Havana

Havana (La Habana) is the second largest city in the Caribbean and the center of all things Cuban. Despite its turbulent history, Havana suffered little damage in the country's wars and revolutions, and stands today much as it was built 100 years ago or more. There's an air of faded glory about the city, as big '50s and '60s American automobiles still dominate the streets and paint and plaster peel off everywhere. The city is peppered with glorious Spanish colonial architecture, much of which is under restoration.

Havana has a swinging nightlife, with cinemas, historic theatres, cabarets, nightclubs and music venues that will exhaust even the most hardened campaigner. There's less traffic and less commercialization than choke your average Latin American city. But from the rough brilliance of Old Havana to residential areas ranging from shabby to demanding demolition, the exuberant friendliness of Havana's inhabitants is what shines through.

Population: 2.1 million
Elevation: 60m (200ft)
Country: Cuba
Time: Eastern Time (GMT minus 4 hours)
Telephone area code: 7

Orientation

Havana is built around a harbor in western Cuba, 170km southwest of Key West, Florida. Old (Colonial) Havana sits on the west side of the harbor, spilling west into the lively Vedado hotel and entertainment district. A tunnel links Old Havana to East Havana and its endless high-rise flats. The bulk of Havana's working-class population lives in industrial areas to the south of the town, extending as far as the international airport 25km to the southwest.

Havana Photos