Explore Havana’s Hidden Heart: Discover Art, Culture & Salsa with Marysol Travel

Havana isn’t just a UNESCO?listed old town—it’s a living, breathing tapestry of history, art, rhythm, and resilience. At first glance, the iconic Malecón, vintage cars cruising pastel streets, and colorful colonial plazas paint a picture of classic Cuba. But beyond this postcard-perfect facade lies a deeper Havana—full of off?the?radar cafés, Afro?Cuban art enclaves, intimate salsa salons, and untold stories of revolution. Marysol Travel serves as the perfect guide, unlocking these secrets so you can truly connect with Havana’s soul. Here’s how Marysol ensures every traveler experiences the best Havana has to offer—and beyond.

1. Wander Through Old Havana… and Beyond

The Classic Gems with a Twist

Old Havana, or Habana Vieja, is your starting point—yet Marysol Travel takes you deeper. Sure, you’ll stroll through Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, and Plaza San Francisco, but your private guide reveals hidden corners, such as local cafes tucked off alleys, artisan workshops, and lively street performances Your walk won’t be limited to the tourist-packed streets; Marysol’s insiders lead you through colonial passageways where painters craft murals and musicians jam impromptu.

Centro Habana and Its Authentic Pulse

In neighborhoods like Centro Habana, overlooked by many tourists, Marysol Travel brings you to places like Callejón de Hamel—an explosion of Afro-Cuban street art, and Sunday rumba sessions that aren’t just performances, but cultural rituals You’ll discover neighborhood bodegas, hear stories from local vendors, and feel Havana’s authentic rhythm.

2. Experience the Pulse of the Malecon & Vedado

Sunset Along the Sea

The iconic Malecon overlooks Havana’s coastline and comes alive at dusk. Marysol crafts this experience with purpose—taking you in a vintage 1950s convertible, stopping for local snacks, and connecting you with Habaneros who gather here nightly

Vedado’s Hidden Refinement

Venture into Vedado, Havana’s more “modern” side, where Marysol guides you through leafy avenues and introduces you to venues like Hotel Nacional—once host to celebrities like Sinatra and Hemingway Your private guide opens doors to local rooftop bars, bohemian cafés, and boutique galleries that mainstream tours miss.

3. Unlock Cuba’s Hidden Museums & Art Workshops

Havana’s art scene is booming, but many galleries aren’t on tourist radars Marysol Travel connects you with:

• Private artist studios: Spend time with local painters, ceramists, and sculptors. Watch them create, ask questions, and even try your hand under their mentorship.
• Lesser?known museums: From the National Museum of Decorative Arts to atelier spaces in Vedado, Marysol ensures you don’t miss gems like the neo-classical Palacio de los Condes de Villanueva
• Murals & street art tours: Learn the stories behind works like the Lenin memorial and Callejón de Hamel’s Afro?Cuban art

Artists aren’t just curators; they become your teachers, sharing traditions and allowing immersive experiences that stick with you long after Havana fades in the rearview mirror.

4. Savor Havana’s Culinary Culture

Havana’s food scene has transformed since the legalization of private “paladares” in 2013. Marysol brings this evolution to life:

• Hidden paladares: From La Guarida to Doña Eutimia, your itinerary includes private homes turned restaurants—intimate settings where local chefs treat you to regional specialties like ropa vieja and creative seafood dishes
• Local favorites: Venture to Café El Dandy for breakfast, El Cocinero in Vedado, and others recommended by insiders
• Market visits: Explore buzzing street stalls, including Mercado de Cuatro Caminos, where fresh produce and regional crafts connect you to everyday Cuban life

Marysol’s guides don’t just show you where to eat—they bring local chefs home to teach you, and reveal the ingenuity behind sourcing ingredients in a restricted economy

5. Connect With Cuban Heritage & History

Havana is layered with revolutionary, colonial, and Afro-Cuban history. Marysol Travel’s guides, often history experts, provide context and access to sites rarely open to tourists:

• Finca Vigía: Hemingway’s lakeside estate, preserved in time with original books, photos, and furnishings
• El Capitolio & Revolution Square: Your guide shares stories from the Revolution and guides you through the grand architecture of these iconic sites
• Colon Cemetery: A living sculpture garden, showcasing Cuba’s social history—complete with stories of families, artists, heroes, and revolutionaries
• Plaza del Vapor: Historic markets and clandestine sites tied to revolutionary movements
• Afro-Cuban Spirituality: Marysol’s specialist guides explain the importance of Santería, take you to Oricha museums, and teach you about cultural significance Rather than a surface-level sightseeing tour, Marysol fosters deeper connections—relaying both grand historical narratives and everyday tales that bring Havana to life.

6. Learn Salsa from True Habaneros

What’s Cuba without dance? Marysol Travel arranges:

• Private salsa lessons: Tutors provide one-to-one or small-group classes, ensuring you learn authentic techniques—not just tourist routines
• Live local events: Attend private or semi?private sessions within Havana’s vibrant salsa community. Learn partner work, footwork, and the feeling behind the rhythm.
• Night?out coordination: Practice your moves in salsa halls or local dance venues recommended by locals—not necessarily advertised to tourists.

Dance becomes more than a souvenir—it’s a meaningful, emotional way to connect with Cuban culture and community.

7. Design Your Perfect Havana Itinerary

Marysol Travel’s itineraries are completely personalized. Shared below is a sample 5-day Havana experience:

Marysol’s team ensures that all logistics—transport, bookings, translators, and entry fees—are taken care of. They also offer flexibility for spontaneous detours or deeper dives based on your interests.

8. Why Choose Marysol Travel?

There’s no shortage of Havana tour operators, but Marysol Travel stands out by combining local expertise, cultural immersion, and authenticity, all with seamless logistics:

1. Local experts: Guides are Cuban nationals or long-term residents deeply immersed in Havana’s culture, history, and arts.
2. Curated access: Whether a secret gallery, a salsa maestro’s aft studio, or a private artist’s home, Marysol unlocks doors others can’t.
3. Tailored experiences: Their approach is personal—your preferences shape every detail, whether you’re a foodie, art lover, history buff, or dancer.
4. Responsible travel: Promoting community benefits, Marysol works with local artists, families, and businesses—supporting economic growth and cultural preservation.
5. Stress-free travel: No need to worry about visas, currency logistics, driver permits—Marysol coordinates everything, so you focus on experiencing.

9. What to Pack & Plan