Old Havana: A Local’s Guide to Habana Vieja [in 2024]

In many ways, Old Havana – or, Habana Vieja – is the stereotypical Cuba you’re thinking of – beautiful vintage cars, historic yet faded facades, and cobblestone streets. But a deep dive into Old Havana will change your perspective of Cuba and show you there’s a lot more here than might first meet the eye.

As locals, we walk the streets of Old Havana on a daily basis and know this most famous Havana neighborhood like the back of our hand. Read on for our local tips on what to do in Old Havana, places to stay, where to eat, and what to avoid when visiting Old Havana. It’s just one part of Havana, but it is a destination you won’t want to miss.

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Old Havana

The neighborhood of Old Havana and its fortification systems are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, best known for its impressive and unique historical mix of architectural styles from its 500+ year history. But they’re just a small part of what makes Habana Vieja – Old Havana – the most famous neighborhood in the city and a must-visit destination for any visitor to Cuba.

Here you’ll find the most historic architecture in the city, some dating back to the 1500s, and plenty of shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Without a doubt, this neighborhood is lively, colorful, and vibrant, and you’ll likely want to spend a lot of your time in Havana exploring and taking in all it has to offer.

Havana is much more than just this one neighborhood – check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Havana to see our recommendations for travelers throughout the WHOLE city. However, Old Havana is one of those special destinations that deserve time to explore. There is no place like it!

You’ll find that Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is very much a living, breathing neighborhood, which makes it so special. Here you’ll see kids in their uniforms running off to school, housewives sweeping dust out the front door, fruit and vegetable markets, and mechanics working on old cars – real life still happens here – it’s not just a monument to history.

What is the Difference Between Havana and Old Havana?

Old Havana is merely one neighborhood in the city of Havana, which is quite an expansive city composed of over 15 municipalities. Compared to others in the city, Old Havana is a relatively small neighborhood—you can walk from one end to the other in about 25 minutes.

While Old Havana is, of course, home to the oldest section of the city, you’ll still find beautiful, relatively old architecture in other areas of the city. The Vedado and Playa neighborhoods, for example, are home to some of the city’s old, stately mansions. In other Havana neighborhoods, you’ll find relatively newer architecture mixed with older buildings.

Old Havana Map

I’ve created an Old Havana map to accompany this article. It has every location we recommend, from the best restaurants to where to stay. You’ll find we have dozens of recommendations for things to do in Havana, and we’ve tried to include almost every site of interest in Havana’s most famous neighborhood.

Getting Around Old Havana

You’ll have no trouble getting around in Old Havana. This neighborhood is relatively small, and you can walk from one end to the other in probably around 20-25 minutes. You won’t need to catch a car or taxi to get around in Old Havana, though you might need one to get to other parts of the city.

If you’re looking for a taxi to take you to another part of the city, it’s best to walk to Parque Central, near the entrance to the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski, where you’ll find private taxis waiting. You can choose between a standard yellow taxi or a vintage American car.

If you’re looking for a specific bus route or shared taxi route, make sure to check with your casa particular host or in your hotel, and don’t be shy about asking for help from passersby on the street.

Things To Do in Old Havana, Cuba

Old Havana Highlights

Just a few short hours to spend in Old Havana? These are the sites you MUST visit, including the best of the best in the city. Some won’t take more than a few minutes to see – Parque Central, Capitolio, and the Gran Teatro de la Habana are clustered together! – but they’re the site in the neighborhood you won’t want to miss.

• Havana’s Four Central Plazas
• Castillo de la Real Fuerza
• Calle Obispo
• Parque Central
• El Capitolio
• Paseo del Prado
• Gran Teatro de La Habana
• Clandestina

Havana’s Four Central Plazas

*Old Havana Highlight

Visiting Havana’s famed four central plazas is one of the best ways to see the city. Download Maps.Me on your phone before the trip and trace the route between these four parks; this is one of the best self-guided walking tours of Havana.

