The Hemingway Home and Museum image

The Hemingway Home and Museum

Tourist attraction Museum Historical landmark

One of the Most Revieweds in Key West


Address

907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040

Website

www.hemingwayhome.com

Contact

(305) 294-1136

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (14.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cats (53) tour (47) house (41) Hemingway (25) visit (18) history (18) guide (17) guided (17) West (17) Hemingway' (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Syuzanna K. 1 year ago on Google
    The tour guide was very entertaining. I loved the number of cats residing on the premises. They're all so sweet and one can easily walk up to them and pet them. Some of them are even putting on a pretty good show. I don't know if they've been trained so well or if they're just so smart. The house itself is kept in decent condition and pretty nice book store they have at the end of the tour. Good place to see at least once in a lifetime.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Casey M. 2 years ago on Google
    I'm an English teacher and the Hemingway house has been on my "must-see" list for decades. My daughter and I took a ten hour drive for a Spring Break trip to the Keys last week and this was the main reason. It did not disappoint. When you arrive and pay at the house (cash only), you can choose to go on the tour with a guide or do self guided. We visited on two different days and did both. I would highly recommend the guided tour at least once because we learned so much. Then, walk around alone later to see the details away from the group. The house is beautiful and situated next to a lighthouse with gorgeous gardens. The six toed cats are an absolute highlight and they were everywhere! All descendants of Hemingway's cat, there are currently 58 of them at the home. They are allowed on the furniture and in the bookstore. I sat down and one immediately jumped in my lap in the garden. Such a fabulous experience. They even have a cute gift shop (credit accepted) where you can buy all kinds of items to remember it by. Such a wonderful place for a literature geek like myself. We went twice and I would love to someday get back there to do it again. Highly recommended, but get there early (9am opening) to avoid the massive crowds.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jana L. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting stop on our trip to Key West. If you're into this sort of thing, it's worth visiting. I highly recommend taking their free guided tour, our guide really made it interesting and we learned a lot about the author and his house. Keep in mind that the entrance fee is cash only and prepare to share it with a couple hundred people, the place was packed. Cats make it interesting but the cat pee smell inside is a bit overwhelming if you have a sensitive nose or cat allergies. I wish they took a little better care of the place to preserve it in better condition.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer N. 2 months ago on Google • 465 reviews New
    Enjoyed my visit. Learned a lot about Hemingway, his life, his time in Key West and Key West history. Staff was friendly. I didn't take a tour. I wandered around on my own. Best part of the visit are seeing all the cats. They are adorable. Some have 6 toes. One of the staff said many bypass the house and just go see the cats. The garden area is beautiful.

  • 5/5 Jessica H. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved all the cats. There were so many to see. They are super friendly and enjoy all the attention from visitors. Many place themselves in locations where they know they will receive attention. The house and grounds are well maintained. A lot of interesting facts and stories about Hemingway's life. It is cash only, but they have an ATM on site.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Evan S. 2 years ago on Google
    Fun experience and worth every penny. We had a fantastic experience walking the grounds. We took the tour and had Brian as our guide. After we were able to speak with the grounds keeper who maintains the gardens. Both were very knowledgeable, and you can tell they love what they do. What we feared would be a tourist trap turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nikki A. 1 year ago on Google
    We loved our tour of the Hemingway House. Our tour guide was very informative but he was also funny so that made our tour fun!! I loved hearing about all of the stories and especially all of the cats!! We never realized Ernest Hemingway was such a cat lover!! We walked the property looking for them all. It felt like Easter Egg hunting but for cats. We had so much fun here....even more than what we expected to.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shelby 2 months ago on Google • 261 reviews New
    The Hemingway house is beautiful and has and obvious attraction due to the man himself. It was definitely interesting and something to see, but be warned, it is small and packed full of people! They ask that you don't go in the rooms that they are doing yhe guided tours in but that ends up being like every room. Again, it's something to see. But if you're not into big crowds it may not be for you.

