Old Havana Travel Guide

Havana
Old Havana
Old Havana featuring heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Old Havana
Old Havana
Old Havana which includes building ruins as well as a small group of people
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


Top hotels in Old Havana

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 Rp827.736 per night from 4 Dec to 5 Dec
Rp827.736
Rp827.736 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Dec - 5 Dec
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Havana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (388 reviews)
"The hotel is simple but nice. It’s clean,close to dining options and has great staff. We did not have problem with anything. Just expect the place to be no frills."

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Art Studio Habana Vieja 55
Hostal Balcones Muralla
Hostal Balcones Muralla
3.5 out of 5
Aguacate Street # 482, entre Muralla y Teniente Rey, Havana
The price is Rp1.400.175 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
Rp1.400.175
Rp1.400.175 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Dec - 22 Dec
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Havana. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (246 reviews)
"This is a fantastic boutique hotel. The staff were charming and very helpful. Would recommend if you want a real Havana Viejo experience."

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2024

Hostal Balcones Muralla
Art Boutique Havana
Art Boutique Havana
4 out of 5
Calle Habana 155, Old Havana, Havana, La Habana
The price is Rp992.291 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
Rp992.291
Rp992.291 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this 4-star B&B in Havana. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (250 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2024

Art Boutique Havana
Casa Pedro-María
Casa Pedro-María
3 out of 5
209 Chacon, (Between Aguacate and Compostela), Havana
The price is Rp1.267.675 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
Rp1.267.675
Rp1.267.675 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Havana. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (118 reviews)
"We loved staying here. All the staff were lovely and so helpful. It is situated in Old Habana and is perfect for exploring the various Plaza's and Museums. They changed currency at a much better rate than banks and organized a tour of Old and 'New' Havana, right out to the Parque zoological Nacional ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2024

Casa Pedro-María
SAN IGNACIO 659
SAN IGNACIO 659
4.5 out of 5
659 San Ignacio, Havana
The price is Rp1.357.312 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
Rp1.357.312
Rp1.357.312 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Dec - 8 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Havana. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Wonderful hotel in old Havana
"Rooms were spacious and air conditioned. Lovely breakfast on the rooftop. Staff were super friendly. Good laundry service"

Reviewed on 16 Nov 2024

SAN IGNACIO 659
Casa Factoria
Casa Factoria
3 out of 5
Factoria 67 Entre Corrales y Apodaca, Havana, Havana
The price is Rp733.917 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
Rp733.917
Rp733.917 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Dec - 4 Dec
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Havana. Enjoy private pools, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hotel Nacional de Cuba and National ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (146 reviews)
"Great host . A must visit"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2024

Casa Factoria
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(19 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Centro Havana. You might want to make time for a stop at Casa de la Musica de Centro or San Rafael Boulevard.

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(4 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Municipality of Diez de Octubre, El Barrio Chino and Museo de las Telecomunicaciones 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 John Lennon Park.

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

El Vedado

4/5(69 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 John Lennon Park.

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