Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Havana

Havana's vibrant Old Town is where the Cuban capital of today took root in the mid-16th century. UNESCO World Heritage Site status has brought about comprehensive restoration work to many of the city's crumbling architectural treasures, built in styles as wide-ranging as Cuban baroque and art nouveau (Plaza Vieja at the heart of Old Havana is where the eclecticism is most evident and best admired from a sidewalk cafe). The Old Town's two main pedestrian thoroughfares – Obispo and Mercaderes – are lined with government-run shops and attractive paladars.

The expansive Plaza de la Revolución (formerly Plaza Cívica) is an important landmark where some of Cuba's most significant political rallies took place. Part of 'new Havana', this square is the modernist home of the Cuban government (Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba), but is most known for its murals of iconic figures like Che Guevara and revolutionary Camilo Cienfuegos, as well as the city's tallest monument dedicated to José Martí, an independence activist and Cuban National Hero (take the elevator up for spectacular views).

Havana's favorite green expanse – el Bosque – is frequented by locals seeking natural respite in the shade of century-old trees with veil-like canopy reaching all the way to the ground, which gives the area a primeval forest appearance. The Almendares Park, just to the north along Almendares River, offers family-friendly activities such as mini golf and bike paths.

Havana's waterfront boulevard – Malecón – is its most poetic stretch, a social hang out hub evocative of a welcoming Cuban living room (hence it being known to some as 'the world's longest sofa'). Waves crashing against Malecón's seawall can make quite the splash, at times virtually flooding parts of the boulevard, which hardly deters daily strollers from taking in its sublime sunset charm.

Perhaps the trendiest address in Havana, the FAC is an expansive, multi-purpose venue housed inside a refurbished oil processing plant. It boasts a fairly dense cultural program which includes art exhibitions, shows and concerts, and is currently the hippest nightlife hot spot of the Cuban capital. The on-site restaurant, Tierra, is wildly popular (reservations advised) and serves fine dishes of international origin.

The whimsical sculptures, mosaics and all manner of street art creations by artist José Fuster in Jaimanitas make for an entertaining excursion from Havana proper. The artist's own home is the centerpiece, decorated in his characteristically surreal style from top to bottom. The so-called "Fusterlandia" is now about two decades in the making, and continues to grow to-date.

Havana's colonial forts, namely the photogenic El Morro defined by its lighthouse and the expansive La Cabaña, are part of Havana's Histroic Military Park and belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Havana.

Housed inside the former Presidential Palace and decorated by the world-famous Tiffany's, the Museo de la Revolución tells the – admittedly partial – story of the Cuban revolution, with explanations provided in both English and Spanish. Bullet holes remaining after a failed assassination attempt of the palace's last resident, former president Fulgencio Batista, are still clearly visible in the hall area.

A cemetery of historical importance and essentially an open-air museum of Cuba's past, Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón is the final resting place of many prominent Cuban figures and notable families (pick up a map at the entrance to guide you along). The cemetery's best-known resident, the Milagrosa, gathers thousands of pilgrims annually for the miraculous events surrounding her past exhumation, and is believed by Catholics to have supernatural wish-granting powers.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes contains the world's largest collection of Cuban art, with works dating mainly to the period from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Right nearby is the museum's extension, Palacio del Centro Asturiano, containing works by international artists (including big names like de Ribera and Velázquez) with works spanning a much longer time period.

Ernest Hemingway donated his former home of two decades to "the people of Cuba" after moving away, and it remains largely undisturbed since the 1960s. Although one cannot technically come into the house, there are plenty of spots to peek in through the windows, as well as explore the premises containing a tiny cemetery of Hemingway's pet dogs and his fabled boat Pilar, docked in what once was a tennis court.

Hamel Street in Havanna is spattered with art: colourful paintings adorn building walls, sculptures and other forms of creative expression by different artists decorate the street, while locals spread good vibes by playing music and (occasionally) dancing.

