Havana

New 7 Wonders Cities

Havana was founded in the early sixteenth century and grew into a key port for Spanish treasure fleets, protected by fortresses such as El Morro and La Cabaña. Its heart, Old Havana, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of plazas, baroque churches, mansions and cobbled streets, much of it restored and some of it still in need of repair. Beyond lie the Capitolio, the grand boulevards of Centro Habana and Vedado, the Plaza de la Revolución and the Malecón, the long seawall where residents gather at sunset, fishing, talking and playing music. Classic American cars from the 1950s, kept running through ingenuity, share the road with modern vehicles. Havana’s culture is musical and literary, with son, rumba and jazz played in clubs and on street corners, and Ernest Hemingway’s haunts attracting curious visitors. Visitors today should expect a more complicated picture than the postcard: shortages, power cuts and economic difficulties affect daily life and services, and conditions change. Practical planning matters, including entry paperwork, travel insurance accepted in Cuba, cash arrangements and accommodation booked in advance. US citizens face specific legal restrictions on tourist travel and should check official guidance. Travelling thoughtfully, staying in locally owned guesthouses, eating at family-run restaurants and respecting local life can make the visit more rewarding for residents and visitors alike.