Visiting Havana, the 10 Must-Sees
Between its colonial past, its legendary revolution and its incredible culture, the city of Havana is brimming with appeal.
Between its colonial past, its legendary revolution and its incredible culture, the city of Havana is brimming with appeal. And it would be a shame not to visit it during a trip to Cuba. Where can you see the most beautiful buildings? What are the must-see visits? Where can you party? Discover the best of Havana with these 10 must-see attractions!
1. Stroll through Havana Vieja, the historic heart
It is the largest colonial city center in Latin America. Renowned for its Hispano-Andalusian architecture, it is a colorful neighborhood that you discover through its charming narrow streets. And it is worth the detour because it contains a large portion of the city's most beautiful buildings.
2. Admire the Catedral San Cristobal
If you're looking for a focal point for your stroll through Havana's historic district, here's one: the Catedral San Cristobal. And you won't be able to miss it—it's that popular! Located on Cathedral Square, what is also called the 'Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception', is as beautiful outside as it is inside. Designed in an 18th-century Baroque style by the Jesuits, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Don't miss the other squares in the neighborhood such as Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas or Plaza San Francisco de Asis.
3. El Morro fort and Havana's fortresses
Founded by the Spanish in the early 16th century, the city of Havana quickly attracted the attention of the world over, corsairs and pirates alike. To protect their pearl of the Caribbean, the Spanish then had a series of fortresses built: El Morro fort, Castillo de la Real Fuerza and Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña! A visit to these extraordinary sites is essential to understand the city's history.
4. See the Capitolio
It is an emblematic site of Havana. This replica of the Washington Capitol was the seat of government before the 1959 revolution. Today, it houses the headquarters of the Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment. After admiring the stunning architecture of this building, you can head to Prado, the most famous avenue in the capital.
5. Take a stroll along the Malecón
To escape downtown and take a breath of fresh air, head to the Malecón. It's a seawall offering an 8 km-long promenade that hugs the waterfront and rocky coastline. Throughout, you can see numerous typical houses as well as certain points of interest such as the park and equestrian statue, the Torreón de San Lázaro, the Plaza de la Dignidad…
6. Head to Plaza de la Revolución
If you visit Havana, you cannot pass by the famous Plaza de la Revolución. Covering an area of 72,000 m² (quite something!), you will find the José Martí Memorial, the National Theatre and the Ministry of the Interior, whose building displays an impressive portrait of Che Guevara accompanied by his slogan "Hasta la victoria siempre". In this square, Fidel Castro delivered the longest speech in the world, lasting 7 hours without interruption!
7. Discover a cigar factory
It's impossible to go to Cuba without tasting a traditional Cuban cigar! A stereotype, you say? Sure, it's the quintessential tourist attraction, but you can't really pass up the world's finest cigars, can you? And if you can also take time to watch workers rolling cigars in their workshop, that's even better! The Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, one of the city's oldest cigar factories, is a sure bet. But you can also visit other factories like H. Upmann's.
8. The Museo de la Revolución
History enthusiasts, don't miss the Museum of the Revolution, located in the former Presidential Palace of Havana. As its name suggests, it traces the history of the Cuban Revolution and its iconic figures: Fidel Castro and Ernesto Che Guevara.
9. Take a break at Fábrica de Arte Cubano
This is THE trendy spot for Cuban youth and artists! The décor certainly plays its part. In this former industrial wasteland, 7,000 m² have been converted to create an alternative cultural center. You come here to catch a theater production, watch a film in the cinema, grab a drink, dance to the rhythm of the moment's DJs or to discover the latest creations from emerging talents in the art gallery. It's such a hit that we recommend arriving early…
10. See the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Speaking of art, the National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba is particularly worth visiting during a stay in Havana. You'll find impressive international and Cuban collections. Some date back more than 2,500 years! Among the renowned artists on display, you can mention Guillermo Collazo, Raphaël Blanco, Wilfredo Lam…
Frequently asked questions
To visit Havana's 10 must-see attractions at a comfortable pace, allow 3 to 4 days. Havana Vieja and its monuments can easily occupy a full day, while the fortresses, the Capitolio and Plaza de la Revolución each require half a day.
The best time to visit Havana is between November and April, corresponding to the dry season. Temperatures are pleasant (25-30°C) and rainfall is rare. Avoid hurricane season (June to October) and national holidays which can attract large crowds.
Yes, Plaza de la Revolución is freely accessible to tourists. You can stroll around freely and admire the famous portrait of Che Guevara on the Ministry of the Interior. Some buildings such as the José Martí Memorial are paid entry and offer panoramic views of the city.
Most of the historic city center sites (Havana Vieja, Catedral San Cristobal, Capitolio) are walkable. For the Malecón or Plaza de la Revolución, which are further out, opt for the famous 1950s American taxis, coco-taxis or bike-taxis for an authentically Cuban experience.
Fábrica de Arte Cubano is very popular, especially on weekends. It is strongly recommended to arrive early in the evening (as soon as it opens) to avoid long queues. The venue typically opens Thursday to Sunday from 8 PM. Check current hours before your visit.
