Exploring Vedado: Havana’s Cultural Heart

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Vedado is where Havana breathes. Elegant, artistic, and full of rhythm, it represents Cuba’s modern face without losing the charm of its colonial soul. Staying at Casa Salatti places you in the middle of it all – surrounded by leafy boulevards, pastel-coloured mansions, and the friendly buzz of local life. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, Vedado is an ideal base for discovering what makes Havana unforgettable.

Morning in Vedado

Begin your day like a local. Step outside Casa Salatti and stroll along Calle 23 (La Rampa) – Vedado’s main avenue and one of Havana’s most iconic streets. Stop at a small café for strong Cuban coffee and watch vintage cars cruise past painted façades. If you fancy a hearty breakfast with a view, head to Café Laurent, hidden on the top floor of a 1950s apartment building with sweeping city panoramas.

From there, walk to the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a 1930s landmark that has welcomed everyone from Frank Sinatra to Winston Churchill. Its seaside gardens overlook the Malecón, Havana’s famous seawall promenade. Spend time here in the morning light – fishermen casting lines, couples walking hand in hand, children racing the waves.

Culture and Museums

A short taxi or bike ride takes you to Museo Napoleónico, home to one of the world’s largest Napoleonic collections, and Museo de Artes Decorativas, a palatial mansion displaying fine European art and furniture. Both are set amid Vedado’s quiet, tree-lined streets, offering a glimpse into Havana’s aristocratic past.

If you’re drawn to the avant-garde, don’t miss Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC). This converted factory is a cultural powerhouse – part gallery, part nightclub, part creative hub. During the day, it’s a space for contemporary Cuban art; by night, it transforms into one of the city’s liveliest music venues.

Afternoons in the Neighbourhood

Around midday, cool off in the shade of Parque John Lennon, where a bronze statue of the Beatle sits quietly on a bench. Nearby, Coppelia Ice Cream Park serves up classic Cuban flavours in an atmosphere that’s pure 1960s nostalgia. Then explore Avenida de los Presidentes, lined with grand statues and mansions that recall Havana’s golden age.

Foodies can stop at El Cocinero for rooftop dining beside the FAC complex or try Mediterráneo Havana, famous for its farm-to-table approach. Both showcase Havana’s culinary evolution – simple ingredients, creative chefs, and that distinct Cuban warmth.

Evenings on the Malecón

As the sun begins to set, the Malecón becomes a stage. Locals gather to play guitars, chat, or simply watch the sky turn gold. Bring a bottle of rum, join in the laughter, and feel part of Havana’s living heartbeat. If you prefer something quieter, the Hotel Nacional terrace offers the same view with classic cocktails and live music.

After a full day of exploring, return to Casa Salatti. The building’s elegant architecture and calm atmosphere provide the perfect retreat – a place to recharge before the next adventure.

Practical Tips

• Getting Around: Classic taxis and local “almendrón” cars run frequently along Calle 23. A ride downtown takes 10 minutes.
• Currency: Cuba uses the CUP (Cuban peso). Bring euros or dollars to exchange; credit cards may not always work.
• Safety: Vedado is one of Havana’s safest districts. Like anywhere, stay aware at night but you’ll find the area friendly and welcoming.
• When to Visit: November to April brings cooler, dry weather – perfect for walking the Malecón and sightseeing.

Why Vedado and Casa Salatti?

Unlike the busy lanes of Old Havana, Vedado offers space, greenery, and a relaxed rhythm. You can enjoy the capital’s culture by day and retreat to comfort by night. Casa Salatti captures that balance beautifully – a refined Havana residence offering genuine hospitality in the city’s most desirable area.

Every visit begins here: beneath palm trees, surrounded by history, where the ocean breeze carries the sound of music and the promise of adventure.

 

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