Whoever thinks of Cuba automatically thinks of Havana. No other city in the country fulfils the most famous clichés like the capital.

Colorful. Loud. Alive.

These are some of the typical things that describe Havana quite well. But the city offers many different facets and shows itself from many sides. One could say that in Havana, not only the facades but also the whole life are colourful.

As soon as you arrive in Havana, you quickly notice that the world here works a little differently. Numerous classic cars, as well as other rather old cars, are driving around on the streets. The locals spend most of their free time on the streets, or just sit for hours in front of their own front door and watch life in their neighbourhood.

At the beginning still a little bit afraid of the unknown, you realize quite fast that fear is completely out of place in Havana. The people are generally very friendly and helpful. Of course, not everyone means well with you and wants to get some of your saved money, so you need to be careful who you trust. You will not be ripped off in Cuba, but sometimes you will be fooled into thinking you are friends. We made this experience unfortunately twice during our Cuba trip.

When you look at pictures of Havana on social media such as Instagram , you get a slightly different image of the city than what you see on the ground. Although this is true not only for Havana, but for many travel destinations in the world in general, we found it extreme, especially for Havana.

We are sorry if we cannot speak of Havana in the best possible terms. It is important for us to present as authentic a picture as possible of our travels and therefore nothing is embellished where we cannot look away. We have also discussed our impression with many local people and our perception has often been confirmed.

As much as we were mainly looking forward to Havana before our trip to Cuba, our expectations were quickly brought down to earth.

Poverty. Broken roads. Faeces on the streets and the smell of sewage in the nose.

Unfortunately, these are also typical things you encounter in Havana when you wander the streets and take off the pink tourist glasses. Havana is very run-down in many areas and the poverty, or rather the carelessness, of the inhabitants can be felt. Often these are things that could actually be easily removed with a little more love for the city and would beautify the picture many times over.

Since Havana was our first destination in Cuba, we quickly got the feeling that this would now be the standard in Cuba. However, Viñales, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Varadero had presented us with a much more positive image of the country. One reason why it is important to see more than just Havana on a trip to Cuba.

Nevertheless, the capital still offers many beautiful corners and places worth seeing. Besides the very friendly and helpful people, it is especially admirable how lively and full of life the city is despite the bad economic situation. In many side streets there are small boutiques, studios and numerous restaurants. These are perfect for getting a real feel for local life and getting in touch with the people.

Even though Havana, like any other big city, offers some typical sights, it is most recommendable to just walk and explore the city.

During the drive in the classic car we usually also go to the Plaza de la Revolución. Here we have to make a short stop and enjoy the views of the José Martí Monument, as well as the steel outlines of the Cuban revolutionaries Camilo Cienfuegos and Che Guevara.

La Habana Vieja is the heart of the city and the place where you will sometimes find the promised colorful houses.

While you are wandering through the streets of Havana, it is recommended to make a short stop at the Plaza de la Catedral. A wonderful place and an amazingly beautiful cathedral for all culture lovers.

The city centre around the Capitol is probably the best place to start to discover everything around it. If you’re already here, you should marvel at the beautiful building.

If you are already in Havana, a tour in a classic car is a must. The price is purely a matter of negotiation. For example, we could drive around the city for just under $40.

The Malecón shore is one of the highlights of the city and the perfect change to the rest of Havana. Just watch the waves crashing against the wall at the harbour and enjoy the view into the distance.

In the city centre, the long O’Reilly street offers a wide range of bars and restaurants serving international and local cuisine. This is where we have always filled our stomachs. Of course, the prices here are also somewhat higher, but it is worth it.

Very close to the street in the city center is the Floridita Bar. Hemingway liked to stop by here during his stay in Havana. Today there is a life-size statue of him leaning against the bar counter. Since the bar is very famous, it is quite difficult or impossible to get a seat on site, depending on the time of day.

At the other end of O’Reilly Street you will find the Ambos Mundos Hotel. The view from the terrace is beautiful. While below you the life in the streets of Havana is going on, in the distance you can admire the fortress Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro.

For a little more culture the Revolution Museum is recommended. For barely $8 there is a load of Cuban history.

In Havana, as in the rest of Cuba, there are a few different rules than you might be used to in other countries. In order to master the everyday life perfectly, you can follow these tips.

The nice thing about Havana is that much of it is within walking distance. Of course you can take a taxi and get from A to B. However, most things you discover unexpectedly anyway, while you are on your way. This can be perfectly arranged in Havana.

Even though many people are very friendly and helpful, it is important to know that some of them also try to sell you something or sell at abnormal prices. Since we are speaking from personal experience, it is recommended to be friendly but decisive with the local people and not to go into everything they want from you.

Just common sense and everything will be fine. As mentioned, it is by no means dangerous on site, but you are often approached with the interest to let go of a little money.

Since Cuba is a socialist state, the locals still get coupons with which they buy food. Basically, as a tourist you will find enough possibilities to find something to eat from noon on. But before that it becomes quite difficult.

Delicious breakfast or warm rolls are a rarity. Often the bakeries are quite empty, offer a very limited number of delicacies, or just standard bread. Therefore it is recommended to check with the host to organize breakfast in advance. Or to skip this completely. In any case, we have lost a few kilos during our stay in Cuba. But afterwards they came back quite fast in Mexico.

The internet in Cuba is quite rare to find. Most of the apartments do not offer it and only a few hotels or restaurants have it on offer. Basically, the internet in Cuba and Havana works in such a way that you have to buy internet cards for about $2. For a card you will get one hour of internet access. Even then, you usually have to go to big parks to surf the internet. Simply everywhere in the city is not possible.

Basically you should meet the ticket sellers at these parks and be approached by them. But we personally have never seen one of them in Havana. Luckily our hostess bought us some tickets after our arrival.

So it is recommended to buy enough internet tickets as soon as you have the opportunity. And don’t worry that the cards might not work. We never had the problem, or rather it was never due to the cards, but rather to the overloaded internet lines.

The Ambos Mundos Hotel offers all guests the possibility to buy internet cards at the reception, but keep in mind that they only worked in the hotel area – at least in our case. Even if you are not a hotel guest, you can enjoy your drinks on the roof terrace and surf the internet.

Despite the problems that surround the city, a visit to the site is highly recommended. During our stay we experienced many beautiful moments, got to know nice people and heard exciting stories. Havana is a very special city, which we will always think of again, especially because of our engagement.

Havanna is probably the most expensive place in whole Cuba. There are only a few hotels, but some Airbnb’s to choose from. This is also where the biggest expenses are. The rest of the costs are within reasonable limits.

Prices are per person, except for the accomendation, which we rent for 3 people.

Accommodation: $150 / night

Restaurant: $6 – $16 / meal

Pleasure: $2 – $5 / event

Activity: $8 – $13 / event