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The time has come in this travel series from Cuba for a post on what to see in Old Havana. This part of the city is so picturesque that it’s a must-see when traveling to the island. I took a short ride from my Varadero hotel every chance I got to visit different landmarks. I would just pack a few sweets, coins, my guidebook, and a camera and I was once again peeking behind another colonial building.

What to see in Old Havana

A lovely architecture

What to see in Old Havana

You probably heard about the Malecon promenade, which is another landmark of Cuba. It’s the 7 kilometers long seafront area, which can be splashed by waves on stormy days, and where locals meet, sit, swim, and fish – overlooked by the sea on one side and buildings of various architecture on the other.

Malecon is famous for its great sunset views. And strolling along this boulevard, it’s easy to reach the Habana Vieja (Old Town), declared as part of the world’s cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1982.

Old Havana building

WHAT TO SEE IN OLD HAVANA: Fascinating heritage sites

Plaza de la Catedral

This is the largest colonial center in Latin America and is adorned by Hispanic-Andalusian architecture. The best way to explore it is by foot, of course.

I came down to Plaza de la Catedral which seemed like a great place to start a visit. Aristocratic buildings and the present-day Cathedral were built in the 18th century. Here you will come across a colonial costume lady who strolls under the arcades and offers to “read your fortune”.

Havana Cathedral

Catedral de San Cristobal de La Habana

The Cathedral was renamed in 1796 as Catedral de San Cristobal de La Habana because, according to popular belief, from that year until 1898 it housed the remains of Christopher Columbus himself. The Cuban Baroque facade is grandiose with two large bell towers and an abundance of columns. There is a huge wooden statue of St Christopher.

City Museum Old Havana

In front of the City Museum

Charming architecture

There are a few lovely buildings at the Plaza. You will find Palacio de los Marqueses de Arcos, built in the 1700s, with an art gallery. It was once the main post office and you can still see the original letterbox on the outside wall. Then, there is Museo de Arte Colonial, another beautiful building in Old Havana with blue doors and windows that houses an exhibition of colonial furniture and objects.

Old Havana landmarks

WHAT TO SEE IN OLD HAVANA: El Templete

On the left of the Cathedral, there is the famous La Bodeguita del Medio restaurant (more about it in one of the previous Glimpses about Cuban rum), but also Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras. There is a bar restaurant in the inner courtyard and in the square, and it bears a French feel. This was the place where the well-known Paris Restaurant used to be in the 1900s.

Plaza de Armas Old Havana Cuba

Entertainment group at Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas

When one goes to the right, towards Plaza de Armas, one will soon reach Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the 16th-century castle with its broad moat. (I took so many pictures here!) The castle is built to protect the city from pirate attacks. Since it was too far inside the bay, it later became the residence of governors. In 1634 a weather vane known as La Giraldilla was placed on the lookout tower, which soon became the symbol of Havana. (If this made you think about the Giralda bell tower in Seville, you are on the right track. This one was built to resemble it.)

Old Havana fortress Cuba

WHAT TO SEE IN OLD HAVANA: Castillo de la Real Fuerza

There is a nice park in the Plaza. When one turns right, there is another item on what to see in Old Havana list – a building that resembles a temple. That is El Templete which stands on the spot where, according to legend, the city of San Cristobal de la Habana was founded in 1599. On the left, there is the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, now Museo de la Ciudad. This baroque palace was built for Cuba’s old colonial rulers. There is aslo the statue of Columbus in the courtyard.

Old Havana fortress tower

La Giraldilla on top of the tower

Calle Obispo

When one continues along Calle Obispo (Bishop Street where the city bishop resided once), one will still have that feeling of an open-air museum because of the colonial architecture dating back from the 16th to the 19th century.

Casa de la Obra Pia Old Havana landmarks

Magnificent decorations of Casa de la Obra Pia

Here, there are a lot more of those “what to see in Old Havana” landmarks. For instance, one will pass by a few old shops, the old pharmacy, the Ambos Mundos Hotel we mentioned in the Glimpse about Ernest Hemingway’s stay in Cuba, etc. There is also an interesting old letterbox shaped like a man’s face with an open mouth for letters to be put in.

