Weekend in Havana

A cobbled square in Havana Vieja, dominated by the 18th-century San Cristóbal Cathedral. The uneven stones and baroque facade are worth seeing close up even if you skip the interio

Tip: Go early (8-9am) before tour groups arrive. The adjacent Museo de Arte Colonial costs a couple of CUP but gives rooftop views of the plaza for free once you're inside.

The 8km seafront promenade running along Havana's northern coast. Locals fish, play dominoes, and hang out at all hours. Good at sunset when it's cooler.

Tip: Start at the Hotel Nacional end, walk east towards Havana Vieja during late afternoon when the breeze picks up. Watch for crumbling seawall sections after storms.

A small shady park with a life-size bronze statue of John Lennon sitting on a bench in Vedado. A tribute after his music was banned in Cuba in the 1960s. The park has benches, trees, and a relaxed vib

Tip: Take a bus or taxi from central Havana (about 15 mins). No security or fences around it; it's a regular neighbourhood park. Best visited late afternoon when it's cooler and the sun makes the bronze glow. The nearest cafe sells decent iced coffee.

Housed in the former Presidential Palace, this museum covers Cuban history from colonial times through the 1959 revolution. The bullet holes in the walls are from a 1957 attack on the palace. Entry is

Tip: Skip the overpriced audio guide. Bring small CUP notes for the locked donation boxes in some rooms. The Granma Memorial outside (the yacht used in the 1956 landing) is free to view through the fence; you can see it from outside the museum grounds.

A massive former cooking-oil factory turned into a multi-floor art and music venue. Galleries, live music, bars, and performance spaces spread across three levels. Cover charge is roughly $2–3 USD, va

Tip: Arrive by 8pm on Thursday or Friday to avoid huge queues. Pay in CUP at the door if you have it; the card machine sometimes fails. Check their Facebook page for schedule changes.