Some of Havana s best food is served at paladars, restaurants in private homes. One of the best is La Casa, in the Nuevo Vedado district. But even there you ll find odd concoctions that may not please your palate, such as skewered roast chicken wrapped in bacon. You can visit the Fabrica de Tabacos Partagas cigar factory in Old Havana, watch them being made and buy some. Ignore anyone trying to sell cigars to you on the street.
Cuban art requires a special permit or official store receipt to get out of the country.
The famed Tropicana cabaret, a long-running tourist attraction since 1931, features hot Cuban music and scantily clad women. Reservations through your hotel are essential. For a quieter evening, stroll to the Plaza de Cathedral in Old Havana. The ornate old church, dating to 1777, is illuminated at night. At El Patio, right on the square, there s always a band playing.