1. Plaza Vieja: Arguably the most picturesque of Havana’s four central plazas, this gorgeous plaza has colorful and lovingly restored historic buildings with stained glass arches and delicate balconies. It is ringed by restaurants, galleries, and even a small museum about the area’s history. Check out Cafe Bohemia – it’s one of my favorite cafes in Havana.
2. Plaza de Armas: Located just across from the start of the Malecón in the Havana Harbor, Plaza de Armas is Havana’s oldest plaza. This plaza is home to a large statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, known as the father of the nation of Cuba. The Plaza is inviting, mostly shaded by trees, and with plenty of benches – it’s the perfect place to rest and take in the beauty of the square on a hot, sunny day.
3. Plaza de la Catedral: This plaza is home to Havana’s… you guessed it… cathedral. This distinctive cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful examples of baroque architecture in the Americas, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation in Old Havana. In addition to a lovely if somber interior, there are many famous Habaneros buried within the cathedral.
4. Plaza de San Francisco de Asís: One of the oldest plazas in the city, the Plaza de San Francisco de Asís is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Convento de San Francisco de Asís, built in the late 1500s. Make sure to climb the bell tower of the church for spectacular views over the whole city!

Castillo de la Real Fuerza

*Old Havana Highlight

Standing guard over the entrance to the Plaza de Armas is the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, one of Havana’s many fortresses protecting this important harbor. This fortress is the oldest in the Americas, completed in 1577 by the Spanish. Surrounded by a moat, it is a great place to visit to learn about the colonial history of the city. 

Calle Obispo

*Old Havana Highlight

Calle Obispo is a pedestrian street that cuts through the heart of Old Havana. Lined with galleries, shops, small museums, and important historical buildings, Calle Obispo is one of the best streets to explore when visiting Old Havana. Start in Parque Central and head all the way to Plaza de Armas, or vice versa.

Parque Central

*Old Havana Highlight

A central gathering place in the city, Parque Central – Central Park – is a great place to start a tour of the city. Around the park, you’ll find several hotels, the Gran Teatro de la Habana, the entrance to Calle Obispo, and plenty of vintage American cars offering rides around the city. It’s a quick visit, but a great place to get a sense of Old Havana.

In the middle of the park, you’ll find the esquina caliente, or, “hot corner” where a group of guys gathers daily to argue about baseball.  Sometimes baseball stars show up – we saw some MLB players visiting once! For an amusing addition to your Havana itinerary, we consider this one of the best things to do in Havana!

El Capitolio

*Old Havana Highlight

An important symbol of the city of Havana, El Capitolio – the capital building – bears a marked resemblance to the U.S. Capital building. Ongoing repairs and restoration left it closed for years, but it is now open to visitors.

The most impressive part of the building is the front steps and entrance atrium, in my opinion, so you don’t need to plan to visit the inside unless you are truly interested! From in front of the building, you can catch the morning HabanaBusTour T3 bus, which goes to Playas del Este – they’re not the best beaches in Cuba, though they’re great beaches close to Havana.

Gran Teatro de La Habana

*Old Havana Highlight

El Gran Teatro de La Havana is one of the most ornate buildings in Havana. It faces the Parque Central and is next to the Capitolio building. Named after world-famous Cuban ballerina Alicia Alonso, it is home to the Cuban National Ballet and has hosted performances from some of the world’s best ballet companies.

The interiors are spectacular, and performances are quite affordable, so attend a performance if you can! On the bottom floor of the building, you’ll find the Galeria Origenes art gallery, also worth a visit if you have the time.

Paseo del Prado

*Old Havana Highlight

A wide, tree-lined boulevard tracing a path from the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta on the Malecón to the Parque Central, the Paseo del Prado is a must-visit spot for Havana visitors. The walkway is lined with ornate lamps and made of beautiful stone and calls back to Cuba before the Revolution. Here you’ll find kids riding skateboards, families and friends chatting or eating on benches, artists selling their wares, and much more. 

Clandestina

*Old Havana Highlight

Clandestina isn’t your typical Old Havana spot, but it is certainly a must-visit. On the cutting edge of Cuba’s recent crop of independent businesses, Clandestina is Cuba’s first independent clothing brand. Their Old Havana store at the corner of Parque Cristo is an experience more than a store. You can pick up their beautiful streetwear designs, accessories, posters, and home goods – all with tongue-in-cheek designs about Cuba’s culture and people.

More Attractions in Old Havana

Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta

Located at the entrance to the Havana Harbor, the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta is often skipped by visitors in favor of a visit to the Castillo de la Real Fuerza – but this is a mistake! Here you’ll find scale models of some of the initial Spanish ships to visit the island, relics from sunken Spanish ships, and much more. It is located directly across the harbor from El Morro.

Palacio de los Capitanes Generales

Located on the east side of the Plaza de Armas, the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales was once home to the governor of Havana and is today home to the Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City). This beautiful colonial building is mostly kept in its original state, with original furniture and decorations, as well as exhibit halls about the city’s history.

