A Day in Havana"

Home , El Templete, Havana Cathedral, Hotel Inglaterra, Plaza de la Catedral

"A Day in Havana"

Created by: Cityseeker

11 Locations Bookmarked

El Capitolio "Capitol Building"

Built in 1929, El Capitolio served as the seat of the Cuban government until the Cuban Revolution nearly three decades after its construction. The building boasts a large dome that dominates the Havana skyline, drawing comparisons to the United States Capitol though it was not directly modeled on the American landmark. Inside lies the third largest indoor by Nigel Pacquette statue in the world, the magnificent La Estatua de la Republica that stands 49.5 feet (15 meters) tall. The gleaming statue was sculpted and designed by renowned Italian contemporary artist Angelo Zanelli. Some of El Capitano's most prized possessions include the historic gallery known as the Salón de los Pasos Perdidos, a 25-carat diamond that marks the city center, and the headquarters of the Cuban Academy of Sciences.

+53 7 860 3411 Paseo de Martí, Havana

Parque Central "A Truly Central Park"

Framed by majestic early 19th-century structures, Parque Central is one of the best places in Havana to survey the local scene. Must-visit attractions surrounding this square include the Gran Teatro de la Habana, Museo de Bellas Artes, and historic Hotel Inglaterra. Dotted with royal palms and other trees, providing a nicely landscaped rest stop for passersby. Tourists by Jorge Royan and locals alike seek the park as a place to relax or a venue for social events where enjoying a drink, listening to music wafting over from local clubs, and people watching are all popular activities. One thing is certainly true: you haven't seen Havana until you've experienced Parque Central.

+53 7 204 4016 (Tourist Information) Paseo de Marti, Havana

Jardín Botánico Nacional "Cuban Flora"

A seemingly endless expanse of pristine natural beauty, the botanical garden in Havana is one of the most stunning destinations on the island. The site offers a breathtaking landscape of plants from all around the Caribbean, particularly showcasing those endemic to Cuba. Highlights include the Japanese Garden replete with fountains and waterfalls, by jacinta lluch valero greenhouses overflowing with succulents, and a massive arboretum with its impressive variety of native and non-native trees. Facilities at the site include a cafeteria and lodging. The ExpoCuba exhibition center is one of the garden's premier event hosting facilities which also shelters the acclaimed Don Cuba restaurant.

+53 7 6979160 www.jbn.gob.do/ Carretera El Rocio, Havana Havana Cathedral "Architectural Attraction"

A fine example of 18th-century ecclesiastical architectural, Havana Cathedral has a facade full of columns, niches, and other baroque embellishments that stand in contrast to the asymmetry of its spires. Jesuit priests inhabited the site until their eviction in 1789, at which time the building was consecrated as Havana Cathedral. Inside the holy site by akasenn are copies of paintings by Rubens and Murillo on the alters, and at the top end of the choir section, frescoes by Italian artist Giuseppe Perovanni are visible. There is also a finely crafted sculpture of Saint Christopher, the patron saint of Havana, dating back to 1632 found inside. Beyond its artistic and architectural significance, this cathedral housed some of Christopher Columbus's remains between 1796 and 1898, making it a site of great historical important. Stop by the Plaza de la Catedral in Old Havana to see this venerable landmark in person.

+53 7 861 7771 156 Empedrado, Plaza de la Catedral, Havana

El Templete "Monumental Landmark of Old Havana"

Built in the 19th Century, this landmark is rumored to sit on the exact spot where Havana was founded in the early-16th Century. Denizens of the city, perhaps inspired by all that surrounded them, commemorated the settlement of San Cristóbal de la Habana with a bust of Christopher Columbus and paintings by Juan Bautista Vermay. Together with a small by Anagoria church, which represents one of the first examples of neo-classical architecture after the colonial period, a column was built to memorialize the original ceiba tree under which the first mass and Council of Havana were held. Visit this venerable site to get in touch with Havana's captivating past.

