With its magnificent baroque façade and history dating back to the 18th century, the Havana Cathedral is one of the capital’s most emblematic architectural treasures. It’s located in the heart of Old Havana, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by cobblestone streets and colonial architecture that evoke the splendour of the past. Visitors from all over the world visit the cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception of Havana, which stands majestically in the Cathedral Square.

Its interior, although restrained in comparison with the ornate exterior, is home to religious works of art and marble altars that reflect the devotion and history of the Catholic Church in Cuba. What’s more, it’s a place of peace where masses and important ceremonies are held for the community of Havana. Without doubt, Havana Cathedral is a must visit for those looking to soak up the city’s history, art and spirituality. This monument, which to this day is still a symbol of Cuban identity, has been a silent witness to the evolution of Havana down through the centuries.

El Gran Teatro de La Habana, officially known as Gran Teatro de La Habana "Alicia Alonso", is one of Havana’s most stunning and emblematic buildings. Inaugurated in 1838, it is located in the heart of Havana’s historic quarter, across from the Central Park and next to the National Capitol of Cuba. This majestic theatre is a symbol of the city’s cultural life and has staged renowned ballet, opera and theatre performances down through the years.

The building stands out for its neo-baroque architecture, with a façade adorned with marble sculptures depicting allegories of dance, music, education and theatre. On the inside, the theatre houses a number of different rooms, the most famous of which is the Sala García Lorca, known for its incredible acoustics and capacity for more than 1,500 spectators. Internationally renowned artists in the field of dance and music have performed here, making a name for itself as one of Latin America’s most important cultural hubs.

Gran Teatro de La Habana is still a benchmark for art and culture lovers, offering a varied line up of events that attracts locals and visitors alike. Its relevance isn’t just down to its architectural value, but also the key role it plays as a promoter of Cuban culture all over the world.

La Bodeguita del Medio is one of Havana’s most famous bar-restaurants, and perhaps even in Cuba itself, renowned for its rich history, not to mention its authentic and bohemian vibe. Founded in 1942 in the heart of Old Havana, just stone’s throw from the Havana Cathedral, this iconic venue has become a cultural and tourist landmark in the city. Its picturesque façade and walls covered with signatures of celebrities and visitors from all over the world are part of what gives it its unmistakable charm.

La Bodeguita del Medio lays claim to being the birthplace of the Mojito cocktail. As well as its legendary mojito, the restaurant serves a varied selection of traditional Cuban dishes, such as ropa vieja, frijoles negros and arroz congrí, taking you on a journey of the authentic flavours of Cuban cuisine. Over the years, the bar has hosted distinguished personalities such as Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Allende, and Pablo Neruda, who have left their mark on this historic corner of the world.

Locals and tourists alike still meet up at Bodeguita del Medio to enjoy live Cuban music, mouth-watering food and, of course, the famous mojito, with a vibe that oozes history and tradition. This is a must-visit for those looking to experience Havana at its most vibrant and authentic.

Almendares Park, also known as El Bosque de La Habana (The Havana Forest), is a natural oasis located in the heart of the capital of Cuba. This park, part of the city’s expansive green areas, stretches along the banks of the Almendares River, offering locals and visitors somewhere to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its lush trees, shady paths and picnic areas, there’s nowhere quite like Almendares Park for those looking to enjoy nature from the comfort of Havana.

Inaugurated in the 1940s, the park has been used as a recreational and leisure space for Havana residents for generations. Its lush vegetation and biodiversity make it a haven for a wide range of species of birds and small animals, making it a big hit with wildlife watchers. What’s more, the park has facilities for sports and outdoor activities, with everything from baseball courts and boating areas to yoga spaces.

One of the things that stands out the most about Almendares Park is its links to Afro-Cuban traditions, as it often holds Santeria ceremonies and other religious rituals that are part of Cuban culture. This, not to mention its natural beauty, makes the park a one-of-a-kind place that reflects Havana’s cultural and ecological richness.

Find out what Cuban cuisine is like and what you can eat and drink in Cuba. 

It could be said that at the heart of Cuban cuisine is Spanish cuisine, because it inspired countless ingredients and cooking methods. However, due to how difficult it was to acquire some of the ingredients used in typical Spanish dishes in Cuba, the Creoles started gradually adding new ingredients that were native to their country. 

Cuban cuisine has also been influenced by African cuisine because, during the slavery era, cooks were often slaves. This had a big influence on the way dishes were prepared because of the new ingredients that had brought, such as yams. 

Cuba became home to thousands of Chinese immigrants, who also played their part in contributing to Cuban cuisine. Cherries were one of the things they brought with them. 

All these influences have given Cuban cuisine its own unique identity. 

Some Cuban gastronomic specialities: 

• Congrí: red beans, pork, pork rinds, bacon and rice. 
• Moros y Cristianos: rice with stewed black beans. 
• Lechon: suckling pig. It’s served roasted or fried. 
• Yuca con mojo: yucca cooked with a sauce made from oil, garlic, salt, pepper and lemon. 
• Ajiaco: a kind of tasajo (cut of beef) and salted meat ragout accompanied with vegetables, corn, green plantains, potatoes, etc. 
• Langosta enchilada: a typical dish that is only eaten by tourists. 
• Tostones: pieces of green plantain, crushed and fried. 
• Tasajo a la cubana: dried and stewed meat. Served with a lot of sauce. 
• Tamal en cazuela con mariscos: a tamale and seafood stew with a spicy sauce. 
• Ropa Vieja: vegetables and meat 

However, apart from its mouthwatering food, Cuba, a cocktail paradise, has a wide array of traditional drinks. Here the famous mojitos, rum collins, daiquiris and piña coladas are drunk daily. 

The king of alcoholic beverages is rum, a national drink that is known the world over. There’s no shortage of rum brands; each of them with different ranges and qualities. The most famous is Havana Club; although Caribbean Club, Matusalén, Caney, RonV.C., Varadero, Bucanero, Bocoy and Paticruzado also come highly rated. Also noteworthy is the 15-year-old Ron Santiago, only sold in the city of Santiago de Cuba. 

Rum and fruit liqueurs are delicious, although in Cuba they aren’t only used for drinking; they’re used to add a touch of flavour to fruit salads.