This post covers the safe, vibrant, culturally rich Old Havana. Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean and in 1982, was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The architecture exhibits a blending of many styles from Art Deco, Neoclassic, Baroque and ugly utilitarian. Many main buildings in Havana have been restored to their original glory, while others are showing signs of the slow process of restoration.

The Chelsea section of Manhattan has gone through a gentrification process the last couple of decades, just like many other areas of New York City. The waterfront here was dominated by freight-unloading areas at one time, and there was very little to see in this industrial area.

The Village is one of New York’s most historically rich neighborhoods and it has architecture spanning all eras. It is almost like a time capsule that has embraced culture and counter-culture alike. Originally attracting artists, writers, musicians and actors, this area is full of old New York charm with buildings tucked away on winding streets created before the existence of the grid.