  • 5/5 Jesse L. 2 years ago on Google
    We visited in the afternoon on a weekday in the rain...the gardens felt very tropical and we got to see the kitties everywhere. In the writing studio they had Hemingway's original typewriter! We had an excellent tour guide through the house who was very knowledgeable and enjoyable to listen to. We learned a lot about Hemingway and the people in his life who morphed into the characters in his books. Definitely worth the 30 min wait to tour the house with a guide. The grounds were pretty and the gift shop was nice. Bathrooms were fairly clean and they had 2 sets which was nice.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Timmy H. 11 months ago on Google
    If you are a cat person and Hemingway fans, you should visit here. I promise you will love it! The estate is beautifully preserved and offers a glimpse into Hemingway's life. It features stunning architecture, lush gardens and historic artifacts. The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly Hemingway's writing studio, where he created some of his most iconic works. The room is filled with his personal belongings, including his typewriter and numerous books, giving visitors a sense of the creative atmosphere that inspired his writing. The rest of the house, filled with beautiful antiques and art from around the world, is open to visitors in addition to the studio. You can also see many cats wandering around the house. All of these cats are the offspring of Hemingway's cat. Some of them are sleeping on the bed, on the chair or on the floor. It's so cute! Even though I am not a cat person, I still fall in love with these cute cats.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacquelyn T. 2 months ago on Google • 56 reviews New
    This was a very worthwhile stop during our vacation. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and informative. The history lesson is very engaging. The house and the grounds are beautiful. I am a dog person but the cats were so cool. Sweet and chill. So well taken care of. You would think with over 60 cats it might be gross or stink but it did not. The workers take such great care of the property and animals. It’s definitely worth the visit. If you do the tour you are not wondering aimlessly, you are getting a history lesson.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shweta G. 3 months ago on Google • 97 reviews New
    One of the main attractions for me to visit Key West. We visited on December 26 and due to the holidays there was about a 30 minute wait for the guided tour , however, you can roam around in the house on your own during the wait time. Tickets are not cheap, about $40 per adult but the guided tour and interesting tid bits make it worth it. The tour and our own exploring lasted about 2-2.5 hours in the house. There are cats everywhere, so make sure you like cats before you enter 😊 . Our guide Sarah had a lot of knowledge and took time to explain the key events of Hemingway's life as well as his years in the house. Definitely worth a visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lana W. 2 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed the tour we took while there. Smells of kitty around the grounds, but with 50 plus having free roam of the grounds, it's to be expected. We saw a long line waiting to get in earlier in the day. We arrived late in the day and there was no wait.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alberto Nicanor Rosario M. 1 year ago on Google
    The house of the man himself, and probably the coolest place to visit Key West from a historical view. It's incredibly charming how the whole museum is his house. That, along with the memorabilia and the cats you get a very homely feeling and you can even feel nostalgic, specially knowing the man's history and end. If you go to Key West you can't skip it Also, be sure to tip the guides. They make such an AMAZING job with the guided tour. 10/10
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brigi 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely house! I been here 2008 since back then I always wanted to come back! And here we are again. I can spend my whole day in this house!The guide was amazing this house and the story it’s a treasure! If you have a cat fur allergy be prepared there are so many all over in the house and around.. everyone in my family my Mom and my Kids enjoy the time there! This house & museum always worth the visit if you are in Key West!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Motunrayo 2 years ago on Google
    A must visit piece of history right in the heart of Key West. The Hemingway house has a great tour and it’s just amazing to move through the spaces that the great writer lived and wrote his some of his stories. Ticket is reasonable and the house is close to the southernmost point. There are about 58 cats on the property so do visit if you are a cat lover.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jeminy C. 1 year ago on Google
    A fun and entertaining tour every 30 minutes. The home is beautiful and has all the charm a person could expect. After the tour you can explore the home on your own and relax outside. The house is full of six-toed cats. They are everywhere. You can pet them. Tour guides are friendly and open to questions. Gift shop a little pricey. If you are in Key West, this piece of history will delight you.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dillon M. 9 months ago on Google
    The Hemingway Home and Museum offers an immersive journey into the life and works of one of the greatest literary figures of all time. As soon as I stepped foot onto the property, I was captivated by the sense of history and creativity that permeated the air. The beautifully preserved home, where Hemingway resided for many years, is a treasure trove of stories and artifacts. Exploring the rooms, I felt a deep connection to the writer's life, surrounded by his personal belongings, original manuscripts, and cherished mementos. It was a unique opportunity to gain insight into the mind of a literary genius. The highlight of the visit was encountering the famous six-toed cats, descendants of Hemingway's beloved pets. These feline companions added a whimsical touch to the experience, wandering freely around the lush gardens and courtyard. I couldn't resist petting a few of them and appreciating their unique charm. Beyond the house and museum, the tranquil gardens offered a serene oasis where I could reflect on the writer's literary achievements. It was easy to imagine Hemingway finding inspiration amidst the lush greenery and tranquil surroundings. In conclusion, The Hemingway Home and Museum is an absolute must-visit for literary enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The opportunity to step into Hemingway's world, explore his home, and meet the iconic six-toed cats is an experience that resonates long after leaving the premises. The dedication to preserving the author's legacy is commendable, making this museum an unforgettable journey into the life and mind of a literary legend.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rhonda R. 11 months ago on Google
