The Cuban Experience: The five best ways to experience Havana

Now that U.S. travel restrictions to Cuba is already at rest, many Americans are trying to figure out what to do once they get on the island. In Havana, restaurants and nightlife scene are slowly coming to life again as travelers are visiting Cuba.

Travelers claim that there are actually five ways to get to know the city. The first one is through Havana's Malecon seawall. This is considered as the heart of the city and a great place for a first taste of Cuba.

According to Cuba Junky, Malecon sea boulevard stretches 7 km along the historical areas of the city, starting from the Habana Vieja through the apartments of Vedado. Locals would often exercise, make out or just gaze at the beau sea for hours all along its 5-mile-long wall.

Habaneros also refer to Havana as the best place to dance and get moving. There are loud and crowded venues as well as places better known for its music in the island. One place is the Bertolt Brech. As claimed by Cuba Absolutely, it is known as the coolest nightspot in Cuba. There is a theatre in the building, which is a popular music venue for some of the best contemporary Cuban musicians. The site is also known for its basement cafe theatre, Cafe Brecht, known as No Se Lo Digas a Nadie.

Another great spot for music and dance are Sabado de la Rumba and La Flauta Magica. They present their neighborhood block party with live music, cold beer and lots of dancing that takes place every Saturday afternoon.

When guests want to eat out, the Cuban paladars are the place to suit your appetite. Guests can actually eat at people's homes, although paladars are becoming quite sophisticated. The food at paladars is more inventive and uses fresher ingredients than in other restaurants found in the city.

O'Reilly 304 in Old Havana breaks out from the usual routine of Cuban food, offering excellent ceviche, seared tuna tataki and tacos. Moreover, Otramanera is a modern and serene Spanish-inspired restaurant that stands out for its innovative preparations and excellent service. Also not to be missed by food lovers is La Guarida, which is located on the top floor of a crumbling former mansion in Centro Habana, La Guarida. This recently expanded, adding a cigar bar and an ocean view terrace.

A lot of tourists are also trying to rent apartments or houses from Cuban residents. Not only that the proceeds will be helping the island's growing class of small entrepreneurs, guests will also experience the true Cuban hospitality. In fact, there are a lot of options available now on rental site Airbnb. Casa Blanca is a beautiful house by the Cabaña fortress, which has two bedrooms and a large shaded patio with a pool. On the other hand, Casa Vitrales is more like a boutique hotel than a casa. It is located in the Loma del Angel part of Old Havana.

Guests can also bring with them goods and handicrafts for souvenirs. Clandestina sells T-shirts designed by Cuban graphic artists. Their "Actually I am in Havana" shirt speaks to the travel to the city. And the Piscolabis also serves as a café offering traditional recipes, as well as refreshing juices, and tropical fruit shakes. It also has a boutique for Cuban-made goods great for keepsakes.

For the mean time, Cuba is now enjoying its booming tourism. And after being off-limits to visitors from the United States, the island is now oozing with American visitors going to Havana year by year.