GETTING THERE
EXPLORE A HISTORICAL MONUMENT
Clearly influenced by Washington’s US Capitol building, the Capitolio is nonetheless imposing with its huge stone steps, classical wings and rising dome. Prior to the 1959 revolution the building was once the seat of Cuban Congress. Today it is home to a planetarium, the National Library and the Academy of Sciences, along with vast halls and ceilings filled with beautiful Neoclassical decoration.
SURROUND YOURSELF IN FAUNA AND FLORA
Along the river of the same name, Parque Almendares is a welcome burst of green and fresh air, a world away from the heady pace of the city. Beneath the Calle 23 bridge, you’ll find abundant plants, a miniature
Virgin Atlantic currently flies directly from Gatwick to Havana, twice weekly on Monday and Thursday and returning on the same days. Fares from £708 return. golf course, riverside eateries and an outdoor theatre space if you’re lucky enough to catch a performance.
Old Havana’s Parque Central is a local meeting point as well as an attraction and offers some superb peoplewatching opportunities among the exotic landscaped gardens.
ADD A TOUCH OF CULTURE AT THE HEMINGWAY MUSEUM
Renowned traveller and writer Ernest Hemingway spent 20 years of his life in Cuba and his connection to the place went far beyond mere residence.
So, it’s fitting that the home where he once wrote some of his most famous works is now open as a museum.
Just outside Havana at Finca Vigia (which means “lookout house”), you can view the typewriter he used to produce The Old Man and the Sea, as well as the 8,000 books in his library.
DRINK IN ERNEST
A plaque hanging in La Floridita bar says “My mojito in the Bodequita del Medio and my daiquiri in the Floridtia”.
You can drink at both. La Bodequita on Calle Empedrado is somewhat edgy with walls covered in graffiti — mostly in homage to Hemingway. In contrast La Floridita on Obispo No.557 esq. Monserrate, is more high-end and still has Hemingway’s bar stool protected by a velvet rope.
PRAY WITH THE LOCALS
Fidel Castro extended a friendly hand to the 1,500-strong Jewish community in Cuba. He even attended a Chanucah celebration once. You too can pray at Beth Shalom Temple (conservative affliation). There are congregant-led Shabbat services with a visiting rabbi from Chile when needed. Call in advance if you want a tour. www.chcuba.org