It is not hard to fall in love with Havana, Cuba. The classic cars, the old and colorful building facades, and the friendly people all make it a photographer’s dreamland. These are my favorite spots to photograph in Havana, and locations I always make sure to take my tour groups.
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El Malecon
This is the coolest spot in Havana, its full of life and its the place everyone comes to watch the sunset and chat with the young locals come to drink rum and dance throughout the night. The best time to shoot is late afternoon into sunset.
Find Hotels, Restaurants and Attractions near El Malecon.
The Streets of Old Havana
This is the best neighborhood for street photography. Everyone is super nice and photogenic, it’s hard to take a bad photo. The best time to shoot is mid-day.
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The Port
The street along the water is always lively and lots of locals go sit and wait for the cruise ships to come in. There are also classic cars everywhere. The best time to shoot is mid-day.
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El Gran Teatro de Havana
At over a century old, this theater simply amazing. Bring a wide angle lens. You will have to pay a fee to go in and see it, but it’s well worth it. Since it’s indoors, you can photograph the building anytime.
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Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro
This place has the best views of Havana from afar. Sunset and sunrise are the best times to go. I always make sure I make it up here a few times during my trip.
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Rafael Tejo Boxing Gym
Some of Cuba’s best boxing Olympians have come out of the Gimnasio de Boxeo Rafael Tejo. Training times and age ranges vary, so stop by and talk to the trainers to see when you should come by for an hour or two.
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Parque Central
The center of it all in Havana. It’s full of locals and tourists alike and is the meeting hub for people. Of course, you will see beautiful classic cars everywhere and there is always bustling activity. The best time to shoot is anytime, even night time.
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El Floridita
This is the famous Daiquiri bar where Ernest Hemingway used to hang out at. It is always full of people and music. Best time to photograph the exterior is at night. But after you finish, go inside too and enjoy a cold drink and some amazing live music.
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El Malecon Divers
This is a great place to photograph the kids playing in the water. This location is also popular with fishermen. Both the kids and the fishermen are usually here mid-day to sunset.
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El Capitolio
Built with assistance from the USA, the capital building has a lot of history. It was the home of the Cuban congress until the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro overthrew the government. Currently, the building is the home of the Cuban Academy of Sciences and is undergoing major restoration to become the home of the Cuban National Assembly. A must when in Havana. Best time to shoot anytime. You can get a cool photo of the Capitolio from the Gran Teatro or from the rooftop of the Hotel Saratoga.
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A version of this blog originally appeared on Edin Chavez’s website.
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