Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia, Havana: Hours, Address, Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia Reviews: 4.5/5
Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia
Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Once the Finca Vigia, this ghost-white Spanish-colonial home was where Papa penned some of his greatest novels.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,980 reviews
Excellent
1,101
Very good
662
Average
179
Poor
30
Terrible
8
Fergs85
Thornton-Le-Dale, UK833 contributions
Mar 2020
This is an absolute must for Hemingway fans, but some of my travelling companions, who were less sure about making the trip out of Havana, still found the visit very interesting. Not being able to get inside the rooms is actually an advantage, because you can see them free from other visitors, and there are plenty of viewing points. Most interesting, perhaps, is the obsessively scrawled record of his weight on the bathroom wall.
From the lookout tower you'll get great views over to Havana and the Caribbean beyond, and appreciate the apt choice of name for this house.
Be sure to walk down past the swimming pool (now empty of water) to see Hemingway’s famous boat, the Pilar, which was brought over from Cojimar (something of a logistical challenge I think). Also close to the pool are two small rooms with some very evocative photographs of Hemingway. I’d advise giving the souvenir shop a miss – nothing much of any actual worth on sale there. But, in a small building to the side of the house, a local artist was selling some excellent prints, including one that I picked up depicting an image from “The Old Man and the Sea”. Hemingway was at home at the Finca Vigia in 1954 when the news came to him that he had been awarded the Nobel prize for literature following the critical acclaim that this book had received. He said: “This prize belongs to Cuba , since my works were conceived and created in Cuba…..”
And many thanks to the security guard at the gate who saw me taking some photos and gave me an old but precious set of three postcards of Hemingway fishing, taken by Raul Corrales. The Cuban people are just great!!
From the lookout tower you'll get great views over to Havana and the Caribbean beyond, and appreciate the apt choice of name for this house.
Be sure to walk down past the swimming pool (now empty of water) to see Hemingway’s famous boat, the Pilar, which was brought over from Cojimar (something of a logistical challenge I think). Also close to the pool are two small rooms with some very evocative photographs of Hemingway. I’d advise giving the souvenir shop a miss – nothing much of any actual worth on sale there. But, in a small building to the side of the house, a local artist was selling some excellent prints, including one that I picked up depicting an image from “The Old Man and the Sea”. Hemingway was at home at the Finca Vigia in 1954 when the news came to him that he had been awarded the Nobel prize for literature following the critical acclaim that this book had received. He said: “This prize belongs to Cuba , since my works were conceived and created in Cuba…..”
And many thanks to the security guard at the gate who saw me taking some photos and gave me an old but precious set of three postcards of Hemingway fishing, taken by Raul Corrales. The Cuban people are just great!!
Written April 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Esther P
Chicago, IL1,305 contributions
Mar 2020
This property is a few miles from Havana and it is worth getting a taxi or taking a tour to see it. You peek into the various rooms thru windows and doorways as all the furnishings and decorative objects are original to the home. Photography is allowed. If you are offered a tour, take it as the guide will point out and tell stories about many of the objects. Afterwards, be sure to take the path to see the pool, pet cemetery ad Hemingway's boat, the Pinar. Allow a good hour to see everything.
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
quantumresurrection
Cotuit, MA60 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Very interesting and well worth a visit. I would recommend taking the tour of Hemingway’s house in Key West before going. The house is quite nice but the garage and guest house are dilapidated. Entrance into the house is not permitted but viewing from every opened door and window is. The artifacts inside the home are authentic. His pool was empty. The Pilar is in great shape and you are allowed to walk around it.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Yoe D
Cuba9 contributions
Dec 2019
well, well this is my third visit to havana city and I am happy to say that I have had a wonderful time in this beautifull place and most of this great experience is due to havanatours.nl travel agency who provided us with an excellent service during our stay there; humble, smiling and profesional staff always happy to scort us on our trips through the city either on a bike, on foot or in amazing road trips in the most efficient and fancy american old fashion cars I have ever seen, visiting places with a lot of history and dipping into the real Cuban culture all over the city. I just have to say thanks a lot for the amazing time you gave us and that I hope once I come back you will be there still to show us more from this beautiful country.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ALICE S
Richmond, Canada20 contributions
Jan 2020
very exciting to visit the place Hemingway wrote and lived. It is about 30 minutes from Havana by Taxi. all furniture and books are well kept.and even Hemingway's coat. But visitors are not permitted to enter into house. So some staff may take photos for you in the house and ask for tips.
