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Located in the tropics, Havana enjoys a mild climate and pleasant weather year-round. Known as the "Pearl of the Caribbean," it is home to numerous historic churches, castles, plazas, museums, monuments, parks, and libraries, making it a renowned tourist destination. Havana is divided into two parts: Old Town and New Town. The Old Town is a treasure trove of architectural art, boasting buildings from various periods and styles, including many ancient Spanish-style structures that remain today and are designated a World Cultural Heritage Site. The New Town, one of Latin America's most renowned modern cities, faces the Caribbean Sea, boasting wide, neat streets and numerous high-rise buildings. It boasts luxurious hotels, restaurants, apartments, and government buildings, interspersed with flower beds and lawns, exuding a modern and prosperous atmosphere.
Havana is a great place to visit year-round, with peak season occurring between mid-November and mid-April. Christmas and New Year's are typically the busiest and most expensive times of year (this is also when a large influx of Canadian tourists occurs).
Cuba's climate is similar to most tropical island nations, with dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season runs from May to October, while the rest of the year is relatively cool. July and August are a minor peak season, aside from Christmas. If traveling during off-peak hours, be sure to monitor the weather forecast.
Church Square
This Baroque-style building is also the largest church in Cuba. Early morning is the best time to visit it, making it a great starting point for a tour of Havana's historic center. To the west of the square in front of the church is Restaurant El Patio, formerly the Marquis's Palace, built in 1751. Enjoy a sunny breakfast or a candlelight dinner here. The "Street Restaurant" (Five Cents Tavern), located in the alley northwest of the square, was a frequent stop for Hemingway. Here, you can order a Cuban Mojito, one of his favorites.
Old Square
Plaza de la Habana, originally built in the 16th century, served as an open-air market. Walking further in, you'll gradually move away from the bustling tourist areas and discover the less glamorous residential side of Old Havana. In recent years, the Cuban government has begun renovating the buildings surrounding the square, but the bright paint colors seem at odds with the square's rich history.
In the northeast corner of the Plaza de España lies the Camara Oscura, an observation deck built in 2001. Originally designed by Leonardo da Vinci, it was donated by a member of the Spanish Congress of Cádiz. Light is reflected by a 180-meter-diameter mirror onto a recessed screen, allowing for a 5-kilometer view of the surrounding landscape. It offers a truly unique experience. There are currently 54 such darkrooms worldwide, located in countries such as Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Admission: 2 CUC.
Havana, founded in 1519, is the capital and largest city of Cuba. It played a central role in colonial trade, the Cuban Revolution, and the cultural development of the Caribbean. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Located on the northern coast of Cuba along the Gulf of Mexico. Accessible via José Martí International Airport. Within the city, taxis, buses, and walking are common; there is no metro system.
Most attractions open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Best time to visit is November to April for cooler, dry weather.
Fees vary: museums around 5–10 USD; historic forts 8–12 USD. Tickets are usually bought on-site; limited online options exist.
Advance booking is not required for most sites, but guided tours and classic car rentals are better booked 1–2 days ahead.
2–3 days to explore Old Havana and main attractions; 4–5 days for museums, cultural tours, and nearby neighborhoods.
Guided tours are available in Spanish and English. Audio guides are offered at some museums and forts.
Start at Plaza de Armas, walk through Old Havana plazas, visit major museums, then continue to Malecón and end with a classic car tour around the city.
Evening cultural shows, live music, and bar visits are popular. Night visits to Malecón are common, but most museums close by early evening.
Old Havana is busy, especially weekends and holidays. Weekdays in the morning are least crowded.
Public restrooms are limited; cafes, restaurants, and small shops are abundant in Old Havana. Bring water and plan rest breaks.
Many cobblestone streets and historic buildings have steps, limiting accessibility. Elderly and children should plan for slower walks.
Cuban pesos (CUP) and convertible pesos (CUC) are used. Credit cards from non-US banks may work; cash is widely preferred, especially for small vendors.
Variety of Cuban restaurants, paladares (private eateries), and cafes serving local cuisine, coffee, and snacks.
Vegetarian and vegan options exist, mainly in paladares. Halal options are limited.
Yes, local crafts, cigars, rum, hand-painted art, and Cuban music CDs are popular souvenirs.
Taxis, private car hires, and buses connect to other Cuban cities. Classic car tours offer scenic travel around Havana.
