Advice

Let’s take a quick break to mention some places we couldn’t include in the itinerary. Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean — so choosing what to see and do can be a challenge. To keep things simple, let’s go by neighbourhood. In Habana Vieja, you can learn more about José Martí, a key figure in Cuba’s independence movement. Just a few steps from the central station, you’ll find the Casita de Martí, where he was born on January 28, 1853. Turned into a museum in 1925, it holds a collection of objects and documents tracing his life. A few metres away is a tribute to Ernest Hemingway. Among the 52 rooms at the Hotel Ambos Mundos, room 511 stands out. Hemingway, who fell in love with Havana, stayed there from 1932 to 1939. Today, the room is a small museum, filled with photographs and personal items from his time in the city. Next, hop in a Coco Taxi or a vintage American car and head to Vedado. On the way, stop by one of Havana’s most prestigious cigar factories. Partagás and Romeo y Julieta are excellent options if you want to see how Cuba’s world-famous cigars are made. Just a heads-up: tickets can only be bought at central hotels or through travel agencies. Once in Vedado, don’t miss the Christopher Columbus Cemetery. Covering 50 hectares and home to over a million tombs, it surprises visitors with its elaborate religious iconography and striking architecture. Why not keep exploring and head over to Miramar? Even just to visit the Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a creative space named one of the world’s 100 best places by Time magazine in 2019. If you’re in the mood to dance, the Casa de la Música is the place to live out your salsa dreams. If you want to venture beyond the city centre, Finca Vigía is just a short drive away. This is the colonial home where Hemingway lived and wrote from 1939 to 1960. Or, you can set sail to discover the old fishing villages of Casablanca and Regla, located to the north and east of Havana Bay. If you want to go even further, here are some excellent day trips. For beach lovers, the Playas del Este — a string of seven beaches — are perfect for swimming in turquoise water and relaxing on white sand. Nature lovers, head to the Viñales Valley, the Zapata Peninsula, or Las Terrazas. These UNESCO biosphere reserves are known for their breathtaking landscapes. Finally, city lovers can explore the provinces of Matanzas and Cienfuegos, full of charm and history. You’ll have plenty to do if you decide to stay around for longer!