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, baroque palaces, and art nouveau buildings come together in a vibrant mix — especially after a major UNESCO restoration program in the 1980s. It’s hard to believe that for years, Plaza Vieja was completely abandoned. When it was created in 1559, it was named Plaza Nueva and used as a military training ground. Later, it hosted an open-air market, a bullfighting arena, and even a parking lot, requested by former president Fulgencio Batista. Thanks to the work of architecture students led by city historian Eusebio Leal, the square is once again vibrant and full of character. You’ll find highlights such as the Cámara Oscura — the only one of its kind in Latin America, offering live views of the city through a clever system of mirrors — as well as the iconic Cueto Palace, another architectural gem on the square. And once you’ve taken in the sights, there’s nothing better than a little break at El Escorial café, famous for its delicious pastries.