We traveled to Cuba in March 2025. Here is a part 1 of our travel there.

Havana, the capital of Cuba, is a city rich in history, culture, and contrasts. Founded in 1519 by Spanish colonists, it became a key port for Spanish treasure fleets. Havana is famous for its colonial architecture, American vintage cars, vibrant music scene, and revolutionary history.

Before 1959, when Fidel Castro came to power, Havana was a popular destination for American tourists, drawn by its warm climate, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. However, after the Cuban Revolution, Havana’s former grandeur began to fade.

Despite remaining Cuba’s economic hub, the city saw significant deterioration over the decades. We saw the poverty of ordinary people that was beyond any imaginations. There are visible signs of neglect everywhere—dirt-strewn streets, frequent electricity blackouts (in fact, during our visit, the entire Cuba was without electricity for two days!), food scarcity and rations, and beggars at nearly every corner where tourists gather.

We have not seen any supermarkets or normal food stores in Havana. Nevertheless, there is no violence on the streets and people are quite friendly, dancing and singing. Even though we enjoyed our trip and the hotels were nice, I felt like it was ‘A Feast in Time of Plague’…

Key Highlights of Havana for us:

-Malecón – The famous seafront boulevard, stretching nearly five miles, is a favorite for both locals and visitors, offering stunning ocean views, especially at sunset.

-El Capitolio – Once the seat of government, this neoclassical building resembles the U.S. Capitol but is actually slightly taller. It now houses Cuba’s National Assembly.

-Revolution Square (Plaza de la Revolución) – This vast square has been the site of many major speeches, including those by Fidel Castro. It features the towering José Martí Memorial and a famous Che Guevara mural.

-Classic Cars – Due to the U.S. embargo, Havana is like a time capsule of 1950s American cars, many of which have been carefully maintained and still cruise the streets.

-Cuban Music & Nightlife – Havana is the heart of Cuba’s Afro-Caribbean music scene. We went to the Tropicana show. El Tropicana Night Club in Havana, Cuba, located in a lush, 36,000-square-metre estate tropical garden, opened on December 30, 1939, at the Villa Mina in Marianao.

-Cigar & Rum Culture – Havana is synonymous with Cuban cigars and rum. We visited one of the iconic cigar factories in Havana.

-Fusterlandia – A quirky, colorful neighborhood designed by artist José Fuster, often called Cuba’s Gaudí. Artist Jose Fuster has transformed his neighborhood and his home into a wonderland covered in whimsical mosaic art similar to Gaudi’s work in Spain.

-Cultural Muraleando - Community Project. Created in 2001 by the artist Manuel Diaz Baldrich, Muraleando has transformed the neighborhood into an art gallery. Children form the community and visitors to the project attend classes in pottery, painting, music, dance, and engraving aimed at building and developing their artistic skills. This a singular cultural experience and a unique look into Cuban culture, art, food, and way of life. The need to transform the neighborhood into a healthy and attractive environment was the main motivation for the creation of Muraleando. After more than two decades of existence, this social and cultural project marks a difference in the Lawton neighborhood in Havana’s municipality. This art project on the outskirts of Havana turned this neighborhood into a gallery of murals, sculptures, and more.

-SantaCana Art Studio.