Havana

Old Havana: Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas and Plaza Vieja

The colonial heart of the city, a World Heritage Site, organized around four great squares with palaces, churches and arcades. The best place to start getting to know Havana.

Old Havana is the original historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982, and it's where the city's colonial soul beats. It developed around four great squares, each with its own character, connected by cobbled alleys, arcades and more than a thousand historic buildings. Exploring it on foot, unhurried, getting lost in its streets, is the number one plan of any visit to the Cuban capital. The Plaza de Armas is the oldest and marks the point where, according to tradition, the town of San Cristóbal de La Habana was founded. It's surrounded by gardens, has in the center the statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (the 'Father of the Homeland') and almost every day hosts an old-book market. Overlooking it are the Castillo de la Real Fuerza and El Templete, the small monument that recalls the founding beside a ceiba tree. The Plaza de la Catedral, the 'youngest' (18th century), is presided over by the Cathedral of San Cristóbal, with its baroque façade and two asymmetrical towers, and flanked by colonial palaces now turned into restaurants and museums. The Plaza Vieja is the most colorful and photogenic: a quadrangle of colorful mansions with balconies, a marble fountain in the center and cafés with outdoor tables. It was born in the 16th century as a commercial and residents' square (it had no military or religious function). The fourth, the Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, faces the port and preserves the old basilica and the commercial exchange. Between one square and another you'll cross Mercaderes street, Obispo street (the liveliest, pedestrian, full of shops and bars) and corners like the Bodeguita del Medio. The whole ensemble is under the City Historian's Office, which has been restoring the buildings for decades. Keep in mind that, outside the restored axes, there is a lot of decay: part of Old Havana's charm is precisely that contrast between recovered palaces and façades falling to pieces. Practical tip: start early to avoid the midday heat and bring water. The old town is walked entirely on foot. If you like history, it's worth hiring a local guide or joining a free walking tour to understand what each building was. Watch your belongings in the busiest areas, like any tourist city.

ℹ️ Recognition: World Heritage Site (UNESCO, 1982) · Main squares: Catedral, Armas, San Francisco de Asís and Vieja · How to explore it: On foot; ideal to start early because of the heat

The Malecón

Havana's great seafront promenade, a nearly 8 km wall facing the sea where the city gathers to chat, fish, play music and watch the sunset.

The Malecón is the most emblematic avenue and coastal wall in Havana, and much more than that: it's the city's open-air living room. It stretches for about 7 to 8 kilometers along the sea, from the port entrance and Old Havana, through Centro Habana, to Vedado. Built from 1901 to protect the city from the waves, today it's the place where Havanans sit at dusk to chat, fish, drink rum, play the guitar or simply gaze at the horizon. Walking the Malecón at the end of the afternoon, when the sun sinks over the sea and the light gilds the peeling façades of the buildings across the street, is one of the loveliest and most free experiences in Havana. In the background you see the city skyline, the classic cars passing along the avenue and, on rough days, the waves breaking against the wall and jumping over the roadway. It's very photogenic and has a unique atmosphere, a mix of melancholy and joy. Along the promenade you find landmarks: the Castillo de la Punta and, across from it, the Morro guarding the bay; the monument to the battleship Maine; historic hotels like the Nacional, perched on a rise over the sea; and the outlet toward Vedado. It's a good axis for orienting yourself and for connecting the different neighborhoods on foot. Practical tip: the best time is sunset and early night, when it fills with locals. Bring something to drink and join the atmosphere. On days of strong wind or storm, parts of the Malecón flood with seawater, so check the weather. At night it's busy but, as always, it's best to use common sense.

ℹ️ Length: About 7-8 km, from Old Havana to Vedado · Best time: Sunset and early night · Cost: Free; it's a public promenade

The National Capitol

The imposing domed building that recalls the U.S. Capitol in Washington, a symbol of the city, facing the Paseo del Prado. It houses the Statue of the Republic and Cuba's 'kilometer zero'.

The National Capitol is one of the most imposing and recognizable buildings in Havana. Opened in 1929, with its great dome and monumental staircase, it was inspired by the United States Capitol in Washington, though Havanans assure you (with pride) that theirs is taller and grander. For decades it was the seat of the Cuban Congress; after the revolution it came to house scientific institutions and, after a long restoration, today it is again the seat of the National Assembly. Its interior is as spectacular as the façade. In the great central hall stands the Statue of the Republic, a female bronze figure covered in gold that is among the largest indoor statues in the world. On the floor, under the dome, is marked Cuba's 'kilometer zero', the point from which all the country's road distances are measured. The halls, marble staircases and decorative details make the interior tour a very striking visit. It's right on the border between Old Havana and Centro Habana, at the end of the Paseo del Prado and a few steps from the Gran Teatro de La Habana (another beautiful building, home to the National Ballet). It's a landmark for orienting yourself and an obligatory photo stop. Practical tip: the guided visit to the interior is paid separately; prices for tourists are usually quoted in foreign currency (check at the time, for reference in USD/CUP). Verify hours and whether it's open to visits, because as a parliamentary seat access is sometimes restricted. Combine it with the Paseo del Prado and the Parque Central, which are right next door.

