The city of Havana was the seventh village to be founded in Cuba by the Spanish conquerors in the early XVI century, and the third and definitive capital of the island. The city, originally called San Cristobal de La Habana, was founded on November 16th, 1519 under the ceiba tree that still grows now near the El Templete church on Plaza de Armas, and this year it will celebrate its 500th anniversary.
Over the course of a half a millennium since its foundation Havana has undergone significant changes, witnessed countless historical and cultural events of great importance, and was recently…
Havana, the capital of a little island in the Caribbean called Cuba, is a wonderful city full of marvels that you will never see in any other part of the world. Here, things that may seem opposite merge into one picturesque scenery where old and half-ruined buildings are in close vicinity with modern technologies, and green parks fit perfectly into urban environments. This city owes its uniqueness to the long and rich history of the whole country and the city itself.
Havana’s history started the November 16th of the year 1519, with the foundation of the city by the Spanish…
The image of cows cropping on fields is not often seen on while traveling in Cuba. You can see some fields with cows on it along the roads, but they are not an important part of the landscape. Neither it is frequent to see beef on the tables of Cuban people, although they have not lost the liking for it.
In fact, Cuba has developed a complex regulatory and cultural relationship with cows. It has become a paradox that fascinates foreign journalists:
Why is beef so precious to [Cuba]? I’ve come here to find out.
-Adam (writing for Vice News)
Cows in the Colony
Cuba is one of the fastest growing travel destinations in the world. That being said, it is an island of paradoxes: despite the average salary being less than $50 a month, Cuba can be surprisingly expensive. If you want to understand why, read this article. In this article will guide you on backpacking Cuba if you are on a low budget.
How much should I budget visiting Cuba?
If money is tight you can visit Cuba and have a good time on 30 dollars a day if you watch your expenses. If you are absolutely crazy you can probably do 15 dollars a day. For most people…
Vintage cars in Cuba are part of daily life with most classic cars being used as taxis. Some of them look brand new, painted in vivid colours and transport tourists around at prices beyond Cubans reach (25–50 CUC per hour). Those that are less well maintained are used as collective taxis or ‘taxi colectivos’ as Cubans call them. Other classic American cars are preserved like museum pieces. These are the originals that are rarely seen out. Fan of classic cars? Cuba is the place to go.
Whilst all over the world classic American cars of the 40s and 50s have…
Everybody knows that internet in Cuba doesn’t work like it does in the rest of the world. No free WIFI anywhere.
This article aims to explain the internet use in Cuba. If you are visiting Cuba and want to have a practical guide on how to stay connected, read our Internet in Cuba for Foreigners guide.
How do Cubans connect to the internet?
Cubans have the right to open an internet account called Nauta which they can put money into by buying tickets or paying directly in ETECSA offices. The money you put into your account sums up and can be kept for a long time. In…
Some of the best beaches near Havana are located just a short drive from the city centre. You can easily spend a day relaxing at the beach and return to the city for a night out. Alternatively you can spend the morning exploring Havana and relax at one of the 7 beaches that make up Playas del Este. Along a coastline that stretches 30 kilometres to the east of the Cuban capital, you can find white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters called Playas del Este. …