Even if you’re not planning on visiting, just stepping through the courtyard from the plaza is enough to take in the splendor of the building, a lovely example of colonial architecture.

Museo de la Revolución

This ornate building was the former presidential palace of Cuba before the Cuban Revolution. It is now the “Museum of the Revolution.” The taking of the residence was an important moment in the revolution—the bullet holes on the building remain in the memory of the event.

I love the Museo de la Revolución and recommend visiting, but unfortunately, there isn’t much information about the items on display in English; if you don’t speak Spanish, it can be challenging to visit. 

In the back of the museum, between the back of the building and the Museo de Bellas Artes, you’ll find a pavilion covering several boats, tanks, and cars – this is part of your admission to the Museo de la Revolución.  This includes a replica of the Granma (the ship Fidel used to return to Cuba from Mexico) as well as captured American cars and planes from the invasion of the Bay of Pigs.

Read More: 10 Cities in Cuba Travelers Love

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

There are actually two fine arts museums in Havana, both known as the “Museo de Bellas Artes” – one is located between El Floridita bar and Parque Central, at the start of Calle Obispo. This is the Museo de Bellas Artes which focuses on art from around the world.

Housed in a beautiful, historic building with grand staircases and stained glass ceilings, the building alone is worth a visit. In this museum, you’ll find an impressive display of mostly European and American paintings, though the African and Asian galleries are fascinating as well. They have frequent events and rotating exhibits, so check their schedule before you plan your visit. 

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes –  Arte Cubano

The second fine arts museum in Havana, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de Arte Cubano focuses on works by Cuban artists. If you’re going to visit just one, I would definitely recommend you choose this one! The most fascinating areas of the museum are those dedicated to post-Revolution art. There, you’ll find tons of political symbolism, which will shed light on much of what you’ll see as you tour the rest of Cuba. 

Make sure you see the famous painting The Jungle by Cuban master Wifredo Lam – it looks quite similar to Picasso’s Guernica and is an impressive masterpiece that even those who don’t know much about Cuban art will love.

Parque El Cristo

Home to the Iglesia del Santo Cristo del Buen Viaje church, this central park in Havana is an important meeting place. It’s one of Old Havana’s central plazas, though not as frequented by tourists, so here you’ll see more of day-to-day life in the neighborhood.

There is a lot to do just around the park – the Clandestina store is just down Calle Villegas, a few steps from the park. El Dandy – a favorite restaurant – is on the corner, and El Café, my favorite cafe in Havana, is just down Calle Amargura.

Read More: 25+ Best Restaurants in Havana

Iglesia y Convento de la Merced

Hidden in a residential area of Old Havana, though relatively close to the Almacenes San José market, Iglesia y Convento de la Merced is one of my favorite churches in Old Havana. Dating back to the mid 1600’s, this church has a beautiful and ornate interior. Make sure to check it out if you have time – it’s rather off the beaten path, but quite beautiful!

Iglesia de San Francisco de Paula

This church, located right along the waters of Havana Harbor, has a beautiful and impressive interior. Recently restored to its original glory, it is worth a visit if it’s open. The church also hosts concerts and modern art exhibits, so check the schedule when you’re here and make sure to visit.

Iglesia del Santo Angel Custodio

Just around the corner from the Museo de la Revolución, this lovely church is set in a beautiful and historic square that oozes Old Havana charm. Several Cuban television series and movies have been filmed in this little square in front of the church for its beauty.

Check out the inside of the church, then enjoy a coffee at the cafe in the square and visit the neighboring art gallery. It’s a great place to take in the beauty of this historic neighborhood.

Museo del Ron Havana Club

The Havana Club Rum Museum is the kind of “museum” that even typical museum-haters will enjoy. It focuses on Havana Club rum, which is by far the most famous and best brand of Cuban rum. You’ll learn about how rum is made, but won’t be bored to death by the details; it’s really quite an engaging visit.

Museo del Automovil

Holding a small but impressive collection of cars, the Museo del Automovil – Havana’s Car Museum – is a must-visit for antique car lovers. If you don’t have a particular interest in cars, just seeing the beautiful vintage cars that fill Havana’s streets is likely more than enough for you.

