Guidebook for La Habana
Drinks & Nightlife
Once the headquarters of Havana's alternative artistic and sexual scene, the 'one-eyed cat' is now a nexus for middle-aged karaoke singers who come here to knock out rum-fueled renditions of traditional Cuban boleros (ballads). It's hidden just off the Malecón in a quirky two-story house with turtles swimming in a front pool. If you miss Gato Tuerto you are missing part of Havana soul. Five minutes walking from Casa Quintana.
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El Gato Tuerto
Once the headquarters of Havana's alternative artistic and sexual scene, the 'one-eyed cat' is now a nexus for middle-aged karaoke singers who come here to knock out rum-fueled renditions of traditional Cuban boleros (ballads). It's hidden just off the Malecón in a quirky two-story house with turtles swimming in a front pool. If you miss Gato Tuerto you are missing part of Havana soul. Five minutes walking from Casa Quintana.
Havana's most famous jazz club (The Vixen and the Crow) opens its doors nightly at 10pm to long lines of committed music fiends. Enter through a red British phone box and descend into a diminutive and dark basement. The scene here is hot and clamorous and leans toward freestyle jazz. Two minutes walking from Casa Quintana.
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Jazz Club La Zorra Y El Cuervo
Avenida 23Havana's most famous jazz club (The Vixen and the Crow) opens its doors nightly at 10pm to long lines of committed music fiends. Enter through a red British phone box and descend into a diminutive and dark basement. The scene here is hot and clamorous and leans toward freestyle jazz. Two minutes walking from Casa Quintana.
One rung down from Marianao's world-famous Tropicana, but cheaper and closer to the city center, the nightly Cabaret Parisién in the Hotel Nacional is well worth a look, especially if you're staying in Casa Quintana which is five minutes away walking. It's the usual mix of frills, feathers and semi-naked women (and men), but the choreography is first class and the costumes wonderfully flamboyant. Parisién is one of the historic and iconic cabarets of all time in Havana.
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Cabaret Parisien
Calle OOne rung down from Marianao's world-famous Tropicana, but cheaper and closer to the city center, the nightly Cabaret Parisién in the Hotel Nacional is well worth a look, especially if you're staying in Casa Quintana which is five minutes away walking. It's the usual mix of frills, feathers and semi-naked women (and men), but the choreography is first class and the costumes wonderfully flamboyant. Parisién is one of the historic and iconic cabarets of all time in Havana.
Fábrica de Artes Cubana
& Calle 26Submarino Amarillo
Calle 17Parks & Nature
Parque Lenin, in Arroyo Naranjo municipality, 20km south of central Havana, is the city's largest recreational area. Constructed between 1969 and 1972, it is one of the few developments in Havana from this era. The 670 hectares of green parkland and beautiful old trees surround an artificial lake, the Embalse Paso Sequito, just west of the much larger Embalse Ejército Rebelde, which was formed by damming the Río Almendares.
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Lenin Park
Parque Lenin, in Arroyo Naranjo municipality, 20km south of central Havana, is the city's largest recreational area. Constructed between 1969 and 1972, it is one of the few developments in Havana from this era. The 670 hectares of green parkland and beautiful old trees surround an artificial lake, the Embalse Paso Sequito, just west of the much larger Embalse Ejército Rebelde, which was formed by damming the Río Almendares.
Along the banks of the Almendares River is Parque Almendares, also known as Bosque de La Habana (Havana’s Forest, Parque Metropolitano). This is the only urban forest in the city and is a recreational area for Habaneros that includes activities such as children’s playground, pony rides, mini-golf, boating and open-air snack bar. Also located here is Anfiteatro Almendares, the only amphitheater in Cuba designed for string-operated puppets where both children and adults can enjoy puppet shows, concerts, magic acts, etc.
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Bosque de La Habana (parque Metropoitano)
Along the banks of the Almendares River is Parque Almendares, also known as Bosque de La Habana (Havana’s Forest, Parque Metropolitano). This is the only urban forest in the city and is a recreational area for Habaneros that includes activities such as children’s playground, pony rides, mini-golf, boating and open-air snack bar. Also located here is Anfiteatro Almendares, the only amphitheater in Cuba designed for string-operated puppets where both children and adults can enjoy puppet shows, concerts, magic acts, etc.