For arguably the finest dining in Havana, call ahead to Otramanera in plush Miramar. They serve refined Mediterranean with an emphasis on Spanish, featuring Andalusian gazpacho, Cuban mojama (cured tuna loin), as well as meat and seafood mains, including lobster.

If TocaMadera's menu can't excite you, few things can: from tantalizing pequeños of tamales, empanadas and taquitos, to the raw bar featuring several exciting varieties of ceviche and appetizing mains (try the hot stone with a choice of tofu, chicken, grass-fed beef or Japanese wagyu, plus scrumptious sides). The cuisine is curated by chef Suárez, a pioneer of the Cuban New Food scene that aims to incorporate local tradition into cutting-edge culinary endeavor.

An entertaining culinary embassy of the Cuban-friendly Soviets invites for a shot of vodka and a bite of pielmeni (dumplings) or some sophisticated caviar-topped blini in a thematic environment packed to the rafters with USSR memorabilia.

Glamorized by the provocative 1993 drama "Strawberry and Chocolate," La Guardia stands strong as one the capital's best dining establishments and a prominent player on the New Cuban Food scene. Book in advance for a rare treat.

A reliable option for traditional Cuban, Doña Eutimia cooks up recipes passed down through generations, with staples like ropa vieja (pulled beef) and malanga (taro fritters), with a side of obligatory rice and beans.

This excellent trattoria serves everyone's favourite Italian in the heart of old Havana, spoiling patrons with bulging calzones, cheese-drowned pizzas, and pasta with an extensive selection of sauces – all at very reasonable prices.

Despite its notable artistic inclination (the villa where the restaurant is housed is also a showroom for artwork), Espacios feels casually relaxed and completely unpretentious. It's both a restaurant and bar, with a selection of international dishes and frequent live music nights hosted in the courtyard, featuring traditional local performers.

For a modern take on traditional Cuban try the semi-formal Habana 61 in the old town area. The menu lists the usual suspects of ropa vieja, malanga fritters, octopus and lobster – in several incarnations.

This artsy space rightfully enjoys its special status on the Havana cafe scene. The interior is thought out to the T, with artwork and smart decor elements put in place by the owning couple. The menu doesn't let down either, with its selection of scrumptious international savory and sweet specialties.

Old Havana's El Café does everything right, from all-day breakfasts to sandwiches (pulled pork with yucca, greens and orange marmalade sauce caught our fancy), coffee specialties, and even drinks with a Cuban rum kick for early pre-party gatherings.

The beloved ice cream shop now serves around 30 different flavors of the favorite summer treat, all made in-house. Go for the local gusto and try the mojito, guanabana, guava or mamey varieties.

Quirks galore at Fortuna Joe, a cafe of curiosities where guests are welcome to interact with the "exhibits" by getting comfy in a cushion-padded bath tub or on a (permanently) docked boat out on the terrace. Although food and drink aren't the main pull, they just so happen to be quite decent – breakfasts are especially popular.

Hidden in plain sight steps away from the heart of Old Havana (Plaza Vieja), this pleasant cafe — the namesake of a reputable Cuban cultural periodical — serves scrumptious Italian specialties and great coffee.

Specials take the cake at this unusual establishment that refuses to admit its cafe status, with dishes named after and inspired by prominent artists like Pollock (chicken with chocolate and mint flavour) and Duchamp (pork loin in artisan marinade). The owner recommends the house take on traditional Cuban ropa vieja, dedicated to Wifredo Lam.

Perhaps the trendiest address in Havana, the FAC is an expansive, multi-purpose venue housed inside a refurbished oil processing plant. It boasts a fairly dense cultural program which includes art exhibitions, shows and concerts, and is currently the hippest nightlife hot spot of the Cuban capital. The on-site restaurant, Tierra, is wildly popular (reservations advised) and serves fine dishes of international origin.

