BAR VISTA AL GOLFO
A precious bar off the back lawn of the Hotel Nacional. An instant escape from the bustle of downtown Vedado, with huge photos of former hotel guests. The latter includes some of Hollywood’s finest and the experienced bartenders here really know how to mix.

Hotel Nacional. O esq. 21, Vedado. Tel. 873 3564 Daily 12m – 12pm

BAR EL FLORIDITA
Don´t think for a minute that because it´s such a famous tourist attraction it has lost any of its spirit or its quality. What we have here is a great legend, a temple rather than a bar on a par with San Francisco’s Pied Piper, New York’s 21 Club, the Ritz bars of Paris and London. The waiters mix cocktails with mastery, especially the daiquiris that, according to Hemingway, don’t taste of alcohol.

Obispo esq. Monserrate, Habana Vieja. Tel. 867 1299, 867 1300 Daily 12m – 2am

EL PATIO
We are in what used to be the home of the Marquis of Aguas Claras alongside the cathedral, A classic example of Cuban baroque and one of the loveliest in the Americas. Sitting and drinking lemonade or a Ron Collins while glimpsing the splendid façade between the columns and arches is enough to transport us to a different place. We are in the realm of dreams and memories.

San Ignacio No. 54 esq. Empedrado, Habana Vieja.
Tel. 867 1034 / 35 Daily restaurant 12m – 12pm Hall bar 24 h