Guidebook for Old Town. Old Havana

Giselle
Guidebook for Old Town. Old Havana

Food Scene

At legendary La Bodeguita del Medio, Hemingway fans can follow in the famous scribe's footsteps. Founded in 1942, this must-see Havana restaurant has been visited by practically every celebrity to set foot in Cuba, including Pablo Neruda, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nat King Cole, and of course, Ernest Hemingway. Tourists flock here to sip cool drinks, feast on succulent seafood, and listen to live Cuban music while immersed in a rich ambiance of nostalgia. Every square inch of the walls wears the signatures and memorabilia from some of the famous and not-so-famous former patrons.
"Los Mercaderes" paladar, combines the atmosphere of a tipical colonial house (the tainted glasses, mural paintings and original XIX century floors) with an excelent variety of plates coming from traditional to international with a special emphasis on fresh seafood.
61 locals recommend
Los Mercaderes
207 Mercaderes
61 locals recommend
"Los Mercaderes" paladar, combines the atmosphere of a tipical colonial house (the tainted glasses, mural paintings and original XIX century floors) with an excelent variety of plates coming from traditional to international with a special emphasis on fresh seafood.
Very good meal, live music in the place with views to the square
La Vitrola
Very good meal, live music in the place with views to the square
With views to the Plaza Vieja Square. it is the place to enjoy good music and traditional and international drinks and food
27 locals recommend
Azucar!!! Lounge & Bar
Muralla
27 locals recommend
With views to the Plaza Vieja Square. it is the place to enjoy good music and traditional and international drinks and food
At the heart of Havana, in the Callejon del Chorro, near the Cathedral, the Doña Eutimia palate mixes the modern and familiar. The restaurant's name is a tribute to Eutimia, a lady who lived across the square and who used to cook for the artists in the Taller Experimental de Grafica artists such as Fabelo, Choco, Nelson Domínguez among others. Those big Cuban artists remember her with much love due to the flavors of her kitchen and the affection with which she always treted them. That's the guideline of our work: to develop a Cuban, homemade, simple and loving food.
330 locals recommend
Paladar Doña Eutimia
Callejon del Chorro
330 locals recommend
At the heart of Havana, in the Callejon del Chorro, near the Cathedral, the Doña Eutimia palate mixes the modern and familiar. The restaurant's name is a tribute to Eutimia, a lady who lived across the square and who used to cook for the artists in the Taller Experimental de Grafica artists such as Fabelo, Choco, Nelson Domínguez among others. Those big Cuban artists remember her with much love due to the flavors of her kitchen and the affection with which she always treted them. That's the guideline of our work: to develop a Cuban, homemade, simple and loving food.
743 locals recommend
La Bodeguita Del Medio
Empedrado
743 locals recommend

Everything Else

Wifi Host Spot. Internet Connection is located in public areas (WIFI Hotspots). No ADSL. The price starts at 1.00 CUC /Hour. You should buy Nauta cards (there are several points of sale near the hotspots), connect to the WIFI_ETECSA spot you find and, after trying to browse any page, a user and password will be asked. You will find it by scratching the card. At Hotels, rates can be higher.
6 locals recommend
Hotel Los Frailes
8 Teniente Rey
6 locals recommend
Wifi Host Spot. Internet Connection is located in public areas (WIFI Hotspots). No ADSL. The price starts at 1.00 CUC /Hour. You should buy Nauta cards (there are several points of sale near the hotspots), connect to the WIFI_ETECSA spot you find and, after trying to browse any page, a user and password will be asked. You will find it by scratching the card. At Hotels, rates can be higher.

