Taking a trip to Havana can be an exhilarating experience, and Cuba’s capital offers something for every visitor. From its tasty cuisine to the spectacular architecture, you’ll find a melding of beautiful ballet and Afro-Cuban beats with exquisite art museums and relaxing beaches. Havana is certainly the “place to be” when you visit Cuba.
There is no shortage of activities in and around Havana. Whether you come for the deep sea fishing or stay for the exciting nightlife, this city offers a contemporary pulse in front of a storied historic backdrop. We’ve put together some of the best Havana activities to keep you, your family or your group of friends entertained and delighted while you’re in Cuba.
Activities in Havana
For those unfamiliar with Havana’s rich background and extensive list of activities, you’ll find that the city is busy with life, art, entertainment and history.
Museums in Havana
Visitors to Cuba will find that there are plenty of art and history museums across the island. But Havana has some of the most interesting museums around, ranging from telling the history of Cuba to showcasing local art.
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Museum of the Revolution: The Museo de la Revolución is housed in the former presidential palace, an immense and awe-inspiring building with neo-classical features. While the outside of the building is truly amazing architecture, inside you’ll find exhibits dedicated to Cuban history, specifically the revolutionary war in the mid-1900s. Pre-revolutionary exhibits highlight the development of the island, including the War of Independence fought between Cuba and Spain. Here you can also find the Granma, the spacious yacht that transported Fidel Castro from Mexico to Cuba during the revolution.
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Napoleonic Museum: The Museo Napoleonico was founded in 1961 and is home to the largest collection outside of Europe of Napoleonic memorabilia. With nearly 8,000 pieces relating to the French Revolution and other noteworthy artifacts and memorabilia. And while much of the art follows the life and excursions of Napoleon, you’ll also find many works of art by the time periods’ artists.
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Casa de Africa: Located in Old Havana, Casa de Africa places a spotlight on the culture and history of Africa that has helped shape Cuba and its people. It houses collections from 27 countries in Africa and features Fernando Ortiz, the first person to use the term “Afro-Cuban.” The museum also features sacred objects that have been used in Afro-Cuban religious ceremonies and an abundance of presents given to Fidel Castro by prominent figures of Africa.
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Ernest Hemingway’s Home: Finca Vigia, which means “lookout house,” sits 10 miles east of Havana in the town of San Francisco de Paula. The writer’s modest home, along with his few possessions, still stands as the residents continue to show their respect. It was in this home that Hemingway penned “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Old Man and the Sea,” two of his most famous pieces of work. Havana residents continue to celebrate Hemingway with the Ernest Hemingway International Billfishing Tournament, held annually in Havana.
Watersports in Havana
Havana is located on the northern shore of Cuba, providing the perfect city for land-lovers and sea-lovers alike. Once you’ve had your fill of Cuban culture, cuisine and dancing (if that’s possible), head to the many beaches for scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing.
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La Aguja Marlin Diving Center: The center is located at the Marina Hemingway and offers daily scuba diving. Scuba gear is available to rent, and while many divers prefer the beautiful waters near the beach, where the reef is easy to find, diving trips to Playa Girón and Varadero are available upon arrangement.
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Marlin Náutica: Whether you want to head out on the water for some world-class fishing or dive beneath the shimmering surface to catch a glimpse at the intricate reefs off the shores of Havana, Marlin Náutica has it all. Trips for bottom fishing and deep sea fishing can be arranged for up to four anglers, and you’ll be provided with a captain, sailor and open bar and tackle. Scuba diving tours aboard a luxury catamaran are also available for those who want a closer look at the diverse life in the sea.
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Deep Sea Fishing Tours: There are several places along the coast of Havana that offer deep sea fishing tours for the biggest fishing enthusiasts. Hop on board a charter boat and try your luck at dolphinfish, marlin, sailfish and tuna. Offered tours are 4-hours, 6-hours, or 8-hours long and include artificial bait, crew and open bar. Bring a group of anglers or spend the day with your family as you won’t want to miss out on these thrilling tours.
You Don’t Want to Miss …
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Old Havana: The public squares of Old Havana provide some of the most beautiful architecture of the region. From Roman Catholic church of Cathedral Square to the busy flea market of Plaza de Armas, this quaint yet cultured area will delight and enlighten any visitor.
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Cuban Baseball: Baseball is as sacred to Cuba as it is to the United States. Head over to Central Park for lively discussions on the sport, or nab a ticket and see a game for yourself at El Latino Stadium, home of the Industriales.
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Malecon: The seawall, or Malecon, stretches for 4 miles from Old Havana to the Almendares River. This is the perfect spot for a stroll or try your reel at a catch of the day. From dawn to dusk, the seawall is surrounded by locals and tourists having fun and enjoying the day.
Spend the Day in Havana
Cuba’s capital offers a plethora of activities for even the pickiest traveler. With so many activities from which to choose, you’ll have trouble finding time for it all. One of the biggest advantages to vacationing in Havana is the ease of traveling to other cities. With the Bay of Pigs, Isla de la Juventud and the Jardines de la Reina within a short traveling distance, you can experience some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. But we know that with the variety of Havana activities available in one amazing city, you’ll never want to leave.