A fiesta for the senses, Havana is a city made to stroll, with plenty of cultural attractions and unique things to do. Listen to live rumba music on a street corner, feast at restaurants where Hemingway once dined, or inhale the salt-soaked air along the famous Malecón. But perhaps the best part of a visit to Havana is the people. Friendly and outgoing, the locals are proud of their culture-rich Caribbean city and happy to share its historic treasures and many hidden gems. Learn about the highlights in and around the city with this list of top attractions in Havana:
1 Old Havana (Habana Vieja)
Catedral de San Cristobal
Old Havana, a UNESCO world heritage site, oozes the charm of days gone by. Elegant Neoclassical and Baroque buildings border cobbled squares and narrow streets, and many have been carefully restored to their former beauty. Highlights include the magnificent Catedral de San Cristobal a celebration of the Cuban Baroque style; the stout Castillo de la Real Fuerza, an impressive military fortress; and the popular public squares of Plaza Vieja and Plaza de Armas. The latter is home to the splendid Palacio de los Capitanes, home to the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) and a delightful leafy courtyard.
After soaking up all the history of this captivating quarter, climb the 35-meter tower of the camera obscura for a breathtaking overview of these well-aged jewels. Finally, head to La Bodeguita del Medio, a former Hemingway hangout, to refuel on succulent seafood and ice-cold drinks.
2 The Malecón
The Malecón
Strolling along the Malecón (El Malecon) at sunset is a wonderful way to soak up the feel of this evocative city and see some sights along the way. Havana's famous seafront boulevard runs about seven kilometers from Habana Vieja (Old Havana) to the Vedado and Plaza area. Overlooking the boulevard is a colorful collection of well-preserved 20th-century buildings in a mix of architectural styles, from Art Deco to Neo Moorish. In the golden glow of the setting sun, they make a beautiful photo.
The Malecón is also a great place to meet the locals. Anglers come here to cast their lines, and families and young couples saunter along the seafront enjoying the fresh air and ocean breezes. Those seeking to rest their weary feet should stop by the historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a World Heritage Site and a National Monument with a long list of glamorous former guests, including Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, and Marlon Brando.
3 Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro
Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro
Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, also known as El Morro, stands proudly at the entrance of the Bay of Havana in the Parque Historico Militar. El Morro was built in the late 16th century and early 17th century to guard against the constant threat of pirate attacks. It was designed by Italian engineer, Giovanni Battista Antonelli and looks much the same as it did in the 17th century. One of the main changes to the fort is the lighthouse. It was rebuilt several times and then finally replaced in the middle of the 19th century with a new lighthouse constructed of solid stone. Today, its original lamp still shines, and the fort is open to tourists. You can enjoy beautiful views over the ocean and the city of Havana from its upper reaches.
4 Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana
Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana
About a 15-minute walk from El Morro in the Parque Historico Militar, the huge Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana, also called the Castillo de San Carlos de la Cabana, sits atop La Cabana hill. At the time of its construction in the 1770s, it was the largest fort the Spanish had ever built, as well as the most costly. Following the British occupation, the Spanish set about building this imposing fort, which dominates the entrance to the Bay of Havana.
La Cabana, as it is usually referred to, was used as a military prison during the Batista regime and later became the headquarters for Che Guevara following the Revolution. Today, the fort houses a few museums. The most impressive is the Museo de Comandancia del Che, with the office of Che Guevara preserved as it was during his time here. Some of his personal items are also on display. During the day, the fort offers splendid views over the city and the sea. By night, tourists come here for the Ceremonia del Cañonazo when actors clad in 19th-century costumes perform a cannon-firing ceremony at 9pm each evening.
5 El Capitolio (National Capitol Building)
El Capitolio (National Capitol Building)
Travelers to Havana who have visited Washington, D.C. may do a double take when they see beautiful El Capitolio, inaugurated in 1929. Rising from the city skyline, this grand building is reminiscent of the American Capitol building, but it was the Panthéon in Paris, which reputedly inspired its distinctive cupola. The structure displays a blend of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles and was the seat of government until 1959, after the Cuban Revolution. Currently, it's undergoing a major restoration to prepare it as the new home for Cuba's Communist parliament. However, it remains a striking landmark for those wandering around Havana; its huge dome is visible from almost anywhere in the city.
Address: Paseo de Marti, (Prado) Havana
6 Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Spread across two buildings, Havana's Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts) is a must-see for art lovers. The restored Palacio del Centro Asturiano, designed in the 1920s by Manuel Bustos, houses Art from European Masters and a collection of more than 600 works of Ancient Art, from the Egyptian to Roman ages.
Dating from 1959, the Rationalist-style Palacio de Bellas Artes building is dedicated to Cuban Art from the 17th century to the present day. Here, you can admire an impressive collection of paintings, prints, and sculptures. One of the highlights is the unique marble sculpture "Form, Space and Light" at the museum entrance.