Sightseeing

Nice Place to spend some hours, with a view to the plaza Vieja. They made their own beer and also you can take some snacks like hamberguers while you enjoy the view to the square.
69 locals recommend
Cerveceria Plaza Vieja
Muralla
69 locals recommend
Nice Place to spend some hours, with a view to the plaza Vieja. They made their own beer and also you can take some snacks like hamberguers while you enjoy the view to the square.
Plaza Vieja is one of the most lively place in the historical Center. There you will have places to take snacks, The planetarium and Fototeca de Cuba among other places
413 locals recommend
Old Town Square
San Ignacio
413 locals recommend
Plaza Vieja is one of the most lively place in the historical Center. There you will have places to take snacks, The planetarium and Fototeca de Cuba among other places
In one of the four corners of the Plaza de la Catedral is the Callejón del Chorro, whose name comes from its old use. The "chorro" was the name with which the Zanja Real was popularly known, the hydraulic channel of more than 11 kilometers that from 1592 brought water from the Almendares River (then called La Chorrera River) to the walled enclosure of Havana.
14 locals recommend
Callejon del Chorro
Callejon del Chorro
14 locals recommend
In one of the four corners of the Plaza de la Catedral is the Callejón del Chorro, whose name comes from its old use. The "chorro" was the name with which the Zanja Real was popularly known, the hydraulic channel of more than 11 kilometers that from 1592 brought water from the Almendares River (then called La Chorrera River) to the walled enclosure of Havana.
Plaza de la Catedral (English: Cathedral Square) is one of the five main squares in Old Havana and the site of the Cathedral of Havana from which it takes its name. Originally a swamp, it was later drained and used as a naval dockyard. Following the construction of the Cathedral in 1727, it became the site of some of the city's grandest mansions. It is the site of the Museo del Arte Colonial (Colonial Art Museum) and a number of restaurants. One of the buildings on the Plaza is the Palacio del Conde Lombillo, in front of which there is a statue of the flamenco dancer Antonio Gades.
442 locals recommend
Plaza de la Catedral
442 locals recommend
Plaza de la Catedral (English: Cathedral Square) is one of the five main squares in Old Havana and the site of the Cathedral of Havana from which it takes its name. Originally a swamp, it was later drained and used as a naval dockyard. Following the construction of the Cathedral in 1727, it became the site of some of the city's grandest mansions. It is the site of the Museo del Arte Colonial (Colonial Art Museum) and a number of restaurants. One of the buildings on the Plaza is the Palacio del Conde Lombillo, in front of which there is a statue of the flamenco dancer Antonio Gades.
The Christ of Havana (Spanish: Cristo de La Habana) is a large sculpture representing Jesus of Nazareth on a hilltop overlooking the bay in Havana, Cuba. It is the work of the Cuban sculptor Jilma Madera, who won the commission for it in 1953.
166 locals recommend
Christ of Havana
166 locals recommend
The Christ of Havana (Spanish: Cristo de La Habana) is a large sculpture representing Jesus of Nazareth on a hilltop overlooking the bay in Havana, Cuba. It is the work of the Cuban sculptor Jilma Madera, who won the commission for it in 1953.
Museo de Historia Natural Felipe Poey
Housed in the spectacular Cuban Baroque Palacio de los Capitanes, the Museo de la Ciudad unveils Havana's fascinating history. You can explore the Hall of Heroic Cuba for an impressive display of objects from the revolution. Art history buffs will want to visit the Espada Cemetery Room to view the tomb of famous French artist Vermay. In the Throne Room stands a sumptuous chair that was built for the visit of a Spanish monarch, and never used. But perhaps the highlight of the museum is the Salon de los Espejos. Adorned with beautiful 19th-century mirrors, this room was where the official end of Spanish rule was proclaimed in 1899.
