Havana's Capitol building resembles its counterpart in Washington, DC.

Photo: Steve Woodhall

In the West, we're used to privatized spaces, but in Cuba, life takes place in the streets.

Lap up the luxury at the beach at Ancon near Trinidad.

When you want some beach-lazing hedonism to balance out your revolutionary duties, your only problem will be choosing which picture-postcard white beach fringed by royal palms overlooking a turquoise sea you would most like to lie upon.

If you head for the coast near the World-Heritage-listed town of Trinidad, you'll be able to combine a variety of experiences.

Track down the graves of revolutionaries at the Cementerio Santa Ifigenia in Santiago de Cuba.

With Pirates of the Caribbean boosting interest in all things piratical, Santiago de Cuba - Cuba's second-largest city - is becoming more popular.

Che Guevara's memorial in Santa Clara

Photo: Wikipedia

Peaceful, dignified Santa Clara is a world away from the tourist traps and disco clothes of Havana.