Cuba Holidays

Old Havana or ‘Havana Vieja’ is in the heart of the city and is a warren of narrow cobbled streets winding down to attractive squares lined with crumbling colonial buildings. Best appreciated on foot, this UNESCO world heritage site has brightly painted streets, vintage cars and feels like a bygone era. Stop for a mojito in one of the small local bars or enjoy an authentic Cuban coffee in one of the many corner cafes.

Palm trees, expansive powdery sands and inviting turquoise seas combine to create the Caribbean dream in Cuba. Most head to Varadero (a two-hour drive east of Havana) where the tropical beaches are endless.

Soak up the history of Cuba by visiting the most famous Museum of the Revolution in Havana. Housed in the former palace of dictator Fulgencio Batista, the museum details all the events leading up to Fidel Castro gaining control of the country and the subsequent revolutionary war he waged thereafter. The interior of the building itself was designed by none other than Tiffany’s of New York and is well worth a visit as part of your discovery of Havana.

Since 1931 the best of Cuba’s performing artists have been wowing audiences at the Tropicana with their glitzy and glamorous shows every night, and they're so good they've even been copied around the world. A visit to the Tropicana will not disappoint and you can add dinner to your reservation to make it the perfect Cuban evening. Be sure to book in advance!

Havana is the birthplace of the cigar and holidaymakers can visit to the oldest cigar factory in the world, the Partagás Factory. The torcedors, or cigarmakers, make the cigars by hand and still don’t rely on more modern methods, thus retaining their reputation for being the best and most authentic cigars in the world. The 166-year-old original building is an example of classic Cuban architecture at its best while the on-site shop sells lots of original cigar souvenirs.

There is no better way to discover Havana’s sights, sounds, smells and intricacies than to sit back, relax and let your English speaking tour guide show you around on a horse and carriage tour. This is a staple sight in Havana and an excellent way to familiarise yourself with the city at the start of your trip. Find out about great bars and the different neighbourhoods from your guide as you pass stunning architecture and vintage American cars, before stopping off for that all-important Cuba Libre.

You hear Havana and you immediately think salsa dancing! Every night the city comes alive with music and local bands playing in bars and taverns, and salsa dancing is an absolute must. Let the locals show you how its done and have a go yourself! The best places to give it a try are Café Cantante Mi Habana in the basement of the National Theatre and La Casa de la Música in central Havana.

Alongside cigars, Cuba is world famous for its exquisite rum exports and Havana Club is its signature brand. Visit the Havana Club Museum located in an 18th century colonial townhouse in Old Havana and take a guided tour, you'll learn about the history of Havana Club, the unique distillery process and end up in exclusive tasting rooms before heading to the bar for a glass or two of their delicious cocktails!