127 locals recommend
Museum of the City
Cuba Tacón
127 locals recommend
Housed in the spectacular Cuban Baroque Palacio de los Capitanes, the Museo de la Ciudad unveils Havana's fascinating history. You can explore the Hall of Heroic Cuba for an impressive display of objects from the revolution. Art history buffs will want to visit the Espada Cemetery Room to view the tomb of famous French artist Vermay. In the Throne Room stands a sumptuous chair that was built for the visit of a Spanish monarch, and never used. But perhaps the highlight of the museum is the Salon de los Espejos. Adorned with beautiful 19th-century mirrors, this room was where the official end of Spanish rule was proclaimed in 1899.
Rich in history, architecture, and entertainment, Calle Obispo is famous Cuba-wide. This narrow roadway connecting Central Park with Plaza de Armas buzzes with life in the evening. Travelers come here to enjoy the restaurants, including the famous El Floridita; soak up the lively ambiance; and admire the architecture, which is predominantly Cuban Baroque and Art Nouveau. Other things to see along this stretch are the Hotel Ambos Mundos, home to Ernest Hemingway for seven years, and Taquechel Pharmacy Museum, which has been dispensing herbal remedies for more than a century.
23 locals recommend
Calle Obispo
Obispo
23 locals recommend
Rich in history, architecture, and entertainment, Calle Obispo is famous Cuba-wide. This narrow roadway connecting Central Park with Plaza de Armas buzzes with life in the evening. Travelers come here to enjoy the restaurants, including the famous El Floridita; soak up the lively ambiance; and admire the architecture, which is predominantly Cuban Baroque and Art Nouveau. Other things to see along this stretch are the Hotel Ambos Mundos, home to Ernest Hemingway for seven years, and Taquechel Pharmacy Museum, which has been dispensing herbal remedies for more than a century.
Remodeled recently, it is one of the most important places to see in Havana. El Capitolio, or the National Capitol Building (Capitolio Nacional de La Habana) is a public edifice and one of the most visited sites in Havana, capital of Cuba. The building was commissioned by Cuban president Gerardo Machado and built from 1926 to 1929 under the direction of Eugenio Rayneri Piedra. It is located on the Paseo del Prado, Dragones, Industria, and San José streets in the exact center of Havana. El Capitolio" has a size of 681 by 300 ft. Its design although it is often compared to that of the United States Capitol, it is not a replica of it.[1] "It is similar to that in Washington D.C, but a meter higher, a meter wider, and a meter longer, as well as much richer in detail. To finish its construction they needed more than 5000 workers, 3 years, 3 months and 20 days; as well as approximately 17 millions of American dollars".[2] Completed in 1929, it was the tallest building in Havana until the 1950s. It houses the world's third largest indoor statue.
461 locals recommend
Havanna
66 Cienfuegos
461 locals recommend
Remodeled recently, it is one of the most important places to see in Havana. El Capitolio, or the National Capitol Building (Capitolio Nacional de La Habana) is a public edifice and one of the most visited sites in Havana, capital of Cuba. The building was commissioned by Cuban president Gerardo Machado and built from 1926 to 1929 under the direction of Eugenio Rayneri Piedra. It is located on the Paseo del Prado, Dragones, Industria, and San José streets in the exact center of Havana. El Capitolio" has a size of 681 by 300 ft. Its design although it is often compared to that of the United States Capitol, it is not a replica of it.[1] "It is similar to that in Washington D.C, but a meter higher, a meter wider, and a meter longer, as well as much richer in detail. To finish its construction they needed more than 5000 workers, 3 years, 3 months and 20 days; as well as approximately 17 millions of American dollars".[2] Completed in 1929, it was the tallest building in Havana until the 1950s. It houses the world's third largest indoor statue.

