Coppelia

Frommer's Review

Made famous in Tomás Gutiérez Alea's hit film Fresa y chocolate (Strawberries and Chocolate), this is the main branch of the Cuban national ice-cream company. At the center of the block-long complex is a postmodern building of curving concrete and glass, surrounded by a series of open courtyards with wrought-iron tables, where customers are served bowls of the frozen nectar. There are actually a dozen or so small booths selling cones and bowls spread around the park. Still, Coppelia is yet another glaring case of tourist apartheid: Cubans form long lines to wait their turn at a table or stand while tourists, who are paying in dollars and not pesos, are always taken to the head of the line, or shown to a separate dollar stand. There are usually only two or three flavors available on any given day; if you're there on a rum raisin day, you're in for a treat.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.