Havana

Havana truly is a larger-than-life destination. It has a thriving, lively atmosphere whenever you visit, yet beneath the surface it offers many more subtle and charming attractions worth seeking out. The unique ambience is reflected in the bustling streets, the live music that seems to pour out of every bar or indeed any nook or cranny, and the locals who relax and chat, play dominoes and take life easy.

Nowhere else is this more evident than Malecon, the thoroughfare that epitomises this vibe, but it’s also where you’ll get to see the amazing Baroque architecture and charming cobbled streets that the city is renowned for. The buildings may be a little faded but it makes them no less impressive, in particular the grand Capitolio Nacional. You’ll also want to make sure to visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, with its world-class collection of art including colonial-era paintings and many true masterpieces from the famous Vanguard era. And don’t miss a trip to El Moro, the fortress that once defended the island from pirates and is now host to museums, barracks and some of the best views over Havana Bay.

The currency in Havana is the Cuban Convertible Peso. Havana is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT -5).