Havana's Historic Downtown and Ernest Hemingway's Walking Tour
Havana's Historic Downtown and Ernest Hemingway's Walking Tour
Estimated Time
Distance
Works Offline
Tours & Maps Included
Tour Highlights
- Dos Hermanos
Start at the old port bar where Hemingway stopped for a cold beer after fishing trips, with photos of him on the walls.
- Plaza de San Francisco de Asís
See the 16th-century basilica, the marble Fountain of the Lions, and the bronze "Gentleman from Paris" statue that people touch for luck.
- Hotel Ambos Mundos
Stand outside the hotel where Hemingway lived in Room 511 and began writing "For Whom the Bell Tolls."
- Plaza de la Catedral
Hear about Old Havana's grand cathedral and the fishing trips that inspired "The Old Man and the Sea."
- La Bodeguita del Medio
Visit the tiny bar known as the birthplace of the mojito, its walls covered in signatures and legends.
- Obispo Street
Walk the busy street Hemingway strolled almost every day, ending at the Sancho Panza sculpture.
- El Floridita
Find the "Cradle of the Daiquiri," where Hemingway drank his Papa Doble, a daiquiri with double the rum.
- Monserrate Bar
Stop by the bar that made a slogan out of the fact that Hemingway never drank there.
- Parque Central
See the statue of José Martí, Cuba's greatest hero, and the grand theater across the park.
- Sloppy Joe's Bar
End near the famous Prohibition-era bar with a long counter, old photos, and sandwiches to match.
Is This Tour Right for You?
Perfect if you:
Love history and fascinating stories
What To explore at your own pace
prefer a private experience
What to avoid expensive group tours
Maybe not if you:
Don't have a phone
Like to follow the tour guide
Don't like stories
Don't like to go at your own pace
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the Hemingway walking tour take?
The walk takes a little over an hour. Plan extra time if you want to go inside the bars, museums, or Hotel Ambos Mundos.
- Does the tour work without cell service?
Yes. Download the tour before you go, and it runs completely offline using your phone's GPS. This is especially helpful in Havana, where mobile data can be slow or hard to find.
- Can I pause the tour or explore at my own pace?
Yes. This is a fully self-guided tour—pause anytime to grab a mojito, step into a museum, or browse Obispo Street, and press play when you're ready to keep going.
- Are there admission fees at any of the stops?
Most stops are free to see from outside. The Museum of Sacred Art, the ceramics museum, the fine arts museum, and Room 511 at Hotel Ambos Mundos charge small fees. Prices in Cuba change often, so check on site.
- Do I have to drink to enjoy the tour?
Not at all. The bars are part of Hemingway's story, but the tour works just as well from the sidewalk. Order a coffee or juice if you want to stop in.
- Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Dos Hermanos near the port in Old Havana and ends at the corner of Agramonte and Trocadero, between Hotel Sevilla and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.
- Do I need to have read Hemingway's books?
No. Gregorio tells the stories behind "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "The Old Man and the Sea" as you walk, so it works for fans and newcomers alike.
- Is this tour appropriate for kids?
It's a history walk, but many stops are bars and the tour talks about drinking. It's best for teens and adults.
- Is the walk easy?
Yes. Old Havana is flat, though some sidewalks are narrow, uneven, or cobblestone. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sun protection.
- When is the best time to take the tour?
Go in the morning or late afternoon to beat the heat. The bars along the route are livelier in the afternoon and evening.
Why You'll Love ThisTour
Do It Anytime
Start when you’re ready.
Pause Anytime
Take a break and pick up right where you left off.
Professional Narration
Engaging stories from expert guides.
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