The best place to begin your exploration of Havana is at its foundation site – El Templete – which sits in La Habana Vieja’s cobbled Plaza de Armas. Explore the Museo de la Ciudad and Castillo de la Real Fuerza before strolling to Plaza de la Catedral, with its remarkable Baroque cathedral. Pause for a delicious cappuccino at Dulcería Bianchini before continuing down Calle Mercaderes to Plaza Vieja, which bustles with local life.

Have lunch at La Factoria de Plaza Vieja (San Ignacio & Muralla; 7866 4453), which serves hearty Cuban dishes –best enjoyed alfresco with a refreshing beer. After visiting Plaza Vieja’s Cámara Oscura and Museo de Nipes, make your way along Calle Brasil to Plaza del Cristo. Here you’ll find the astonishing Capitolio; venture inside and tread the sumptuous marble floors. Don’t forget to admire the façade of the Baroque Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso as you enter Parque Central.

For the ultimate sunset venue, choose to sip cocktails at the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski before taking a ride along the Malecón in a classic convertible car. Ask your driver to take you to La Guarida, a real jaw-dropper of a dinner venue. Feast on fine Cuban fusion fare, then head up the decorative spiral staircase to the open-air rooftop bar for a nightcap.

Begin your day at Parque Central and walk down the Paseo de Martí. At Calle Trocadero, divert east past the Hotel Sevilla to see the astounding contemporary art collection in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Your cultural experience continues at the adjacent Museo de la Revolución, where you will learn all about the events of the Cuban revolution. Next, take a leisurely stroll along the Malecón and up La Rampa to admire Amelia Peláez’s mural on the façade of the Hotel Habana Libre.

The hotel’s Café Habana Libre is the perfect place for lunch, topped off by an ice cream at the Coppelia nearby. Next, hop in a taxi to the Necrópolis de Colón and explore the marble mausoleums of the vast cemetery. Look out for the worshippers praying at La Milagrosa – the “miraculous” tomb that inspired a huge spiritual cult.

For an atmospheric dinner, book a table at Café Laurent and order the delicious garlic shrimp, followed by the slow-roasted lamb with garlic, mint and cream reduction. Finally, amble two blocks northeast to the iconic Hotel Nacional to savour some flavoursome añejo rum on the garden patio overlooking the Malecón, accompanied by great music. End the day with a show at the hotel’s sensational Cabaret Parisién.