Addresses:
Palacio de Bellas Artes: Trocadero Street e/Zulueta y Monserrate, Old Havana
7 Paseo del Prado
Paseo del Prado
Considered by many to be the most beautiful street in Havana, the tree-lined Paseo del Prado bordering Old Havana deserves a leisurely stroll. The terrazzo, marble benches, bronze lions, and iron lampposts impart the feel of a grand boulevard from a bygone era, and indeed the street was once home to some of Havana's wealthiest families. Elegant old cinemas, mansions, and hotels from the 19th and 20th century line the street, many of which have been carefully restored. Highlights include the Hotel Sevilla with its Moorish styling; the home of Dr Carlos Finlay, the man who discovered that mosquitoes spread yellow fever; and Havana's most famous wedding chapel, the Palacio de los Matrimonios. The Paseo del Prado is a popular meeting place and people-watching spot at any time of day.
8 Gran Teatro de La Habana
Gran Teatro de La Habana
You might not expect to find one of the world's largest opera houses in the middle of the Caribbean, but the magnificent Gran Teatro de La Habana is just that. For those who have the chance, attending a performance here is a memorable experience. Designed by Belgian architect, Paul Belau, the theater faces Parque Central and was built as part of a larger complex in 1915. Art aficionados will be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful Baroque façade, which features four stunning sculptures created by the master, Giuseppe Moretti.
Over the years, the Gran Teatro de La Habana has hosted a wide variety of performances by some of the most famous celebrities in the world. Today, the theater is home to Cuba's National Ballet and Opera. Try to catch a performance while you are here to truly appreciate its grandeur and excellent acoustics. Guided tours are also available.
Address: Prado e/ San jose y San Rafael
9 Fusterlandia
Fusterlandia
Decorating a small village on the outskirts of Havana, Fusterlandia is a complex of three-dimensional neighborhood art and a rhapsody of color and creativity. Local painter and sculptor José Fuster created this kaleidoscopic display of mosaics, sculptures, and paintings throughout the neighborhood to represent his life and art. Affectionately known as the "Picasso of the Caribbean," Fuster even decorated neighbors' homes and bus shelters. Stroll through the streets to see the vibrant creations popping out of houses and public areas, then visit Fuster's home studio, and see where he creates this multi-hued feast for the eyes. Lovers of art and whimsy will enjoy this quirky side trip.
Location: Jaimanitas
10 Museo Napoleonico
Near the impressive Universidad de La Habana (University of Havana), the Museo Napoleonico in Havana displays the private collection of Julio Lobo, who was a collector of all things Napoleon. Lobo hired people to find and purchase Napoleonic mementos and memorabilia for his personal collection. When Lobo left Cuba in 1959, his collection was purchased by the Cuban government and is now housed in a beautiful building styled on a Florentine palace.
On display are personal items belonging to Napoleon, including one of his teeth and a lock of his hair. The Museo Napoleonico also contains Napoleon's death mask, a library of related topics, weaponry, and two portraits of the famous French military leader by Andrea Appiani and Antoine Gros. In total, the collection contains more than 7,000 pieces. It is one of the finest collections of Napoleon artifacts outside of Europe.
Address: San Miguel 1159
11 Plaza de la Revolución (José Martí Memorial)
Plaza de la Revolución (José Martí Memorial)
The Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square), formerly the Plaza Civica prior to the Revolution, is worth a brief stop due to its historical significance. During a 1998 visit to Cuba, Pope John Paul II celebrated mass in this famous square, and more than a million people have gathered here for Castro's speeches.
Overlooking the square is the José Martí Memorial with a 109-meter gray tower and white marble statue of the Cuban national hero. You can browse the small museum here or take the lift up the tower for panoramic city views. Government buildings surround the square, including the Ministry of the Interior building adorned with the iconic image of Che Guevara.
Address: Paseo y Calle 39
12 Museo de la Revolución
Museo de la Revolución
Housed in a former presidential palace, the Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution) is worth seeing even if only from the outside. The old presidential palace was designed by the Belgian architect Paul Belau and was built in the early part of the 20th century in a sumptuous version of Neoclassical architecture. Those who do venture inside are treated to a multitude of displays on Cuba's struggle for independence, colored with a revolutionary spin. Of note are the life-size wax figures of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos. Behind the museum is an interesting display of the yacht Granma. It was this boat that brought Fidel Castro and his gang to Cuba from Mexico. Also on display is a plane shot down during the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion.
Address: Calle Refugio 1
13 Miramar
Restored Miramar mansion
Lying to the west of Havana's historic city center, Miramar has traditionally been an upscale area. Today, it maintains this reputation with the addition of upper-end hotels and restaurants. You can cruise the wide, tree-lined avenues here and admire the stately homes, some of which have become embassies and government offices after the original owners fled during the Revolution. The main street in Miramar is Avenida 5, with its Miami-style Art Deco mansions and grand homes. The Avenues are numbered; Avenida Primera (First Avenue) is closest to the ocean.
