
Havana © Camilo O. Rojas
Situated on the north coast of the island, and built around a
natural harbour, Havana (
La Habana) is one of the most
lively and colourful cities in the Caribbean. Much of the city's
charm can be found among the narrow, derelict streets packed with
crumbling buildings and fascinating people. Every open door and
overhanging balcony allows glimpses of rocking chairs and colourful
washing, accompanied by strains of music. On the streets
Chinese-made bicycles, yellow, egg-shaped coco-taxis and two-humped
camello (camel) buses weave among the melee of 1950s
cars.
The historic old town,
Habana Vieja or Colonial Havana,
is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a major tourist destination.
The Spanish left behind some superb colonial architecture, and many
of the great buildings and grand plazas are being restored to their
former glory, although ironically the general dilapidation of the
great buildings of Havana contributes enormously to their charm.
Central Havana (
Centro Habana) boasts some of the most
important museums and architectural highlights of the city,
including the Revolution Museum and the National Capitol, which
resembles the US Capitol Building in Washington DC. The trendy
suburb of Vedado boasts high-rise buildings and modern hotels, and
draws locals and visitors alike with its theatres, art galleries,
restaurants, cafes and cabaret shows; however, most of the city's
sights are in
Habana Vieja and
Centro Habana. The
five-mile (8km) seawall, or malecón, stretches from Vedado
to Habana Vieja, and is lined with architectural gems in various
states of dilapidation and restoration.
Havana's nightlife will exhaust even the most seasoned
partygoer. After dark, nightclubs and bars come alive and the
famous rum cocktails flow freely. For travellers needing rest from
all this revelry, the lovely beaches are only twenty minutes east
of the city.