17th Street: from Almendares River to Presidents’ Avenue

17th Street stretches from Malecon until 32nd Street into the neighborhood “El Fanguito”, very close to Almendares River. Technically, its distance can be covered on foot in one go, however, if rushed, the visitor could miss thousands of details which can be captured with the lens of a camera.

The street holds impressive mansions, with one or two floors, the tallest building in Cuba, John Lennon Park, the Museum of Decorative Arts, Sarao’s Bar and “Submarino Amarillo” (Yellow Submarine) Club.

A total of 17 hospitals are located along the street, as well as schools that once belonged to wealthy families, and rental properties which can easily compete with the best hotels in Havana.

So, have we agreed to cover the distance slowly? Then get your camera ready and join me in because today we will start on 32nd street and walk until G Avenue.

First Stop: John Lennon Park

The lavish mansions of 17th Street will start amazing you as soon as you start walking along the street. Some of them are evidently worn out with time but others still shine as they once did.

Keep on walking and, of course, you must make a stop at John Lennon Park between 8th and 6th streets. Since the year 2000, the leader of “the four-fab” from Liverpool waits on a bench to be photographed with you.

Don’t miss the chance to sit next to this bronze sculpture, made by renowned Cuban artist Jose Villa Soberon, which has seen thousands of locals and foreign admirers to pass by.

Afterwards, you just need to cross the street to get to “Submarino Amarillo” (Yellow Submarine) Club, an excellent live music venue where you can also enjoy from recorded music which pays tribute to The Beatles’ legacy.

Across the street, on the corner of 17th and 6th, you’ll find the Union Francesa de Cuba, a restaurant which brings together French and Cuban cultures to the table. It sounds good, doesn’t it? Well, it tastes better.

As you walk, you will find some Bed and Breakfasts for those who prefer to stay in an area like Vedado, for example “La Residencia de Yunia” (Yunia’s Residence), a cozy apartment located on the corner of 17th and 2nd, number 802. This place takes pride in its welcoming atmosphere and the wonderful view of the city over 17th street.

More about its big mansions

As you keep walking along 17th street, you will come across the Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Institute and the Paseo Habana Hotel, an unpretentious place whose most significant charms are the size of its rooms and the great location.

On the corner of 23rd and D Street former mansions are now a Special Care Center for Diabetic Patients and the Jose Marti Cultural Society.

Founded in 1995, the Jose Marti Society focuses on the study of Marti’s thinking, work and teachings. This is a perfectly preserved building that houses numerous historically relevant documents in Cuba.

Near the corner of 23rd and D Streets, the porch of an old mansion has been converted into the Dulce Habana Restaurant, offering “Happy Hours” service from 5:00 to 7:00 every evening. Other attractive offers include breakfast, varied appetizers, Italian food, meats and others, besides the hospitality of its staff which will make you feel as family.

Art at its best

The Museum of Decorative Arts is located on 17th and E Streets, in the former residence of Countess Maria Luisa Gomez Mena.

Its grand stairway rises from the lobby of the majestic building as a preview of what can be found in its halls: more than 33,000 pieces of great historical and artistic value. The collections include pieces of art from Louis XV and Louis XVI’s reigns as well as Oriental pieces of art from the 16th to the 20th century.

Just a few steps away, another historically and culturally relevant building awaits: Cuban Sephardi Hebrew Center with a permanent exhibit that pays tribute to the millions of victims of the Holocaust, a just and necessary exhibition that can be visited as part of your walk along 17th street.

At this point, you are only two blocks away from Presidents’ Avenue (also known as G Street), an outdoor museum whose monuments are a 24/7 tribute to relevant Latin American national heroes.

Nights on 17th Street

To bring your day to a spectacular close, 17th street has two great options.

Cafe Madrigal, very close to John Lennon Park between 2nd and 4th streets, is a quiet place with vintage decoration. Once there I recommend the skewer along with a cold Cuban beer.

Madrigal Cafe is open until very late and around midnight live music breaks the silence and becomes the perfect companion for your drinks, no matter if you are enjoying a Cuban mojito or an international cocktail.

On the other hand, Sarao’s opens at noon and it is a great option to enjoy either a fancy lunch or some rum cocktails and tapas in the afternoon.

However, the best moment to visit is the night. This is one of the trendiest places in Havana at the moment thanks to its perfect combination between both recorded and live music where truly experienced musicians jam every night. Sarao’s atmosphere and distinction will invite you to stay up and enjoy Havana nights from dusk ’til dawn.

Something more than a gallery of lavish mansions

17th street invites to visit not only because of its architecture but also because of its history and culture, because of its rental properties and bars.

It urges you to find out what these lines don’t describe but your eyes might discover. Give it a try! Try to find out what we haven’t discovered yet. The experience may be interesting.

Originally published at havanaprivatesuite.com.