Another worthwhile tourist attraction in Miramar, other than the general ambiance of grandeur, is the Maqueta de La Habana with a scale model of the city.
Address: 5ta Ave y calle 112
14 Playas del Este
Playas del Este
A short drive from Havana's city center, Playas del Este is a long stretch of palm-fringed beach that runs for miles. This is a great alternative for travelers who are unable to visit the more remote beach resorts in other parts of Cuba. Along Playas del Este sightseers will find hotels, restaurants, and all the regular tourist facilities. The beach is divided up into sections, with one of the best stretches at Santa Maria del Mar, a popular tourist spot. Another beautiful section and a locals' favorite is at Guanabo, although this area offers fewer tourist services.
Where to Stay in Havana for Sightseeing
To truly soak up the history and culture of Havana, the best place to stay is in or close to Old Havana, with its historic buildings and cobbled plazas. Areas of Central Havana and the eastern end of the waterfront promenade called the Malecón are within walking distance to Old Havana, and also make a convenient base. All these hotels include breakfast, but keep in mind that Havana hotels tend to be pricey, and a five-star hotel here would generally be rated much lower elsewhere. Here are some highly-rated hotels in these convenient areas:
Luxury Hotels: Overlooking the Malecon and the ocean, a short taxi ride from Old Havana, the iconic Art Deco Hotel Nacional de Cuba is the grande dame of Havana hotels. Former guests include Hemingway, Winston Churchill, and Rita Hayworth. In a fantastic location right in the center of Havana, close to El Capitolio, the Museum of the Revolution, and Old Havana, the Iberostar Parque Central occupies a Spanish colonial-style building and an adjoining modern tower. You can enjoy beautiful views over the city from the rooftop pool. Also with a rooftop pool, Hotel Saratoga sits across the street from El Capitolio and is only a short walk from Old Havana highlights.
Mid-Range Hotels: Steps from the Museum of Fine Arts, the historic Hotel Telegrafo overlooking Parque Central was a former press haunt. Its renovated guest rooms are large and comfortable, with high ceilings and huge windows. In the heart of Old Havana, the Baroque and Art Nouveau-style Hotel Raquel has an impressive stained glass dome in the lobby and a beautiful rooftop garden. Midway along the Malecon and within walking distance of Old Havana, Hotel Terral is on a busy road but has clean, modern rooms and sea views.
Budget Hotels: Elegant colonial-style architecture and a convenient location opposite Parque Central are the best features of the historic Hotel Inglaterra, Cuba's oldest hotel. On a pedestrian-only street, a stone's throw from Plaza Vieja in Old Havana, Hotel Los Frailes has a great location and a quirky monastic theme.
Easy Day Trips from Havana
Finca La Vigia, San Francisco de Paula, Cuba
Hemingway's boat
About 16 kilometers east of Havana in the town of San Francisco de Paula, Finca La Vigia was the part-time residence of Ernest Hemingway for 20 years, between 1939 and 1959 - despite all the turmoil in Cuba during that period.
Upon Hemingway's death, Finca La Vigia was turned into a museum, the Museo Hemingway. The house remains as Hemingway left it with more than 8,000 books on display, as well as artwork, hunting trophies, the author's typewriter, and other personal belongings. Visitors are not allowed inside, but it's possible to peek in through the windows, unless the house is closed up during rainy weather. You can also wander through the garden to see Hemingway's fishing boat, "Pilar," which he had kept in Cojimar. The garden is also home to a pet cemetery, the final resting place for some of his beloved cats.
Cojimar
A bust of Hemingway in Cojimar
Hemingway fans should make a visit to the small fishing village of Cojimar, about 20 minutes east of Havana by taxi. During the 1950s, Hemingway visited Cojimar often and made it the setting for his novel, The Old Man and the Sea. He also kept his boat the "Pilar" here, and could often be seen socializing with locals in the streets.
These days, tourists come here to visit the square named in his honor and see the statue of the famous scribe. Locals also love to point out his favorite restaurant, La Terraza. Perhaps inspired by Hemingway's legacy, many artists from Havana and other parts of Cuba are drawn here.
National Botanical Garden of Cuba
National Botanical Garden of Cuba
About 10 kilometers south of Havana, the Jardin Botanico Nacional encompasses 1,500 acres of botanical wonders from around the globe. The garden lies near Parque Lenin, a popular recreational area, and is divided into geographical zones. You can hop aboard a train to enjoy an effortless two-hour tour through the gardens. Highlights of the park are the Jardin Japones (Japanese Garden) with a pond, waterfalls, and gazebos, and the Pabellones de Exposicion with cactuses and tropical plants. For a look at local flora, check out the Caribbean section, which contains about 3,500 species native to Cuba.
Address: Carretera del Rocio Km 3, Calabazar, Arroyo Naranjo
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