Experience Vedado with Michelle

Thinking about going to Havana? Why not experience all that the Vedado district has to offer. With many hotels in the area, there is plenty to do and see and it’s only a short taxi ride away from Old Havana!

That is what Hola Sun staff member Michelle did. Read below about her trip highlights and things to do and see.

The hotel is in an excellent location, with many small restaurants and cafes all within a short walking distance. There is something for everyone at the restaurants, whether you wanted hamburgers, Italian, Lebanese, Spanish Tapas, coffee, or more traditional fare, all at excellent prices. A roughly 30 minute walk will bring you to the BelView Art Café, run by an extremely talented German photographer. The walls are adorned with prints of his photos, and the space itself is excellently appointed. An espresso and a plate of fresh tropical fruits (watermelon, papaya, guava, pineapple, orange, and banana) only cost 3 CUC. The brownies here are also excellent.

 

There are a few theatres in Vedado that you can go and catch a concert, comedians, movies, or plays. Near the Tryp Habana Libre is the teatro Yara, or, if you preferred to catch a jazz performance, you could visit the teatro Mella, which is within short walking distance of the Habana Riviera.

 

There is also a fantastic culture centre in Vedado called Fabrica de Arte Cubano. Here you can find contemporary works, as well as concerts, and films.

 

During my stay the semi-finals for baseball between the Havana team and the Las Tunas team was occurring at the Estadio Latinoamericano, which is only a short walk from the Revolution Square. If you have a chance to grab a ticket, I highly recommend going to a game while in Cuba. The passion for baseball in Cuba is just amazing.

 

There are many parks dotted around Havana, no matter which district you find yourself in. These parks have many monuments, and are occasionally host to little fairs, or festivals. Havana is also home to an aquarium as well as a zoo.

 

When going to Havana, a stop to the Cayo Hueso neighbourhood, and more specifically, the Callejon de Hamel, is a must. This is a small alleyway that showcases the Afro-Cuban art and culture. Originally started as a place to showcase the art of one artist, it is now a bustling alleyway, full of music, dancing, and art. Every Sunday at around noon, there is a live performance of Rumba music, which should not be missed.

 

The Universitad de la Habana is a short walk from the Callejon de Hamel on San Larazo and is an amazing example of architecture.

 

Old Havana is a short taxi ride away. For about 10 CUC, you can go from Vedado to Old Havana. In Old Havana there are so many things to do and see. Some of the best coffee I have ever drank has been from Havana, with Café O’Reilly, which is located near the Plaza de la Catedral, being on the top of the list. There are many museums, art pieces, and plazas located within Old Havana. You can stop by La Bodeguita Del Medio for the famous mojito, El Floridita Bar for a daiquiri, Paladar Los Mercaderes for some plaintain based appetizers, or head over to Plaza Vieja and grab a seat on the patio at Café El Escorial and people watch.

 

Havana is an amazing city that is impossible to see in one short visit. There are so many places to walk, get lost in, and more importantly, experience!