Hemingway Marina (Havana) - Activities, Attractions & Shopping

There is a pool on the island in the marina for berth holders. Hotel Acuario charge $20 CuC/person/day to use their swimming pool. 

If you would like to see more of Cuba you’ll have to get around on buses, taxis, hitchhiking or by hiring a driver. Often more cost-effective than renting a car; drivers know where they are going, have their own insurance and can act as a tour guide. Be sure to negotiate a price in advance.

As you step off the bus in Old Havana it is likely you will be approached by local touts offering to show you around. If you prefer to do things on your own, they are normally very polite and will not bother you further.

The AA Explorer Guide to Cuba, by Fred Mawer, has some very good self-guided tours around the old city. However, simply following your nose can also be very rewarding.

Taller Experimental de Grafica

Just off the west side of the Plaza de la Catedral, this is a working printmaking studio with a tiny upstairs gallery selling work of upcoming Cuban printmakers at very affordable prices.

Museum of Revolution

Located in the former presidential palace. Be sure to go out back and see the 1943-built 60ft cabin cruiser Granma, which carried Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and their group from Mexico to Cuba in 1956 to begin the revolution.

Vintage Presidential Train Car

At the corner of Calle Oficios and Churrusca, this is fitted out like a Belle Epoque gentlemen's yacht. The tour is free, however, you are expected to tip the guide.

Club Nautico Internacional

Located just east of Plaza de Armas, this boat-like building once the former Club Nautico Internacional, is worth a stop. Take a drink on the upper deck and relax watching the port activities.

Ferry to Casablanca or Regla

Small ferries leave from Muelle Luz, just south of the big Customs pier, and go across to Casablanca or Regla. Be prepared for a security check and standing room only. Worth it just for the close look at the harbor.

Cruising Solutions also suggest the following options around Havana:

Fuster’s Studio

Located in Jaimanitas, very close to Marina Hemingway. He’s the Picasso of the Caribbean and internationally acclaimed. He has tiled the whole city neighborhood with amazing ceramic art.

National Ballet of Cuba 

This is well worth your time but is warned, there is a dress code. You can not get in with short pants.

Obispo Street

The principal shopping district in Havana is located in the heart of Old Havana; It becomes busy when there are cruise ships in town, but it's a good place for art and souvenirs.

Tropicana 

Pre-Castro Havana is on display at the Tropicana. The Vegas-like show includes acrobatics, showgirls and musicians in an outdoor setting with catwalks through the trees.

Havana Club Rum Factory

Learn how rum is made and sip on a fresh sugar cane Mojito.

Partigas Cigar Factory 

This educational and entertaining factory is located directly behind the Capitolio. Be aware if you find street salesmen offering Cohibas & Monte Cristos at a too-good-to-be-true price, it's probably too good to be true.

Havana National Museum of Fine Arts 

This is where you'll find modern work from the unique perspective of the Cuban people. There are additional museums in the area if you prefer more traditional art.

Last updated: October 2018