An off-the-beaten-path experience in Havana, here’s a 3-day itinerary focusing on lesser-known spots, local neighborhoods, and cultural experiences that go beyond the usual tourist attractions.
Day 1: Hidden Gems of Havana
Morning: Explore Vedado Neighborhood
- Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC) by Day:
- Overview: While FAC is well-known as a nightlife spot, it also serves as an art gallery during the day. Located in a repurposed factory, this multi-disciplinary space showcases contemporary Cuban art across various mediums, including photography, painting, and sculpture.
- Highlights: Spend your morning exploring the exhibits, which often reflect Cuba’s current social and political landscape. The venue itself, with its industrial-chic design, is a work of art.
- La Rampa & Coppelia Ice Cream:
- Overview: La Rampa is a bustling avenue in Vedado that’s less touristy but full of local life. It’s a great place to get a feel for everyday Havana.
- Highlights: Stop by Coppelia, Havana’s famous ice cream parlor, a favorite among locals. The building is architecturally unique, and the long lines offer a glimpse into Cuban social life.
Afternoon: Discover El Vedado’s Cultural Nooks
- Necrópolis de Cristóbal Colón (Colon Cemetery):
- Overview: While not entirely off the beaten track, this vast cemetery is less crowded and offers a quieter experience. It’s filled with elaborate tombs and statues, telling the stories of Havana’s history through its residents.
- Highlights: Seek out the less-visited sections, where you can discover tombs of famous and lesser-known figures, each with its unique story. Look for the grave of La Milagrosa, a local legend.
- La Rampa’s Murals and Yara Cinema:
- Overview: La Rampa is also home to a series of murals that celebrate the history and culture of Cuba. Yara Cinema, located nearby, is a cultural icon and one of Havana’s most important movie theaters.
- Highlights: Walk along the avenue to see these murals, then check out Yara Cinema for a local film screening or just to appreciate the modernist architecture.
Evening: Local Vibes in Vedado
- Café Fortuna Joe:
- Overview: This quirky little café is tucked away in a Vedado side street and filled with eclectic décor, including old typewriters, radios, and nostalgic Cuban memorabilia.
- Highlights: Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail while soaking in the unique ambiance. It’s a cozy spot where locals gather, making it a great place to interact with Havana residents.
Day 2: Immersive Local Experiences
Morning: Explore Regla and Guanabacoa
- Regla and Its Afro-Cuban Heritage:
- Overview: Take a ferry across the bay to Regla, a small town with a strong Afro-Cuban identity and deep religious significance.
- Highlights: Visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Regla, dedicated to the Black Madonna, who is also associated with the Afro-Cuban deity Yemayá. Explore the town’s quiet streets, visit local markets, and maybe catch a glimpse of a Santería ceremony.
- Guanabacoa:
- Overview: Just a short taxi ride from Regla, Guanabacoa is another town known for its rich Afro-Cuban traditions.
- Highlights: Visit the Museo Municipal de Guanabacoa, which offers insights into the town’s Afro-Cuban culture, including exhibits on Santería, Palo Monte, and other syncretic religions.
Afternoon: Local Flavors and Sounds
- Alamar and the East Havana Scene:
- Overview: Alamar is a sprawling housing project on the eastern outskirts of Havana, known as the birthplace of Cuban hip-hop.
- Highlights: Visit Casa de la Cultura de Alamar, a community center where local artists, musicians, and performers showcase their work. Depending on the day, you might catch a spontaneous hip-hop performance or a local art exhibition.
- Lunch at El Biky:
- Overview: Head back to central Havana for lunch at El Biky, a less touristy but popular local spot offering Cuban and international cuisine in a relaxed, retro setting.
- Highlights: Try traditional dishes like ropa vieja or sample the fresh seafood. The atmosphere here is a blend of old-world charm and modern Cuban culture.
Evening: Music and Dance in Marianao
- Rumba at Callejón de Hammel (Sundays only):
- Overview: If it’s a Sunday, return to Havana for an evening at Callejón de Hammel, where you can experience a raw, energetic rumba session with live drumming and dancing.
- Highlights: The alley is a hub for Afro-Cuban culture, adorned with murals and sculptures. The rumba sessions are lively and inclusive, often involving the audience.
- Club 1830:
- Overview: Located in the Miramar district, Club 1830 is a great spot to enjoy live salsa music and dancing.
- Highlights: The venue has a large outdoor dance floor by the sea, offering a beautiful setting for an evening of dancing. Even if you’re not a dancer, the vibrant atmosphere and live music are worth experiencing.
Day 3: Arts, Markets, and Hidden Spots
Morning: Havana’s Lesser-Known Museums
- Museo del Espía (Spy Museum):
- Overview: This little-known museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Cuba’s history of espionage, from the Cold War to the present.
- Highlights: The exhibits include spy gadgets, declassified documents, and stories of espionage that feel straight out of a spy novel. It’s a unique way to understand Cuba’s complex international relations.
- Casa de la Obrapía:
- Overview: This colonial mansion turned museum is dedicated to showcasing 18th and 19th-century Cuban life.
- Highlights: The museum features antique furniture, ceramics, and household items, giving visitors a sense of what life was like in Havana during the colonial period. The house itself is beautifully preserved and offers a quiet, reflective space away from the crowds.
Afternoon: Local Markets and Hidden Cafes
- Agromercado 19 y B:
- Overview: Visit this large local market in Vedado, where you’ll find fresh produce, meats, and local products.
- Highlights: This is where many Havana residents do their shopping, making it a great place to observe daily life. You can also sample fresh tropical fruits or pick up some local spices and herbs.
- Callejón de los Peluqueros:
- Overview: Located in the heart of Old Havana, this quirky alley is dedicated to barbers and hairdressers. It’s a vibrant mix of art, culture, and community.
- Highlights: Walk through the alley to see the unique barber-themed murals and sculptures. Stop by El Patchanka, a small café and art gallery in the alley, for a coffee or a light snack while enjoying the artistic atmosphere.
Evening: Sunset and Seaside
- Playas del Este:
- Overview: Escape the city for a relaxing late afternoon at the Playas del Este, a series of beaches located about 20 minutes east of Havana.
- Highlights: The beaches are quieter during the week, offering a serene spot to relax. Enjoy the soft sand, warm waters, and perhaps a mojito from one of the beachside bars. This is a perfect way to unwind after your days of exploring Havana’s hidden treasures.
- **Dinner at La Fontana:
- Overview: Finish your offbeat Havana experience with dinner at La Fontana, a paladar in the Miramar district known for its eclectic menu and artsy ambiance.
- Highlights: The restaurant is decorated with local art, and the menu features a fusion of Cuban and international flavors. It’s a popular spot with Havana’s creative crowd, offering a fitting end to your exploration of the city’s hidden side.
This itinerary provides an alternative view of Havana, taking you to neighborhoods and experiences that reveal the city’s authentic and often overlooked character. Enjoy your journey through the hidden gems of Havana!
