Parks and the outdoors in Havana

Parks and the outdoors in Havana

1. See

   Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña

   A well-restored fort of the 18th century that holds two one-room exhibitions about arms and Che Guevara. Every evening there is a cannon ceremony where they fire over the Havana harbour. To get there take any bus (ex. from the Parque the la Fraternidad) that crosses the tunnel and get off right after it. Walk about 600 m to the entrance. On your way you can also stop at the smaller Castillo de los Tres Santos Reyes Magnis del Morro next to the tunnel.

2. Eat

   La Casa

   This stylish restaurant, in Nuevo Vedado, is a large California-style house typical of the 1950s. The dining room and garden are inviting and intimate. The impeccable service and consistency uncommon in Cuba, are a must in Havana.

   Daily 12:00-24:00·~US$10-25

3. See

   Lennon Park

   Parque Lennon

   Features the only statue of a western musician in Havana. Notable for the regularly stolen (and replaced) eyeglasses.

4. Drink

   Los Buccaneros Hanoi

   With the front of the Capitol building on your right from the main street, walk about two blocks to the left on the road that runs parallel to the Capitol. There are two bars called Hanoi. Go to the first one Los Buccaneros.

   good mojitos for ~US$1

5. See

   Plaza de Armas

   Spacious and elegant, the square is surrounded by baroque constructions that give it an authentic colonial milieu. It was laid out during the 1600s, replacing an old plaza which acted as the center of religious, administrative and military activity. Until the mid-18th century, it was used for military exercises and parades. After its remodeling between the years 1771-1838, it became a favored meeting spot for the city's wealthy. Today it is also known as Céspedes Park, in honor of the country's Founding Father, whose monument stands at its center. This square is one of the most outstanding in the city, enlivened by vendors of antiques and classical books on Latin American and world literature. Attractions of remarkable historical value lay around the square such as the capok tree (Ceiba) under which the first mass for the city's founding was officiated in 1519.

6. Do

   Walk along the Malecón

   On weekends this is where the locals come to party, so bring a bottle and join in.

7. Do

   Walk down the Paseo del Prado

   A lively pedestrian zone full of locals spending their free time.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Havana (CC BY-SA 4.0).