Virtually every night of the week sees live music played on the venue's stage, while Wednesdays are reserved primarily for Afro-cuban jazz. Café Teatro Bertolt Brecht hosts local acts and is a haunt known to and well-visited by the artistic elites (see them mingle at the on-site cafe open to all).

Perhaps the most lustrous hangout for drinks in Havana, the rooftop bar of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski boasts views of the city's many major attractions, which can be seen from both the bar and crystal-blue waters of its open-air infinity pool.

Although Havana's iconic bar might have lost some of its former lustre over the years, it remains a must-do for many visiting the Cuban capital, not least for its iconic status and ever-flowing mojitos.

There is no shortage of thematic dance entertainment in Havana, ranging from folk dance and music performances of the PG-14 variety to feisty cabaret shows and the more familiar flamenco (held at Meson de la Flota). Some venues worth considering include Centro Cultural El Gran Palenque, Palacio de la Artesania, the ARTex Patio and Cabaret Parisien.

Bargain drinks and scrumptious tapas in a dive bar environment are what El Chanchullero's patrons keep coming back for, with a lucky few outsiders who got word of the unpretentious haunt. Come for value for money and relaxed vibes over tourist attraction.

"Hipster" doesn't sound like a tired cliche when applied to El Dandy in Havana's Plaza del Cristo, a fun establishment with a touch of bohemian chic. The eclectic interior, cocktails and breakfast menu are some of El Dandy's strong suits.

Enter through a faux British phone booth and take in one of Havana's most beloved music genres - jazz - in the intimate basement of La Zorra y El Cuervo Jazz Club, which habitually gathers a line outside.

This huge indoor market is the number one shopping stop for visiting pleasure cruisers, and an instant favorite for anyone looking for the largest possible selection of Cuban souvenirs, all under one roof. The market was temporarily closed following a fire, but is re-opened as of mid-2018, with only a section remaining closed for business.

It's worth stopping by Plaza de Armas on your tour of Habana Vieja regardless, but literary enthusiasts are in for an added bonus of being able to shop around at the capital's well-established antique book market if they come any day between 9am and 6pm. There are some print souvenirs to be had as well.

The pioneer of independent Cuban design labels, Clandestina specializes in up- and recycled clothing bearing memorable slogans of the owning designer's creation. They also ship worldwide, a service to-date unmatched by local competitors.

This artisan bazaar stocks a wide variety of decor items, jewelry, clothing and Cuban souvenirs produced and designed by local creators (many of the pieces are up-cycled). There is an on-site cafe that's essentially one with the store, so feel free to browse with a drink in hand.

Alma stocks one of Havana's finest selections of Cuban souvenirs, from traditional straw hats with a bit of a twist to clothing, ceramics, jewelry, artwork, and many other unique, hand-made items procured locally. Feel free to get inspired by their Instagram.

There are multiple cigar stores across Havana, its most reputable one, La Casa del Habano, also boasting several locations throughout the city. Most locations have an on-site lounge where cigars can be sampled, sometimes accompanied by Cuba's fabled spirit – rum. "Habanos" are Cuba's official brand, operating several other varieties under different names. To ensure you're getting the finest quality, shop at authorized locations only.

The artisan perfumery sources its own raw materials and produces perfumes on-site, making the atmosphere reminiscent more of an old-time chemist's shop rather than a perfume boutique, which adds all the more charm.

This one is for those of us who enjoy a deep dive into books and all manner of related paraphernalia and antiques, not limited to books only. Many of the items on sale date back decades, and are one-of-a-kind.

