Location: Havana
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10 Historic Sites in Havana That You Shouldn't Miss
A city trapped in time, Havana captures the imagination like no other. Faded glamour meets careful colonial-era reconstruction with a backdrop of irresistible color. Walk El Malecón, the walkway bordering the ocean; visit Old Havana and the Catedral de San Cristóbal; and listen for salsa music, open-air bazaars and parties that last all night.
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1. Church of Santa Maria del Rosario
2. Calle Oficios
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By 759elib - Sydney, Australia
Its one of the oldest and most interesting streets in Old Havana. In fact its one of Havana’s four original streets where a genteel stroll imagining the Colonial city is possible. There’s a strong presence of craftsmen in curio shops, while gazing upwards one appreciates the fine architectural facades. I was particularly enthralled by the Numismatic Museum, The Casa de Los Arabes recalling the presence of Syrian & Lebanese communities. There is a fascinating exhibit in an nondescript building housing old automobiles not far from the Palacio de Gobierno showing exerts from the Republican period. Lastly there is the House of Humboldt, the German explorer. The street is a treasure trove of bygone building beauties and the atmosphere is exciting.
3. Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,977 reviews
Once the Finca Vigia, this ghost-white Spanish-colonial home was where Papa penned some of his greatest novels.
Reviewed By VangroovyFoodie - Vancouver, Canada
Hemingway's Home is a 20 minute drive outside of Central Havana. The house sits on a hill and overlooks Havana. We didn't have a guide but read that others did and thought it was worthwhile. Unfortunately, we were not offered that option when we arrived. Even though we could not enter the house, you could really get a sense of how Hemingway and his family lived through the doorways and windows. You can see many rooms: living room, closet, bathroom, office, bedrooms, and dining room. Tip: While at the main entrance, ask the person inside the house to take photos. That is the only way you will see Hemingway's bedroom and bathroom, which is at the right side of the house and visitors do not have access to it. Make sure to give the person a couple of dollars. Definitely worth the money. The three-story tower beside the house is where Hemingway wrote his famous novels. Again, give the person your camera and they will take photos of his Corona typewriter plus the items on his desk. His boat, "Pilar", the pet cemetery, the pool (and shower room), the photos throughout, and the grounds complete Hemingway's beautiful Finca Vigía. Tips: 1. I suggest getting there when they open at 10:00 AM so you can miss many of the tour buses. 2. Determine the price for the roundtrip taxi ride. We paid 50 CUC (we felt it was reasonable for 2 hours of the driver's time roundtrip and because the taxi was a 1950s Chevy :). Many drivers were waiting for their customers in the parking lot and could enjoy a coffee or buy some snacks from locals while they waited. There is also a restroom there. Entrance fee is 5 CUC per person. Bathroom at the bottom of the tower (leave a tip). Souvenirs at the entrance and inside the small store by the parking lot. Map of Havana was 3 CUC (hard to find in general so happy to get it.) Please note, they do NOT take credit cards but you may pay with CUC or CUP.
4. Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,564 reviews
An enormous fortress that fires its cannon every night.
Reviewed By Superkatt - Sweden, null
San Carlos de la Cabana Fortaleza de la Cabana is a historical park with a number of museums, on the other side of Habana harbour. The tunnel for car-traffic under the harbour is connecting both sides. Every day at 9 PM there is a gun salut, a huge touristic attractyion called "El Cañonazo de las 9”. During the colonial times this was a signal for closure of harbour for the night, and tradition is kept since. Large tourist hotels have a charterbuses going to the Fortaleza especially for this event around 8 o´clock and back around 9,45. There are lots of souvenir shops and kiosks on the site, as well as some food service. Interesting, beautiful historic performance and pleasant experience.
5. Castillo de la Real Fuerza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 736 reviews
Reviewed By Superkatt - Sweden, null
Castillo de la Real Fuerza is a fortress with bastions in Havana, which houses now a Maritime museum with interesting historic exposition. The symbol of Havana, La Giraldilla, sat originally on the top of watchtower at Castillo de la Real Fuerza. Original statue is now placed in the museum, and the weathervane on the roof now is a replica. The walk in the fortress gives an opportunity to reach a nice wiewpoint with unobstructed views of harbour and city.
