Havana, Cuba

A Bit Of Havana History

Havana Founded in 1519, is diverse in its history and architectural influence. This great port city which has drawn visitors from around the world for centuries has now become one of the biggest US Caribbean destinations.

Comprised of many neighborhoods there is much to see and do in Havana.

Regla, Casablanca, Centro Habana, Old Havana, Vedado, and Miramar, to name a few.

Many visitors are interested in seeing the seawall boulevard, called The Malecon, which is a familiar scene on old postcards and pictures. It stretches from Old Havana past the Hotel National, the US Embassy, the Plaza of the Revolution, and the neighborhoods of Vedado and Miramar.

Old Havana is comprised of four major plazas.

Plaza de Armas built in the 1600’s is now filled with colorful stalls of used book, magazines and periodicals of every kind. The Palace of the Captain-General is now the City Museum. Also found here is the Palace of the Second Corporal, the Castle of the Royal Force and El Templete (Small Temple), where celebrations have been held since its inauguration in 1828.

Cathedral Plaza one of the most photographed spots in Havana; a must see for the visitor to Havana. This square is a huge stage for official dinners, gala’s and cultural presentations but even without the special events it is a lively scene due to several restaurants  being located here with Cuban musicians playing all day and for the dinner crowd.

The church was built in the late 18th century by the Jesuit order. The Catedral de San Cristobal still holds services today. The history of the church is as colorful and interesting as the interior of the cathedral. Step inside, to witness the beauty of the Neoclassical style with frescoes commissioned from Italian Giovanni Perovani which were later restored by Jean-Baptiste Vermay.

Around the square and nearby, you will find Colonial Art Museum, Casa de la Condesa de la Reunion, Victor Manuel Art Gallery, the Experimental Graphic Workshop of Havana in the Chorro Alley,  Wifredo Lam Contemporary Art Center and the famous La Bodeguita del Medio Restaurant.

Plaza de San Francisco sits directly in front of the Port Terminal where the cruise ships dock. The Basilica of San Francisco de Asis used as a chamber music hall also houses a Museum of Sacred Art. The Fountain of the Lions in the Plaza is a natural gathering place as the Plaza often holds festivals and special events. Across the Plaza a massive stone structure once once held the  20th Century Stock exchange.

Plaza Vieja was created for commerce and trade. It has been transformed into a tourist destination with a variety of shops, boutique hotels, restaurants and bars, each home to a small live band and outdoor seating.

Music, food and fun permeates the air at all hours of the night and day. A primary school located on the square provides a glimpse into everyday life in Havana.

Havana Tours

Tours are offered from Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad or Santa Clara.

Private English speaking Guides.

Pickup at the port, airport or your lodging.

Transportation in Classic American Car with AC (when 4 or more, a van or classic van(according to your preference) is available for groups up to 9.)

Itinerary subject to change according to weather, ship or flight delays and each locations hours of operation.

  • In the case of visitors who come on a cruise, it is recommended to adjust the duration of the tour according to the time you arrive and your length of stay.

  • All Cruise Passengers will be returned to the port before departure time.

Allow 3-4 hours travel time.

Round trip is possible in one day. Overnight stays can be pre-arranged.

Kid friendly, though not wheel chair or handicapped accessible.

Recommended to bring… bottle of water, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight rain jacket. And of course, local currency to purchase food and souvenirs.

*Many of the historic sights of Havana will look familiar and can be easily enjoyed from the taxi but be sure to tell your guide if there is anything of particular interest that you want to stop for a closer look.

Hemingway’s Havana Experience

Ernest Hemingway, author and Pulitzer Prize winner, spent 20 years in Cuba before leaving in 1959 after the Revolution. Finca La Vigia, now a museum, located in San Francisco de Paula, 15 Km from downtown Havana. The property was purchased by Hemingway in 1940 for a cost of $12,500. Everything in the home is the same when Hemingway lived here. His library has over 9,000 books and hunting trophies hang on the walls. There Hemingway wrote two of his most notable novels: For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea.

Stop in Old Havana to visit a couple of his favorite “watering spots”.  Sign your name to the wall at the La Bodeguita del Medio before strolling down bustling Obispo street, one of the longest and oldest streets of the city. The famous El Floridita, “cradle of the daiquiri”, sits at the end of the street.  Live music often plays in the bar and you have time to sample a daiquiri and get your picture with the “old man” as a statute of Hemingway’s likeness sits at the end of the bar. Return to pick up location.

5-6 hours for Havana pick up ($90 per person) 2 person min. (pickup time TBD)

11-12 hours for Cienfuegos or Santa Clara pickup (overnight stays can be pre-arranged) ($170) per person, 2 person min.

Tour leaves at 7:30am from either the port, airport or lodging in Cienfuegos

  • Visit “Finca Vigia,” Hemingway’s house in Cuba

  • Lunch- (One hour, on your own, cost additional, guides can recommend)

  • Visit la Bodeguita del Medio

  • Walk through Obispo Street

  • Visit El Floridita


Adding a night stay is an additional $100 per person to maintain use of guide and driver.