Travelers visiting Cuba are required to hold a valid passport valid for at least 2 months following their travel date, medical insurance, and proof of return tickets. Proof of sufficient funds to support the stay is also required (50 dollars/day). Visa-free entry for a period upwards of 28 days is granted to citizens of Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, Serbia, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Belarus, Mongolia, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Singapore, Barbados, Dominica and Namibia (Kazakhstan and Kenya are scheduled to soon complete the list). The remaining majority of international visitors will need to obtain a Tourist Card, Tarjeta del Turista, that grants permission to stay in Cuba for 30 days and can be extended once for a further 30. The card can be obtained via the airline, travel agent or a Cuban mission abroad. Citizens of the following countries are not eligible for a Tourist Card and will need to apply for a visa: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Yemen. Admission is refused entirely to Kosovo nationals. Special regulations apply to citizens of the USA, who (as of 2018) will need to qualify for one of 12 visitor categories in order to be granted an entry visa. The easiest way to enter Cuba for USA citizens under these regulations is to join an excursion organized by a tour operator (these are also available on board cruise ships), that falls into the "people-to-people exchange program" category of the 12 officially approved. Another, slightly more complicated route, is to obtain a license issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Plese see link below for further details pertaining to US visitors. Special regulations apply to Cuban-born foreign citizens, who will need to make visa arrangements for a Cuban visa in advance (via a Cuban Embassy), unless they hold a valid Cuban passport.

The best time to visit Cuba is probably the dry season, which runs November through April. Cuban tropical climate means that temperatures remain high for the majority of the year, although they can drop significantly between October and March (pack a jacket if you're planning to travel during the period). It's good to have a light water-proof coat when travelling during the rainy season, which falls on the summer months of June through September. Risk of hurricanes is higher from August to October.

There are two currencies in simultaneous circulation: the Cuban Peso (CUP, or MN - moneda nacional), used exclusively by Cubans, and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), used by foreigners. All purchases and transactions by temporary visitors are made in the latter (CUC). Convertible pesos (CUC) are tied to the US Dollar, which means that 1 CUC = 1 USD (the exact amount you receive may vary depending on added commission). Note that payment card usage remains very limited, so prepare cash to last for your entire stay on the island. Avoid bringing in US Dollars, as exchanging these into CUC incurs an additional commission of 10%, and bring money in Euros, Sterling, Canadian Dollars, Japanese Yen, Mexican Pesos, or Swiss Franks instead. To exchange money, refer to the nearest CADECA (official exchange office), rates are fixed and do not vary by individual location. Money can also be exchanged at hotels and cruise terminals, but rates are likely to be less favorable than those offered by CADECAs. Note that the export of CUC is prohibited, no matter the amount.

Internet connection may be difficult to come by in Cuba, but ways of accessing the Internet do exist. In order to get connected, you will need to purchase an Internet card from an ETECSA office and locate an ETECSA WiFi hot-spot or a designated Navigation Room. Card sales are limited to 3 per person regardless of time value, so if you know you'll be needing connection a lot, purchase ones with the highest allowance available (5 hours at the time of writing). ETECSA cards are also sold at hotels and some shops, and some hotels offer Internet access via ETECSA to guests as well. Some international mobile operators offer 3G connection in Cuba, always inquire with your provider as this isn't guaranteed. Cuban merchandise can be taken out of the country, provided it is for personal use only (as opposed to re-sale). This includes all products made in Cuba, including rum and cigars. Prices for these are normally very similar in downtown Havana and duty-free shops at the airport and cruise terminals. The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is forbidden for export, so make sure to spend or exchange every last one prior to departure. Cash is used for most transactions in Cuba, and very few places accept card payments. For those that do, there is still risk of your card being declined, especially if it's issued in the USA.

There are several options for reaching the city if you have no tour shuttle transfer pre-arranged. These include renting a car (arrivals areas of terminals 2, 3 & 5; booking in advance is recommended) or taking a taxi (taxi ranks are located just outside the terminals, always agree on the price in advance). Public buses do run between the airport and Havana, but tickets can only be purchased in Cuban Pesos (moneda nacional), which makes them difficult to use for foreign visitors. The average travel time from José Martí International Airport to downtown Havana is 30 minutes, while Varadero can be reached within 2 hours. Make sure all necessary formalities are in order prior to travel. Medical insurance and proof of financial resources, a passport valid at least 2 months following the date of arrival (more in some cases), as well as appropriate visa documentation and/or Cuban Tourist Card, are all required for everyone entering Cuba.