6. San Francisco de Asis Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,161 reviews
Reviewed By Des1963 - Johannesburg, South Africa
Plaza de San Francisco dates from 1575. From the start it was a commercial center, and during the colonial period a fair took place here every October with coin and card games, lotteries and cock fights. It is one of the first three built in the 16th century. It takes its name from the Franciscan convent built there. This Colonial square houses some of the most interesting places in Old Havana, such as San Francisco de Asís Convent, and nowadays houses the Religious Art Museum; Rum Museum, or Coche Miambí, a train coach built in the US in 1990 and transported to Cuba in 1992.
7. El Morro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,681 reviews
Reviewed By yoed2020 - Cuba, Caribbean
well, well this is my third visit to havana city and I am happy to say that I have had a wonderful time in this beautifull place and most of this great experience is due to havanatours.nl travel agency who provided us with an excellent service during our stay there; humble, smiling and profesional staff always happy to scort us on our trips through the city either on a bike, on foot or in amazing road trips in the most efficient and fancy american old fashion cars I have ever seen, visiting places with a lot of history and dipping into the real Cuban culture all over the city. I just have to say thanks a lot for the amazing time you gave us and that I hope once I come back you will be there still to show us more from this beautiful country.
8. Christopher Columbus Cemetery (Cemetario de Colon)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,069 reviews
Reviewed By WideWorldJourneys - Quebec City, Canada
My partner and I were fortunate enough that chose a day to visit when the weather was hot but not blistering. I would recommend to go either early in the morning/day or at time where the temperatures are not too high due to the fact there are not many shaded areas. We spent most of the day walking around this large a 136-acre cemetery, which really feels like an open-air museum that showcases Cuban history and architecture. We purchased a map at the cemetery entrance, which was at very little cost and really helped in finding our way around. We returned the map afterwards. I'm not sure if that was the policy but we figured we didn't need a souvenir and it would save on costs for them. From what I've heard there are guides present that you can request to give you a guided tour, if that's something you prefer. What I enjoyed most was the ambiance. Though I stood in Latin America's largest graveyard and the world's second largest, there was nothing eerie or somber about it. You can randomly choose to walk in any direction and find yourself among crypts, mausoleums, chapels vaults, and sculptures - over 500 mausoleums and 56 thousand tombs to be exact! The one sculpture that really caught my attention was the Firefighters Monument. with commemorates the 25 firefighters who lost their lives during a fire in 1890. The Colón Cemetery, named in honor of Christopher Columbus, was designed by Spanish architect Calixto de Loira during the 1870's. He is also the first person to be interred here, sadly before he could finish the project. Among the other restin here: famous artists, politicians, revolutionaries, musicians. You will not be disappointed if you allow some time to casually stroll around and experience this resting place of many important Cubans. I would visit it again in the future without a doubt! Upon leaving I commented to my partner how it would be difficult for another cemetery to impress me as much as this one. The bar was high. I have not yet visited many around the world yet but must say that anyone visiting Havana MUST take the time to visit this important historical and cultural 'landmark'. Though I am a travel professional I have no association with this location. What I've shared here is my personal observations and opinions.
9. Lookout Farm (Finca Vigia)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Hemingway's 13-acre farm on a hillside overlooking Havana is preserved as a museum.
Reviewed By dianeluvshiking
Step back in time where everything has stopped right where Hemingway left it. Such a fastenaing author. The grounds are beautiful, and you are able to walk arond. The "Pilar" is roped off, and a guard is standing by, but you can see it from a few feet away. The same with his house. It is all ropped off, but all of the windows, and doors are open for you to see inside, and transport yourself back in time. There are people that work there that are able to take your camera, and get a close up of any of the items in his hose, especially his typewriter, and Picasso. For a tip. There is a gift shop, and snack bar with toilets to use as well. If you are a Hemingway fan you don't want to miss this little bit of history that will transport you back in time. No self audio tour available.
10. Old Square (Plaza Vieja)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,604 reviews
What is now called the Old Square was originally Plaza Nueva (New Square), built as a popular alternative to Plaza de Armas, the military and government nerve center. Later called Plaza del Mercado (Market Square) as Havana's commercial hub, Plaza Vieja was the site of executions, processions, bullfights, and fiestas -- all witnessed by Havana's wealthiest citizens, who looked on from their balconies. The original Carrara marble fountain surrounded by four dolphins was demolished in the 1930s when President Gerardo Machado (1871-1939) built an underground parking lot here. Today the square's surrounding structures vary wildly in condition, though all of them are noteworthy.
Reviewed By ChrisR962 - London, United Kingdom
Having visited Plaza Vieja during the Special Period when it looked like London at the height of the blitz (WWII), it is always a pleasure to see the continuing restoration and rejuvenation of this stunning square. Excellent.
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