Cuba Trip Summary
Day 1
We arrived at Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport in Varadero at 1 p.m. and began our journey to Havana by bus. On the way, we passed through Matanzas, a city known for its rich Afro-Cuban culture, and made several stops at resorts, which are popular vacation spots for many Canadians seeking sun and relaxation.
By 4:30 p.m., we checked into the Iberostar Parque Central Hotel, located in the heart of Havana. After settling in, we took a quick walking tour around Parque Central, passing by the Statue of José Martí and taking in the grandeur of the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso. The theater, known for its stunning baroque façade, is a cultural hub of Cuba. We were also treated to a live performance at Hotel Inglaterra before ending our evening marveling at the Capitolio, beautifully illuminated against the night sky.
Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso
Hotel Inglaterra
Day 2
Our second day started with a stroll down San Rafael Street in Centro Habana, one of the busiest pedestrian streets, where the city’s everyday life unfolds. On our way back along Neptuno Street, we stopped by a local mechanic shop, capturing some great photos of Cuban ingenuity in action.
Continuing along the famous Avenida Malecón, Havana’s iconic seaside avenue, we admired the expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and crumbling colonial buildings on the other. The Malecón stretches for eight kilometers along the coast, serving as a beloved gathering spot for locals who enjoy the sea breeze, music, and conversation by the water. We visited Roberto’s Gallery, purchasing a few vibrant paintings. We passed by Hotel Sevilla, whose Moorish architecture reminded us of Algeria and the Mediterranean aesthetic. Nearby, a building caught our eye with its beautiful zelij tiles, inscribed in Arabic with “Wala ghaliba illa Allah” (“There is no victor but God”). We were struck by this symbol of Islamic influence in Havana, especially when, moments later, we encountered a veiled Muslim vendor named Amina at a nearby fruit and vegetable market—a lovely surprise.
After a short rest at the hotel, we visited the Escuela Primaria René Fraga Moreno (an elementary school), where the principal graciously gave us a tour of the facilities and shared a brief history of Cuba’s education system. Afterward, we passed through Plaza del Cristo, a small but lively square in Old Havana, on our way to Café Bohemia, where we enjoyed a coffee accompanied by live local music. The day ended with a seafood dinner at La Vitrola in Plaza Vieja, where we feasted on fresh fish and shrimp, a staple of Cuban cuisine.
“Wala ghaliba illa Allah” (“There is no victor but God”)
Day 3
We kicked off the day with a visit to the Museo de la Revolución, housed in the former Presidential Palace. The museum offers a deep dive into Cuba’s revolutionary history, with relics and war artifacts on display, particularly from the Cuba-US conflict. Afterward, we crossed the street to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, where we admired Cuban fine art and picked up a photography book, followed by a relaxing coffee break.
On our way to Almacenes San José Artisans’ Market, we visited the Casa Natal de José Martí, the birthplace of Cuba’s national hero. After exploring the market, we hailed a classic Coco Taxi—a fun, open-air ride—back to the hotel.
In the afternoon, we embarked on a city tour in a stunning red 1956 Ford vintage car. Our driver and guide, Alfredo, was fantastic. Our first stop was the iconic Plaza de la Revolución, home to the famous Che Guevara mural. We also passed by the grand Cristóbal Colón Cemetery, Vedado, and the legendary Hotel Nacional, before heading back along the Avenida Malecón.
Day 4
This was a big day dedicated to exploring Habana Vieja (Old Havana). We began with a guided tour of the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso, capturing amazing photos of areas under restoration that aren’t normally open to the public. The tour ended with a breathtaking rooftop view of the Capitolio and the sprawling city below.
After a much-needed rest, we spent the afternoon walking along Calle Obispo, one of Havana’s most famous streets, buzzing with life. A highlight was our stop at the Mezquita Addallah, where Brother Abdallah and his wife Aisha gave us insight into the Muslim community in Cuba. We continued exploring, walking through Plaza de las Armas, the oldest square in Havana, with its beautiful colonial buildings.
On our way, we passed through Plaza de San Francisco and visited the elegant Hotel Raquel, known for its stunning Art Nouveau design. Our day ended with a fantastic coffee at Café Azucar, where we enjoyed a great view of Plaza Vieja from the balcony. Just as we were sipping our coffee, a sudden rainstorm hit, and we watched people run for cover—a charming Havana moment!
Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso
El Capitolio Nacional de La Habana
Day 5
On the fifth day, we visited Callejón de los Peluqueros, a vibrant alley known for its unique murals and art installations. There, we toured a beautifully designed three-story rental house, complete with all modern amenities. Afterward, we passed by Plaza de la Catedral, home to the grand Havana Cathedral, and visited the Museo de la Pintura Mural, where frescoes from Cuba’s colonial past are preserved.
We couldn’t leave without visiting La Bodeguita del Medio, made famous by American author and novelist Hemingway, where we took a portrait photo of a typical Cuban man, perfectly capturing the spirit of the place. We later had coffee at Café El Bosquecito and picked up souvenirs at Matty, including a beautiful print of Barrio Chino, Havana’s historic Chinatown.
Day 6
Our final day in Havana began with a leisurely walk through Habana Vieja, revisiting Plaza de las Armas. We returned to Patio de los Artesanos to buy some last-minute gifts before heading to Hotel Sevilla for a coffee in the lobby, where we enjoyed the peaceful sight of rain falling in the hotel’s picturesque patio.
Before heading back to the airport, we donated all our remaining food, then returned to the hotel to wait for our bus. At 4 p.m., we departed for Varadero Airport. Our trip concluded with a flight back to Montreal, followed by a late-night drive back to Ottawa, arriving around 5 a.m.
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