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Visit Havana

The Tales of Habana Vieja and Habana Centro

  • Tour

  • 5,8 km

  • 2h30

  • 24 audios

00 plan la havane 1

24 lieux d'intérêt à découvrir pour visiter Havana in one day

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Planning a trip to Havana? You’ve made a great choice — it’s a dream destination for an unforgettable adventure! A generous city full of contrasts, where elegance and ruins go hand in hand, the city’s charm is irresistible. Founded in 1519 by Spanish conquerors, the “Pearl of the Caribbean” carries centuries of history, leaving behind an incredible colonial and architectural legacy. Between its modernist palaces, baroque churches, and vibrant squares admired all across Latin America, the colourful streets of Habana Vieja have a way of capturing every heart — UNESCO included. Whether you’re following a procession of vintage cars or sharing a conversation over some cigars, you’ll find yourself strolling through the streets of Habana Centro and down the famous Prado, where the rhythms of salsa will move your body and soul. Havana is everything you imagine it to be – and so much more. So don’t just plan to walk through it — dive in and truly discover it.

  • 05 le christ de la havane la havane poi petit

    1. The Christ of Havana

    Look across the bay — can you see our next landmark? It’s big, striking, and looks almost human...Have you spotted it yet? That’s the Christ of Havana, standing tall on the hill of Casablanca, once a fishing village. At 20 meters high, this Read more

  • 06 el templete la havane poi petit

    2. El Templete

    Although rarely mentioned among Havana’s major tourist landmarks, El Templete is one of the capital’s most significant historical sites. Inaugurated in 1828, this small Greco-Roman temple, with its miniature Pantheon look, was the city’s first Read more

  • 07 plaza de armas la havane poi petit

    3. Plaza de Armas

    Located in the heart of Havana’s old town, Plaza de Armas is the city’s oldest town square, dating back to 1519. Back then, it was known as Plaza de la Iglesia, or Church Square, named after the Iglesia Parroquial Mayor, the church that stood here Read more

  • 08 le palacio de los capitanes generales la havane poi petit

    4. The Palacio de Los Capitanes Generales

    The Palacio de Los Capitanes Generales is the most striking example of Cuban Baroque architecture, complimenting the square it overlooks. Built in 1776 on the ruins of a former church, the building is so well preserved that you’d hardly guess its Read more

  • 09 place de san francisco de asis la havane poi petit

    5. Plaza de San Francisco de Asís

    Open and breezy in every sense, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís has served as a gateway to Havana’s Old Town since the 16th century. Back then, the city was just beginning to take shape, and Spanish galleons crossing between the Caribbean and Read more

  • 10 musee du rhum havana club la havane poi petit

    6. The Havana Club Rum Museum

    When you think of Havana, what comes to mind? Maybe colourful facades or iconic vintage cars — but let’s not forget about rum. A source of national pride, this amber spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice has become one of Cuba’s most Read more

  • 11 plaza vieja la havane poi petit

    7. Plaza Vieja

    Havana is full of squares where you can stroll, relax, or grab a bite to eat - but don’t be fooled, not all plazas are the same. Each one has its own unique charm. As for Plaza Vieja, it’s the most eclectic and colourful of them all. Elegant mansions, Read more

  • 12 musee de la farmacia habanera la havane poi petit

    8. The Habanera Pharmacy Museum

    Havana’s museums cover just about everything — from timeless classics to the wonderfully unexpected. History, national figures, education, rum, tobacco, coins, chocolate — everything has its place in the Cuban capital. Pharmaceutical science is Read more

  • 13 quartier de la vieille havane la havane poi petit

    9. Old Havana

    A treasure that’s been both restored and left untouched, Old Havana clings to a past that lingers in every wall and street. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 for its rich and varied architecture, Habana Vieja, as locals call it, is the Read more

  • 14 el capitolio la havane poi petit

    10. El Capitolio

    A striking and faithful replica of its Washington counterpart, El Capitolio is one of Havana’s most iconic landmarks. Built on the site of the city’s first railway station, this monumental structure was inaugurated in style on May 20, 1929 — after Read more

  • 15 le grand theatre de la havane la havane poi petit

    11. The Grand Theatre of Havana

    The Grand Theatre of Havana is one of the city’s most cherished architectural gems. Founded in 1838, this landmark is known for its iconic neo-Baroque style and stunning façade adorned with four white marble statues representing Theatre Read more

  • 16 le paseo de marti la havane poi petit

    12. The Paseo de Martí (Paseo del Prado)

    If there’s one place that captures the spirit of Havana, it’s the Paseo de Martí. Originally called the Paseo del Prado, this was the first street built outside the old city walls, between 1772 and 1830. It was designed as Havana’s grand promenade — Read more

  • 17 edificio bacardi la havane poi petit

    13. The Bacardi Building

    You’ve probably heard the name Bacardí before, but do you know the story behind it? The Bacardí family, originally from Catalonia in Spain, founded one of the most famous rum brands in the world. Let’s go back to the early 19th century, when Read more

