Havana- The Port City

It is one of the major ports, leading commercial center and the capital city of Cuba. It has the urban area of 3.7 million which makes this city one of the largest cities in Cuba and in the Caribbean region. The city is surrounded from the bay on west and east sides. It divides the three harbors Guanabacoa, Atares, Marimelena. While Almendares River crosses the city from south to north and enters Florida which is few miles west from the bay. In the year 1959 the growth of the city halted and after that time the city faced a loss and increase in population. The title of Havana was given to this city by King Philip II of Spain in the year 1592 with a royal declaration in the year 1634. The city was officially stated as “Key to the New World”. In 1553 the Spaniards started building ramparts and the governor’s residence was transferred from Santiago de Cuba to Havana. Santiago is located on the east end of the island which makes Havana the de facto capital. The city was attacked by the English, Dutch, and French sea marauders in the 16th century. Thus Spanish American war was caused due to the sinking of U.S. battleship Maine in the year 1898. At present it is the center of Cuban Government and also the headquarters of many businesses.

Havana is a natural bay at present which was first visited by Europeans during the traveling of Sebastian de Ocampo in the year 1509 and in the year 1510 the first Spanish colonist arrived here from Hispaniola and started to capture Cuba. Havana was founded by Diego Velazquez de Cuellar on 25th August, 1515 from the south coast of the island which is near the present town of Surgidero de Batabano. From 1514 to 1519 the city saw two different make over, and the attempts to find the south coast of Cuba failed. The city was located on the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico and near by a great harbor. It was easy to reach Gulf Stream which was followed by the navigators traveling from America to Europe. This location started with the development of the main port of Havana which is called the Spain’s New World colonies. Another development was La Chorrera which is now the near to the Almendares River and Puentes Grandes.

The last development was El Templete which was founded by San Cristobal de la Habana and it was the sixth town. He was the only Spanish on the island his name is a combination of San Cristobal (Patron Saint) of Havana and Habana is the origin which is derived from Havaguanex. He was the Native American chiefs who use to control that area. In the year 1519 Havana was moved Puerto de Carenas from its current location. The island was treated as a base for many lands included Conquista as for treated as the first city of Cuba. The island was poor in gold, silver, and other precious stones as discovered by Harnam Cortes during his outing and discovery from Mexico to Cuba. Many people moved from this island to Mexico and South America. Seven cities of Gold and Eldorado were very popular among the tourists which were the reason for Havana and Cuba was less well known and unpopulated.

After 50 years of Socialism the social and economic life got affected but the spirit of the citizens is still the same. Camel busses stretch Ladas and grapefruit made skin is the nature of Havana. An astonishing seductive city and was also called as “The Lost City” by Fico Fellove. It is one of the most cheerful city with romantic atmosphere with full of high energy and fun.

The climate in Havana is much more similar like Cuba and has tropical climate and the heat is moderate with winds all round the year because of its island position.

Getting around in Havana

Joes Marti International Airport is the airport in Havana located around 11 kilometers from south of the city center. It is the main airport in Cuba serves both National and International airlines. This airport is the hub for Aero Caribbean and Aerogaviota. Varadero Airport is another airport it serves over 25 international airlines with more than 60 destinations all around the world. Playa Baracoa Airport is the small airport located in the west of city. Air conditioned and meter taxis are easily available in Havana. The tariffs of air conditioned taxis are more than the regular ones. You hotel will also book taxi for you while the older yellow and black color Ladas are the cheapest taxis. Long and short distance busses and trams are also available for the tourist all round the Havana. Cruises and yachts to get around in Havana is also a good option to see the beauty of this port. Estacion Central de Ferrociarriles is the major railway station connects all around Cuba. La Coubre Train station is another station connected with some parts of Havana.

Accommodation in Havana

There are almost 300 hotels in Cuba with more than 42,000 rooms. Five star hotels to two star hotels with reasonable prices and all the comfortable facilities. Book your room in advance to enjoy all the benefits. Many hotels have online booking facilities and many hotels have business facilities with all good value and services. Havana port has many hotels and hostels. Most of the Havana hotels give transport facilities to the tourists.

Other attractions in Havana

There are no tourists attractions in Havana but La Habana Vieja as Old Havana is the glorious and best explored walk able city with full of thrilling experience. There are many spots in Old Havana afternoon is the best time to roam in the streets of Havana and find your favorite spot. Bars, cafes, museums and many old and wonderful buildings are worth watching.

• Plaza de Armas
• Museo de Arte Colonial
• Centro Wilfredo lam
• Hemingway’s Havana
• Museum of the Revolution