ℹ️ Opening: 1929; inspired by the Washington Capitol · Must-see: Statue of the Republic and Cuba's 'kilometer zero' · Entry: Guided visit to the interior approx. US$ 10–15 / 250–300 CUP per person (verified July 2026; confirm when you visit)

Paseo del Prado (Paseo de Martí)

The elegant tree-lined avenue with a marble floor and bronze lions that links the Capitol with the Malecón. A classic for walking and watching Havana life.

The Paseo del Prado, officially Paseo de Martí, is one of the most stately and beloved avenues in Havana. It's a central boulevard, raised and tree-lined, with a terrazzo floor, stone benches, old streetlamps and famous bronze lions guarding its ends. It links the Parque Central and the Capitol with the Malecón and the sea, crossing the border between Old Havana and Centro Habana. Strolling along its central promenade, in the shade of the trees, is to peer into the city's daily life. On both sides rise mansions and early 20th-century buildings, many with colorful façades now quite deteriorated, but full of character. Along the Prado you'll see kids playing soccer, artists exhibiting paintings on weekends, couples, retirees chatting and, from time to time, a wedding with classic cars in the background. It's a quiet and very authentic place, perfect for walking between the historic center and the coast. It's perfectly connected on foot to almost everything you'll want to see: at one end, the Capitol, the Gran Teatro and the Parque Central; at the other, the Malecón and the bay entrance with the Castillo de la Punta. It's one of the natural axes for organizing your tour. Practical tip: it's a free promenade, always open. Do it mid-morning or at dusk, when the heat drops. On weekends there's usually more atmosphere, with a painters' fair. Combine it with a stop at the Parque Central, where baseball fans gather to argue (the famous 'esquina caliente', hot corner).

ℹ️ Route: From the Capitol / Parque Central to the Malecón · Details: Marble floor, trees and bronze lions · Cost: Free; public promenade

El Morro Castle and San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress (the 9 o'clock cannon shot)

The system of fortresses that guarded the port entrance, across the bay. At La Cabaña, every night at 9:00 p.m., the historic nine o'clock cannon shot is reenacted.

Across the bay, facing Old Havana, rises the great military complex that defended the port entrance and that is, in large part, the reason why the city existed and prospered. The Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro (built between the late 16th and early 17th centuries) crowns the rocky headland of the bay entrance, with its unmistakable lighthouse; for centuries it watched the sea for pirates and enemy fleets. The views from its walls toward the Malecón, the city and the open sea are spectacular. Next to the Morro is the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña, known simply as La Cabaña, built by the Spanish between 1763 and 1774 after the capture of the city by the English. It's one of the largest colonial fortresses in all of the Americas, with enormous walls, moats, parade grounds and tunnels. In the 20th century it functioned as a prison (Che Guevara had his command post there). Today it's explored as a historic site, with museums and lookouts. The most famous thing is the ceremony of the nine o'clock cannon shot: every night at 9:00 p.m., soldiers dressed in 18th-century uniforms reenact the firing of a cannon. The tradition comes from the colonial era, when that shot announced the closing of the city wall gates and of the chain that crossed the bay. It's a very crowded spectacle and it's worth arriving early to get near the cannon. Practical tip: you cross the bay by taxi (through the tunnel) or by launch from Old Havana. Admission is paid, and prices for foreigners are usually quoted in foreign currency (check at the time, for reference in USD/CUP); sometimes the nighttime entry to see the cannon shot costs a bit more. Arrive before 8:30 p.m. for the cannon shot and bring something light to keep warm, because at night there's a sea breeze.

ℹ️ Cannon shot: Every night at 9:00 p.m. at La Cabaña · La Cabaña: Built 1763-1774; one of the largest fortresses in the Americas · Entry: Each fortress approx. 200 CUP / US$ 8–9 per person; the nighttime cannon shot usually costs a bit more (verified July 2026)

Plaza de la Revolución

The enormous 20th-century civic esplanade, with the monument and tower to José Martí and the iron murals of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos on the façades across the way.