The guide can provide recommendations and reservations for your stay.

Client will pay the Bed and Breakfast (Casa) owner directly (passport required for ID)

Return to starting place.

Panoramic HAVANA and Old Havana Walking Tour

Allow 4-5 hours from Havana pickup. ($90 per person, 2 person min.)

Allow 11-12 hours from Cienfuegos, Santa Clara or Trinidad pickup ($500) per person, 2 person min. (pre-arranged in advance departure time)

  • In Havana, have a panoramic tour of the Malecon, the Havana bay, view the colossal white stone Christ across the bay and the Castle of El Morro. Also, the San Carlos de la Cabana Fortress as both sit majestically at the entrance to the Bay on the hillside.  

  • The Malecon, a long broad road extending from Old Havana to Miramar neighborhood,  resembles the old postcards and posters. Considered in some ways as Havana’s front porch as it becomes a place to meet and visit, listen to music and enjoy a date or family outing.

  • On this stretch of road we pass many landmarks: The Hotel National, US Embassy, Habana Libre Hotel (formerly the Hilton Hotel before 1959), FOCSA Building (the first high-rise constructed in 1956), Jose’ Marti’ Revolution Square and Memorial tower which is Havana’s tallest structure. The square is the backdrop for all Nationally important events, parades and dignitary visits. Three Popes’ have visited Havana and gave speeches from this location.

  • Winding our way back to Old Havana, you’ll travel down the wide, tree lined Prado Promenade, where several famous hotels border Parque Central; the Iberostar Parque Central Hotel, Saratoga Hotel and the Inglaterra. Beside the Capitol to the right is the recently restored Grand Theater of Havana where the Cuba Ballet performs.

  • A rest stop for food or drink in Old Havana (One hour, on your own, cost additional, guides can recommend)

  • Walking and history tour of Old Havana and the 4 plazas (Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral Plaza and San Francisco Plaza. 3-4 hours or as time permits.

Please let your guide know if you would like to stop for a beverage, shopping or specific request. If you want to souvenir shop there are many choices at the San Jose Market. These are booths of private business owners and you can purchase handicrafts, art, pottery, soft drinks, and clothing. Restrooms are available. There are no food vendors.

 

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JEWISH CULTURE IN HAVANA

All will enjoy this Unique Excursion developed especially for the visitors of Jewish origin and led by a Professor of History from Cienfuegos.

Learn about the past and present impact of the Jewish community in Cuba.

The presence of Jews in Cuba dates back to the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, when several Jewish sailors were a part the voyages of discovery of the Americas. From that date until today, the Jewish community in Cuba has been growing and expanding its importance and influence in the economy, politics, culture, scientific developments, architecture, urbanism, sports and in all aspects of the Cuban society.  This is especially true in Havana, capital of the country, where Beth Shalom Temple, headquarters of the Cuban Jewish Community and the largest population of Jews reside.


4-5 hours (pre-arranged pickup time)

$90.00 (per person, 2 person min.) with pick up at Havana port, airport, or lodging.

$500.00 (per person, 2 people min.) if your pickup is from Cienfuegos port, airport or lodging, then add 3-4 hours travel time to Havana, and 3-4 hours to return (overnight stays can be pre-arranged)

During the tour, participants will learn about and see many historical places listed below but it will be the personal stories of people who were and are protagonists of the Jewish experience in Cuba and current affairs of Havana that will help you get a closer glimpse of their way of life and impact on the island.

  • The Orthodox Synagogue Adath Israel

  • The Holocaust's platform

  • The Sephardic Hebrew Center

  • The Beth Shalom Synagogue (Headquarters of the Jewish Community of Cuba)

  • The Board of the Hebrew House, to learn about the "community school" that operates on Sundays, in which children learn Hebrew and Jewish traditions.

  • Panoramic tour of Havana, see many iconic sights: Morro Fort, The Capitol, Our Embassy, Jose’ Marte’ Monument,  Revolution Square, the Malecon and The Christ of Havana

  • Panoramic tour of Vedado (one of the most popular residential areas of Havana)

  • Visit to the National Hotel of Cuba and learn its importance of Jews here

  • Tour Historical Habana Vieja (Old Havana) Acosta and Muralla Street

  • Hotel Raquel, A Jewish Hotel which opened in 1908 is considered one of the most beautiful in Havana

  • Monument in honor of Ethel and Julius Rosemberg

Optional visits can be arranged with the agency. Price adjusted according to the time added to see the sites:

  • Visit to the Jewish Cemetery in Guanabacoa.

  • Sociocultural Project "Fusterlandia" in Jaimanita.

  • Castle of El Morro

*Tour Local Cuba can also organize this itinerary for customers who are in other parts of the country. Cost may change on travel from other locations.