Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Divided into national and international sections. Housed in separate buildings, these art galleries compete with the world’s finest.

Capitolio Nacional: Cuba’s former congressional building is an architectural glory reminiscent of Washington’s own Capitol.

Museo de la Revolución: The former presidential palace now tells the tale of the Revolution in gory detail.

Plaza de la Catedral: This small, atmospheric plaza is hemmed in by colonial mansions and a baroque cathedral.

Plaza de Armas: The restored cobbled plaza at the heart of Old Havana features a castle, museums, and heaps of charm.

Plaza Vieja: Still undergoing restoration, this antique plaza offers offbeat museums, Havana’s only brewpub, flashy boutiques, and heaps of ambience.

Hotel Nacional: A splendid landmark with magnificent architecture and oodles of history, this hotel is a great place to relax with a mojito and cigar while soaking in the heady atmosphere of the past.

Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón: This is one of the New World’s great cemeteries, with dramatic tombstones that comprise a who’s who of Cuban history.

Parque Histórico Militar Morro-Cabaña: An imposing castle complex contains the restored Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro and massive Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña, with cannons in situ, soldiers in period costume, and various museums.

Tropicana: Havana at its most sensual, the Tropicana is home to a spectacular cabaret with more than 200 performers and dancers in fantastical costumes.