Discover Havana

When looking for a hotel in Havana, you can first consider which cultural themes you want to shape your stay: the historic cityscape, individual buildings, or cultural activities. The city’s sights offer different points of interest and can be placed in their historical and thematic context by considering specific locations.

The Historic Cityscape of Habana Vieja

By retaining its original street plan, Habana Vieja preserves a remarkable consistency of character. The historic center is shaped by squares, architecturally distinguished buildings, and narrow streets featuring more vernacular or traditional styles. The street plan, squares, and streetscape all contribute to this character.

Plaza Vieja was founded at the end of the 16th century. In the 17th century, commercial and social activities—including festivals and religious celebrations—made it one of Havana’s most important squares. Plaza de San Francisco de Asís had a different historical role: in 1628, it became the main center of urban life. The two squares therefore represent different aspects of the city’s history that belong to distinct periods.

Architecture and Historical Connections

At Plaza de la Catedral, mansions built by the aristocracy of the time define the scene; they are considered an outstanding expression of colonial Baroque architecture. Plaza de Armas is home to El Templete, associated with the first Mass and the first cabildo held beneath a ceiba tree. While Plaza de la Catedral is above all an architectural highlight, El Templete points to a historical connection between a Mass and a cabildo.

Castillo del Salvador de la Punta stands at the entrance to Havana Harbor. Together with Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro and Castillo de la Real Fuerza, it forms part of Havana’s defense system. Paseo del Prado was laid out in 1772 and is adorned with eight bronze lion statues. The selection therefore ranges from an individual building within a named defense system to a boulevard with a clearly recognizable design feature.

Landmarks and Monuments

The Malecón is one of Havana’s signature attractions and is perhaps the city’s best-known symbol internationally. Plaza de la Revolución was built in 1959 under the name Plaza Cívica. Its 109-meter-high obelisk has an observation deck that is considered the highest point in Havana. The square thus combines a specific historical date of origin with a striking structure and its observation deck.

The first statue of José Martí, erected in 1905, stands in Parque Central. Cuban sculptor José Villalta Saavedra created it from Carrara marble. The obelisk and statue offer different points of interest: here, height and the observation deck take center stage; there, the sculptor, material, and year of creation.

Cultural Activities and a Walking Tour

Fortaleza de San Carlos de La Cabaña is a venue for cultural and recreational activities, including the Ceremonia del Cañonazo de las Nueve. If this ceremony is important to your plans, check the date and access arrangements in advance.

A walking tour of the historic center of Habana Vieja takes you through Plaza de Armas and along Calle Obispo, passing Hotel Ambos Mundos, Universidad San Jerónimo de la Habana, Plaza de la Catedral, and Bodeguita del Medio. The tours on offer depend on the agencies; check availability locally. These stops combine squares, streets, and buildings along a specific walking route.

For the broader travel overview: Havana.