Food Scene
La Bodeguita del Medio is a typical restaurant-bar of Havana (Cuba). It is a famous tourist destination because of the personalities which have patronized it. La Bodeguita lays claim to being the birthplace of the Mojito cocktail, prepared in the bar since its opening in 1942, although this is disputed. The rooms are full of curious objects, frames, photos, as well as the walls covered by signatures of famous or unknown customers, recounting the island’s past. 10 minutes from Casa Quintana in taxi.
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La Bodeguita Del Medio
EmpedradoLa Bodeguita del Medio is a typical restaurant-bar of Havana (Cuba). It is a famous tourist destination because of the personalities which have patronized it. La Bodeguita lays claim to being the birthplace of the Mojito cocktail, prepared in the bar since its opening in 1942, although this is disputed. The rooms are full of curious objects, frames, photos, as well as the walls covered by signatures of famous or unknown customers, recounting the island’s past. 10 minutes from Casa Quintana in taxi.
El Floridita is a historic fish restaurant and cocktail bar in the older part of Havana (La Habana Vieja), Cuba. It lies at the end of Calle Obispo (Bishop Street), across Monserrate Street from the The National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana). The establishment is famous for its daiquiris and for having been one of the favourite hangouts of Ernest Hemingway in Havana. Eigth minutes by taxi from Casa Quintana.
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El Floridita Bar
ObispoEl Floridita is a historic fish restaurant and cocktail bar in the older part of Havana (La Habana Vieja), Cuba. It lies at the end of Calle Obispo (Bishop Street), across Monserrate Street from the The National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana). The establishment is famous for its daiquiris and for having been one of the favourite hangouts of Ernest Hemingway in Havana. Eigth minutes by taxi from Casa Quintana.
El Vampirito
Paseo Marítimo 1ra y 70
Sightseeing
Parque de la Fraternidad (Plaza of the American Fraternity), is a group of several parks located at the south end of the Paseo del Prado Walk in Havana. It is one of the most central and busiest areas of the city, since it is used as a location for several Metrobus and taxi lines. In addition, there are very important buildings and monuments, such as the Fountain of India, The Capitol, Aldama Palace and Hotel Saratoga among many others. This area is one of the main gates to colonial Habana Vieja. Ten minutes in taxi from Casa Quintana.
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Parque De La Fuente De La India
Parque de la Fraternidad (Plaza of the American Fraternity), is a group of several parks located at the south end of the Paseo del Prado Walk in Havana. It is one of the most central and busiest areas of the city, since it is used as a location for several Metrobus and taxi lines. In addition, there are very important buildings and monuments, such as the Fountain of India, The Capitol, Aldama Palace and Hotel Saratoga among many others. This area is one of the main gates to colonial Habana Vieja. Ten minutes in taxi from Casa Quintana.
The Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a historic luxury hotel located on the Malecón, in Vedado neighborhood. It stands on Taganana Hill a few metres from the sea, and offers a view of Havana Harbor, the seawall and the city. Its "a must" if you go to Havana specially if you are in the neighborhood. The hotel was developed by the US firm of Purdy and Henderson, and designed by the New York architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White in a mix of styles including Sevillian, Roman, Moorish and Art Deco. The hotel was constructed on the site of the Santa Clara Battery, which dates back to 1797. Part of the battery has been preserved in the hotel's gardens. Casa Quintana is just two blocks away.
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Hotel Nacional de Cuba
The Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a historic luxury hotel located on the Malecón, in Vedado neighborhood. It stands on Taganana Hill a few metres from the sea, and offers a view of Havana Harbor, the seawall and the city. Its "a must" if you go to Havana specially if you are in the neighborhood. The hotel was developed by the US firm of Purdy and Henderson, and designed by the New York architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White in a mix of styles including Sevillian, Roman, Moorish and Art Deco. The hotel was constructed on the site of the Santa Clara Battery, which dates back to 1797. Part of the battery has been preserved in the hotel's gardens. Casa Quintana is just two blocks away.
