Havana (Habana) your first stop in Cuba!
If you’re traveling to Cuba for the first time you’ll want to spend at least a week in Havana, the capital of the island nation and the center of life in Cuba.
Cuban kids in Havana Vieja
Here’s what you need to know about Havana, Cuba…
There are 3 main areas: Old Havana (Havana Vieja), Centro Havana, and Vedado.
Old Havana has narrow cobble stone streets, overhanging balconies and is the center of commerce, industry, and entertainment. It’s also a residential area and the place most Cubans want to live.
Hotels in Old Havana
Vedado is like the newer downtown area filled with suburbs, vibrant neighborhoods and some of the nicer hotels.
A view of Havana Centro
To the west of Vedado is Miramar and Playas (beaches). This exclusive area is known for foreign embassies, diplomatic residences, mansions, upscale shops, and facilities for wealthy foreigners.
Hotels in Vedado
Havana Centro lies between Old Havana and Vedado. It’s mostly a shopping district with a few hotels, restaurants and places of nightlife peppered throughout. It’s centrally located (Centro) but it’s usually not a destination.
Hotels in Havana Centro