Museo Farmacia Taquechel

Located on Calle Obispo near the harbor, the Museo Farmacia Taquechel is a beautiful, historic pharmacy that instantly transports you back to Old Havana centuries ago. Opened in 1898, this pharmacy is restored to its original glory, with intricate woodworking on the walls displaying beautiful antique drug containers, scales, and much more. Free to visit, it only takes a few minutes to pop in and appreciate this gorgeous restoration, emblematic of Old Havana.

Museo de la Farmacia Habanera

Similar to the Museo Farmacia Taquechel, the Museo de la Farmacia Habanera is another antique pharmacy in Havana. You’ll find similarly beautiful woodworking and historic details keeping this pharmacy in its original condition. While that may be of only a niche interest, this lovely pharmacy is still worth popping into and appreciating for its historic beauty. 

Casa Oswaldo Guayasamin

A lovely historic building in the heart of Old Havana, the former home and studio of Oswaldo Guayasamin is well worth a visit if you’re an art lover. In the courtyard and surrounding rooms, you’ll find rotating exhibits by artists from Cuba and around the world, and upstairs, you’ll find Guayasamin’s former living quarters and some of his works.

Parque La Maestranza 

Located along the entrance to the Havana Harbor, there isn’t much to see or do for most visitors here. However, for most visitors, this is an important spot because this is a great place to find a driver to take you on a tour of the city in a vintage American car.

This is a great place for a last-minute ride, but I highly recommend booking in advance if you can! Sometimes drivers can get a bit pushy or jack up the prices, so by booking ahead (click here!) to avoid this – it can be uncomfortable. 

El Floridita

El Floridita is the most famous bar in Cuba—and many say it is among the most famous bars in the world! It opened in 1817 and remains a Havana institution. It is the original home of the daiquiri, which was made famous in part thanks to Ernest Hemingway, who frequented the spot. There’s even a bronze statue of Hemingway at the bar.

Today El Floridita is quite touristy – I wouldn’t eat here, though a drink at the bar on a hot day wouldn’t hurt. Even if you try to avoid tourist spots, sneak inside and walk through – this place is a part of history.

La Bodeguita del Medio

La Bodeguita del Medio bar, around the corner from the Plaza de Armas, claims to have invented the mojito. These claims are disputed, as such origin stories generally are.

Opened in 1942, this bar has been a favorite with visiting and homegrown writers, artists, and intellectuals. Today it’s a bit overpriced, but worth a visit, even if only to take in the atmosphere and see the live music and street performers often outside.

Almacenes San José

Also known as Havana’s Artisan Market, this is the place to go if you’re looking to take home a piece of Cuba. This former shipping warehouse located along the port has been repurposed into a covered market where you’ll find clothes, jewelry, leather, and wood products… pretty much everything you can imagine.

Though industrial fans circulate air inside, it can get quite stuffy, so take a shopping break at the brewery (Cerveceria Antiguo Almacen de la Madera y El Tabaco) next door, inside another repurposed shipping warehouse. 

Dador

Dador is another new Cuban clothing brand with a lovely store in Old Havana. Just like in the Clandestina store, you’ll see artisans hard at work creating their products here.

Beyond Roots

Beyond Roots is both a store and a tour company dedicated to celebrating and teaching visitors about Afro-Cuban culture. They offer a variety of tours and classes, like walking tours of the important Afro-Cuban destinations in Havana, cooking classes, and more  – choosing one is a true MUST if you’re interested in Afro-Cuban or Afro-Caribbean culture and history. 

Memorias Librería

One of my favorite spots in Havana, Memorias Librería is a fascinating old antique shop located just off of Paseo del Prado. Visiting this fascinating shop is like stepping back in time, with piles of old books, cigar boxes, pins, posters, and everything you could ever imagine. This is better than any history museum in the city, in my opinion, and has frigidly cold air conditioning, a great escape from the middle of a hot day in Cuba.

Where To Stay in Old Havana

We have several long-form guides dedicated to accommodations in Havana, including a guide to the best casa particular guesthouses in Old Havana and the best hotels in Old Havana. Make sure to check them out, but these are some of our quick picks and favorite recommendations for every traveler:

Casa Giraldilla

$ | Aguacate #51 – Old Havana

This charming and historic guesthouse is a perfect option if you’re looking for that Old Havana history. Casa Giraldilla is a great, affordable casa particular in Old Havana, with soaring ceilings, antique furniture, and fantastic hosts to match.

