In Hemingway's Footsteps

Ernest Hemingway lived in Cuba for over 20 years (1939–1960) and wrote "The Old Man and the Sea" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls" here. His favorite places have become pilgrimage sites:

La Bodeguita del Medio

"My mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri in La Floridita" — this alleged Hemingway quote (probably invented) adorns the wall of the narrow bar in Habana Vieja. The Bodeguita is touristy, expensive, and always crowded — but the atmosphere is authentically Cuban. Every afternoon, musicians play Son, the walls are covered with signatures and graffiti, and the Mojito (5 €) has been mixed according to the same recipe since 1942.

El Floridita

The "Cradle of the Daiquiri" at the beginning of Obispo. An Art Deco bar where a bronze statue of Hemingway leans at his usual spot. The Daiquirí (5–7 €) is excellent — especially the "Papa Doble" (double rum, no sugar, Hemingway's special order). Live band from 12 pm.

Finca Vigía

Hemingway's country house in San Francisco de Paula, 15 km southeast of Havana. Here he lived and wrote from 1939 to 1960. The house is preserved as he left it: books, hunting trophies, typewriter, empty gin bottles. You look inside through the windows (entry forbidden). In the garden: his boat Pilar and the graves of his cats. A touching, quiet place.

Entry 5 €, closed on Mondays. Taxi from Havana 20–30 €. Can be combined with Cojímar (fishing village of the "Old Man").