Bodeguita del Medio, Havana

Bodeguita del Medio is renowned not so much for its cuisine as it is for its famous clientele. Prominent guests have included Nat King Cole, Pablo Neruda, Gabriel García Márquez, Ernest Hemingway, Gabriela Mistral, Agustín Lara, Joan Manuel Serrat, Nicolás Guillén, Salvador Allende, and Julio Cortázar.

In the 1940s, Bodeguita del Medio began serving a new cocktail, the mojito. This fabulous cocktail attracted locals who wanted to sip a drink and chat with friends. In the 1950s, Bodeguita del Medio began serving food.

Celebrities have inscribed their signatures on the walls, and the decor includes black and white photos of famous guests. Live Cuban music adds to the cozy ambiance.

This used to be another of Hemingway’s favorite bars and he often came here to enjoy his mojitos. While a signature on the wall is signed by "Ernest Hemingway," the authenticity of the quote and signature has been contested. Regardless, this bar still has some of the best mojitos in Havana and it is a place to see and be seen.

Today, you can stop by for a traditional mojito and savory Cuban food, but be prepared to wait for a table at this popular spot.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Pedro Szekely.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Havana. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Bodeguita del Medio
Sight Location: Havana, Cuba (See walking tours in Havana)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Havana, Cuba

Create Your Own Walk in Havana

Creating your own self-guided walk in Havana is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Hemingway's Havana Walking Tour

Ever since Hemingway first visited Cuba in 1928 until his death in 1961, he felt an intense connection with the people and culture of Cuba. Hemingway lived at Hotel Ambos Mundos during the 1930s, and began, wrote, and finished several novels there. Today, you can see some of Hemingway's belongings in Room 511.

Hemingway was a frequent patron at El Floridita, famous for its daiquiris.... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles

Old Town Walking Tour

The Spanish founded Havana in 1519. After French pirate Jacques de Sores ransacked the city in 1555, the Castle of the Royal Force was built to protect the city.

Havana became a major stopping point between the newly discovered Americas and ancient Europe. In the 1600s, Havana was a major shipbuilding port.

Old Havana is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city has five... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Old Palaces Walking Tour

Havana has been the seat of Cuba’s ruling gentry for centuries. Today, you can walk the streets of Old Havana and explore its palaces to get a glimpse into the city’s royal past. Although these structures now serve Havana’s citizens and visitors, they still catch your eye (and your camera lens!) with their architecture and history.

Start your trip with the ornate Presidential Palace,... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

Historical Churches and Cathedrals Walking Tour

Discovered and conquered by Spanish colonists in the early 16th century, Havana has turned into a major religious center of Catholicism in the Caribbean. Although a communist regime is currently in power, many of the churches, cathedrals, and other religious buildings have been preserved and still give a glimpse of the city’s religious heritage.

The old Havana Cathedral, located in a... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

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