The Cuban capital of Havana is "one of the most fascinating cities in the world", according to one travel writer.

In an article for the Guardian, Ben Ross said that the country has largely managed to escape the western influence felt by other Caribbean islands. This is partly due to its difficult relationship with the US.

"There's no Starbucks here, the golden arches of McDonald's are notable only by their absence. The trade embargo means that virtually anything American dates from before the Revolution," he explained.

However, one of the city's most famous former residents was the US-born author Earnest Hemmingway. La Bodeguita del Medio and El Floridita are both still visited by tourists from across the world looking to seek inspiration in some of his old haunts. Work is currently underway to preserve his old house, Finca Vigia.

Mr Ross also advised visiting the old town of Havana, which is a designated Unesco World Heritage site. He described the area as being "beautifully restored to its former glory" with "exquisite colonial architecture around every corner".