    What a lovely experience visiting the Hemingway House and Museum. Our tour started walking through the lush garden area and it was not long before we realized how much cats were a part of the experience. Yes, we saw 6-toed cats, cats on his bed, the cat house, and the cat cemetery. The home was beautiful and contained many old items. Our tour guide gave us one of the best tours I think I’ve ever experienced. He was pleasant, informative, and downright funny. I strongly recommend taking the walking guided tour. The 30 minutes is well worth it.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer 4 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    Tour guide was very nice and added a bunch of good information without being over the top. Lots of cats to see and pet if you would like. The gift shop is small but had a lot of choices. The gardens are lovely and you can walk around them while you wait for a tour to start. Total time 45 minutes with tour, gardens, and gift shop. House is air conditioned.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tahny D. 10 months ago on Google
    Great visit to The Hemingway Home. Make sure you bring cash as that is all they accept. We decided to not do the tour as it was going to be a 45 minute wait and toward our self. There was air-conditioning and fans inside the house that did help with it being so hot outside. We love touring the home it was very quick and easily can be done in 15-20 minutes. Then we toured the grounds and the guest house where we saw tons of adorable Hemingway cats. The cats were so sweet and liked to be petted. They were cats all over the grounds, and it was always fun to spot a new one and say hi. They have a gift shop with lots of books and gift souvenirs. All in all it was a great visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vadim R. 7 months ago on Google
    Very nice museum. We took the guided tour that was included in the $18 price (bring cash to avoid 4% fee). The tour was about 30 minutes and talked about his family life, his 4 wives, life in Paris and Key West, the house, and cats. Currently, the museum has 61 cats. You can see his writing studio that, per our guide, was preserved. I strongly recommend.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ashley R. 3 months ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    Very neat and lots of interesting facts around the property. I think it's a little over-priced for what it is, but I'm sure the property upkeep isn't cheap. If you're a Hemingway fan, the price is probably right on point. We took the tour which was neat, but you can learn the same info going through by yourself and not waiting 15-20 minutes for a tour. It was still overall a cool experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charlotte m. 3 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    We visited around 3:45 pm on a Sunday and it was moderately busy but only 2 groups ahead of us in line. There was a tour starting at 4 or you could do a self guided walk through of the house, grounds, and writing studio (in a carriage house, you can’t enter the actual room but go to the top of the stairs and view it through bars). LOTS (63) of adorable kitties that are “pet at your own risk.” You can pet them but not pick them up. Some cats were open to petting and some not. Beautiful, historical, very helpful guides! The little gift shop had many Hemingway books and short stories. Highly recommend for literature, architecture and/or cat enthusiasts.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keith N. 2 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff, polished tour guides, and a worthwhile touristy stop. Neat to see the memorabilia and hear about the unique history of the home before, during and after he lived there. And yeah, a lot of cats
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pete T. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent experience. Your $17 admission includes your choice of the guided or self guided tour. Admission is cash only, but there is an ATM on property. We were fortunate to have arrived five minutes before the next guided tour, so we took that. Our guide was knowledgeable, interesting, and humorous, with a quirky take on Hemingway's rich life. After your tour, you can stay as long as you like, revisiting the interior of the house, taking in the lush landscaping, or petting any of the 61 cats (at last count) living on the property, all descendants of Hemingway's cat, Snow White. Great gift shop/bookstore that, strangely, isn't cash only.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kendra W. 10 months ago on Google
    Such a fun tour to take while in Key West! They do accept card at the bookstore and for entrance fee. The grounds are beautiful and the house/writing studio is full of history. The guided tours can be a little big and it makes it a little hard to hear, but you can go back through on your own and read most of the things you miss. The cats are definitely a plus! They are very friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rosalie M. 5 months ago on Google
    Best party of our short trip to Key West. You can take a 30 minute guided tour or self-guided - same $18 price. The guide was great, sharing the deep story of Ernest Hemingway, his cats, dogs & his many loves. The estate is beautiful and there are 61 cats of all colors, ages & sizes roaming freely inside and out. You can go back through the house, wander the grounds, visit the gift shop all day long...and visit with the cats!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elisa R. 5 months ago on Google
    Absolutely recommended! If you want to learn more about Hemingway’s life or if you love cats, this is the place you want to visit! It was lovely to see where he lived, especially his studio and the garden. This place is a little oasis. There are plenty of cats everywhere. They even allowed our small chihuahua to enter. They have tours available. The staff is very friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kimberly M. 2 months ago on Google • 25 reviews New
    Great property to explore - lots of information and history. Can jump in on any tour if something was missed on your original one as the groups can be big. Can self explore at any time. Entertaining tour guides. Super clean bathrooms. $2 cold drinks. Definitely left educated & with stories !

