Havana

09-01-2025

The day began at 9:00 AM after another hearty breakfast. Originally, a visit to a cigar factory was planned, but it had to be skipped as the factory was closed due to a lack of materials. Instead, we started with Callejón de Hamel, a vibrant and colorful street dedicated to Afro-Cuban art and culture.

The tour continued with a drive through an underwater tunnel to the other side of the bay. With a reputation for occasional tourist hassles in the tunnel, we made sure to keep the car windows closed but passed through without any issues. Our first stop was at the Christ of Havana statue, which also offers a stunning viewpoint overlooking the city. Although there was an option to explore a nearby fort, we skipped it to make it to the rum museum in time for our 11:00 AM guided tour.

At the rum museum, we learned about the process behind Cuba's most iconic export. The tour concluded with a tasting of Havana Club rum. By noon, we wrapped up the tour and made our way to the next destination: the bustling arts and crafts market.

The market, with over 300 stalls, is a labyrinth of vendors eager to sell their goods. Browsing here is not for the faint-hearted, as sellers actively approach and follow tourists to entice them into their booths. The stalls are small and tightly packed, often selling similar items, making it a challenge to find truly unique souvenirs. We managed a quick round before heading to the upper floor, where an art gallery displayed beautiful painted canvases. Feeling hungry, we cautiously ordered tacos from a food stall, hoping for the best given the market's cleanliness. Just as our tacos were ready, our ride arrived, so we ate on the go.

From there, we drove about an hour to visit a facility in Mariél, where we received a tour on the company of Womy.. After some coffee, photos, and a brief chat, we returned to Havana. We stopped at our host’s apartment for a drink while enjoying a breathtaking view of the city before heading back to our accommodation for a quick rest.

Later that evening, we prepared for dinner with friends. At 7:30 PM, we were picked up and taken to a high-end restaurant. The meal was fantastic, though the bill – 64,000 Cuban pesos (€213) – was staggering by Cuban standards. It was a reminder of the stark economic contrasts within the country. After a long but rewarding day filled with vibrant culture, history, and local experiences, we returned to our accommodation, falling asleep quickly, ready for the next adventure.