Havana is the city founded by the Spanish, and you would know that the Spaniards have a great way of constructing beautiful buildings with attractive designs. Havana has been and is at present the hub of the transportation system of Cuba. Also, it is the main gateway for international air transport. The city is the central hub for the Cuban government, as many businesses and headquarters are present. Almost all the essential institutions are located in this city. As such, the city is rich in attractions and tourist spots. The city attracts about a million tourists per year as recorded. The non-touristy activities in Havana like listening to Cuban music, learning Salsa, or visiting Chocolate Museum can undoubtedly be a tremendous boost to your adventurous nature. Here are the best non-touristy things to do in Havana.
1. Explore Barrio Chino
Like many great cities having a Chinatown, El Barrio Chino is Havana’s very own Chinatown. With a few Chinese people and great Chinese dishes, the town is a place to be if you are ready to have some Chinese cuisine. It is an opportunity for the traveler to experience the rich culture of Chinese. The area is isolated and a great time to take photos. It is an excellent place to visit to pass the time.
Barrio Chino
Address: Centro Habana Barrio Chino Entrance, back of the Capitolio, Havana, Cuba
2. Experience Cuban music
Cuban music is definitely proven to be one of the most classical and a beautiful ode to the ear. Just visit any bar in Havana, and you feel the unique air filled with energy and lovely tunes. To catch up on some traditional Cuban scores you can check out La Dichosa, Santo Angel, El Patio Bar Restaurant, and Bar Monserrate.
3. Shake it up with salsa moves
The lovely salsa dance is one of the reasons you might want to stay back in Cuba. This Cuban folk dance is practiced to this day. It is a combination of the famed Afro-Cuban dances son, cha-cha, mambo, rumba, and danzon. You can learn the dance from any dance instructor in the city. Salsa Cubano is the Cuban style of salsa, and the main steps are that you shift the weight of the body from foot to foot.
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4. Check out the book market of Plaza de Armas
This second-hand book market provides a wide range of used books. You can get the best selling books, international bestsellers, and native books. A paradise for book lovers, you can collect all the book antique present there. Take out some of the books and read them in the study; you may get lucky and get serenaded by a wandering musician. The architecture of the plaza is spectacular, and a must sight to see.
Plaza de Armas
Address: Havana, Cuba
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Pickup souvenirs and paintings at Antiguos Almacenes
Almacenes San Jose is a great place to buy art. The artists are proficient in their work, and the prices are excellent. There are many artworks from the different booths and stalls; many of the booths sell the same things but at different rates. Remember to ask for discounts when you buy souvenirs and paintings. The place is crowded, but the prices are affordable. However, you must be aware of scams; many locals try to scam tourists.
Antiguos Almacenes
Address: Old Havana, 10100 Havana, Cuba
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
6. Drop by Museo Del Chocolate
Museo Del Chocolate is not a museum and is not chocolaty. The museum provides a cold chocolate drink. The walls of the museum showcase the history of chocolates, most significant are that of the American chocolate manufacturer Hershey’s that once had a factory in Cuba. The café of the museum provides chocolate dishes and servings with chocolate drinks. The displays show the history, the picture, the smells, and an English guide for tourists.
Museo Del Chocolate
Address: Amargura Street, Havana, Cuba
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 9pm
7. Sightsee on a T1 Red Double Decker
The prices of these buses are low, and the seats are comfortable, the bus is an excellent way for tourists to sightsee throughout the city. There are about 27 bus stops that you can navigate through. This hop-on and hop-off double-decker bus is available from morning till noon and runs continuously for the whole week. The ride comes with a tour guide who informs you about the places and the interest points in the city with historical values.
T1 Red Double Decker
Address: 267 Agramonte, Havana, Cuba
Price: 10 USD
8. Experience cocktails and classic cars (from USD 55.0)
The vintage cars in Cuba will take you on tour to the classic times. The classic cars and cocktails will grant you a fantastic experience. It is an excellent way to tour Havana as the car can take you anywhere; name it, and you will be there. The guide and the driver know the city well and will take you to the best places in the city. This two-hours tour trip on a 1950s American convertible should be a starter to your awesome holiday.
Havana: 2-Hour Classic American Car Tour with a Cocktail
Duration: 2 hour
9. Take an off-the-beaten-track tour (from USD 125.0)
Get an insight into the state’s agricultural system. Have an adventure on the Cuban public transportation system, visit the pottery workshop and try to make your vase, meet the Cuban farmers learn about their craft and the local English guide will take care of all the language barriers. Remember to pack a big meal or eat heartily before the tour as lunch is only served in the late afternoon.
Havana: Off-the-Beaten-Track Tour
Duration: 8 hour
10. Experience authentic Cuban culture (from USD 138.0)
Attend Cabaret Tropicana, one of Havana’s most authentic shows that highlight the Cuban culture. Enjoy the delightful view of the stars during this event. The duration of the event is two-and-a-half hours. The location of the club is at the outdoors in a wooded area, which makes it unique from the city’s traditional cabaret sites. The performance includes Cuban music, a great dinner after, and a view of the stars.
Havana: Cabaret Tropicana Admission Ticket
Duration: 2.5 hour
Cuba: a place best known for non-touristy activities
Cuba is undoubtedly a great place to enjoy the holidays; there is so much to do and so little time. The guide will assist in understanding the non-touristy things to do in Havana when you have finished all the touristy things to do. From listening to Cuban music to learning salsa dance, this will prove to be worth your time.
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