Authentic and simply Havana. I actually ended up in Havana Centro more by coincidence. Immediately after arriving at the airport, I met another backpacker on the bus to Havana city centre, who told me about the hostel where she had already booked a few nights. Since we got along really well right away and I hadn’t booked anything, I simply threw my plans overboard and went with her to the hostel. It was one of the best decisions I could have made. The hostel was cool, I made a real friend with whom I spent the next three weeks exploring Cuba, and I got to know Havana Centro, which is still my absolute favourite part of Havana.

What makes Havana Centro so special? It simply has everything. You’ll find tourists and locals here, a few cafés and the usual cityscape and life of Havana. For me, Havana Centro is the part of Havana that reflects everything that makes up Cuban life in Havana. Whether it’s the typical Cuban life on the streets with dominoes, children playing marbles, the stalls and markets, or the salsa music. Or the vibe, of course. It’s all there.

Go or not? Definitely! If you want to see real and authentic life in Havana, go to Havana Centro and just go with the flow.