+53 7 8612876 Calles Barillo and O'Reilly, Havana

Museo del Ron Havana Club "The History of Cuban Rum"

At the Museo del Ron, which translates to the Rum Museum, you can get an inside look at the distilling process for Havana Club rum. The comprehensive journey begins where barrels are made, after which it's on to the presses, the sugar depot, the fermentation and filtration stages, the aging process, and finally blending bottling. At the end of the tour, guests by Anagoria are invited to sample rums like the Silver Dry, Añejo Reserve, and Solera San de La Habana. Head to the adjoining Havana Club bar, which offers a selection of Cuban cocktails and features live music, then stop by the souvenir shop for trinkets and rum to take home. Although there is a small fee for visitors, tours of the Museo del Ron are free for locals.

+53 7 862 4108 havana-club.com/en-gb/co [email protected] 262 Avenida del Puerto y ntent/museo-del-ron-cuban ub.cu Sol, La Habana Vieja, Habana o-cuban-rum-museum

Monumento a José Martí "Know the Local History"

Part city landmark and part local museum, this monument commemorates the life and work of renowned revolutionary, writer, and poet José Martí. The monument is located in the Plaza de la Revolución, the very site from where Fidel Castro gave his most important annual speeches in the presence of the Communist Party Central Committee. The collection by FDBK housed within the museum features a number personal items once belonging to Martí, as well as documents pertaining to the Cuban revolution. Panoramas from the top floor showcase the city at its finest, and the lookout doubles as the highest point in the city. While the memorial structure can be admired any time of day or night, the museum is only open between 9:30a and 4p every day except Sunday.

+53 7 82 0906 41 Avenida Paseo, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana

Malecón "Memorable Seaside Strolls"

The Malecón in Havana spans 8 kilometers (5 miles) along the gorgeous Cuban coast. It begins in Old Havana, running through the Centro Habana neighborhood, and ends in the central business district in Vedado. Although the Malecón began construction at the turn of the 20th century to protect the city from the surrounding water, it has always served by Effervescing Elephant primarily as a cultural attraction for promenaders and social groups. Stroll along the bay with a view of the Castillo de Los Tres Reyes del Morro or skirt the edge of the Vedado district and its many attractions. No matter where on this local landmark you end up, the Malecón provides a charming setting where you can get to know the Cuban capital and fill your lungs with fresh sea air.

+53 7 204 4016 (Tourist Information) Malecón, Havana

Casa de Las Américas "Latin American & Caribbean Culture"

Founded shortly after the Cuban revolution, this cultural institution promotes all things Latin American and Caribbean. It is multidisciplinary in nature, offering events ranging from talks to workshops and even awarding prizes in literature, painting, photography, musicology, and engravings. The galleries found in the main building of the Casa de Las by colros Américas house some of the finest art collections across Latin America. There are also three separate exhibition spaces and a specialty library. An excellent place to attend an event or explore aimlessly, this premier cultural center is a Havana institution that will leave you filled with wonder.

+53 7 8382706 www.casadelasamericas.org/ Calle 3ra y G, Havana

Colon Cemetery "Famous Latin American Cemetery"

The beauty and magnificence of this cemetery has made it famous throughout the nation. Established in 1876 on top of the Espada Cemetery, the Colon Cemetery holds nearly a million graves, many of whose headstones have been embellished by major Cuban sculptors like Ramos Blancos. Visitors may notice colorfully dressed rag dolls lying next by Bit Boy to graves when touring this impressive cemetery. These are placed as offerings to various deities in an Afro-Cuban religious practice known as "santería" common throughout the island. Offering a unique perspective on Cuban culture, the Colon Cemetery is of great historical and local value.

+53 7 8321057 Calle 12 y Calle 23, Havana by Effervescing Elephant Marina Hemingway "Fishing in Cuba's Oldest Marina"

The largest and likely best-known marina in Cuba, Marina Hemingway has been a hub of activity since its construction in 1953. Beyond offering fishing opportunities that would delight even the most avid angler, it is the location of the annual world-famous Ernest Hemingway fishing tournament, a four-day long event that is free to spectators. Other services for boaters include dockage possibilities, weather reports, boat repairs, fresh water supplies, internet access, 24-hour security, fuel, showers, and more. Those dropping by on their tours of Havana will be interested to find several bars, restaurants, and shops at the marina, as well. Though it could use a fresh coat of paint, Marina Hemingway is located in a scenic spot and near enough amenities that it's worth a stop on your city tour.

+53 7 24 1150 www.hemingwaycuba.co [email protected] Calle 248 y Avenida 5ta, m/marina-hemingway- Santa Fe Playa, Havana cuba.html

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