high due to the fact there are not many shaded areas.
Do purchase a map of the cemetery as it is over 150 acres long.
La Giraldilla
Situated in the Tower Of The Real Force Castle is this magnificent piece of art from the 17th century. The Giraldilla is a weathervane, with the figure of a woman. And is one of the oldest symbols of Havana.
Pro Tip: The original Giraldilla is under protection in the city museum, and a replica of the original is located on the pedestal of the tower.
The City Museum
The city has a number of museums dedicated to its history of colonial times, art and the revolution. I’ll definitely recommend a trip to the Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City). Situated in a central location in the old town, this magnificent building is as old as the city itself.
Ernest Hemingway Museum
The world-renowned American writer spent a good amount of his life in Cuba. He stayed in this small village close to the city of Havana for close to 2 decades.
Pro Tip: You can stroll around the lawns and find a pet cemetery and a boat owned by Hemingway himself. The name of his house is La Vigia.
Ride a boat from the Old Town Port
Located on the opposite side of the bay are two fortresses. Usually, the old car tour will take you here but I’ll recommend spending a day taking a ferry from the Avenida Carlos Manuel Céspedes, Old Havana.
Other areas of interest
As I mentioned earlier it is not easy to write about every place that we saw in the city. So ill mention all the other places of interest your Old Car tour will take you. Reina and Carlos III streets, Cristobal Colon Cemetery, the Rum Museum, a tobacco museum, 5th Avenue, Malecón Avenue. These are some of the places I remember from the tour.
When I went back home, I took a million memories of the bohemian beauty of the Old Town, Havana. And at the centre of them was the classic Ford convertible. And trust me the pictures are going to be a head-turner wherever you post them. So, ill totally recommend taking a tour of the city in a car straight out of the 60s.