The Plaza de la Revolución is the great civic and political space of modern Havana, in the Vedado neighborhood. It's an enormous esplanade where, throughout recent history, the great mobilizations, speeches and acts of the Cuban State have gathered, with crowds of hundreds of thousands of people. Its monumental scale contrasts completely with the intimacy of the colonial squares of Old Havana. The dominant element is the Memorial and Tower to José Martí, the national hero and leader of Cuban independence: a marble star that rises more than a hundred meters, the tallest structure in the city, with a lookout at the top and a museum at the base. But what people photograph most are the façades of the ministries surrounding the square, decorated with two giant murals made of iron: that of Che Guevara, with his phrase 'Hasta la victoria siempre' (Ever onward to victory), and that of Camilo Cienfuegos, with his 'Vas bien, Fidel' (You're doing fine, Fidel). They are iconic images of Cuba. It's in Vedado, somewhat far from the historic center, so it's best to arrive by taxi (classic or regular) and combine it with a walk around the area. It's one of the places that almost all classic-car tours include for the photo. Practical tip: the square itself is open and free; going up to the lookout of Martí's tower and entering the museum are paid separately (check currency and price at the time). Keep in mind that it's a shadeless esplanade, so go with a cap, water and sun protection. It's very typical to arrive here in a classic convertible as part of a tour.

ℹ️ Location: Vedado; it's best to arrive by taxi · Must-see: Iron murals of Che and Camilo; Memorial to José Martí · Entry: Square free; lookout + tower museum approx. US$ 5–10 / 150–300 CUP per person (verified July 2026)

Cuban Art Factory (FAC)

A former Vedado oil factory turned into the most vibrant cultural center in the city: art, live music, cinema, bars and dancing under one roof.

The Cuban Art Factory, known to everyone as the FAC, is the most original and vibrant cultural space in Havana, and for many travelers one of the city's great must-sees. It's in a former cooking-oil factory from 1910, in the Vedado neighborhood, that a group of Cuban artists and musicians (led by the musician X Alfonso) recovered and reopened in 2014 as a multidisciplinary cultural center. Time magazine included it among the best places in the world. What makes it special is that it brings together, under one roof, a lot of things at once: contemporary art galleries, live concerts, film screenings, dance, theater, design, fashion, several bars and corners to eat. You move from one hallway to another, from one room to another, and in each there's something different: a photo exhibition, a band playing, a DJ, a performance. It's the meeting point of Havana's young cultural scene, with an audience mixing Cubans and foreigners, and an atmosphere unlike anything in the historic center. It's in Vedado, on 26th Street, near the Almendares river, so it's best to arrive by taxi. It opens only some days of the week (generally Thursday to Sunday) and at night; it's best to confirm the program and opening days before going, because it closes for seasons. Practical tip: admission is cheap and on entering they give you a consumption card where they note down what you order, which you pay on leaving (don't lose it, because losing it carries a fine). Go ready to stay several hours. There may be a line to get in on the busiest nights, so arrive early. Confirm the current days and hours, because the FAC opens by 'seasons' and sometimes takes breaks.

ℹ️ What it is: Former oil factory (1910) turned into a cultural center in 2014 · Location: Vedado, 26th Street near the Almendares river · Days: Usually open Thursday to Sunday, at night; confirm the season

Callejón de Hamel

A Centro Habana alley turned into an open-air mural, a temple of Afro-Cuban art and of the Sunday rumba.

The Callejón de Hamel is one of the most colorful and peculiar corners of Havana, a passage in Centro Habana turned into a total work of art dedicated to Afro-Cuban culture. From 1990, the artist Salvador González Escalona began painting and decorating its walls with psychedelic murals, symbols of Santería (the Afro-Cuban religion of Yoruba root), verses, sculptures made with bathtubs, wheels and recycled objects. The result is a vibrant, cluttered and unique alley, where every wall tells something. Beyond the visual, the Callejón de Hamel is a living center of Afro-Cuban culture. On Sundays at midday it's famous for its live rumba performances: drums, dancing and lots of atmosphere, with artists and neighbors. It's a good place to get close to the African roots of Cuban identity, present in the music, the religion and the daily life of the island. It's in Centro Habana, the neighborhood between Old Havana and Vedado, a very popular and dense area, less touristy and quite run-down. You can get there walking from the Malecón or by taxi. Practical tip: the most intense moment is Sunday, with the rumba (arrive early because it fills up). It's an area where it's best to use common sense and watch your belongings. Keep in mind that many of the musicians and of those who offer you explanations expect a tip, and that around the Sunday rumba there may be a certain commercial, sales-oriented atmosphere. Even so, the experience is worth it.

ℹ️ What it is: Mural-alley dedicated to Afro-Cuban culture · Best day: Sunday at midday, for the live rumba · Location: Centro Habana; watch your belongings

Vedado and the University of Havana

The wide, tree-lined 20th-century neighborhood, with avenues, historic hotels, cinemas and the imposing University staircase crowned by the Alma Mater statue.

