Cuba Leisure

The big difference between tourists that visit here compared to tourists that visit other tropical islands is that there is so much to see here, so much culture, so many architectural elements that you can run yourself ragged. If lying on the beach isn’t your thing, you’ve picked the perfect tropical island to visit.

1. Acuario Nacional - Av. 3 and Calle 62, Miramar - website

One of the nicest modern facilities in the whole city, the National Aquarium may not stand up to the famed San Diego Aquarium, but it is beautiful and very well done.

2. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes - Cuban Art Collection: Calle Trocadero (between Calles Zulueta and Monserrate). International Collection: Calle San Rafael (between Calles Zulueta and Monserrate) - website

A breathtaking art museum that is a must visit for any true connoisseur of art. Admission is only $5 and is a great choice if the weather is stormy.

3. Universidad de la Habana - Calles L and 27, La Ronda - website

A wonderful place to soak up genuine Cuban culture, the local university is always a hotbed for get-togethers and sudden social gatherings that can turn into parties in a moment’s notice.

4. Castillo de la Real Fuerza - Calle O'Reilly 2, Havana - website

A beautifully preserved and restored fort dating back to the 16th century, the Castillo Real Fuerza is never as busy as you might think and can make a great way to spend an afternoon.

5. Catedral de San Cristóbal - Calle Empedrado 156, Havana - website

If you are concentrating your vacation around Old Havana, you will likely walk past this beautiful old cathedral time and time again. Count on it taking your breath away each time.

6. Centro Wifredo Lam - Calle San Ignacio, at the corner of Calle Empedrado - website

An excellent tribute to one of Cuba’s most enduring artists, this museum is a bit on the small side, but it worth visiting if you are interested in Cuba’s visual arts history.

7. Maqueta de la Habana - Calle 28, Havana - website

Sometimes, tourist traps are actually worth visiting. This model of the entire city of Havana is painstakingly detailed and quite a lot of fun to see.

8. Museo Ernest Hemingway - Finca la Vigía, San Francisco de Paula, Carretera Central Km 12.5 - website

Not to be confused with the Hemmingway House in Key West, this Hemmingway museum is a bit smaller than its Florida counterpart but still a must visit for any die hard fan.

9. Parque La Maestranza - Calle Cuarteles (between Calle Tacón and Av. del Puerto) - website

A perfect place to visit if you have small children that are sick of sightseeing, this park is packed full of playground equipment and other fun things just for kids.

10. Parque Histórico Morro y Cabaña - Carretera de La Cabaña, Habana del Este - website

The largest and most respected museum in all of Cuba, if you are interested in Cuba’s military history, this should be your first stop.