One of my favourite walks in Cuba is along the tree-lined promenade called Paseo del Prado in Havana, which divides Old Havana from Central Havana. Known by the locals as El Prado, it connects the Parque Central with the famous Malecon promenade and I tend to enjoy walking towards the Malecon and ocean . El Prado is very similar to the Las Ramblas street in Barcelona, albeit much less busy. Instead of hordes of tourists that throng Las Ramblas, Havana’s El Prado is a peaceful place for locals to come and spend some quiet time.
During the day you can find artists displaying their talented work, along this promenade, and it’s hard to spot anything you don’t like – there’s just too much good stuff. Locals hustle by heading along El Prado as part of their daily routine , so used to this delightful avenue that they rush along heads bowed .
In the evening, even though some persistent artists are still there, it becomes a popular hangout area for youngsters. Depending in their age they will play with their toys, play tiny football games , or skip although parents must have taught them the importance of not blocking the route. Old children and teenagers will just sit in groups and chat and giggle animatedly
El Prado also attracts older people catching up for a chat and a smoke, or those who just like to sit on the long row of stone seats and watch the world go by on a balmy evening. There will always be a musician as “hey this is Cuba ” and it is this that I love the most . Its such a lovely almost romantic experience to come across a saxophonist or violinist , softly playing beautiful melodies in the warm evening . I will usually sit close by and listen and let me thoughts flow …its such a relaxing time.
But it’s not just this beautiful promenade that I wanted to point out – it’s this amazing row of colourful balconies that you can see on either side of the road. Start with the Malecon behind you (this is another great 8km long promenade with a high sea wall, that hugs Havana) and walk towards the Capitolio Nacional (like the Capitol building in Washington DC) at the other end.
Now look up and the first building on the left-hand side (you can’t miss it) is the Iberostar Grand Packard – a classy luxury hotel with a modern glass extension of three floors built on top of a historical building. At night when it’s all lit up, it looks quite surreal and I still can’t quite make up my mind whether I like it or not. The hotel has an infinity pool on the sixth floor with the most amazing views.
Continue along and you’ll see brightly painted balconies in yellow, blue, beige and pink, all various states of dilapidation and renovation. Some are run down, with tall rotten wooden doors, others are used as an extension of people’s living quarters. It’s intriguing to see what people have on their balconies from clothes to plants and barking dogs. Undoubtedly these buildings all have high ceilings and the rooms could either be spacious or extremely tiny, but one thing it’s for sure. It’s amazing what you see when you look up.
All our Cuba itineraries start with a city tour of Havana on foot, by E bike or a classic American Car. Read more about this vibrant city in our Sightseeing Havana blog.
