This article will not convince readers that Havana is the best place ever, but it will make you feel, for sure, that visiting Havana is a must for all travelling lovers. The following reasons will be the ultimate information you need to know for choosing Havana as one of your main trip destinations. As a young Cuban tour guide living in one of the most exciting cities in the world, I hope that my insights into the Cuban culture can spark off your interest for my city and my country.
The People
When visiting Havana, travelers expect to meet desperate and sad Cubans because of the economic situation that Cuba is going through. Fortunately for you and I, that is not the reality. Here, Cubans live with the hope of a better future and they are deeply rooted to our city’s beauty. Every day, they wake up with new and old dreams. When visiting a Cuban family or at least a neighborhood, tourists feel the human heat within the welcoming and happiness that we Cubans always carry with us. Since the moment that you enter a Cuban house, the smell of coffee and cigar will make you love our culture. People are certainly one of the main reasons to visit Havana!
The Old City of Havana
My unique city has just celebrated its 500 Anniversary. It is amazing to imagine how old and attractive it is still nowadays. Lots of tourists and locals see Havana as a city trapped in time with so much history and cobblestone streets. Its Golden Mile, the most restored and preserved area in the Old Havana, is full of colonial treasures and legends. Its system of fortresses (declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO) has become one of the oldest still standing in Latin America. Moreover, let us not forget the contrast between the historical sector and the modern working class buildings. The beauty is found in every part of the city (museums, national monuments, classic cars, restaurants, old buildings, street food, etc.)
Music, Dance, and Food
These following elements are the ones that depict Cuba all around the world. It is arguably the most musical island on the planet with Caribbean rhythms that will inject the visitor new energy and good vibes. In every small venue, there is high quality live music accompanied by a delightful dancing move. While visiting Havana, you may realize that the music is everywhere, especially salsa. Furthermore, the wisest saying I ever learned from my Abuela (grandma) is that Cuban food is powerful. The right dish can lighten the tensest situation or can help celebrate the biggest victories. Cuban food is typically very meat-centric, and a synonym of delicious. There is no way tourists can miss the chance to try Ropa Vieja or the Cuban ideal dessert Flan.
If these reasons are not enough for deciding to come to Cuba and visiting Havana, search for more. After all, every trip has to revolve around local traditions and customs. Come to Cuba to enjoy a special and unique experience; after your first time here, you will definitely come back.