Best Things To Do in Havana

Old Havana, also called La Habana Vieja, is the city-centre and one of 15 boroughs forming Havana, the capital city of Cuba. Old Havana contains the core of the original city of Havana and known for its bright colours and rich cultural heritage.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is arguably the finest art gallery in the whole of Caribbean and is spread over two campuses. The Arte Cubano building houses the most comprehensive collection of Cuban art while the Arte Universal section is showcased in a grand eclectic palace overlooking Parque Central.

El capitolio, known as the National Capitol Building, is a public edifice and one of the most visited sites in Havana. Finished in 1929 and held the title of tallest building until the 1950’s. It also houses the third largest indoor statue and is slowly being restored to use as the home of Cuba’s National Assembly.

Morro Castle is a fortress guarding the entrance to Havana Bay. Known as El Morro and constructed between 1589 and 1630, this castle structure was to guard the entrance to Havana against pirates and other colonists eager to gain control of this strategic transit hub between Europe and the rest of the Americas. Today, the fortress can be reached by ferry or by looping around the bay over land.

Fusterlandia, created by Cuban artist Jose Fuster, is bright colours and crude shapes spawning from the very neighbourhood he lives in. Today, this very neighbourhood including doctor’s offices, bus stops and fountains has been transformed into Fuster’s whimsical imagination and the artwork coats everything in a rainbow of strange, enchanting fantasy.

The Plaza Vieja (Old Square), is a plaza located in Old Havana is Havana’s most architecturally eclectic square where Cuban baroque nestles easily between Gaudi-inspired art nouveau.

Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC) is the Cuban Art Factory filled with the best of contemporary Cuban art. Found in the Vedado area of Havana, it is a bar, art gallery, with live bands, and a dance floor. This place has everything and encompasses several floors. Every section is different, and you can spend hours wandering around seeing something new.

Plaza de la Cathedral (Cathedral Square) is one of the five main squares in Old Havana and where the Cathedral of Havana can be found. With its curves and flourishes above doors and windows, this cathedral is one of Havana’s finest examples of 18th century Cuban Baroque.

Paseo del Prado is a promenade in Havana close to the old city wall, and the division between Centro Habana and Old Havana. With stunning surroundings around you, it’s a great way to take a slow stroll through the city.

Playas del Este (Eastern beaches) is a popular beach strip situated 18km east of Havana. These beaches are sublime, with soft white sand, tropical turquoise waters and tall palm trees. View more beaches in Havana.