Plaza De La Revolucion
Avenida PaseoThis wave-lashed fort with its emblematic lighthouse was erected between 1589 and 1630 to protect the entrance to Havana harbor from pirates and foreign invaders (French corsair Jacques de Sores had sacked the city in 1555). Perched high on a rocky bluff above the Atlantic, the fort has an irregular polygonal shape, 3 meters thick walls and a deep protective moat, and is a classic example of Renaissance military architecture.
For more than a century the fort withstood numerous attacks by French, Dutch and English privateers, but in 1762 after a 44-day siege a 14,000-strong British force captured El Morro by attacking from the landward side. The Castillo's famous lighthouse was added in 1844.
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Zamek Trzech Króli z Morro
This wave-lashed fort with its emblematic lighthouse was erected between 1589 and 1630 to protect the entrance to Havana harbor from pirates and foreign invaders (French corsair Jacques de Sores had sacked the city in 1555). Perched high on a rocky bluff above the Atlantic, the fort has an irregular polygonal shape, 3 meters thick walls and a deep protective moat, and is a classic example of Renaissance military architecture.
For more than a century the fort withstood numerous attacks by French, Dutch and English privateers, but in 1762 after a 44-day siege a 14,000-strong British force captured El Morro by attacking from the landward side. The Castillo's famous lighthouse was added in 1844.
Arts & Culture
The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes – Arte Cubano displays purely Cuban art and, if you're pressed for time, is the better of the duo. Works are displayed in chronological order starting on the 3rd floor and are surprisingly varied. Artists to look out for are Guillermo Collazo, considered to be the first truly great Cuban artist; Rafael Blanco, with his cartoonlike paintings and sketches; Raúl Martínez, a master of 1960s Cuban pop art; and the Picasso-like Wifredo Lam. Fifteen minutes in taxi from Casa Quintana.
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Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
ObispoThe Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes – Arte Cubano displays purely Cuban art and, if you're pressed for time, is the better of the duo. Works are displayed in chronological order starting on the 3rd floor and are surprisingly varied. Artists to look out for are Guillermo Collazo, considered to be the first truly great Cuban artist; Rafael Blanco, with his cartoonlike paintings and sketches; Raúl Martínez, a master of 1960s Cuban pop art; and the Picasso-like Wifredo Lam. Fifteen minutes in taxi from Casa Quintana.
Without a doubt one of the best museums in Havana and, by definition, Cuba, this magnificently laid-out collection of 7000 objects associated with the life of Napoleon Bonaparte was amassed by Cuban sugar baron Julio Lobo and politician Orestes Ferrara. Highlights include sketches of Voltaire, paintings of the Battle of Waterloo, china, furniture, an interesting re-creation of Napoleon's study and bedroom, and one of several bronze Napoleonic death masks made two days after the emperor's death by his personal physician, Francisco Antommarchi. It's set over four floors of a beautiful Vedado mansion next to Havana University. Stunning views from its terrace. Ten minute walk from Casa Quintana.
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Muzeum Napoleońskie
Without a doubt one of the best museums in Havana and, by definition, Cuba, this magnificently laid-out collection of 7000 objects associated with the life of Napoleon Bonaparte was amassed by Cuban sugar baron Julio Lobo and politician Orestes Ferrara. Highlights include sketches of Voltaire, paintings of the Battle of Waterloo, china, furniture, an interesting re-creation of Napoleon's study and bedroom, and one of several bronze Napoleonic death masks made two days after the emperor's death by his personal physician, Francisco Antommarchi. It's set over four floors of a beautiful Vedado mansion next to Havana University. Stunning views from its terrace. Ten minute walk from Casa Quintana.
This emblematic museum resides in the former Presidential Palace, built between 1913 and 1920 and used by Cuban presidents, culminating in Fulgencio Batista. The world-famous Tiffany's of New York decorated the interior, and the shimmering Salón de los Espejos (Hall of Mirrors) was designed to resemble the eponymous room at the Palace of Versailles. The palace's sweeping central staircase, still retains the bullet holes made during an unsuccessful attack on the palace in March 1957 by a revolutionary student group.
