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Havana in a short version? Charismatic, slightly rocked, extraordinary, absolutely unique. Havana is incomparable. In Habana Vieja and Centro Habana, you are surrounded by beautifully restored palaces, colorful houses, old forts, exciting museums, and many small cafés with live music. The mix of Hispano-colonial, baroque and modern styles and the brightly colored vintage cars create a unique setting. Stroll through the beautiful alleys and enjoy the rhythm of the city. Plan enough time for Havana, at least two full days – the more, the better.
- Tickets: You can also book here a free walking tour with a local guide
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We've written down all our favorite spots of Habana Vieja and Centro Habana here and made it the ultimate city walking guide – you can visit all the places one by one. Of course, we've included a refreshment stop or two. There is so much to see and experience; be sure also to check out our free guide about the Best Things To Do in Havana.
- Discover: More tips, destinations and tour reports in our complete Cuba itinerary
- Tip: Be sure to pack: Water and Sunscreen
1 El Capitolio
Inside, by the way, you'll find the Estatua de la Republica. The third-largest indoor sculpture in the world (after the Buddha statue in Japan and the statue of Abraham Lincoln in the U.S.). Covered in 22-carat gold leaf and 39 ft (12 meters) high. An idealized representation of Cuban nationalism, the model, was a Cuban model named Lily Valty. Guided tours cost about 12 US-Dollar.
2 Gran Teatro De La Habana
One of the most prominent opera houses in the world is actually located in the middle of the Caribbean. Belgian architect Paul Belau designed the theater, and in 1915 it opened its curtains for the first time. It is the main venue of the National Ballet of Cuba. By the way, ballet is one of the national sports and to dance here once is for every dancer to fulfill their dreams.
In 2015, it was renamed Gran Teatro de La Habana “Alicia Alonso”. In honor of her contributions to Cuban and universal culture, her love for her homeland, and her loyalty to the Cuban Revolution. Should you have the opportunity, attend one of the performances – an unforgettable experience.
- Tip: Tickets are often still available at the box office and guided tours are also offered
3 Parque Central And La Esquina Caliente
4 Museo Nacional De Bellas Artes
Art in Cuba has always found its way to evade state censorship and subtly protest colonial (and post-colonial) oppression. Since the 1950s, art curators have been secretly amassing a vast and genre-spanning collection. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes displays a large part of these collections, with works by José Nicolás de la Escalera or Raúl Martínez. Some of the best Cuban and Caribbean art in the world can be found here, such as the unique marble sculpture “Form, Space and Light” at the museum entrance. Admission is approx. 6 US-Dollar.
5 El Floridita
“My Mojito in La Bodeguita, my Daiquiri in El Floridita” (“My Mojito in La Bodeguita, my Daiquiri in El Floridita”).
6 Paseo Del Prado
Beautiful avenue for a leisurely stroll, plus shady trees with marble benches underneath. It could not be better. By the way, some of Havana's wealthiest families lived along the avenue. So did Dr. Carlos Finlay, who discovered that mosquitoes spread yellow fever.
You will find the Hotel Sevilla with its beautiful Moorish style and Havana's most famous wedding chapel, the Palacio de los Matrimonios.
7 Museo De La Revolución
- Tip: You can find a small part of the old city wall right in front of the museum
8 Calle Obispo
A lively pedestrian street with a bit of everything: old architecture, many cafés, and stores with local handicrafts. The road runs from El Floridita to Plaza de Armas. No matter what time of day, the street is always busy. Points of interest along this stretch include the Ambos Mundos Hotel, where Ernest Hemingway lived for seven years, and the Taquechel Pharmacy Museum.
- Be sure to make a stop at the corner of Aguacate Street (Obispo / Aguacate). Why? They have Guarapo there. What is Guarapo? Raw sugar cane juice, absolutely delicious and refreshing. It is usually mixed with lime and ice and can be found in almost any bar, restaurant, or bodega. Tastes excellent with alcohol, too.
9 La Bodeguita
If the walls of La Bodeguita del Medio could talk… What looks like a student bar is actually the birthplace of the mojito cocktail. For almost 80 years, people have been mixing, eating, singing, dancing, and of course, drinking here.
