FOR THE BUDGET CONSCIOUS

One of the nicest things to do in Havana is to simply walk along its beautiful streets to admire its elegant architecture and watch Habanaros going about their daily lives. One of the best places to do that is along El Malecón, the scenic sea wall that stretches for five miles along the city’s waterfront from Old Havana to the edge of Vedado. Locals gather here in the late afternoon and early evening to socialize. Don’t be surprised if a dance party breaks out spontaneously and you find yourself joining in.

The first street most cruise passengers will explore is Obispo because it runs from the harbor to the city’s traditional grand square, Parque Centrale. Considered the city’s main shopping street, it’s a car- free thoroughfare lined with shops and some of the city’s most famous bars, including La Floridita, which was favored by Ernest Hemingway and is always bustling with activity.

Another street that is a pleasure to explore is Paseo del Prado, a tree- lined terrazzo boulevard that unites Old Havana with Centro that passes by some of the city’s most historic landmarks like The Gran Teatro de La Habana and El Capitolio.