Weekend in La Habana

The oldest stone fortress in the Americas (built 1577), now a maritime museum. Its collection covers shipwrecks, naval history, and a replica of the bronze weathervane on top.

Tip: Free entry on Sundays. Go early to avoid the midday heat. The museum is small, so budget 45 minutes. The courtyard has clean toilets.

The 8km seafront promenade stretching from Old Havana to the Vedado district. Locals fish, play music, and gather here at sunset. The waves often crash over the wall during storms.

Tip: Go at golden hour when the light hits the buildings. Bring a small bottle of rum and join the Cubans sitting on the wall, but watch for uneven concrete.

A narrow alley in Central Havana turned into an open-air Afro-Cuban art gallery by artist Salvador González. Walls are covered in murals, mosaics, and recycled sculptures. Rumba drumming happens on we

Tip: Free live rumba every Sunday from noon, but arrive by 11am to get a spot. Take a taxi, not a coco-taxi, as the area gets congested. Tip the musicians a few CUP.

Housed in the former Presidential Palace, this museum covers Cuban history from colonial times through the 1959 revolution. The neoclassical building itself is worth seeing, with extravagant salons st

Tip: Entry is 8 CUC (about $8). Bring cash in small bills, no card accepted. The air conditioning is weak, so carry water. Skip the guided tour; English labels are scarce but photos tell the story. Allow 1.5 hours.

A grand 1915 theatre dominating the Parque Central. Its exterior features statues and carved figures. Even without a show ticket, you can enter the foyer and climb the stairs for views of the plaza.

Tip: Free to look at the lobby and ground floor. To see the auditorium, buy a 5 CUC ticket for a guided tour (available weekdays 10am-11am). Alternatively, catch a ballet or concert, cheapest seats from 10 CUC. No photography inside during performances.