Old Havana Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Old Havana
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

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 7 Nov to 8 Nov
AU$83
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Havana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (385 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 AU$134 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
AU$134
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 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 our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (239 reviews)
"If you want to experience real old city, staying there is the best option. Hotel reception staffs all very friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 26 Oct. 2024

Hostal Balcones Muralla
SAN IGNACIO 659
SAN IGNACIO 659
4.5 out of 5
659 San Ignacio, Havana
The price is AU$130 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
AU$130
includes taxes & fees
19 Nov - 20 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Havana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
"Nice hotel in old Havana"

Reviewed on 25 Aug. 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$149 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
AU$149
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 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 our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (249 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 AU$126 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
AU$126
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Havana. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (116 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
Al Sol Suite
Al Sol Suite
4 out of 5
Calle Sol 161, Apto A, Primer Piso, Entre San Ignacio y Cuba, Havana
Fully refundable
The price is AU$119 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
AU$119
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 4-star B&B in Havana. Enjoy free breakfast, WiFi (surcharge), and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (82 reviews)
"The property is great. Very comfortable and in the heart of old Havana. Old Havana is safe, but a bit dirty in parts. Some. Streets look clean, others look chaotic."

Reviewed on 31 Oct. 2024

Al Sol Suite
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

Default Image

Chinatown

While Chinatown may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hotel Nacional de Cuba and San Rafael Boulevard.

Chinatown
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 San Rafael Boulevard or Great Theatre of Havana.

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 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(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 John Lennon Park.

El Vedado

Old Havana Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: