Guide to Havana

Please note: from 1st May 2010, health insurance is obligatory for travelers to Cuba.

Havana was founded in 1515 and was one of the early trade centres in the New World. It is now the capital and commercial centre of Cuba. Havana is made up of three districts: Old Havana, Vedado, and the newer suburban districts to the west (including the exclusive Miramar, where our school is located).

Havana is the capital city of Cuba, and is located on its coast. It has a tropical climate, with temperatures rarely going below 10 degrees Celcius.

Havana offers many places of cultural interest, including a variety of museums, art galleries and palaces, as well as opportunities to see the ballet and theater.

Places of interest include: Las Terrazas, Canimar River, Varadero, Viñales, Playas del Este and Trinidad, the Rum Museum, Casa de la Amistad, Museo de la Ciudad de Habana (the city museum) and Cienfuegos. Old Havana, the ancient city centre, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shopping in Havana has improved in the last few years and the very first shopping malls, such as the Tiendas Carlos Tercero, have started to appear. There are naturally countless shops selling cigars, rum, Che Guevera T-Shirts, coffee and other Cuban souvenirs. Shops are usually open from 10:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays from 10:00 to 13:00. Payment is in Convertible Pesos (CUC) and credit cards (except American Express and other American cards) are accepted.

Havana is famous for its vibrant nightlife. The Casa de la Música and Tropicana are some of the famous nightclubs where locals and tourists can show off their salsa moves. There are also plenty of smaller bars where one can enjoy a glass of rum and Cuban music. Apart from that, theatres and cinemas offer many interesting and cheap alternatives for a night out.

Public transport is still rather limited and unreliable in Havana. There are some local buses, but the easiest way to get around is to hire a car, use taxis, and make the most of the trips and tours organised by the school. The main cities in Cuba are linked by a train and bus network.