Most guests never take a taxi during their stay
In 6-minutes walk
Calle O’Reilly and Obispo are considered the beating heart of Havana Vieja. This is where a lot of the action happens. Street performers, restaurants and bars. You'll find local Cuban artists. Also handy for banking and currency exchange. Surrounded by wonderful museums as the Cuban Art museum and Revolutionary museum. Close to colonial Spanish plazas you’ll see classic architecture, churches, relaxing patios and bars and restaurants overlooking the action.
In 10-minutes walk
Take a walk to the Malecon (boardwalk), where local Cubans hang out with friends and family. To sit by the water and enjoy the sunset. Or start your day watching the sunrise.
Havana’s favourite ice cream shop is a couple of blocks away, perfect for after dinner or a cool treat during the heat of the day.
In 15-minutes walk
Capitol building and luxury hotels where you can enjoy a pool and relax on breezy rooftops overlooking magnificent center of Havana. Most pool fees include food and drinks.
You are also one block away from a taxi stand, allowing you to explore the more modern parts of the city (e.g Vedado) and some of the attractions outside of the old quarter if you would like.
What to do in La Habana - daytime
Tours in 1950’s vintage cars
Take your cap or hat and camera, and prepare for a unique experience. Sights you can see: the Capitol of Havana, Grand Theater, Fraternity Park, Fountain of India Havana, Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Revolution Square, Christopher Columbus Necropolis, Havana's Forest / John Lennon Park, National Hotel, Castle of the Three Kings of Morro, Fort San Carlos de la Cabaña, Museum of the Missile Crisis, Christ of Havana, Castle of the Royal Force, Malecon, Port Avenue and much more.
Move your hips with Cuban salsa
Learn about the Cuban dance and music traditions. Take a class learning basic steps in Cuban salsa. Salsa is a great way to keep fit and release tension. Feel the music in your veins and let go - it's for everyone !
Or, if you are an experienced dancer, have a night out at Casa de la Música or where the Cubans currently hang out to dance - find out in the streets (or ask the hosts) ♥
Go to the beach - Santa Maria del Mar
40 minutes from central Havana you find Santa Maria beach with it's clear, crystal blue waters and golden sandy beach. Santa Maria is a beach that is part of Playa de Este.
Here you can rent sun beds and umbrellas for the day. Cubans pass now and then to offer snacks and different liquids.
Insider tips; if you take the tourist bus (T3), hop off at the last stop to avoid most tourists. It's also the first stop on the route when you return.
What to do in La Habana - nighttime
Fabrica De Arte Cubano
La Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC) is an combined art gallery and club in Havana. The Fábrica's gallery and stage were established inside of a former cooking oil factory, and has since gained notoriety as one of Havana's premier nightclubs and art galas.
There is always something new to do, theatre, jazz, contemporary dance, concerts, DJ's and exhibitions. The best of all, all of this can take place in one night, while taking a glass of wine and eating delicious tapas. Don't miss!
Food & rooftops
Havana offers a wide variety of both cool bars and restaurants, as traditional Cuban cuisine.
El del Frente; This is a spacious rooftop terrace and bar where you can either sit for a drink and a cigar, or have a light dinner surrounded by Old Havana’s historic architecture.
Jesús María 20; This rooftop space in Old Havana is the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends. It’s casual, hip and artistic, and has a cool New York vibe. The bar is great and every cocktail is top quality.
Antojos; Cuban restaurant specialised in Caribbean and Cuban food close to the Casa. The intimate atmosphere of this spot allows customers to relax after a hard working day. The gracious staff meets you at this restaurant all year round.
5esquinas trattoria; The best pizza in Havana, around the corner from your room. Have your food in the cosy street or inside. Pleasant atmosphere, well decorated, comfortable and at an excellent value for money.
What to do - outside of La Habana
Take a road trip to Viñales
Viñales National Park is a UNESCO Cultural Landscape of Humanity found in western Cuba. Around 180km from the city, perfect for a daytrip or one night stay.
Viñales is in the Pinar del Rio region, the western centre of Cuban agriculture, where much of the country’s best fresh produce is grown in the fertile soil.
Sights & activities; Cayo Jutías (3 km beautiful beach), Mural de la Prehistoria, Valle de Silencio, hiking, climbing, caving or enjoy the beautiful nature on horseback.
Trinidad and playa Ancon
Trinidad is a small town in central Cuba, known for it's colonial old town and cobblestone streets. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988.
Sights & activities; Parque el Cubano (hike to a waterfall), Plaza Mayor, Playa Ancon, Parque Central Cespedes, Church of the Holy Trinity, Museo de Arquitectura Colonial.
Don't miss Casa de la Música at Plaza Mayor with live music and salsa dancing every evening. An outdoor venue in the heart of the historic center.
20km sandy white beaches in Varadero
Varadero is the most famous beach resort in Cuba, along the Atlantic Ocean coastline. The powdery white beaches with crystal clear blue water never ends.
Sights & activities; Snorkling, wind surfing, kite surfing, catamaran tour, a visit to Josone Park or the House of Rum museum.
If you travel off season, you can enjoy the long beaches of Varadero almost by yourself.
Viñales Lodge - our recommendation
Viñales Lodge is a charming casa particular (that's what guest houses are called in Cuba). Located a stone's throw from the center of the beautiful village of Viñales. Just a few minutes from the central square of the village. In a quiet and peaceful area, you can easily access on foot all the points of interest that the village has to offer.
Explore Viñales and enjoy their garden, swimming pool and lovely rooftop. Its run by Marine, Armando and the charismatic Susana (Armando's mother). They will take care of you in their unique casa.
Casa Cuarteles Bed & Breakfast Boutique
Cuarteles Street #52 between Calle Habana and Calle Aguiar. Old Havana, Havana, Cuba.
For prices and reservations please contact us at: booking@casacuarteles.com