  • 5/5 Krystal P. 3 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    One of my favorite places in Key West. We stopped and pet every single kitty 🐈‍⬛ we spotted. They were all so friendly and I could have spent all day just doing that. We enjoyed walking around the property and reading/seeing the history.

  • 4/5 Diana G. 4 months ago on Google
    The Hemingway House is well preserved, and an interesting walk-through. Also famous for its polydactyl cats which have been known for good luck to sailors. Currently the site has 61 cats although I think I could only capture about 22 of them :-) $14 for a fun and informative tour.

  • 5/5 Kati B. 6 months ago on Google
    My favorite attraction in Key West! The guides were knowledgeable and passionate. Highly recommend going through with them first, then going back in for self-guided if desired afterward. I learned so much and left inspired. The cats (61) were fascinating as they are from the original line of Hemingway's cats- so much care is given to them. Worth every dollar spent for my kids & I : ) Will revisit in the future.

  • 5/5 Michelle G. 10 months ago on Google
    A must see attraction if you go to Key West. It was $18 cash per person. We had the option to do a feee tour with a guide, but we opted to walk around and explore on our own. They give you a QR code to scan that pulls up pages of history walking you through the estate. Lots of cats and a cute gift shop. It was so hot, all I wanted to do was jump in the pool!

  • 5/5 Ben L. 5 months ago on Google
    Neat to see where the big man lived. Our tour guide was entertaining and knowledgeable. It was fun to hear the stories, especially the ones about his wife (wives). And yes, the six-toed cats do roam free here and enjoy a nice petting. The grounds are very lush with seating and a great place to rest your feet and people (cat) watch.

  • 5/5 Kit W. 4 months ago on Google
    I’ve always wanted to visit this fabulous house because I love Hemingway and cats! The cats were so cool and it is amazing that they are related to Hemingway’s original cats. There are 61 cats! They are friendly and super cool. The house is beautiful. Hemingway’s writing room was fun to see too. There is a nice gift store as well. It is a must see if in Key West.

  • 5/5 Adam R. 2 years ago on Google
    Great tour! The fee was 17$ for an adult. The guided tour was very good and full of fun facts. There was lots of stuff inside the house that was very interesting. There was lots of cats everywhere about 58 I think. You could also see his writing office. Super interesting. The story about the pool was very funny. Really worth it.

  • 5/5 Natalia E. 10 months ago on Google
    O Man! I love this place! You can feel the presence of the owner of the house. Very atmospheric and calm place . Cats filled the house and the neighborhood. They are very cute! The garden and the pool are very well-kept - it is a great pleasure to be in the shade of the trees.

  • 5/5 Jacob M. 2 years ago on Google
    Came for the cats, stayed for the history (and the cats). It was a wonderful walk back in time to see Hemingway's island home and learn about his life and history. Tons of friendly kitties that love getting all the pets and attention you want to give them!

  • 5/5 Robin K. 2 years ago on Google
    Been here more than once. Always beautiful. Guides have been very good. Kitties seen so happy. A must see in Key West. Lots of tourists but a large area so you don't feel so crowded. 58 kitties there when we were there last.

  • 5/5 Eva B. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved the Hemingway House! The history is interesting & guides are extremely informative. However, the best part is all the cats. I have a Hemingway cat at home, and it was so fun seeing all her cousins! I attached three photos of my favorite cats. Super sweet & kind kitties, and lots of history!

  • 5/5 Lillian S. 5 months ago on Google • 1 review
    The visit was amazing. The cats were so friendly! One even climbed into our laps while we were sitting on a bench. We decided to go self-guided, which was done pretty easily because of the signs, which are pretty informative. Though, the guided tour seems nice, and is included. We spent around 2 hours there. If you like literature, history, and/or cats it’s an amazing place to go!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍


Call (305) 294-1136 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom

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