  • 18 musee national des beaux arts la havane poi petit

    14. The National Museum of Fine Arts

    Looking for a real dose of art? The National Museum of Fine Arts is the perfect stop. Spread across two modernist buildings, it holds the largest collection of Cuban art in the world — with over 1,000 works on display. The museum is built around Read more

  • 19 floridita la havane poi petit

    15. El Floridita

    In Cuba, El Floridita and its famous daiquiris are a popular tourist attraction, and here’s why... Founded in 1817, this elegant cocktail bar became world-famous thanks to one of its most loyal customers: the American writer Ernest Hemingway. Read more

  • 20 le musee de la revolution la havane poi petit

    16. Museum of the Revolution

    If you only have time for one museum in Havana, make it this one. Since 1959, the Museum of the Revolution has been the perfect place to understand Cuba’s complex history — from colonial rule and dictatorship to the fight for liberation. Read more

  • 21 escuela nacional de ballet la havane poi petit

    17. Cuban National Ballet School

    Salsa, changüí, danzón, rumba, son — when it comes to rhythm, Cubans move with soul. But don’t let the festive dances fool you, they also master the discipline, grace, and precision of ballet. In fact, Cuba is one of the world’s leading ballet Read more

  • 22 le castillo de san salvador de la punta la havane poi petit

    18. Castillo San Salvador de la Punta

    At first glance, the Castillo de San Salvador de La Punta might seem familiar, and that’s no coincidence. Havana’s four colonial forts were all built in a similar style, and three of them, including this one, feature on the city’s coat of arms. These Read more

  • 24 malecon la havane poi petit

    19. The Malecón

    Welcome to the Malecón, also known as Maceo Avenue. Built in 1901 for Havana’s middle class, this seaside promenade has become one of the city’s favorite gathering spots. Whether it’s a romantic walk, fishing with friends, or dancing to Cuban Read more

  • 23 fort el morro la havane poi petit

    20. El Morro Fortress

    El Morro is Havana’s most iconic military structure, instantly recognisable by its lighthouse marking the entrance to the harbour. In Spanish, morro means “nose”, but it can also refer to a high or rocky point, which is exactly where this fortress Read more

  • 01 la cathedrale de san cristobal la havane poi petit

    21. The Cathedral of San Cristobal

    A place steeped in history, the Cathedral of San Cristobal is one of the oldest buildings of its kind in all of South America. Built in the 18th century at the request of the Bishop of Salamanca, this Spanish Baroque monument is dedicated to the Read more

  • 02 la place de la cathedrale la havane poi petit

    22. Cathedral Square

    Probably the most symmetrical of Havana’s four colonial squares, Cathedral Square is the heart of the historic district. Dating back to the early 1700s, it played a key role in reviving the area. Back then, the ground here was muddy and swampy — Read more

  • 03 palacio del segundo cabo la havane poi petit

    23. The Palacio del Segundo Cabo

    Built between 1770 and 1791, the Palacio del Segundo Cabo is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture. Over the centuries, the palace has served many roles: originally the Royal House of Posts, later the residence of the Lieutenant Read more

  • 04 castillo de la real fuerza la havane poi petit

    24. The Castillo de la Real Fuerza

    The Castillo de la Real Fuerza is the oldest stone fortress in the Americas. Its striking star-shaped design is hard to miss, especially from above! Built in the 16th century on the ruins of a bastion destroyed by French pirates, this small castle was Read more

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Recommended Starting Point

No need to worry about where to begin! Our tours are designed as a loop, so you can jump in wherever you are. The navigation system and audioguide will automatically adjust to your location. However, if you happen to be nearby, we do have a preferred starting point: Next to Céspedes La Maestranza Park

Recommended Parking

Cuba Tacon Street, next to the starting point

Finding a spot in Havana isn’t particularly difficult — but parking freely, without any supervision, can be. Most private and even some public parking areas are guarded. You’ll usually be asked to pay a small fee to leave your vehicle there, whether for a few hours or overnight. It’s a small price to pay to keep your car — or rental — safe from potential damage.

Visit Info

Public toilets are few and far between in Havana. To avoid any uncomfortable situations during your visit, it’s best to use the facilities in places where you stop to eat or have a drink.

Weather

Throughout the year, Havana’s average temperature hovers around 25°C, thanks to its tropical and equatorial climate, with very hot summers and humid winters. January and February are the coolest months, with lows around 20°C. The hottest months are July to September, with highs reaching around 33°C. The rainiest months fall between June and October. To make the most of your trip, the best times to visit are from January to April, and in November and December — even if occasional showers are still possible.

Currency

The official currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso, the CUP. If you hear about the Convertible Cuban Peso, don’t worry — it’s not a scam. It’s a leftover term from the country’s former dual-currency system, which was in place until January 2021. Back then, the Cuban Peso was used by locals, while tourists mainly dealt with the Convertible Peso.

