Holidaying in Havana

It’s been awhile since I've written any city guides for my blog so it’s appropriate that to kick it back of I cover Havana, which saw its first British cruise ship this month. Let’s hope it’s the first of many as this is a fantastic city to visit.
As always with these guides if anyone has any better ideas or opinions about Havana, feel free to add your comments below. The more information we get, the easier it is for people to plan their cruise excursions.

Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City)

This stately Baroque residence of Cuba's colonial governors and former Presidential Palace, (the Palace of the Captains General built in 1791), stands as an impressive sight on the Plaza de Armas and is now the repository for the city's museum collections. The museum's displays and exhibits tell the tale of Havana, from its founding to the present day, including rooms devoted to the Cuban wars for national independence. The colourful Hall of Flags contains the original Cuban flag as well as a number of others used by the Spanish colonial government. There are also exhibits relating to archaeology, folklore and weaponry, and an art collection that includes porcelain, paintings and furniture of historic value and great beauty. This is a great spot to take in the history of Cuba ‘all in one hit’ as it has something to offer for everyone.

Cigar Factories

No visit to Cuba would be complete without a stop at one of their many cigar factories. The art of cigar-making in Cuba is old and traditional, and three main factories in Havana offer tours for visitors to see cigars still rolled by hand. In the oldest factory, Partagas founded in 1827, traditionally a reader is employed to keep workers entertained while they fashion the famous cigars. Havana's other cigar factories are La Corona and the lesser-visited Romeo y Julieta. There are shops attached to the factories where cigars can be purchased, just be careful you don’t try to smuggle them back on to your cruise ship! A good tip is not to buy cigars from people off the street as these are usually rolled banana leaves fashioned into cigar look-alikes and the sellers are persistent con man. Make sure you spend your money in the official shops.

Plaza de la Revolución

Whilst there isn’t loads to do at the Plaza de la Revolucion, you definitely need to stop by, as it’s one of the most iconic spots to see when you cruise to Havana.

Dominated by the imposing José Martí Memorial, this gigantic square has seen numerous political rallies, and the podium in front of the memorial is where important political figures like Fidel Castro have addressed more than a million Cubans on important occasions.
At the foot of the memorial is a museum dedicated to José Martí, a national hero who would most likely have become Cuba's first president had he survived the Second War of Independence in 1895. It is possible to take the elevator to the top of the 138ft (42m) memorial, the highest structure in the city.
Also, located behind the memorial are the closely guarded offices of Castro. Opposite the memorial on the far side of the square is the much-photographed Che Guevara image with the slogan Hasta la Victoria Siempre (Forever Onwards Towards Victory) that identifies the Ministry of the Interior building. Lots and lots of photo opportunities, so make sure there’s space on your memory card ant the batteries are charged.

Habana Vieja (Old Havana)

For anyone wanting to experience the ‘real Havana’ this is where you need to head. If you’re only there for the day you won’t ever get to see it all as a lot of its charm is the night life but, cruising there on a ship is a great way to get a taster of what it’s like. This historic section of Cuba's capital was founded in 1519 and for centuries was an important naval port of colonial Spain. Being in such a strategic position the city was targeted by pirates and fought over on numerous occasions and the ruins of the defensive walls that surrounded the city can still be seen. The Old City now also contains museums, hotels, restaurants and shops lining the original cobble-stoned streets. Surrounding the picturesque squares are beautiful restored colonial buildings with grand facades, and striking churches that form a magnificent setting for the late afternoon chess and domino games and salsa music.

Plaza de Armas was the seat of power in Cuba for 400 years, from where the Spanish Captain's General, US military governors and Cuban president were based, and today is home to an interesting book market. During the years of Prohibition in the United States, Habana Vieja turned into a playground for Americans who flocked here for the cheap liquor, gambling, prostitution and flamboyant lifestyle.

If any of you have ever been to Havana feel free to add any other thoughts, comments, reccomendations you have below.

Happy Cruising