we were lucky that day was sunshine.
we were lucky that day was sunshine.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
La Redacción Cuba
Trinidad, Cuba17 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Have visited 3 times now and still love it. House has been left in its original state. All is viewed from the outside through the windows. I recommend getting a guide who will have lots of Hemingway anecdotes. Don’t miss the Picasso. It’s about 15kms outside Havana but definitely worth the taxi ride.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gerard Lebeda
Hoboken, NJ151 contributions
Feb 2020
A short ride outside of town brings you to the Havana home of Ernest Hemingway. Left to the state by his 4th wife after he died, the house maintains most its original belongings minus a few pieces that she had recreated. We were only allowed to view the home and tower through doorways and windows and received an explanation from someone who we felt we were interrupting to show us around and explain the history of the home. Overall a lovely experience, but visitors may want to read up on it to have insight rather than rely on the staff.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
VangroovyFoodie
Vancouver, Canada89 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
Hemingway's Home is a 20 minute drive outside of Central Havana. The house sits on a hill and overlooks Havana.
We didn't have a guide but read that others did and thought it was worthwhile. Unfortunately, we were not offered that option when we arrived.
Even though we could not enter the house, you could really get a sense of how Hemingway and his family lived through the doorways and windows.
You can see many rooms: living room, closet, bathroom, office, bedrooms, and dining room.
Tip: While at the main entrance, ask the person inside the house to take photos. That is the only way you will see Hemingway's bedroom and bathroom, which is at the right side of the house and visitors do not have access to it. Make sure to give the person a couple of dollars. Definitely worth the money.
The three-story tower beside the house is where Hemingway wrote his famous novels. Again, give the person your camera and they will take photos of his Corona typewriter plus the items on his desk.
His boat, "Pilar", the pet cemetery, the pool (and shower room), the photos throughout, and the grounds complete Hemingway's beautiful Finca Vigía.
Tips:
1. I suggest getting there when they open at 10:00 AM so you can miss many of the tour buses.
2. Determine the price for the roundtrip taxi ride. We paid 50 CUC (we felt it was reasonable for 2 hours of the driver's time roundtrip and because the taxi was a 1950s Chevy :). Many drivers were waiting for their customers in the parking lot and could enjoy a coffee or buy some snacks from locals while they waited. There is also a restroom there.
Entrance fee is 5 CUC per person. Bathroom at the bottom of the tower (leave a tip). Souvenirs at the entrance and inside the small store by the parking lot. Map of Havana was 3 CUC (hard to find in general so happy to get it.) Please note, they do NOT take credit cards but you may pay with CUC or CUP.
We didn't have a guide but read that others did and thought it was worthwhile. Unfortunately, we were not offered that option when we arrived.
Even though we could not enter the house, you could really get a sense of how Hemingway and his family lived through the doorways and windows.
You can see many rooms: living room, closet, bathroom, office, bedrooms, and dining room.
Tip: While at the main entrance, ask the person inside the house to take photos. That is the only way you will see Hemingway's bedroom and bathroom, which is at the right side of the house and visitors do not have access to it. Make sure to give the person a couple of dollars. Definitely worth the money.
The three-story tower beside the house is where Hemingway wrote his famous novels. Again, give the person your camera and they will take photos of his Corona typewriter plus the items on his desk.
His boat, "Pilar", the pet cemetery, the pool (and shower room), the photos throughout, and the grounds complete Hemingway's beautiful Finca Vigía.
Tips:
1. I suggest getting there when they open at 10:00 AM so you can miss many of the tour buses.
2. Determine the price for the roundtrip taxi ride. We paid 50 CUC (we felt it was reasonable for 2 hours of the driver's time roundtrip and because the taxi was a 1950s Chevy :). Many drivers were waiting for their customers in the parking lot and could enjoy a coffee or buy some snacks from locals while they waited. There is also a restroom there.
Entrance fee is 5 CUC per person. Bathroom at the bottom of the tower (leave a tip). Souvenirs at the entrance and inside the small store by the parking lot. Map of Havana was 3 CUC (hard to find in general so happy to get it.) Please note, they do NOT take credit cards but you may pay with CUC or CUP.
