Fodor's Expert Review Parque Central

Across from the Hotel de Inglaterra and the Gran Teatro de la Habana, this park has always been a hub of Havana social activity. Centered on a statue of (who else?) José Martí and shaded by royal palms and almond trees, this is the place for heated debates on Cuba's national passion—baseball. The Hotel Plaza is on the park's northern end. On its southern end, notice the opulent 1885 Centro Asturiano, now the home of the Museo de Bellas Artes and its Arte Universal collection.

This is one of the best places to hire a classic open-top American car and driver for a tour around the city or a sunset drive down the Malecón.