The stairs take you up to the 2nd floor and several important exhibit-free rooms, including the Salón Dorado, decorated in Louis XVI style. 12 minutes in taxi from Casa Quintana.
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Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolucion)
Avenida BélgicaThis emblematic museum resides in the former Presidential Palace, built between 1913 and 1920 and used by Cuban presidents, culminating in Fulgencio Batista. The world-famous Tiffany's of New York decorated the interior, and the shimmering Salón de los Espejos (Hall of Mirrors) was designed to resemble the eponymous room at the Palace of Versailles. The palace's sweeping central staircase, still retains the bullet holes made during an unsuccessful attack on the palace in March 1957 by a revolutionary student group.
The stairs take you up to the 2nd floor and several important exhibit-free rooms, including the Salón Dorado, decorated in Louis XVI style. 12 minutes in taxi from Casa Quintana.
In 1975, after moving into a modest wood house in the rundown neighborhood of Jaimanitas outside Havana, José Fuster set about decorating his studio in colorful mosaic. Once he was done there, he asked his neighbors if he could decorate their homes and business as well. A few accepted his offer and the tile creations grew. Over the course of a decade, doctors’ offices, bus stops, fountains, benches, gateways, and more were enveloped by Fuster’s whimsical imagination. Today, his artwork coats the neighborhood in a rainbow of strange, enchanting fantasy. Jaimanitas was an economically depressed area before Fuster arrived, and now it has turned into an artist’s paradise.
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Fusterlandia
In 1975, after moving into a modest wood house in the rundown neighborhood of Jaimanitas outside Havana, José Fuster set about decorating his studio in colorful mosaic. Once he was done there, he asked his neighbors if he could decorate their homes and business as well. A few accepted his offer and the tile creations grew. Over the course of a decade, doctors’ offices, bus stops, fountains, benches, gateways, and more were enveloped by Fuster’s whimsical imagination. Today, his artwork coats the neighborhood in a rainbow of strange, enchanting fantasy. Jaimanitas was an economically depressed area before Fuster arrived, and now it has turned into an artist’s paradise.
Shopping
The five-star hotel Tryp Habana Libre, one of the most emblematic hotels in Havana, is located in the heart of Vedado. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea. 24-hour medical service Art gallery. Boutique Car; Rental Concierge. Craftworks. Facilities for physically disabled persons. Fax service. Foreign currency exchange. Gift shop. Internet connection. Laundry and dry cleaning services. Mini market. Parking. Satellite TV area / reading room with newspaper and journals. Taxis Trips. Casa del Habano. Liquor. Art Gallery. Health and Beauty: Bella Habana Business Center: Havana Shopping Center. Just two blocks from Casa Quintana.
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Hotel Tryp Habana Libre
Calle MThe five-star hotel Tryp Habana Libre, one of the most emblematic hotels in Havana, is located in the heart of Vedado. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea. 24-hour medical service Art gallery. Boutique Car; Rental Concierge. Craftworks. Facilities for physically disabled persons. Fax service. Foreign currency exchange. Gift shop. Internet connection. Laundry and dry cleaning services. Mini market. Parking. Satellite TV area / reading room with newspaper and journals. Taxis Trips. Casa del Habano. Liquor. Art Gallery. Health and Beauty: Bella Habana Business Center: Havana Shopping Center. Just two blocks from Casa Quintana.
Across the street from the Hotel Meliá Cohiba, you find Galerias de Paseo shopping center. It sells well-made clothes and other consumer items to tourists and affluent Cubans, and also hosts the peerless Jazz Café. You can find groceries and probably the most interesting place in the surroundings: the iconic Havana Riviera hotel. Two miles, 10 minutes in taxi from Casa Quintana.
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Galerias de Paseo
& Calle 1raAcross the street from the Hotel Meliá Cohiba, you find Galerias de Paseo shopping center. It sells well-made clothes and other consumer items to tourists and affluent Cubans, and also hosts the peerless Jazz Café. You can find groceries and probably the most interesting place in the surroundings: the iconic Havana Riviera hotel. Two miles, 10 minutes in taxi from Casa Quintana.