Old Havana Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Old Havana which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Learn about the fascinating history of Cuba’s capital through the interesting fortresses, lively esplanades and plazas surrounded with colonial architecture in its old town district.

Old Havana is an enthralling link to a lost world of vibrant buildings, colorful cars and 16th-century fortifications. The portside district has a reputation as one of the world’s most exceptional city centers, due to the Spanish colonial architecture, the effects of the communist regime and Cuban traditions. Visit the chain of fortresses to find out about this city’s unique place in history.

Among the main landmarks of this UNESCO site is the Plaza Vieja, a former site of executions, bullfights and parties. Admire the range of colorful buildings once belonging to the city’s aristocracy that surround the square. Enter the nearby Naipes Museum and the Convento de Santa Clara.

Visit the various fortresses, such as the Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña and Morro Castle. The latter has an iconic lighthouse and a museum dedicated to these beacons of light. Visit the star-shaped fortress of the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, which holds the Navigation Museum. Gaze up at the replica of the 17th-century weather vane, La Giraldilla.

Another standout feature of the city’s old town is its esplanades. Wander along the 5-mile (8-kilometer) Malecón, which hugs the city’s northern shoreline, for a glimpse into local culture. Jog along the iconic boulevard and encounter its monuments and dilapidated buildings.

Reach the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta near the central part of this boulevard. Here, the Paseo del Prado begins to run south through the heart of Old Havana. Admire the signs of affluence along this pedestrianized road, where you will find parks, palaces and many shops and restaurants.

While in this fascinating old town area, make sure to visit the former seat of government El Capitolio, the spectacular Plaza de la Catedral and the Museum of the Revolution.

Old Havana comprises the area within the old city walls on the western flank of the Havana Port in the northeastern part of the city. Take the train to the Central Station or La Coubre station and walk north to find the majority of attractions. Visit the neighboring western districts of Chinatown, Centro and Vedado.


Popular places to visit


Our pick of the best Old Havana Hotel Deals

Casa Carmen
Casa Carmen
2.5 out of 5
Calle Cienfuegos 60, E/Apodaca y Corrales, Havana, Havana
The price is AU$56 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$56
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this guesthouse in Havana. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and WiFi. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (142 reviews)
Excelente!!
"My family and I had an excellent stay at Casa Carmen. We booked one night there to explore Old Havana and head to the airport for our flight home the following day. We arrived and were warmly welcomed by Guillermo. Our room was exactly what we needed, clean comfortable beds, warm shower, WiFi access ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Casa Carmen
SAN IGNACIO 659
SAN IGNACIO 659
3.5 out of 5
659 San Ignacio, Havana
The price is AU$137 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$137
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Havana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Hotel Nacional de Cuba ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
Thanks to La Habana
"I was surprised with the quality of the hotel and the staff. Narcys and the entire team are the best I have seen in my travels. highly recommended"

Reviewed on 26 Feb. 2024

SAN IGNACIO 659
Art Boutique Havana
Art Boutique Havana
4 out of 5
Calle Habana 155, Old Havana, Havana, La Habana
The price is AU$164 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
AU$164
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this 4-star B&B in Havana. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (226 reviews)
"Beautiful rooms and excellent service from the staff, an excellent choice if you are considering this option. Everything is near an to a walking distance from there. Very good choice, I highly recommend"

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2024

Art Boutique Havana
Hostal La Maestranza Habana
Hostal La Maestranza Habana
3 out of 5
Calle Cuba # 82, Entre Cuarteles y Chacon, Havana
The price is AU$96 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$96
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Havana. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, an airport shuttle, and a terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (74 reviews)
"La Maestranza. Great place and very helpful and friendly staff. I chose this place because of the decor and I was not disappointed. Excellent!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Hostal La Maestranza Habana
Casa Pedro-María
Casa Pedro-María
3 out of 5
209 Chacon, (Between Aguacate and Compostela), Havana
The price is AU$126 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$126
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Havana. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and WiFi. Popular attractions Hotel Nacional de Cuba and La Bodeguita del Medio are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (106 reviews)
"staff very good, very helpful"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Casa Pedro-María
Art Studio Habana Vieja 55
Art Studio Habana Vieja 55
4 out of 5
Pena Pobre 55, entre Aguiar y Habana, Havana
The price is AU$83 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$83
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4-star guesthouse in Havana. Enjoy free parking, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (337 reviews)
"The staff were very nice. The view on the terrace was beautiful. In the centre if the old town entertainment, shopping and restaurants."

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2024

Art Studio Habana Vieja 55
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Havana

Monumento a Antonio Maceo showing a statue or sculpture

Centro Havana

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Centro Havana. You might want to make time for a stop at Great Theatre of Havana or Hotel Inglaterra.

Centro Havana
Cristo de La Habana showing views as well as a small group of people

Municipality of Regla

While visiting Municipality of Regla, you might make a stop by sights like Cristo de La Habana and Colina Lenin.

Municipality of Regla
Havana

Municipality of Diez de Octubre

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Municipality of Diez de Octubre, El Barrio Chino and Eduardo Chibás are top sights worth seeing.

Municipality of Diez de Octubre
Palacio De Los Capitanes Generales which includes a castle, interior views and heritage elements

Plaza de la Revolucion

You'll enjoy the monuments and waterfront in Plaza de la Revolucion. You might want to make time for a stop at Hotel Nacional de Cuba or José Martí Memorial.

Plaza de la Revolucion
El Vedado featuring markets as well as a large group of people

El Vedado

4/5(10 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in El Vedado. You might want to make time for a stop at Hotel Nacional de Cuba or Galerias de Paseo.

El Vedado
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Municipality of Cerro

If you're spending some time in Municipality of Cerro, Coliseo de la Ciudad Deportiva and Estadio Latinoamericano are top sights worth seeing.

Municipality of Cerro

Old Havana Travel Guide

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