Written January 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marnette S
Webster, FL1,884 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We were in Havana as part of a 5-day cruise on Majesty of the Seas. My husband did his Master's thesis on Hemingway so our 'must see' attractions were Hemingway-related.
After meeting our guide at 9 a.m., we drove about 20 minute to Finca Vieja. The house opens at 10:00 a.m. so we had time to do some souvenir shopping nearby. Plan to arrive early to avoid the large tour buses. We paid 5 CUC for our self-guided tour. We lucked out on the weather on a beautiful sunny day. The house is closed if it is raining since you must look into the house from the exterior windows. The former garage and guest house are adjacent to the home. Restrooms are available. Have small coins available for the attendant.
We were fascinated by the sheer volume of books in every room and mounted hunting game trophies, each with its own story. Memorabilia is everywhere including several large posters of bullfighters who Hemingway knew. The house is airy and welcoming. You can imagine how Papa loved to entertain and welcome every guest when he rang the bell to announce guests' arrival.
The views of Havana from the writing tower are amazing: Mary's gift to ensure a place of solitude. We could imagine him swimming in the huge pool after a morning of writing and prior to lunch, nap and a visit downtown to La Floridita or Hotel Ambos Mundos.
It was interesting to see the burial markers for his dogs but the burial places of the cats was kept a secret. We could not approach the Pilar since the area was under renovation but we could take pictures.
Of special note is the walkway between the trees Hemingway constructed for workers to get access to the property. Also notable is the skin rug he stood on to channel energy for writing. Hemingway stood as he wrote his manuscripts in longhand to be typed by secretaries on a typewriter.
The estate is so peaceful and green as you walk through the gates and up the driveway. It is easy to see why Finca Vieja (Lookout Farm) was a sanctuary for Hemingway. Don't miss it.
After meeting our guide at 9 a.m., we drove about 20 minute to Finca Vieja. The house opens at 10:00 a.m. so we had time to do some souvenir shopping nearby. Plan to arrive early to avoid the large tour buses. We paid 5 CUC for our self-guided tour. We lucked out on the weather on a beautiful sunny day. The house is closed if it is raining since you must look into the house from the exterior windows. The former garage and guest house are adjacent to the home. Restrooms are available. Have small coins available for the attendant.
We were fascinated by the sheer volume of books in every room and mounted hunting game trophies, each with its own story. Memorabilia is everywhere including several large posters of bullfighters who Hemingway knew. The house is airy and welcoming. You can imagine how Papa loved to entertain and welcome every guest when he rang the bell to announce guests' arrival.
The views of Havana from the writing tower are amazing: Mary's gift to ensure a place of solitude. We could imagine him swimming in the huge pool after a morning of writing and prior to lunch, nap and a visit downtown to La Floridita or Hotel Ambos Mundos.
It was interesting to see the burial markers for his dogs but the burial places of the cats was kept a secret. We could not approach the Pilar since the area was under renovation but we could take pictures.
Of special note is the walkway between the trees Hemingway constructed for workers to get access to the property. Also notable is the skin rug he stood on to channel energy for writing. Hemingway stood as he wrote his manuscripts in longhand to be typed by secretaries on a typewriter.
The estate is so peaceful and green as you walk through the gates and up the driveway. It is easy to see why Finca Vieja (Lookout Farm) was a sanctuary for Hemingway. Don't miss it.
Written October 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Remi47
Ajijic, Mexico129 contributions
Sep 2012 • Friends
We almost didn't go because we'd heard you can't go into the house but must just look in through the windows. We are glad our taxi driver changed our minds. We spent 3 hours there with our own personal guide who was a "museumologist" who was an expert on Hemingway. She stressed to us she was not "just" a guide and she spoke the truth. For 5 CUC's entrance and 5 CUC's each for the museumologist, we had a wonderful experience, full of anecdotes and a complete history of Hemingway: his loves, wives, boat, articles in the house. This salad bowl was presented to him by Eleanor Roosevelt. That plate is an original Picasso. This huge lizard in a jar was presented to him by one of his 40 cats and he had been so touched that he had preserved it. Each room was completely viewable through the large windows on every side of the house. Although closed to protect against humidity and to preserve the house contents, I didn't feel we really missed anything. We looked into the bathroom where he had faithfully written his weight records on the wall above the urinal, saw the Miro original he'd given to his wife, begged to borrow back for 5 years after they divorced and never gave back, saw the built-in bar next to the wheel in the second-story helm of his yacht, Pilar. I could go on but won't. Go hear the rest of the stories yourself. Best view we had of Havana and surrounding area was from the top of the three-story edifice constructed for his cats.
