Cuba – the dreamland for those who had money in the previous century. Lots of money! Cuba used to be the playground of the Western Hemisphere. And sure it was, having all those beautiful streets, exquisite Spanish colonial architecture, and mainly the utopia of entertainment. Thus, Cuba had been the premier destination for the rich and famous for years. Today, with its magnificent architecture and the remaining 1950s American cars, it looks like Cuba lives among the ghosts of its own past.
There is nowhere in the world a city like Havana. From the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture of the Old Town, to the spectacular demolition of Havana Centro, a city of strong survivors and masterful musicians rocks Havana remains one of the most attractive destinations for travellers.
Founded on the western banks of a magnificent natural harbour, Habana Vieja, which once was once the entire city of Havana now forms the most captivating part of the old city and the capital's tourist centre. This UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site is one of crumbling magnificence and restored beauty. You can enjoy immensely all the fine museums, colonial buildings, elegant plazas, sweeping boulevards and narrow, atmospheric streets bristling with life.
There are many attractive places you can visit once you are in Havana, such as the statue Cristo de La Habana. Havana's statue of Christ blesses the city from the other side of the bay, much like another well-known effigy of Jesus that gazes down on Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. This particular marble sculpture is the work of Jilma Madera, and was erected in 1958 on a rise in the land that offers the perfect place to watch the sunset. You can go there either by road, or across the bay in a boat. A 24-hour snack bar operates close to the statue's base, so you can get everything you need at the place.
Do not miss a visit to the Capitolio Nacional, which was built in 1929 to house the island's Senate and House of Representatives. This building looks rather similar to the Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. Inside there is a statue of La Republica, the biggest indoor bronze effigy in the world. There is also an enormous and historic gallery called the Salón de los Pasos Perdidos (The Hall of Lost Steps); a 28-carat diamond that marks the exact centre of the city; and the headquarters of the Cuban Natural History Museum, housing the country's largest natural history collection.
Despite all the beauty of Havana and Cuba itself, always keep in mind that prices are terribly inflated. Because of the irrational Government Policy you have to do your best to spend less than 15 dollars per night. Those coming from South America will take that as crazy, as the standards are quite different, but for the Europeans it is pretty much acceptable.
