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.

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 tons 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 Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro and massive Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña, with cannons in situ, soldiers in period costume.

Tropicana: Havana at its most sensual, the Tropicana hosts a spectacular cabaret with more than 200 performers and dancers.