Arts & Culture

One of the most important squares in the historical center.
THE PLAZA de San Francisco Asís, named after the convent next to it, used to serve as a stockyard for vital goods arriving by ships from the harbor. Residences of the Captain Generals were built around the plaza. The Square was once the most vital and busy commercial district in Havana, with locals buying and selling a variety of goods. One of its architectural beauties is the domed Lonja del Comercio building, a former commodities market erected in 1909. It was restored in 1996 to provide office space for foreign companies with joint ventures in Cuba. Lonja del Comercio’s dome is best viewed from inside.
21 locals recommend
St. Francisco de Asís Basilica
154 Oficios
21 locals recommend
THE PLAZA de San Francisco Asís, named after the convent next to it, used to serve as a stockyard for vital goods arriving by ships from the harbor. Residences of the Captain Generals were built around the plaza. The Square was once the most vital and busy commercial district in Havana, with locals buying and selling a variety of goods. One of its architectural beauties is the domed Lonja del Comercio building, a former commodities market erected in 1909. It was restored in 1996 to provide office space for foreign companies with joint ventures in Cuba. Lonja del Comercio’s dome is best viewed from inside.
Plaza de Armas has been a social hub in the city for more than five centuries. Cafés and restaurants beckon from its perimeter, and the shady gardens lure locals and tourists alike, who come here to escape the tropical heat. Presiding over the plaza are a bevy of Baroque beauties, including the magnificent Palacio de los Capitanes, which has hosted more than 60 Spanish generals over the years. Today, it's home to the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum), a must-see for history buffs; many musical concerts are staged in its lush courtyard. Also on the Plaza de Armas, the mid-16th-century colonial fort, Castillo de la Real Fuerza is another major landmark. In the center of the square, look for the statue of the Cuban patriot, Cespedes near the fountain.
228 locals recommend
Plaza de Armas
228 locals recommend
Plaza de Armas has been a social hub in the city for more than five centuries. Cafés and restaurants beckon from its perimeter, and the shady gardens lure locals and tourists alike, who come here to escape the tropical heat. Presiding over the plaza are a bevy of Baroque beauties, including the magnificent Palacio de los Capitanes, which has hosted more than 60 Spanish generals over the years. Today, it's home to the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum), a must-see for history buffs; many musical concerts are staged in its lush courtyard. Also on the Plaza de Armas, the mid-16th-century colonial fort, Castillo de la Real Fuerza is another major landmark. In the center of the square, look for the statue of the Cuban patriot, Cespedes near the fountain.
A few steps from the Museo de la Ciudad, the 16th-century fortress, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, was built to fend off attacks from pirates. Unfortunately, it was never used for this purpose, since it was positioned too far inside the bay. Instead, the fort functioned as a storehouse for valuables and a residence for members of the military and gentry. Designed and built by Francisco de Calona, Castillo de la Real Fuerza is an engineering marvel, with a deep moat, a drawbridge, and walls that are six meters thick and 10 meters high. Today, visitors can explore Havana's seafaring history at the maritime museum here, with displays such as model sailing boats, weapons, and treasure retrieved from sunken ships.
566 locals recommend
Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro
566 locals recommend
A few steps from the Museo de la Ciudad, the 16th-century fortress, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, was built to fend off attacks from pirates. Unfortunately, it was never used for this purpose, since it was positioned too far inside the bay. Instead, the fort functioned as a storehouse for valuables and a residence for members of the military and gentry. Designed and built by Francisco de Calona, Castillo de la Real Fuerza is an engineering marvel, with a deep moat, a drawbridge, and walls that are six meters thick and 10 meters high. Today, visitors can explore Havana's seafaring history at the maritime museum here, with displays such as model sailing boats, weapons, and treasure retrieved from sunken ships.
The nightly 9pm cañonazo ceremony held in La Cabaña fort is a theatrical show during which actors dressed in full 18th-century military regalia reenact the firing of a cannon over Havana harbor – a ritual that used to signify the closing of the city gates.
120 locals recommend
El Cañonazo de las nueve
120 locals recommend
The nightly 9pm cañonazo ceremony held in La Cabaña fort is a theatrical show during which actors dressed in full 18th-century military regalia reenact the firing of a cannon over Havana harbor – a ritual that used to signify the closing of the city gates.
The Museum of the Revolution (Spanish: Museo de la Revolución) is located in the Old Havana section of Havana, Cuba. The museum is housed in what was the Presidential Palace of all Cuban presidents from Mario García Menocal to Fulgencio Batista. It became the Museum of the Revolution during the years following the Cuban Revolution. The building was the site of the Havana Presidential Palace Attack (1957) by the Directorio Revolucionario Estudiantil. The former ''Presidential Palace' was designed by the Cuban architect Rodolfo Maruri and the Belgian architect Paul Belau who also designed the Centro Gallego, presently the Gran Teatro de La Habana. The 'Presidential Palace was inaugurated in 1920 by President Mario García Menocal. It remained the Presidential Palace until the Cuban Revolution of 1959. The building has Neo-Classical elements, it was decorated by Tiffany Studios of New York City. Address: Avenida Bélgica, La Habana Hours: Sunday 9:30AM–4PM Monday 9:30AM–4PM Tuesday 9:30AM–4PM Wednesday 9:30AM–4PM Thursday 9:30AM–4PM Friday 9:30AM–4PM Saturday 9:30AM–4PM
781 locals recommend
Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolucion)
Avenida Bélgica
781 locals recommend
The Museum of the Revolution (Spanish: Museo de la Revolución) is located in the Old Havana section of Havana, Cuba. The museum is housed in what was the Presidential Palace of all Cuban presidents from Mario García Menocal to Fulgencio Batista. It became the Museum of the Revolution during the years following the Cuban Revolution. The building was the site of the Havana Presidential Palace Attack (1957) by the Directorio Revolucionario Estudiantil. The former ''Presidential Palace' was designed by the Cuban architect Rodolfo Maruri and the Belgian architect Paul Belau who also designed the Centro Gallego, presently the Gran Teatro de La Habana. The 'Presidential Palace was inaugurated in 1920 by President Mario García Menocal. It remained the Presidential Palace until the Cuban Revolution of 1959. The building has Neo-Classical elements, it was decorated by Tiffany Studios of New York City. Address: Avenida Bélgica, La Habana Hours: Sunday 9:30AM–4PM Monday 9:30AM–4PM Tuesday 9:30AM–4PM Wednesday 9:30AM–4PM Thursday 9:30AM–4PM Friday 9:30AM–4PM Saturday 9:30AM–4PM