Casa de la Obra Pia

Villa’s vast courtyard

Go around the block and you will find a beautiful 17th-century mansion, known for its Baroque doorway, reputedly sculpted in Spain – Casa de la Obra Pia or Charity House. The nobleman who lived here in the 17th century gave a dowry every year to five orphan girls to get married or enter a convent. The house is so pretty with its luxurious rooms and yellow walls.

Not far from here, there is Casa de los Arabes, another charming building with a typical Moorish courtyard and a true “what to see in Old Havana” landmark.

Colonial luxury building in Old Havana

Charming colonial furniture

Just take a pick, I’m sure you would love every one of these charming buildings. And there’s more on our what to see in Old Havana itinerary. But also, wait until we reach Centro Habana in the next Glimpse, just click below.

Next: THE CAPITOL AND THE REVOLUTION

The full Cuba SERIES

Old Havana buildings

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Comments:

  • 05/09/2017

    After this post, Old Havana goes on top of my bucket list for Cuba!

    reply...
  • 05/09/2017

    The church and the house architecture—stone construction, balusters, shingles, etc.—has similarities to Spanish architecture, which is also predominant here in the Philippines. It’s no wonder because, If I remember my history correctly, Cuba was once a colony of Spain just like the Philippines. I think we’ll feel right at home in Cuba. Hehehe!

    reply...
    • 05/09/2017

      Yes, these are all colonial buildings with Hispanic-Andalusian architecture. So, yes, there are similarities.
      I’m so envious, you get to be at two great places on earth at the same time! 😀

      reply...
  • 05/09/2017

    It’s so amazing to be able to finally visit Cuba! There are just so many fun and exciting things to do and sections to explore. I would love to visit Calle Obisbo and of course, stroll down the promenade!

    reply...
  • 05/09/2017

    I love the architecture of la Havana – all the pictures I see are just lovely and I would so much like to visit! – a shame it is so far from us though! our travels need to take us west wards.

    reply...
  • 05/09/2017

    Although I’ve never been to Cuba, these pictures certainly represent what I imagine Havana to look like.

    reply...
    • 05/09/2017

      This is just the Old Town. There’ll be more on other parts of the city. Thanks for stopping by, Brian! 🙂

      reply...
  • My One Big Planet

    05/09/2017

    Such a unique place! I love Cuba!

    reply...
  • Marvi

    06/09/2017

    I’ve always been a fan of classic architecture, and this one fits the bill.. Old havana looks interesting. Would also love to explore this!

    reply...
    • 06/09/2017

      If you love the classic architecture, you’d enjoy this district! So many things to see and admire. 🙂

      reply...
  • gokulr27

    06/09/2017

    Love the charming architecture. The designs are so well detailed and exquisite. Would love to visit this country.

    reply...
    • 06/09/2017

      They are, aren’t they! I just loved strolling these streets. Fingers crossed, you’ll get there. 🙂

      reply...
  • kailaxyu

    06/09/2017

    Ugh I’m so jealous, it looks so amazing and I want to try all the food and shoot photos with the old time cars and colorful houses

    reply...
  • 07/09/2017

    The more posts on Cuba I read, the more I’m convinced I have to visit this country one day. Old Havana is charming!

    reply...
  • 10/09/2017

    The architecture is really fascinating, particularly of the church and those old buildings. I love to visit places like these , particularly by making my own walking tour. I will like to visit cuba and particularly the old parts of it like the one you have shown here

    reply...
    • 10/09/2017

      Habana Vieja would be perfect for you then! The whole area is full of old architecture, charming terraces and windows, pedestrian streets. And you can take a walk through the neighborhood, it’s more than pleasant.
      Would like to hear your impressions when you do visit. 🙂

      reply...
  • Tales of travelling sisters

    10/09/2017

    The stunning architecture of the Old Havana is really something to be in awe of. The facade of the Cathedral and the Castello is just stunning, I would love to explore them. The street are so vibrant and oozes an old world charm with its beautiful windows and colourful buildings.

    reply...
    • 10/09/2017

      So true, couldn’t agree more! It’s just like that in person as well. 🙂

      reply...
  • 11/09/2017

    I’ve often heard great things about Old Havana, but this post has really inspired me to make the trip to go see it for myself! Love the architecture and history of this place

    reply...
    • 11/09/2017

      Thanks, so glad if the post made you impatient. Taking it as a compliment! 😉

      reply...

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