In Havana’s Old Town, a cohesive ensemble of private homes stands among Baroque and Neoclassical buildings. Arcades, balconies, wrought-iron gates and courtyards define the ensemble; many of the houses show visible signs of age. Those interested in architecture will encounter not just individual façades here, but a connected group of houses. This combination of architectural details and visible patina offers a distinctive introduction to Havana.

A city with many cultural points of reference

Havana comprises 15 municipalities. Playa, Plaza de la Revolución, Centro Habana, Habana del Este and La Habana Vieja in particular offer numerous architectural, cultural and tourist attractions. La Habana Vieja has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. The municipalities mentioned provide an overview of the city’s diverse cultural and architectural facets without reducing it to a single theme.

Fortresses and historic sites

Construction of Castillo de la Real Fuerza, one of the oldest colonial fortresses in the Americas, began in 1558. The year marks a specific historical point of reference in Havana. Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta also has its own museum history: following an extensive restoration at the end of the 20th century, the Museo San Salvador de La Punta was established there. The city thus offers a glimpse of both early construction history and a later use as a museum, without implying that it is currently open.

José Martí and art collections

The José Martí Memorial is dedicated to José Martí’s life and work. It is located at the foot of the monument and comprises four halls; political and cultural activities take place in one of them. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes focuses on something different: its collections include paintings, prints, sculpture, funerary art and decorative art. While the memorial focuses on one individual and his work, the museum encompasses several art forms. These different themes offer culture lovers a range of points of interest.

Music and cultural activities

La Cabaña houses a weapons museum and is the venue for cultural and leisure activities, including the Ceremonia del Cañonazo de las Nueve. Café Cantante Mi Habana is located beneath the Teatro Nacional de Cuba and offers live salsa music and dancing. If you would like to include events in your plans, check the current dates for the Ceremonia and the programme at Café Cantante Mi Habana in advance.

Playas del Este and nautical activities

The Playas del Este tourist beach area extends eastwards and covers 20 kilometres. It includes the beaches of Bacuranao, Tarará, Mégano, Santa María, Boca Ciega, Guanabo, La Veneciana and Brisas del Mar. The beaches are considered the best in the province. In Playas del Este, Marina Tarará offers seven nautical stations in winter and three more in summer. Catamarans and kayaks are available for hire. The service included in the offer is for guests staying at the accommodation where the facilities are located. Check the marina’s current operating conditions before your trip.

The city’s forest belt

The city’s forest belt offers another perspective on Havana. It includes Parque Zoológico Nacional, Parque Lenin, Expocuba and Jardín Botánico Nacional. Alongside the architecture, museums and coast, these four places form part of the wider regional landscape.

Discover more destinations: Camaguey, Matanzas, Sancti Spíritus, Havana, Granma, Holguín, Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba

For the overview of the wider destination: Cuba.