Exchange money House. CADECA

Exchange Money House.
Adress: Obispo Street corner to Compostela Street. Old Havana Phone: 53 7 8618501 Open hours: Monday 8:30AM–8PM Tuesday 8:30AM–8PM Wednesday 8:30AM–8PM Thursday 8:30AM–8PM Friday 8:30AM–8PM Saturday 8:30AM–8PM Sunday 9AM–6PM In Cuba, foreign money can be exchanged at any bank or at specialized, state owned foreign exchange offices called CADECAs. These CADECA exchange offices can convert foreign currency into Cuban currency. As mentioned, there are 2 official types of Cuban currency and you should familiarize yourself with these currencies before visiting Cuba. Once you arrive in Cuba, you can go to any CADECA exchange office and exchange your foreign currency to Cuban currency, which you can use while in Cuba.
Cadeca Obispo y Compostela
Adress: Obispo Street corner to Compostela Street. Old Havana Phone: 53 7 8618501 Open hours: Monday 8:30AM–8PM Tuesday 8:30AM–8PM Wednesday 8:30AM–8PM Thursday 8:30AM–8PM Friday 8:30AM–8PM Saturday 8:30AM–8PM Sunday 9AM–6PM In Cuba, foreign money can be exchanged at any bank or at specialized, state owned foreign exchange offices called CADECAs. These CADECA exchange offices can convert foreign currency into Cuban currency. As mentioned, there are 2 official types of Cuban currency and you should familiarize yourself with these currencies before visiting Cuba. Once you arrive in Cuba, you can go to any CADECA exchange office and exchange your foreign currency to Cuban currency, which you can use while in Cuba.