Havana

"La Casa de La Bombilla Verde, Vedado. If you’ve been looking for a chill spot to grab a drink / bite in a cozy setting with some live music, and you thought this didn’t exist in Cuba...it does. Nothing else quite like it—inexpensive drinks, tasty small dishes, in a bohemian atmosphere. Open from 5pm-1am, there’s usually live music (often trova) on thurs/fri/sat nights (closed Mondays). The crowd is mostly young, hip cubans. Easy to miss, except for the green lantern on the front porch."

"Cuba Libro, Vedado. Cuba Libro is a unique cafe/bookstore/cultural center with an awesome mix of Cubans and foreigners. Inexpensive drinks in a laid-back atmosphere, with space to read, study, socialize, play chess, or even nap. They've got parties with art and a DJ every few weeks on Saturday evenings."

"Belview ArtCafe, Vedado. Belview Artcafe is a wonderful space for breakfast and also to sit and grab coffee, or a light meal, or get some reading/writing done during the day. Founded by a longtime photojournalist, Sven Cruetman, who’s work adorns the walls, it’s one of only a handful of cafes beginning to open in the city (many of them happen to be in this corner of vedado). They sell amazing home baked bread on sundays, and often sell out so get there early. They are open Tues-Sunday until 6pm."

"Hotel Nacional, Vedado. You really shouldn’t come to Havana and not take a stroll around the veranda of the Hotel Nacional, and have a drink overlooking the Malecon. It's also worth staying here for a couple nights, if you want to do a hotel stay. Rooms are nothing special, but the grounds are beautiful, and the cost is reasonable during low season. Plus it's the only hotel that gives you a 24 wifi card, and they have the fastet connection in the city. The hotel is steeped in history—built by the mafia before the revolution, and then nationalized and renovated. Don’t miss the bar with the wall of fame with all the incredibly diverse figures who have visited the hotel, from Paris Hilton to Hugo Chavez. The mojitos are pricey ($6) but one of the best in the city."

"Bertolt Brecht Cultural Center, Vedado. The Brecht forum is a boring cafe by day, and one of Havana’s hippest music spots by night. The crowd is mostly young Cubans, not tourists. Wednesday nights are guaranteed fun with Interactivo, a funky, big-band style jazz group playing a raucous set from about 11:30pm-1:30am. Also look out for shows by Telmary, a similar funky hip-hop Jazz fusion. Cover is $5 for foreigners, and they stay open late."

"Beirut Restaurant, Vedado. You may not have come to Havana to eat Middle Eastern food, but if you want a break from the pork and rice and beans, look no further. This is the best and most authentic Lebanese food I’ve had in Latin America (and it’s not just me saying that). Just order the combo plate (pictured here), and enjoy. They also deliver!"

"Camino al Sol, Vedado. There aren’t many options for vegetarians in Havana, but this one has some nice options of eating in or taking out, and is a peaceful place to sit. Try their homemade pastas and other goodies."

"La Paila Fonda, Vedado. If you’re hungry and want some large portions of Cuban-style BBQ for reasonable prices in the heart of Vedado, Paila is your place. Plenty of locals eating here as well. Try the ribs or the smoked pork chop. Don’t come looking for veggies—they’re only on the menu as a joke it seems. You can also get takeaway if you’re in a rush and staying nearby."

"Coppelia Ice Cream, Vedado. Copellia is a Vedado institution. Established by the communist government as a place for locals to get absurdly cheap ice cream, it became a spot for socializing and family outings. People wait in line for hours, but they say they that's part of the experience. As a foreigner, lines are shorter, but prices higher."

"University of Havana, Vedado. The University of Havana is a surprisingly well maintained, ornate old campus, with a hill of steps overlooking Vedado and Central Havana. It’s a testament to Cuba’s focus on education (and sports, arts, and medicine); looking nothing like the crumbling infrastructure surrounding it. It’s a great place for a walk and some people watching, and you can go in and out of buildings without a problem. It’s usually closed at night."

"Plaza de la Revolución, Vedado. The Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Plaza) is a monument to Cuba's 1959 Revolution with the famous images of Che and Cienfuegos and Martí. It’s kind of an obligatory spot to visit. And you can hire an old American convertible to take you around town for an hour, with stops here and elsewhere in Vedado. Cost is about $40-50/hour."

"Museo de Artes Decorativos (Decorations Museum), Vedado. Vedado doesn't have many museums, but this one is worth a quick look if you like museums and want a peak at the interiors of old Cubans homes. It's a nicely maintained old mansion with antique art, furniture, and restored interiors. The entrance fee is $5 and they will give you a personal tour."

"Beth Shalom Temple, Vedado. One of Havana’s 2 synagogues, is worth checking out if you’re interested in Jewish culture/religion. Although the local Jewish community is small, it’s active and outspoken. There’s a couple thousand Jews on the island, and there are Friday services here where anyone is welcome. You can walk around for free most any time during weekdays."

"Hostal Silvia, Vedado. This is an affordable hostal-type casa particular, with single rooms going for about $40. They have simple and clean rooms, with beautiful grounds outside and a large house. They serve breakfasts and have internet."

"Casa Lilly, Vedado. This apartment is in one of the nicest high rise buildings in the city, with each apartment occupying an entire floor. It’s got great views of the city, and a convenient spot in central Vedado. They rent 3 single rooms on the 13th floor for just about $40/night, and 4 rooms on the 9th floor (and may also rent the entire apartment on the 9th floor). If you’re looking for comfortable spot with the feel of a boutique hotel, this is a good choice."

"National Theater, Vedado. The National Theater is a beautiful old concert venue. Check listings here for cultural events here and elsewhere in Vedado. http://www.lapapeleta.cult.cu/ and http://www.lahabana.com/conten..."

"Malecon, Vedado. The Malecon is known as the city’s sofa. Everyone comes here to hang out, day or night. Take a stroll all the way from the Almendares River at 18th street to the Rampa at 23rd street, before heading into Central Havana. You will probably be approached by some hustlers, trying to sell you cigars, company, or a tour. You can firmly decline and they will leave you alone. Or, you can also engage and might end up making some interesting friends. Bring a bottle of rum down and you could spend all day talking to people and sharing a drink."

"Linea y L Wifi Park, Vedado. "

"La Cocina de Esteban, Vedado. "

"Union Francesa, Vedado. "

"Cuba Pasion, Vedado. "

"La Gruta (gay-friendly nightclub), Vedado. In the center of Vedado, there are a handful of LGBTQ-friendly bars, but the scene often shifts nightly, with the traveling Divino show of drag queens and music. Check out La Gruta on Wednesday or Friday nights, Las Vegas on Friday's, and Kingbar or Myxto any night."

"La Rampa, Vedado. The Rampa, is the strip of 23rd street from L till the Malecon. It's the heart of Vedado."