“My Mojito in La Bodeguita, my Daiquiri in El Floridita” (“My Mojito in La Bodeguita, my Daiquiri in El Floridita”)
- Tip: Doors open at 10:30 am, perfect for starting the day with a mojito
10 Plaza De La Catedral
Guess what Plaza de la Catedral (“Cathedral Square”) is famous for? Yes, you're right, for the cathedral of Havana. The cathedral might trigger your inner Monk because it has two totally different towers. It is one of the oldest cathedrals in America. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have visited the little cathedral. It even housed the remains of Christopher Columbus for a time until they were transferred to the Spanish Cathedral of Seville.
- Tip: You can climb the smaller bell tower to enjoy the view over the square (cost about 3 USD)
11 Plaza De Armas
Plaza de Armas was built in the 1520s and is the oldest square in Havana. Its open-air market for revolutionary literature and souvenirs is famous everywhere. All around, you'll find cafés and restaurants, shady gardens, and many gorgeous Baroque buildings:
Museo De La Ciudad
The Cuban baroque palace of Los Capitanes now houses the Museo de la Ciudad. It reveals the fascinating history of Havana. You can see an impressive selection of objects from the Revolution, the tomb of the famous French artist Vermay, and the Salon de los Espejos where the official end of Spanish rule was proclaimed in 899. All tours and displays are in Spanish, but admission is worth it just to walk through the palace and the beautiful courtyard. Admission is approx. 5 US-Dollar.
Castillo De La Real Fuerza
Built in the 16th century to repel attacks by pirates. However, it was actually never used for this purpose, as it is located too far in the bay. Instead, the fort served as a residence for members of the military and nobility and as a storehouse for valuables. You can walk the fort and explore Havana's maritime history at the Maritime Museum, admission is 5 USD.
12 Plaza De San Francisco De Asis
The Plaza de San Francisco is located at the entrance to Old Havana and is cooled by a sea breeze. The perfect place to take a short break at the café or at the Fuente de los Leones, a white marble fountain. By the way, the Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis is known for the best acoustics in all of Cuba and is therefore often used for concerts.
- Tip: Its tower offers a beautiful view over Havana and the sea
13 Calle Mercaderes
Calle Mercaderes is a lovely and lively pedestrian street lined with pretty buildings, museums, and cafés. Take a leisurely stroll along and check out some small museums. The entrance to the Museo de Bomberos for firefighters and the Museo del Tabaco are free.
14 Plaza Vieja
This beautiful and picturesque square has been through quite a bit: once used for military exercises, then a popular marketplace, and in the 1950s, it was also pretty much converted for an underground parking garage. Fortunately, a rethinking has taken place in recent decades, and the Plaza Vieja and its surrounding buildings have been lovingly restored. Today, a popular meeting place in Havana, and the many bars and cafés invite you to relax.
At the top of the Edificio Gomez Vila hides a well-kept secret: A mysterious device called the Camera Obscura. An optical device invented by Leonardo da Vinci and a gift from Spain to Cuba. The camera offers a fascinating 360-degree panorama of the old town of Havana. It is truly a brilliant way to experience the beautiful city! There is also a fantastic view of the old town from the roof terrace. The entrance fee is 4 US-Dollar.
15 "El Morro"
The Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro “El Morro” stands on the other side of the entrance to Havana Bay in the Parque Historico Militar. It was built in the late 16th and early 17th centuries to protect against pirate attacks. In fact, it still looks the same, except that the original lighthouse has since been replaced by a new one made of solid stone, but the original lamp still shines today. The fortress is now used as a museum, and the breathtaking view is not to be missed! Admission is approx. 8 US-Dollar.
16 Fortaleza De San Carlos
Right next to El Morro is Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana, or “La Cabaña” (Spanish for “The Cabin”). The most expensive and largest Spanish fort in the Americas was built in the 1770s. It is versatile in its transformation: During the Batista regime, the fort served as a military prison, Che Guevara used it as a headquarters after the revolution, and today it is a museum.
- Tip: The absolute highlight is at 9 pm when actors in 19th-century costumes perform "El Ceremonia del Cañonazo," a cannon firing ceremony
17 El Cristo De La Habana
You'll get a fantastic view of Havana Bay from El Cristo de La Habana, especially at sunset. The statue is the work of Cuban sculptor Jilma Madera, about 20 meters (66 ft) tall and has a fighting weight of about 320 tons. It was built from 67 marble blocks brought from Italy after being personally blessed by Pope Pius XII. El Cristo stands with his right hand near his chin and his left hand near his chest. Cubans explain it this way: in the right hand a cigar and in the left hand a mojito – no one needs more.
- Tickets: In case you don’t have time to plan your private self-guided walk in Havana, you can also book a free walking tour online
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