Havana Ago-Go

Richard's The Mojito Tour - Sit on Hotel Nacional's patio on the sofas, sipping a cooling cocktail and taking in the views across the gardens and out onto the Florida Straits while being serenaded by the romantic band of the day. Take a vintage car ride down the Malecon to the Capitolio, the former senate of Cuba; climb the never-ending stairs; and reward yourself with a mojito out on the terrace, watching the bustle of Havana down below. Stroll across for a thumping Mojito at Bar Monserrate, home of a kicking salsa band, for most of the day and night. Next is the Barcardi Edificio (one of the best-kept Art Deco buildings in the world); go into their retro bar and onto the leather sofas for an excellent mojito. Stroll/stagger down Obispo, marvelling at untouched architecture

Quick Tips:

Go into the Hotel Ambos Mundos. Use the original cage lift and go past room no. 511, where Hemmingway resided, and on and upwards to the roof terrace that not many know about; it offers fantastic views, especially at sunset. From the hotel, it’s only a short crawl to Plaza Catedral, where just around the corner is the B del M, where the aforementioned American hell-raiser drank and fought his way into oblivion with the industrial strength mojitos on offer here - take a pen and sign the walls, as is the norm. That’s the A route for the best cocktail - SO ENJOY!!

Best Way To Get Around:

Quick tip - when pestered by the non-aggressive but ever-present jineteros offering cigars or whatever is on offer, always say, Norwege, to their "where you from, friend?" because I have yet to find a Norwegian-speaking Cuban, so they immediately give up and look for easier prey

Hotel Sevilla is the best bet to stay in to be on top of all the happenings of Havana. It is not quite as imposing as the Nacional, but the staff is a lot friendlier and the hotel has the great advantage of having a much-needed pool and gardens in the heart of city. But, as stated, the biggest plus is that the vast majority of happenings are all within walking distance 24 hours a day. Casa de Musica in Centro, the salsa room at Hotel Florida, and the best restaurants down Obispo or opposite the Capitolio are all within a mind-blowing stroll in the city.

Don't forget the views from the roof-top dining room, arguably among the best in Havana. There are gym and bank facilities at hand in the hotel, and the patio snack bar off reception offers 24-hour rescue service for those who need to refuel before salsa.