If there was only one single place you could visit in Cuba, there is only one place you should go. El Malecón is a quintessence of Cuba. Stretching approx. 7-km along the coast, this is Havana’s most soulful and authentic promenade where the whole city comes to date, meet and chill.

At sunset, dilapidated facades are lit by the weak yellow light, the sounds of laughter, music, the waves crashing over the sea walls spread and fill in the empty space titillating all the senses. This is a place that breaths and lives its own life neglecting the existence of the external world taking you back to 1950s when the time stopped. This is a place to contemplate, get lost in daydreaming, taste the Cuban mojito, smoke a cohiba cigar, dance under the stars, watch the vintage american cars passing by and feel all nostalgic.

El Malecón was built in 1901 during temporary US military rule in an attempt to protect the city from the rough sea waters and potential enemy attacks. Today, this is Havana’s most popular gathering spot attracting Cubans from all parts of the city - assorted lovers kissing and hugging while looking at the sea, youngsters going skateboarding and listening to the music on the walkmans at the same time, fishermen, musicians, prostitutes awaiting the clients, and the whole families with kids. The real Havana is here.

As the sun goes down, El Malecón fills with the emotions so intense, sounds so penetrating, and memories so bright like this place was touched with a wizard wand and all the magic happens all over again each evening.

For even more authentic Cuban vibes, you can stay in a nearby casa particulare (highly recommended B&B Central Havana) and have the raw, rough, real Cuba at your fingertips.

El Presidente Restaurante and Bar is a true gem offering the best view over El Malecón and the best service and food that experienced during my stay. Sit at the terrace at sunset and simply let the time flow.