Reviews and Bookings: Casa Giraldilla

La Terraza de Prado

$ | Paseo del Prado #254 – Old Havana

You can not go wrong with this location. Looking out over El Paseo del Prado, you’re just steps away from the best of Old Havana, and with an incredible view to match. La Terraza de Prado is a favorite budget choice – rooms are simple and even a bit outdated but large and comfortable.

With the stellar balcony overlooking Paseo del Prado in this guesthouse you’ll only want to venture back to your room to sleep, anyway!

Reviews and Bookings: La Terraza del Prado

Estancia Bohemia

$$ | San Ignacio #364, Plaza Vieja – Old Havana

The Estancia Bohemia is right in the center of the action but somehow feels private, an ideal combination for staying in Old Havana. There are just a few apartment-style suites in this bed and breakfast, but they’re all apartment style, meaning you’ll get the benefit of more space to spread out and a kitchen to use if you’d like to. It is connected to Cafe Bohemia, one of my favorite little cafes in the city, another huge plus.

Reviews and Bookings: Estancia Bohemia

Residencia Santa Clara

$$ | Santa Clara #15 – Old Havana

The Residencia Santa Clara has won awards for its stunning architecture, combining modern elements with the history of the building and neighborhood. This cozy boutique hotel is one of my favorites in the city, a great choice with luxurious touches, fantastic service, and a great cafe and bar in the bottom floor.

Reviews and Bookings: Residencia Santa Clara

Iberostar Grand Packard

$$$ | Paseo del Prado #51 – Old Havana

Havana has several lovely, new hotels to consider that have opened in recent years, but the best is certainly the Iberostar Grand Packard, located at the end of the Paseo del Prado and with an enviable view of the Havana Harbor and El Morro. Rooms are stylish and modern, and there is no better way to cool off after an unforgettable day in Havana than in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean and Old Havana. 

Reviews and Bookings: Iberostar Grand Packard

Best Restaurants in Old Havana

Check out our crazy-long guide to the best restaurants in Havana for even more recommendations of places to eat, in all corners of the city, but these are a few of our favorites in Old Havana:

El Café

Amargura #358 between Aguacate and Villegas – Old Havana

I say it every time I mention this special Old Havana cafe on this website – El Café is my favorite cafe in Havana. Great breakfast food, an excellent array of coffee options. Of course, you’ll find more about it on my list of best cafes in Havana and best brunch spots in Havana. Come back in the evening for cocktails.

HAV Coffee & Art

Calle Jesus Maria #258 at Calle Compostela – Old Havana

Another favorite cafe in Old Havana, HAV Coffee & Art is a great spot for delicious coffee and generous portions of fresh, inventive food. You’ll find small art gallery rooms in the back with rotating exhibits by local artists. 

El Dandy

Teniente Rey y Villegas – Old Havana

El Dandy has it all – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, each menu better than the next. Think avocado toast, carnitas tacos, fresh juice, fabulous mojitos, and more. Located across the street from the Clandestina store, El Dandy is a great spot for a pick-me-up after some serious shopping.

Jibaro’s

Merced #69 – Old Havana

Fresh and tasty plates in a lovely restaurant off the beaten path down a residential street in Old Havana. Great drinks, too! The owners of Jibaro’s are very environmentally conscious, and you’ll find plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, and almost everything is made from scratch in-house.

El del Frente

O’Reilly #303 – Old Havana

El del Frente may be the little sister restaurant to the famous 304 O’Reilly across the street, but I like this spot much better. Healthy vegetarian options (but plenty of meat-based and seafood options, too!), a beautiful bar, and rooftop terrace are just a few of the details that make El del Frente one of the best restaurants in Old Havana.

Read More: 25+ Best Restaurants in Havana

More About Old Havana – FAQ

How Old is Habana Vieja?

The oldest buildings in Old Havana—known as La Habana Vieja—date back to around 1519, when it was founded. Soon after, the Spanish began construction on city walls and fortifications for this important port.

Fortresses such as Castillo de la Real Fuerza and religious buildings such as Havana’s Cathedral and the Convento de San Francisco de Asís are some of the oldest buildings in Old Havana. Most of the rest of the buildings in Old Havana today date back to the 1800s and 1900s, giving the neighborhood the beautiful mix of art deco, baroque and neoclassical styles it is so famous for.

Who Founded Old Havana?

The city of Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar. However, the first city of Havana – then known as San Cristóbal de la Habana – was originally founded on Cuba’s southern coast in 1515.

The swamplands of the southern coast weren’t a great choice, and the city was quickly abandoned in favor of its current location a few years later.