Vedado is the neighborhood that shows the other face of Havana: that of the modern 20th-century city, with wide tree-lined avenues, mansions from the 1920s to 1950s, historic hotels, cinemas, theaters and a more local, quiet rhythm than that of the historic center. Its streets are ordered with a system of letters and numbers very easy to follow. Strolling through Vedado, sitting in a park or having an ice cream at the famous Coppelia parlor is to peer into the daily life of Havanans. One of its icons is the University of Havana, founded in 1728 and one of the oldest in the Americas. Its main entrance is a monumental staircase of 88 steps, built in 1928, crowned by the statue of the Alma Mater, a female bronze figure with open arms that has become a symbol of Cuban student life. Climbing the staircase and touring the campus, with its neoclassical buildings and courtyards, is a lovely walk laden with history (many political episodes of the 20th century began here). In Vedado are also the Plaza de la Revolución, the monumental Colón cemetery (a true city of marble), the Hotel Nacional overlooking the Malecón and much of the city's nightlife and culture, including the FAC. It's a neighborhood for combining walking and the occasional taxi, because the distances are greater than in Old Havana. Practical tip: go with comfortable footwear because there's quite a bit of walking. The University staircase is freely accessible from outside. Combine Vedado with a classic-car ride, which usually includes the Malecón, the Plaza de la Revolución and this area. Coppelia is an institution: it has different prices depending on whether you pay in national or foreign currency.

ℹ️ University: Founded in 1728; staircase of 88 steps (1928) and the Alma Mater · Character: Modern, tree-lined neighborhood, more local than the historic center · Also here: Plaza de la Revolución, Colón Cemetery, Hotel Nacional, FAC

Classic cars and cocotaxis

Riding in a 1950s American convertible is a typical Havana experience; the yellow cocotaxis are the cheapest and most fun option for short trips.

If there's one postcard that defines Havana, it's the classic 1940s and 1950s American cars: Chevrolet, Buick, Ford, Cadillac and Pontiac in bright colors, many convertibles, still driving the streets six or seven decades later. They were 'frozen' on the island after the 1959 revolution and the embargo, which cut off the import of new cars, and Cubans have kept them alive with enormous ingenuity. Today they are at once transport and a tourist attraction. The classic experience is to hire a sightseeing ride in a convertible, usually by the hour, that takes you along the Malecón, the Plaza de la Revolución, Vedado and the historic center, with the wind in your face and Cuban music in the background. It's a great plan, especially at sunset, and one of the best photo opportunities. These 'tour' cars are usually very well cared for and charge in foreign currency; the price is agreed beforehand (check at the time, for reference by the hour in USD). The cocotaxis, on the other hand, are those motorized tricycles shaped like a yellow coconut, open, for two or three passengers. They're a cheaper, fun and fast option for short trips around the center, though without the elegance of the convertible. There are also bicitaxis (pedal tricycles) for short distances in Old Havana. Practical tip: with all of them (classic car, cocotaxi, bicitaxi) agree the price and the currency before getting in, because they have no fixed fare and you have to negotiate. For the convertible ride, look closely at the state of the car and ask what the tour includes. It's one of those experiences that, even if touristy, is worth living at least once in Havana.

ℹ️ Classic car (tour): Ride by the hour; price in foreign currency, to be agreed beforehand · Cocotaxi: Yellow tricycle, cheap, for short trips · Key: Always agree the price and currency before getting in

National Museum of Fine Arts

Cuba's great art museum, with the largest collection of Cuban art in the world, spread across two buildings near the Parque Central.

The National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana is the most important artistic institution in Cuba and an essential visit for anyone who wants to understand the island's art. It brings together tens of thousands of works and is divided into two locations, right in the center, near the Capitol and the Parque Central. It's a good plan for a hot or rainy day, when you feel like taking refuge in a cool space with history. The Cuban Art Building is the heart of the museum: it holds the most complete collection of Cuban art in the world, from the colonial era to contemporary art, passing through the 20th-century avant-gardes. It's the best way to trace the evolution of Cuban visual identity, with great names of the island's painting. The other building, the Universal Art one, occupies the former Asturian Center, a beautiful palace, and brings together European, ancient and other world art, including Greek, Roman and Egyptian pieces. Both locations are a few blocks from each other, very close to the Paseo del Prado and the Parque Central, so they combine easily with a visit to the Capitol and the historic center. Each building has its own entry; there's usually a combined ticket. Practical tip: admission is paid (check currency and price at the time; there's usually a fare for foreigners in foreign currency). If you're interested in Cuban art, prioritize the Cuban Art Building. Verify the opening days, because museums in Cuba usually close on some day of the week (often Monday). It's a quiet, air-conditioned visit, ideal for the hottest hours.

ℹ️ Collection: The largest collection of Cuban art in the world · Two locations: Cuban Art and Universal Art (former Asturian Center) · Entry: Approx. 125 CUP per building or 200 CUP for the combined ticket for foreigners (verified July 2026; confirm when you visit)