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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Caribbean
- Cuba
- Havana
- Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
This historic section of Cuba's capital was founded in 1519, and
for centuries, was an important naval port of colonial Spain. Being
in such a strategic position, the city was targeted by pirates and
fought over on numerous occasions, and the ruins of the defensive
walls that surrounded the city can still be seen. The Old City now
also contains museums, hotels, restaurants and shops lining the
original cobble-stoned streets. Surrounding the picturesque squares
(plazas) are beautiful restored colonial buildings with grand
facades, and striking churches that form a magnificent setting for
the late afternoon chess and domino games and salsa music. Plaza de
Armas was the seat of power in Cuba for 400 years, from where the
Spanish Captain's General, US military governors and Cuban
president were based, and today is home to an interesting book
market. During the years of Prohibition in the United States,
Habana Vieja turned into a playground for Americans who flocked
here for the cheap liquor, gambling, prostitution and flamboyant
lifestyle. One of the district's most famous bars is La Bodeguita
Del Medio, which was the favoured haunt of legendary US writer,
Ernest Hemingway.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken
in the main tourist spots.
Money
The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), divided into 100
centavos, but the 'tourist' currency is the Peso Convertible (CUC),
which replaces the US Dollar as currency in tourist related
establishments like hotels, restaurants and so called 'dollar
shops'. US Dollars are no longer accepted as payment, and a 10%
commission or more is charged to exchange them, therefore the best
currency to bring along is Euros, the British Pound or Canadian
Dollars. The CUC is almost equal in value to the US Dollar. Some
places only accept Cuban pesos and others only Pesos Convertible
(usually tourist related establishments). Money should only be
changed at official exchange bureaux or banks to avoid scams
confusing the two currencies. Visa and MasterCard are generally
accepted only in major cities and hotels as long as they haven't
been issued by a US bank; Diners Club has limited acceptance, and
American Express is not accepted anywhere on the island. Travellers
cheques are less readily accepted than credit cards, but all major
currencies are acceptable, except for US bank issued cheques. No
US-issued credit or debit cards will work in ATMs, but those
holding other cards issued in other countries should be able to get
pesos at most major tourist destinations. Euro or Sterling
travellers cheques are accepted at Cuban banks and Bureaux de
Change.
Time
Local time is GMT -5 (GMT-4 from the second Sunday in March
to the last Sunday in October).