Colourful houses in Havanna
It doesn鈥檛 take much time to realize that Havana has almost no tranquil open-air areas 鈥 the city vibrates with children鈥檚 improvised pelota (baseball) championships, world-class boxing matches in roofless gyms and popular marathons for locals and foreigners of all ages.
Whether you want to watch or partake, here's the lowdown of the most popular sporting activities in Havana.
Baseball
Baseball is not only the country鈥檚 most followed game, but it's also among the top five causes of heart attacks in January (well, not really, but definitely possible). That鈥檚 when the National Baseball Series hits the quarterfinals.
The 50,000-seat Estadio Latinoamericano is Cuba鈥檚 largest baseball stadium and home to the loved and loathed Industriales team. Cuba鈥檚 oldest baseball organization has won 12 Series championships, the most of any province. Visit in January when the postseason kicks off.
Also: Want a chance to take a few at-bats? Head to Coliseo de la Ciudad Deportiva after 5 p.m. or on weekends. The surrounding grounds of the multi-function sports arena includes a couple of baseball fields and several basketball courts.
Running
The Marabana and Maracuba marathons have become increasingly popular among habaneros (Cubans) of all ages and professions. Runners gather before the starting gunshot at 7 am in front of the Capitolio building on the third Sunday in November to take part in either the 10K, half-marathon or full marathon.
Also: The Terry Fox Marathon for Hope is a non-competitive race that takes place in early April. The event draws hundreds of thousands of participants every year, ranging from young and senior enthusiasts to entire families and people with disabilities.
Boxing
While Sala Polivalente Kid Chocolate hosts the most attractive national and international boxing matches in Cuba, the best place to really gain some knowledge is at the Gimnasio de Boxeo Rafael Trejo. Visitors can get a chance to train with Cuba鈥檚 Olympic team (past, present and future). Stop by after 4 p.m. and take a lesson.
Fishing
The Ernest Hemingway International Billfish Fishing Tournament takes place every May in Havana鈥檚 northern coast. It鈥檚 organized by the International Nautical Club in Cuba (also named after the famous American writer) and is held at the Hemingway marina in Playa neighborhood. Participants compete for prizes based on who can haul in, and eventually release, the biggest billfish, tuna or swordfish.
Soccer 鈥 OK, 贵煤迟产辞濒
You鈥檒l most likely see improvised 贵煤迟产辞濒 (or soccer, as Americans call it) games in many streets and suburban parks, but the place to go for an official match is the Estadio Pedro Marrero in Playa municipality. A few miles East, also in Playa, is the Estadio Eduardo Saborit (formerly the Havana Greyhound Kennel Club) where habaneros meet every Saturday for recreational leagues or local children鈥檚 championships.
Watersports
The Marina Hemingway鈥檚 Club N谩utico hosts regattas and boat races, and also helps organize snorkeling and diving activities. But for something a little more exciting, visit Havana鈥檚 Eastern beaches for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Hit the waters between November and March when the cold fronts from the North send perfect waves to Havana鈥檚 coast.
Biking
One of best ways to travel around Cuba鈥檚 capital city is on a bike. The 尘补濒别肠贸苍 is a favorite route to discover the city鈥檚 main attractions and unique contrasting architectural styles. The rather flat roughly 5-mile (8km) seaside promenade connects Old Havana with Centro Habana and Vedado. Head for the tunnel towards Fifth Avenue for another 5-mile route, which traverses into Playa municipality all the way to Santa F茅 town (home of Fusterlandia).