Embark on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of Havana’s neighborhoods, where the essence of Cuba comes to life. Cuba welcomed a record 4.75 million visitors in 2018. This was a record-setting year for the island. Many of the visitors focused their visit on the city of Havana. However, there is so much more to this city than most visitors realize.
The Havana neighborhoods are a beautiful melting pot of cultures that is just waiting to be explored. If you are planning a visit to Havana, then there are some neighborhoods you must check out. Keep reading for some of the coolest neighborhoods in Havana just waiting to be discovered.
Old Town
Head to the heart of the city and check out Havana’s Old Town. This is where the tourism sector begins and ends for the majority of visitors to Cuba. This area of the city was once the entire city of Havana. This once small town was a colonial outpost surrounded by a large wall. This kept the residents of the town safe from hostile foreign armies and pirates. You can still find remnants of the wall today. Though most of the wall was dismantled to make room for expansion. You will also notice the natural deterioration of the wall due to lack of maintenance in more modern history.
When the USSR collapsed, Cuba turned to tourism. It was this development that created the catalyst for restoring the historical buildings of the Old Town. Today the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Havana. While it shouldn’t be the end of your exploration of Cuba, it should definitely be your first stop.
Centro Habana
This area of Havana is often forgotten about and thought of as the connector between La Habana Vieja and Vedado. It’s located on the northern edge along the coast and features a prominent pedestrian walkway. The overwhelming trend of this neighborhood is the extreme level of decay of the buildings. Don’t get saddened though; it has a sort of picturesque beauty and charm to it.
The locals will explain that it is simply impossible to keep the buildings in good repair. The ocean, wind, and weather continually launch assaults on the soft stone that was used to build the structures. Take a stroll down the walkway or a classic car tour through the town and admire the buildings from a safe distance.
Miramar
Once you’ve had your fill of history, head over to Miramar and experience a little refinement. This is the neighborhood that many embassies call home. Many of the wealthier families in Cuba still live. You’ll see the evidence of this in the shops as you stroll through the neighborhood.
If you are looking for a luxury vacation in Cuba, this is the neighborhood where you’ll find high-end hotels. While this area may lack some of the local vibrancy you find in other neighborhoods, it does feature a beautiful opulence you won’t find anywhere else in Havana.
El Vedado
While many tourists won’t make it out of Old Town for dining and nights outs, there is another lively neighborhood just a little way down the waterfront. Many younger Cubans and tourists head to Vedado for a night out on the town. It lacks the refinement of Miramar and the restored beauty of Old Town. What it does have is plenty of attitude and atmosphere.
Stroll through dozens of narrow streets and alleys, each teaming with bars and clubs. You’ll notice that many of the once stately homes have fallen into disrepair. There is also a trend of empowered Cubans opening their own businesses in this area. They are taking these dilapidated homes and renovating them into some of the coolest retro cool bars and clubs you’ve ever seen.
Chinatown
One of the best-kept secrets of Havana is a small neighborhood known as Barrio de La Habana. Throughout Cuba’s history, the Chinese population has risen and fallen with the changing political climate. One particular surge in foreign population occurred in 1886 when slavery was outlawed. Foreign migrants flocked to Cuba in search of newly created paid opportunities. This population then drastically fell when Cuba enforced restrictions on foreign-owned businesses. Today you can visit this small neighborhood and get an up-close glimpse of the beautiful mixing of cultures that make Cuba what it is today. It’s also the best place to find some delicious Chinese food.
Jaimanitas
Head to the outer edges of Havana and check out the little fishing village of Jaimanitas. While this isn’t one of the more glamorous parts of Havana, it isn’t as severely impoverished as it once was. One of Cuba’s most famous artists, Jose Rodriguez Fuster, decided to settle in the neighborhood and build his study. He quickly filled the space and began to decorate the outside. Soon his neighbors were asking for him to decorate their homes. Today the entire town is blanketed in his outlandish creations. Take a stroll around this neighborhood turned large scale art installation. Take pictures with the many childlike sculptures and other street art.
Check out the Coolest Havana Neighborhoods
If you are planning a trip to Cuba, make sure to schedule these neighborhoods into your itinerary. Each area of this beautiful city has something unique and rich in Cuban culture to offer.
One of the best ways to experience all of the Havana neighborhoods is to do so in a classic car. Let a local show you the hidden gems of each neighborhood as you ride in comfort and style.
Book your Havana day tour today and start exploring the colorful neighborhoods of Cuba.