Key West , United States

The Hemingway Experience in Key West

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(20 reviews)

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About this experience

The Hemingway Experience celebrates Key West’s most infamous author, Ernest “Papa” Hemingway, with a historical walking adventure retracing his steps on a "Bucket List" tour of Old Town. Our 4-hour guided experience stops at (6) locations, helping tell Hemingway’s story in Key West & Cuba.

Each ticket includes guided entrance into his famed Key West home. Then eat, drink, and explore the island on foot through “Papa’s eyes”, feasting on Cuban cuisine (& 3 boozy beverages) while your knowledgeable local guide impresses with interesting stories & amazing fun facts.

The adventure takes you behind the scenes of a 3rd generation family run cigar rolling factory, and into the newly remodeled Social Club at Hemingway Rum Co. for his favorite drink made with his family company’s premium rum. Then finish with a slice of our famous key lime pie!

After the tour, you’ll receive a collection of exclusive recipes, recommendations on restaurants, attractions, entertainment, and cultural offerings.

Available options

The Hemingway Experience in Key West

What's included

Ticketed entry into Hemingway's Home and Museum

Sip homemade sangria, rum punch and "Papa" Hemingway's signature cocktail-the Papa Doble (3 Cocktails Total)

Savor a hearty lunch of cuban and local seafood flavors

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Enjoy a guided tour through Ernest Hemingway's home where he wrote literary works such as "For Whom the Bell Tolls," wander the lush gardens, pet his six-toed cats, and see the writers desk where it all happened.

Enjoy a full cuban meal of roast pork, rice, beans, and plantains accompanied by a glass of homemade sangria.

Stop into the iconic and nearly 100-year-old hotel in the heart of Key West - this culinary experience celebrates local flavor with a twist. Sip on Mojitos and savor local shrimp cocktails in a Havana inspired modern restaurant. There might even be a surprise visit from the Chef!

Meet the close cuban family of this 3rd generation owned and operated Cigar Factory. Learn how they moved their business and rebuilt their lives in Key West. See the cigar rolling process in person, peek your head into their humidor and leave with a surprise.

Pop into the original and the new Sloppy Joe's to see where Hemingway rubbed shoulders with his local "mob" at their favorite watering hole, now turned into a MUST SEE for every Key West visitor.

No Key West Food Tour would be complete without a slice of the pie that put us on the map!

Finish the tour inside the Hemingway Rum Co's newest renovation, The Social Club, for his signature drink that he fell in love with during his many stints in Cuba taking back to introduce stateside. Become familiar with the drink and space over a distillery guide's entertaining presentation.

What's not included

Gratuities

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please meet your guide in front of museum entrance. *Do not go to the ticket booth* Your tickets are only valid with the tour guide.

Important notes

Please meet your tour guide outside of the museum. *Do not go to the ticket booth* These tickets are only valid with the Key West Food Tours guide.

About Key West

Key West is a vibrant island city known for its tropical climate, rich history, and laid-back atmosphere. As the southernmost city in the continental U.S., it offers a unique blend of Caribbean and American cultures, stunning beaches, and a thriving arts scene.

Top Attractions

Duval Street

The heart of Key West's nightlife and shopping, Duval Street stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, offering a mix of bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries.

Entertainment Half day to full day Free to explore, costs vary for attractions and dining

Dry Tortugas National Park

A remote and pristine national park accessible only by boat or seaplane, featuring Fort Jefferson and stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Nature Full day trip Ferry: $185-$220, Seaplane: $300-$350, Park entry: $15 per person

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

A lush tropical garden filled with free-flying butterflies, birds, and other wildlife, offering a serene and educational experience.

Nature 1-2 hours $22 for adults, $12 for children (6-17)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Key Lime Pie

A tangy and sweet pie made with key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk, topped with whipped cream or meringue.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs, can be made gluten-free

Conch Fritters

Deep-fried fritters made with conch meat, vegetables, and spices, served with a dipping sauce.

Appetizer Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Grouper Sandwich

A sandwich featuring fresh local grouper, often blackened or fried, served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and tangy sauce.

Lunch Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Kayaking Paddleboarding Fishing Beach lounging Spa treatments Sunset cruises

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the most popular time to visit Key West, with pleasant weather and lower humidity. It's ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.

21-28°C 70-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

U.S. Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (UTC-5:00, UTC-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Key West is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in tourist areas. Exercise caution and common sense to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable establishments
• Be cautious when using public transportation or taxis, and always use licensed services

Getting there

By air

Key West International Airport • 4 miles from downtown

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient, with multiple routes serving popular destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town

Day trips

Dry Tortugas National Park

70 miles by ferry or 30 minutes by seaplane • Full day

A remote and pristine national park featuring Fort Jefferson and stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Big Pine Key

30 miles north of Key West • Half day to full day

A scenic island known for its pine rocklands, wildlife, and the famous Key deer.

Looe Key Reef

5 miles west of Big Pine Key • Half day to full day

A popular snorkeling and diving spot featuring a vibrant coral reef and diverse marine life.

Festivals

Fantasy Fest • Late October Key West Food and Wine Festival • Early November Key West Highlight Film Festival • Early November

Pro tips

Visit Mallory Square for the famous sunset celebrations, which feature street performers, local vendors, and stunning views of the sunset.
Explore the island by bike or scooter, as it's a great way to get around and see the sights.
Try key lime pie, a local specialty made with fresh key limes and sweetened condensed milk.
Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, a lush tropical garden filled with free-flying butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.
Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote and pristine island featuring Fort Jefferson and stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.