Written October 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lina María D
6 contributions
Is the house open on sundays? Thank u for you hello!
JohnRG
Bangor, PA215 contributions
I'm sorry but I really don't know the hours of operation.
Lina María D
6 contributions
He leído en algunas partes que cierran los domingos, sin embargo, en otras me aparece que está abierto, alguien me puede confirmar por favorsi puedo visitar la casa este día? Muchas gracias!
Boris Albelo
5 contributions
Hola puedes visitarla el domingo solo en la mañana
KathyS
McKeesport, Pennsylvania67 contributions
Is there a bathroom at finca vigia?
Sid Maxwell
Miami Beach, FL133 contributions
Yes public restrooms are available but you can’t use Papa Hemingway’s toilet.
475lorrainef
1 contribution
Hi. Please can you tell me whether the Hemingway House is currently open on Sundays and if so what times?
LanSluderBelize
Asheville, NC782 contributions
I know that for a long time it was closed on Sundays. I thought it still was closed on Sundays, but the website hemingwaycuba (TripAdvisor won't let me post the actual website address) says it is open 10-4 Mon.-Sat. and 9 to 1 Sun. You might try calling the museum at +53 7 8910809 (probably need to speak some Spanish). Also, try emailing one of the good local tour operators in Havana such as Cubaoutings, either from their website. They can respond in English.
Armida2011
Hermosillo, Mexico2 contributions
Porque razon no se puede entrar al museo?
VielReisender_aus_D
Dresden, Germany299 contributions
Man kommt in das Objekt, kann aber nicht in das Haus, allerdings bekommt man gegen ein kleines Drinkgeld Fotos mit dem eigenen Fotoaparat vom Personal gemacht.
Hammerx48
Wellington, FL20 contributions
What tour excursion package did you use from the port? we are wondering about the cars tour versus the best of Havana express at Hemingways house from RCarib. Not sure if the best of Havana tour stops at Finca to tour the house.
Ukleba
Tbilisi, Georgia683 contributions
Hi, we just took taxi from el Malecón to museum, they waited and took us back. We paid 5 per person total 25 cuc just for cab.
Babskull
Racine, WI61 contributions
. Curious if you were /or anyone was on a cruise excursion and had a good trip to Finca Vigia ?
GMRFG
New Jersey201 contributions
Hemmingway's house is a must if you are in Cuba. I was not on a cruise nor on a tour- I was visiting family (after 54 years) and had a family friend drive me there.
Gypsypirate49
Denver, CO111 contributions
I understand that Hemingway's famous fishing boat is housed here... is this visible. I know this house was once open to the public, as I had a friend who went through it once. Was any explanation given as to why it is no longer open to the public?
SaltLife70
Florida491 contributions
Yes his boat is housed there. It was great to see. Also it is located by the pool area where you'll see a lot of photos of him.
The house you can view from the outside, but you can't walk through because the want to preserve it the way it was left originally. But you are allowed to take photos from the outside, and if desire you can ask the attendant that stands inside the home to take photos with your camera for you. Of course it would be nice to give them a tip.
shutterbuggmma
Montgomery, AL36 contributions
I see some reviews commenting on details inside the house and others saying that you cannot go into the house, all within weeks or days apart. What is the situation regarding the Home? Thanks
AcclaimedTraveler
Tega Cay, SC24 contributions
You cannot go inside the house but you are able to look through the windows into the rooms. I took pictures which came out great. You cannot tell the pics were taken through a window.
Frequently Asked Questions about Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia
- Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia:
- (0.00 mi) Casa Colonial Mery
- (0.00 mi) La Puerta De Obispo
- (0.00 mi) Colonial Obispo
- (0.02 mi) Casa 11
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- Restaurants near Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia:
- (0.00 mi) Bar Las Ruinas del Parque
- (0.00 mi) Mirador De La Bahia
- (0.00 mi) Bar La Lluvia de Oro
- (0.00 mi) Europa
- (0.01 mi) Restaurante Spoleto