Picture - Ensemble Vacations Magazine

DETOURS
Havana’s
High Five
Here are the top five Havana hot spots to see
before the American tourist wave hits.
Tropicana
Watch pure magic unfold. A hotbed
for nightclub glitz and glamour, this
legendary landmark is punctuated by
rhythm with plenty of soul as a live
orchestra accompanies dazzling dancers
who sway with the palm trees. Nightly
shows are year round except Christmas
Eve. Reservations are recommended.
1 2
Coppelia
You need ice cream under a hot Cuban
sun. When you arrive at this weird Jetsonslike
building with its neo-modern façade,
don’t be surprised by the long queues. If
short on time, you can choose the tourist
section but we prefer to hang out with the
locals. The scene is not to be missed.
3
El Floridita
Quench your thirst at this watering hole,
one of Ernest Hemingway’s favourite
spots. Sidle up to the bar, preferably near
the bronze statue of the iconic writer,
order the famous daiquiri and watch how
the bartenders continue to create the
rum cocktail first served here.
In the Fifties the Spanish
colonial charm of Havana
was a magnet for celebrities
and industrialists. These
days the Cuban capital,
packed with its exotic
allure, is drawing crowds
to the UNESCO World
Heritage Site of Old Havana.
Each time you return there
is something new and
different to discover.
4
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Overlooking the Malecón, a chunk
of oceanfront real estate frequented by
canoodling couples and locals alike, this
Spanish colonial structure radiates old
world charm and has many star-studded
tales to tell. Mojitos, another famous
Cuban drink, are popular at the bar
or along the al fresco terrace.
5
Old Havana/La Habana Vieja
We cannot forget the pearl of the
Caribbean. This corner of the capital
has survived years of neglect and is now
slowly regaining its former beauty. The
Catedral de San Cristóbal, the Plaza
Vieja and the Plaza de San Francisco
are classic landmarks. You can while
away the hours around the pedestrian-only
Calle Obispo as you stroll these ancient
alleys and cobblestone streets.
ENSEMBLE VACATIONS FALL 2009
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