There is a hop-on/hop-off bus that operates in Havana, which can be a good compromise between private taxis and public buses. It's mostly geared at tourists, and stops at most major landmarks in Havana. Although private transportation is recommended, there are several ways of getting around like a local, although some knowledge of Havana goes a long way with those. One option is flagging down "taxi colectivos," classic old cars that circulate around Havana, marked with a "taxi" sign in the front. They run primarily between the university and Parque Central, and can be stopped nearly anywhere along the way. Although payment is normally made in the local currency, foreign visitors can also pay with CUC (CUC 1 is usually enough to cover one-way fare for two). Flag down a passing "colectivo" and name your destination (a major landmark) to the driver, who will indicate whether or not it's on his route. "Taxi colectivos" are not to be confused with regular private taxis, which charge much more for the rides and deliver you to the desired address. Public buses are another option - these have fixed routes, designated stops and most often a line of people waiting for one. The fare can be paid in CUC (5 centavos). Exit through the back and keep an eye on your belongings. If you're in the mood for something different, you might want to consider a tour of Old Havana by horse-drawn carriage. These are, of course, more of an entertainment option than efficient means of getting around.

If you take certain medications on a regular basis, it is highly recommended that you bring those along from home in ample supply. There are a few pharmacies in Havana that accept CUC, but the assortment of medicines at those may leve some to be desired. SERVIMED Pharmacies accept CUC; some locations are at: Cira Garcia Central Clinic Corner of calle 20 & 13, 4101, Miramar, Playa, Havana (Tel. +53 7204 2880 / www.cirag.cu) Manuel Fajardo Surjical Hospital Corner of calle Zapata &D, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana (Tel. +53 7838 2466) Medical help is generally of high quality and readily available in case of emergency. Since health insurance is an obligatory requirement for anyone entering Cuba, all fees and expenses are also accounted for in most cases.

For important and/or time sensitive mail, it is recommended to use private providers like DHL. Cuban postage services are notoriously unreliable when sending mail overseas, reports indicating that while some items arrive abroad within weeks, many others never reach their final destination or take many months to arrive. Letters can be mailed at post offices as well as at many hotels via the reception desk. The Old Town post office is located at the corner of Obispo and Lamparilla, not far from the Sierra Maestra Ferry Terminal.

There are both private and government-run taxis available for hire in Havana. The difference in price is marginal between the two, and fares need to be agreed on in advance in both cases, even if the car is outfitted with a meter. The yellow and black Ladas tend to be cheaper, and therefore better fit for long-distance travel. A cheaper and significantly more cheerful way of getting around are the so-called three-seater coco taxis (those of yellow color transport tourists). A similar, but slower option are the two-seater bici-taxis, which are essentially a passenger bike. Note that the safety of using either of the two options has been called into question, even though most rides go incident-free.

Your mobile operator may or may not support roaming in Cuba, so inquire with your provider in advance. ETECSA cards used for Internet connection also work as phone cards, and can be used to make international calls. Calls can be made from blue phone booths, ETECSA offices, and some hotels. To call abroad from Cuba, dial 119 (the international access code) followed by destination country code and phone number. A 0 sometimes precedes Cuban phone numbers when calls are made between different provinces. To call landline numbers, dial the provincial code first, followed by the number. From landline to cell phone, dial 0 followed by the number. To call mobile numbers from a mobile phone within Cuba, dial the number only, which usually starts with 5.

110 or 220 V (the latter supported by some hotels), 60 Hz - international visitors might require a voltage converter. The standard plug type is a US-style two- or three-pin, but some hotels also have European-style plugs.