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Bucket list experience:

A cuban man doing paintings to sell as a souvenir
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Claire Boobbyer

Havana brims with artistic talent, and while several artists have studios in Old Havana, most of the more well-known and emerging artists have studios squirrelled away all over the city.

Sussette Martínez Montero (sussem@gmail.com), a long-time Havana art curator, has extensive contacts in the Cuban arts world and access to studios others cannot reach. She offers fully customisable half-day, full-day and up to four-day insider art tours that take visitors to the private studios of Cuba’s top painters, photographers, sculptors and installation artists.

A Havana highlight, they offer the chance to meet the artists at work, and learn about their methods, inspirations and techniques.

Price from: £30
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 4+ hours

Getting there & doing it

Half- and full-day tours are available. A half-day tour (10am-2pm) includes visits to four studios, a full-day tour to 6 studios (10am-6pm). If you’re interested in photography, sculpture, oil painting, say, Sussette can tailor-make your tour. Prices start from CUP 1000 (USD$40). Transport is not included but Sussette can arrange if needs be.

Serious artwork needs permission to leave the country. Sussette can arrange the necessary permits through the Registro de Bienes Culturales.

When to do it

Tours operate year-round, seven days a week, on request.

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Gardens Havana

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A 4-bedroom hipster hideaway in a trendy barrio of Old Havana, a short stroll from all of the city’s major sights.

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Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana

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Havana’s best 5-star hotel, located on the edge of Old Havana, with a wonderful rooftop pool and the best breakfast in town.

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Hotel Nacional

Havana, Cuba

A historic and iconic Art Deco, oceanfront property facing the Atlantic on Havana’s seaside road. A Havana institution, rich in history.

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Paseo 206

Havana, Cuba

An Italian-Cuban-owned villa with exceptional service in the heart of Havana’s artsy, leafy suburb, el Vedado.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Havana

Cuba

Sensual and sultry communist Caribbean capital, home to captivating, crumbling architecture, and enlivened by dance, music, avant-garde art and cocktails.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Art in Havana

Havana, Cuba

Outstanding Cuban art can be found in Havana’s museums and galleries, and colourful art to buy and take home. Creatives, art lovers and collectors shouldn’t miss the Havana Biennial art fair.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Cigar factory tours

Havana, Cuba

Watch the ancient artisanal craft of rolling Cuba’s world-famous cigars at one of the very few working factories in Havana that opens to the public.

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Castle of Los Tres Reyes del Morro

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An impressive fort, which took 50 years to construct, that has become the iconic symbol of Havana. Climb the 19th-century lighthouse for a view of the entire city and Malecón.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

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Havana Factory

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A respected Old Havana gallery inside a converted paper factory, exhibiting must-see exhibitions of Cuban contemporary art.

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Havana Biennial

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A lively month-long celebration of Cuban and Latin American art that takes over Havana’s streets, drawing in art lovers and artists from around the world.

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Fun souvenir art for tourists is available at this one-stop art and crafts market, housed in a converted warehouse on the edge of Old Havana.

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