Top 5 Things To See And Do In Havana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba used to be the playground for the rich and you can still experience that celebration at the famous Tropicana. I put the Tropicana on my top 5 list, but only so you can make the decision about whether or not you want to partake. Tickets cost $90 each and you can buy them online before you arrive. You can add dinner at the restaurant for an additional $30 per ticket. Dinner is nice and if you eat dinner there, you cut the line to get in. You can also buy VIP tickets so you can sit closer to the stage. Personally, every seat in the house is good so I don't see a point to paying more. When you enter, they will ask you to pay $5 so you can take photos. We paid, but no one ever checked and I saw lots of people taking photos and video. FYI, a taxi from Havana to the Tropicana will cost about 30 CUC each way. 

Back to the top things to see in Havana:

1. FREE Walking Tour - this was amazing! Our guide walked and talked for 4 hours. He showed us Hemingway's bars, the museums, the plaza, the capital, the classic cars, the architecture, the history, the murals and more. You can make a reservation online before you go. This is a FREE walking tour so be sure to tip your guide. 

2. Museum de la Revolucion - this museum traces the history of the revolution in Cuba led by Fidel Castro. It really helps to give you perspective and to hear some of the propaganda told to the Cubans about the west. Fidel Castro's boat, Gramma, is housed here. Admission costs 8 CUC. 

3. Cannon Ceremony at Castillo de San Carlos de la Cabana - This ceremony happens every evening at 9pm and is not to be missed. You can take the ferry from Old Havana to the Cristo and walk for 1 CUC or you can take a taxi for 10 CUC. Admission to the fortress is 8 CUC so go early. Starting at 8:45pm, the soldiers parade and then ready a real cannon. At exactly 9pm, they shoot the cannon to symbol the end of the day. 

4. Hemingways Haunts - So if you are an Earnest Hemingway fan, then you won't want to miss his room in the Hotel Ambos Mundos, Floridita Bar and La Bodequita Del Medio. In Hotel Ambos Mundos, you should buy a ticket for 5 CUC to check out Hemingway's room #511. Just the ride in the elevator is pretty cool. The rooftop bar is also worth checking out. FYI, this hotel is on Trump's list of hotels to avoid so you may not want to stay there.  Floridita Bar is packed and features a statue of the writer. La Bodequita Del Medio cannot be missed due to the graffiti on the wall and the music blaring out of it. Apparently, Hemingway drank one drink at this bar one time, but tourists flock to it. 

5. Ride in a classic car to Fusterlandia - Here's a twofer for you. Choose a classic car in the main plaza and rent it for 2 hours. Each hour should cost about 30-35 CUC. Have the driver take you on the Malecon to Fusterlandia. The Malecon is a beautiful stretch of highway that runs along the ocean. You will see the Hotel Nacional (it is worth checking out the lobby and hall of fame) and the closed US Embassy. Fusterlandia is a Gaudi like town that is just plain crazy. Spend 15-20 minutes walking through the gallery. Don't buy souvenirs here instead buy them in Trinidad. On the way back, the driver should take you through the park and next to the cemetery. Great tour and bang for your buck.