Visitors may not expect to find one of the world’s largest opera houses in the middle of the Caribbean, but the magnificent Gran Teatro de La Habana is just that. For those who have the chance, attending a performance here is a memorable experience. Designed by Belgian architect, Paul Belau, the theater faces Parque Central and was built as part of a larger complex in 1915. Art aficionados will be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful baroque fa§ade, which features four stunning sculptures created by the master, Giuseppe Moretti.

Over the years, the Gran Teatro de La Habana has hosted a wide variety of performances by some of the most famous celebrities in the world. Today, the theater is home to Cuba’s National Ballet and Opera. It was undergoing restoration at the time of writing, but is due for completion some time in 2014.