The next day in Havana took us on the other side of the city. It was raining so it was perfect time to experience ride in those old-fashioned cars which are one of the Cubans most recognizable trademarks. Our first stop was famous Hotel Nacional.
My friend and I inside of the 1956′ Cuban cab. It is fascinating fact that those vintage American cars are still in use. The shells are original, they only changed the engines.
Hotel Nacional is a World Heritage Site and many important guests stayed here. During the Cuban crises Fidel Castro and Che Guevara set up their headquarters there to prepare the defence of Havana from aerial attack.
Malecon is 8 km long seaside road with a pedestrian zone. It is a zone with old restored buildings which is interesting for tourists and at the same time it is main gathering place for locals. Even though it was raining that day (occasionally) we decided to take a walk along Malecon.
Three wheel motorbikes are a cheap way of getting around central Havana. We were lucky enough to get not only taxi drive but a mini private tour, because our driver was friendly and in the mood to be our tour guide during the ride and tell us something about every building we were passing by. He was so sweet doing that for us and we even got a Cuban cigars as a gift souvenir.
We also visited La Bodeguita del Medio, little old bar which is apparently birthplace of the Mojito cocktail. We sat at the bar and just enjoyed our cocktails, and I have to say it was best Mojito I’ve ever had.
My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita.
Ernest Hemingway
El Floridita is such a charming, lively, noisy and a little smoky place – exactly how you imagine Cuba to be.
This is totally ‘a place to visit’ in Havana, my recommendations. I really love the vivid atmosphere in Floridita with live band playing the music.
If you ever get a chance to visit this unusual island you definitely have to try one of the Hemingway’s favorite drink – famous daiquiri which is aaamazing. I love it.
There you can meet Hemingway ‘in person’, he is there, standing in his corner.
The words can’t describe how amazing time I had in Havana. It was such a unique experience and I couldn’t be happier I had a chance to visit and explore it. I’ve visited so many cities until now, but this one left the biggest impression on me. I love every minute spent there.
This is it for Havana.. Stay tuned because we are moving to the seaside of this beautiful island in my next post..