Attractions
With a rich and fascinating history, Havana's sightseeing is
centred around its varied architecture, with everything from
museums and churches to colonial forts and elaborate city squares.
With friendly and colourful people juxtaposed by elegantly
dilapidated buildings and occasionally derelict streets, there's
nothing quite like Havana.
Just breathing in the scents and watching the vintage cars roll
down the streets makes for a great day of sightseeing, but head
into the historic old town,
La Habana Vieja, which is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the magnificent colonial
architecture. Take in the sights and sounds as you stroll down the
Calle Obispo as this pedestrian boulevard takes you through the
streets, past the Parque Central and to some of the more hidden
away gems of the
La Habana Vieja. You can get the best
view of Havana from the Camera Obscura, which provides a 360-degree
look from atop the
Plaza Vieja. A stroll along El Malecon
is also a must.
Havana is special for visitors simply because it still feels so
authentic, with a distinct character and little of the tacky
tourist developments that have overrun many other Caribbean
destinations. That said, you'll find plenty of places claiming to
be significant to Ernest Hemingway, few of which actually are. Fans
of the famous author can visit the Ernest Hemingway Museum on the
outskirts of town, set in his lovely old residence.
Visit the cigar factories and rum distilleries to sample some
world-famous Cuban exports, and visit the Plaza de la
Revolución to imagine the historic speeches of political
figures like Fidel Castro. The Museo de la Revolución is
also a must for history buffs. And after a long day of sightseeing
in the city, head to the nearby beaches, most of which are located
no more than 20 minutes away, to soak up some Caribbean sun and sip
on a rum cocktail.
Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City)
Built in 1791, the stately Baroque residence of Cuba's colonial
governors and former Presidential Palace, the Palace of the
Captains General, stands as an impressive sight on the Plaza de
Armas and is now the repository for the city's primary museum
collections. The building...
see full detailsCigar Factories
Even non-smokers have to agree that a visit to Cuba would not be
complete without investigating the island's most famous export:
cigars. The art of cigar-making in Cuba is old and a source of
national pride. The three main factories in Havana offer...
see full detailsPlaza de la Revolución
The Plaza de la Revolucion is a famous landmark in Havana. The
gigantic square, which is dominated by the imposing José
Martí Memorial, has provided the setting for numerous
political rallies, and the podium in front of the memorial is where
important political figures,...
see full detailsMuseo Nacional de Bellas Artes
The Bellas Artes Museum was founded in 1913 and is now split
into two buildings, both architecturally interesting and
impressive, housing International and Cuban art respectively. Both
fine art collections are worthy of detailed exploration and should
delight any visitor interested in art.
The Colección...
see full detailsMuseo de la Revolución
Formerly the Presidential Palace and headquarters of the Cuban
government, this impressive building now houses documents,
photographs and artefacts pertaining to the Cuban Revolution. The
museum provides an excellent introduction to Cuba's historical
struggle for independence - there are even blood-stained and
bullet-riddled uniforms on...
see full detailsCapitolio Nacional
One of Havana's grandest pieces of architecture, the Capitolio
is an important landmark and one of Centro Habana's major touristic
sights. It was designed to resemble the US Capitol in Washington
DC, and the similarity is obvious. A monumental stone stairway
leads to the...
see full detailsHabana Vieja (Old Havana)
Old Havana (
Habana Vieja) is a very special area in
Cuba which delights travellers and locals alike. This historic
section of Cuba's capital was founded in 1519 and for centuries was
an important naval port of colonial Spain. Being in such a
strategic position,...
see full detailsErnest Hemingway Museum
Ernest Hemingway may be an American by birth, but Cubans have
adopted this rambunctious writer/adventurer as their own -
especially in Havana, where you'll find memorials to his
apartments, regular haunts, and even favourite drinks. Hemingway
was a keen fisherman (and a keen drinker)...
see full detailsEl Malécon
A five-mile (8km) esplanade, roadway and seawall, running
between the harbour in Old Havana and the historically Russian area
of Vedado, a stroll along El Malécon is the perfect way to
start any Havana adventure.
The two-hour walk, described by many as a cross-section...
see full details