The Renewal of Old Havana
Don’t be misled by its status as the oldest neighbourhood in Havana. It is also the most beautiful and prosperous and the richest in tourist attractions.
Fortresses, churches, palaces, museums, restaurants and shops mingled with craft fairs, book fairs, exhibitions… The five square kilometres of La Habana Vieja is crowded with architectural jewels. All in the bustling coming and going of Havanans and tourists. Day and night. Among the main squares are the Plaza de Armas, San Francisco, Vieja, del Cristo and Cathedral, connected by charming streets, cobblestones and the inimitable Cuban ambience.
The Plaza de Armas is the oldest in the city. A second-hand book fair is held here every day except Sunday, and there are also the City, Navigation and Car museums, as well as the Palacio del Segundo Cabo and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza. The Plaza de San Francisco de Asís was built close to the Port and was a marketplace in the 15th century. It is next to the Sierra Maestra Terminal where the tourist boats depart. The The basilica and the monastery of St. Francis of Assisi, the Lion Fountain (one of the symbols of Havana, by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Gaginni), the Rum Museum, Religious Art Museum and the Commerce Market are among the sites of interest you can enjoy without leaving the square. Just a short stroll away is the Aquarium with freshwater fish, the Diana, Princess of Wales Garden and the House of Slaves. There is also the Alejandro de Humboldt House Museum, a tribute to the German explorer who was the second man to discover Cuba.
In proportion to its size, Plaza Vieja has the most centuries-old historical buildings, as well as spaces dedicated to culture, commerce and gastronomy. The Dark Chamber, an invention of Leonardo da Vinci, can be visited here, and gives some interesting views of the city.
The main avenue in La Habana Vieja is the Calle del Obispo shopping precinct. The wide, pedestrian avenue with its beautiful Colonial buildings is packed with shops, bars and art galleries. It starts close to the Plaza de Armas and extends as far as Restaurant-Bar El Floridita. Small shops rub shoulders with the most select boutiques. There is also the hotel where Hemingway was a guest in the 30s (Ambos Mundos), a 19th century pharmacy and the famous Muñequita Azul haberdashery.
If it’s a little overwhelming during the day, there’s plenty to do and see after dark for all ages and tastes. The queen of the night is the live music, whether for dancing or listening to over a cool mojito. Most recommended in the area are Monserrate (must try the cocktail of the same name), Café París, the busy Lluvia de Oro, the piano bar El Maragato and, for those who like comedy, Simon’s Café Club.
The Plaza de Armas is the oldest in the city. A second-hand book fair is held here every day except Sunday, and there are also the City, Navigation and Car museums, as well as the Palacio del Segundo Cabo and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza. The Plaza de San Francisco de Asís was built close to the Port and was a marketplace in the 15th century. It is next to the Sierra Maestra Terminal where the tourist boats depart. The The basilica and the monastery of St. Francis of Assisi, the Lion Fountain (one of the symbols of Havana, by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Gaginni), the Rum Museum, Religious Art Museum and the Commerce Market are among the sites of interest you can enjoy without leaving the square. Just a short stroll away is the Aquarium with freshwater fish, the Diana, Princess of Wales Garden and the House of Slaves. There is also the Alejandro de Humboldt House Museum, a tribute to the German explorer who was the second man to discover Cuba.
In proportion to its size, Plaza Vieja has the most centuries-old historical buildings, as well as spaces dedicated to culture, commerce and gastronomy. The Dark Chamber, an invention of Leonardo da Vinci, can be visited here, and gives some interesting views of the city.
The main avenue in La Habana Vieja is the Calle del Obispo shopping precinct. The wide, pedestrian avenue with its beautiful Colonial buildings is packed with shops, bars and art galleries. It starts close to the Plaza de Armas and extends as far as Restaurant-Bar El Floridita. Small shops rub shoulders with the most select boutiques. There is also the hotel where Hemingway was a guest in the 30s (Ambos Mundos), a 19th century pharmacy and the famous Muñequita Azul haberdashery.
If it’s a little overwhelming during the day, there’s plenty to do and see after dark for all ages and tastes. The queen of the night is the live music, whether for dancing or listening to over a cool mojito. Most recommended in the area are Monserrate (must try the cocktail of the same name), Café París, the busy Lluvia de Oro, the piano bar El Maragato and, for those who like comedy, Simon’s Café Club.