Got Some Extra Time?

As the largest city in the Caribbean, Havana is vast and diverse. Unexpected treasures hide behind every corner. That’s why, even with two sightseeing routes, you might still feel like you’re only scratching the surface. To avoid doing too little — or too much — here are some extra spots and unforgettable experiences that will make you fall in love with Havana even more. To keep things simple, let’s explore them by neighbourhood.

 

Famous faces

In Habana Vieja — Havana’s historic centre — you can get a deeper sense of José Martí’s life, the national hero, political thinker, martyr, and champion of Cuba’s independence. Next to the central station is the Casita de Martí, the house where he was born on January 28, 1853. A typical working-class home of the time, with its tiled roof and mortar walls, the house was turned into a museum in 1925. Inside, you’ll find a collection of objects and documents retracing the major stages of Martí’s life — from his youth and political activity in Montecristi, to his journey from Cap-Haïtien to Cuba, and his deportation to Spain. Every room offers an intimate look at the man often called Cuba’s most universal

figure. Just a short walk away, near the Plaza de Armas, another kind of story awaits you at the Hotel Ambos Mundos. Out of its 52 rooms, number 511 draws the most attention — not for its comfort or its view, but for its connection to the American writer Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway fell in love with Havana and stayed here from 1932 to 1939 — for the modest sum of $1.50 a day. Just like in many of his favourite bars and quiet corners of the city, he often came here with his typewriter, working on some of his most famous books. Death in the Afternoon, Green Hills of Africa, and To Have and Have Not are just a few examples. Today, room 511 is a small museum featuring photos and personal items that once belonged to the Nobel Prize–winning author.

 

Hop in!

Climb into a Coco Taxi — the bright yellow ones, not the black ones reserved for locals — or settle into a stunning vintage American car from the 1920s or 30s, and head over to Vedado for the next part of your journey. There too, you’ll find plenty of sights and things to do.

 

There’s always more to see..

Don’t miss the Christopher Colombus cemetery. Named after the legendary Italian navigator — though his remains aren’t actually here — the cemetery has a way of surprising its visitors.
Covering 50 hectares and holding around a million graves, its full of rich religious iconography and architectural gems. This is a unique place of reflection, offering a fascinating journey through Cuban history.

 

For Art and Music Lovers

If you’re curious for more, head over to the Miramar neighbourhood — even if it’s just to set foot in the Fábrica de Arte Cubano. This former factory turned creative hub is a true hotspot for contemporary art, named one of the 100 best places in the world by Time magazine in 2019. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to stop by the Casa de la Música — the perfect place to dance salsa just like you’ve always dreamed.

 

The surrounding area

The next few places are a bit further from central Havana, so be ready to go the extra mile. First, head out by road to Finca Vigía, a beautiful 19th-century colonial house where Ernest Hemingway — or Papa, as the locals call him — lived and wrote between 1939 and 1960.
Then, set sail across the bay to explore the old villages of Casablanca and Regla, located to the north and east of Havana. From there, you’ll get a closer look at El Morro Castle, La Cabaña Fortress, and other iconic spots along the city’s opposite shores.

 

A bit further away…

If Havana has already won you over, why not take a look beyond the city? Here are a few day-trip ideas! For beach lovers, the stretch of seven Playas del Este is ideal — perfect for swimming in turquoise waters and soaking up the sun on soft white sand. If you’re more into nature and wildlife, head to the Viñales Valley, the Zapata Peninsula, or Las Terrazas. These three UNESCO biosphere reserves offer breathtaking landscapes of Cuba’s rich biodiversity. If you’re a city explorer at heart, the provinces of Matanzas and Cienfuegos are favourites among travellers — full of charm, history, and culture.

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Top 6 things to do in Havana

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The Christ Statue

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Budget

statue christ

Description: Nicknamed “El Cristo de la Habana,” this statue is the star attraction of the Cuban capital. In truth, it closely resembles the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue in Rio de Janeiro. The full visit takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The view from the top is breathtaking—you’ll overlook the bay and several forts, giving you the feeling of ruling the world from above. As for the statue’s history, it was actually commissioned in Rome in 1958 by the wife of Cuban dictator Batista. Interestingly, some claim that the face of Christ bears a striking resemblance to her lover…

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What are the best hotels in Havana?

Havana...such a wonderful place to stay, sleep and live. Without further ado, discover its best hotels. Read more

Hotel Inglaterra

Our rating

Budget

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Hotel Description: Here is a modern hotel that will be perfect for you and your little family! You know, it’s the kind of place where both kids and adults can feel at ease, and where everything is designed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

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Highlights 

  • Street parking
  • Bar/lounge
  • Breakfast included
  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Rooftop terrace
  • Gift shop

Things to Consider 

  • With the evening entertainment, the place can get noisy and lively
  • Paid internet

Location : Prado No 416 esq San Rafael, Habana Vieja, Havana 10100, Cuba

Prices and Availability 📆

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