If you go: Visitors Welcome

March 1, 2017 By Ian J. Twombly

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Learn more about exploring Cuba.

Going somewhere: The many modes of transportation in Cuba

Every passenger is handed a boarded pass when leaving Havana, whether flying in a 737 or a Beechcraft Bonanza
The Douglas DC-10 used for training dominates the ramp of Terminal 5, which is used for private operations
It’s said a Cuban mechanic is the best you can get because they have to be so creative to keep old American cars operating
A fire-red convertible, with the hair to match
Most of the classic American cars are used as taxis
This black 1955 Plymouth had air conditioning and a Toyota diesel engine
Revolution Square looks like a classic American car show as visiting tourists stop for a look
This horse and buggy is for tourists, but similar setups are a common sight along highways
A rare station wagon weaves its way through Old Havana

Can coordinate everything from tours and lodging to aircraft handling and customs
www.cubahandling.com

Generally cheaper and more diverse than hotels—look for the upside down blue anchor on the door
www.airbnb.com

Flagship hotel, although some reports of outdated rooms
http://hotelnacionaldecuba.com/

Maria Rosa Rodriguez holds one of her five dogs. Rodriguez is an expert guide and translator, offering insight into Havana’s culture
Music is common in the streets, especially in Old Havana
Jazz trumpet seems to be the preferred street instrument
Street performers are licensed, and expect tips in order to take their photo
A family shares a private moment outside their street-level shop
Driver Miguel Morales takes a smoke break in Revolution Square
A guitar player sings Cuban classics in the bar featured in Hemingway’s “Old Man and the Sea”
Food is rushed to guests at the state-owned bar featured in Hemingway’s “Old Man and the Sea”
Yasek Manzano is one of Cuba’s premier jazz trumpet players. Visitors can be treated to a private concert in his home

Paladars are privately owned restaurants that range from small and intimate to grand and luxurious

La Guarida
Must be seen to be believed. The “it” place to go in Havana

Dona Eutemia
One of Old Havana’s original paladars with excellent seafood and Cuban classics

Del frente
Eat on the rooftop for an experience that’s part Brooklyn, part Miami

El Litoral
Featuring a daily catch and just down the street from the U.S. embassy

Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolucion)
A must-see stop in Old Havana that gives a broad overview of life after the revolution

Hemingway’s House in Cuba
Outside of town, Hemingway’s estate feels very personal and an insight into the writer’s mind (www.hemingwaycuba.com)

Old Havana
Plan to spend at least half a day walking Old Havana’s historic streets

Malecon
Havana’s seawall, built by the US Army Corps of Engineers, is a bustling gathering place, especially at night

Christopher Columbus Cemetery
A vast and beautiful resting place for many of Cuba’s heroes

The busiest street in Old Havana includes La Bodeguita del Medio, said to be Hemingway’s favorite bar
A tourist stands outside La Bodeguita del Medio
Bullet holes show the evidence of when students stormed Fulgencio Batista Zaldivar’s palace, now the Museum of the Revolution
A small piece of a Piper Cherokee, which was said to have been dispatched from the United States to sabotage Cuba
A tank presides in front of the Museum of the Revolution
The Malecon is Havana’s great gathering place, especially at night
No visit to Cuba would be complete without an authentic mojito
Ernest Hemingway’s estate lies outside Havana
Hemingway was obsessed with his weight, and would note it on the wall every morning
Hemingway wrote in a small bedroom and study, standing at a typewriter
The Cuban revolutionaries seized many aircraft during their rise to power, including this Hawker Sea Fury
The central craft market contains a few gems if you look hard enough