Sights and landmarks in Havana

Sights and landmarks in Havana

1. See

   Colon Cemetery

   Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón

   One of the great historical cemeteries of the world, important in both historical and architectural terms. It's not possible to see much from behind the fence.

   ~US$5 for foreigners

2. See

   Cámara Oscura

   Enjoy extraordinary 360° views of the city using the large Cámara Oscura in the old town.

3. See

   Fabrica de Arte Cubano

   La Fábrica de Arte or FAC

   An art gallery and club. The Fábrica's gallery and stage were established inside of a former cooking oil factory, and has since gained notoriety as one of Havana's premier nightclubs and art galas.

4. 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.

5. See

   Havana Cathedral

   Catedral de La Habana

   Built in the 18th century and redesigned in the 1940s, this church is a prime example of Baroque architecture in Cuba. Houses the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Cuba.

6. See

   Havana Club Rum Museum

   Museo del Ron Havana Club

   Go on a guided tour of Havana Club, one of Cuba's most famous rums. Most of the exhibits are subtitled in English and are fairly self-explanatory.

7. See

   Hotel Habana Libre

   The hotel housed Castro's soldiers for several days after they took Havana. It has an excellent selection of photos in the lobby along with one of the only 24-hr fast food restaurants in the city.

8. See

   Lennon Park

   Parque Lennon

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

9. See

   Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

   This museum has two parts: international and Cuban art. In the part of Arte Cubano art-lovers can spend hours admiring the works of the last centuries exhibited on three floors.

   ~US$8

10. See

    Museum of the Revolution

    Museo de la Revolución

    Housed in the former presidential palace, this iconic museum offers a history tour from pre-Columbian to the revolution in 1959 and on to present-day socialist Cuba. There's more than a hint of propaganda among the exhibitions.

    Open now · closes 5 pm·Admission ~US$6, use of camera ~US$2 extra

11. See

    National Capitol Building

    El Capitolio

    Completed in 1929, this neoclassical building which resembles the U.S. Capitol. It housed the Cuban Congress prior to the revolution and is now the National Assembly.

12. See

    Partagás Cigar factory

    Fábrica de Tabaco Partagas

    A guided visit to the original Partagás factory gives a wealth of information about production and cultivation of tobacco and cigars. It is also the place for buying authentic Cuban cigars, more expensive than on the street but with fantastic quality.

    the equivalent of US$10 in pesos for a guided tour, no photography allowed

13. 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.

14. See

    Plaza de la Revolución

    Huge square dominated by a statue and monument of Jose Marti and the iconic image of Che Guevara adorning the Ministry of the Interior. Arrive either early or late, as it is often swamped by tourists and gets very hot during the day.

15. See

    The Royal Force Castle

    Castillo de la Real Fuerza

    The oldest bastioned fortress in the New World, completed 1577. It now houses Cuba's premier maritime museum with excellent exhibits of Cuba’s maritime past, from pre-Columbian days through to the 18th century with the Royal Shipyard of Havana, one of the largest in the world which built nearly 200 ships for the Spanish Crown. The museum includes a huge model of Santisima Trinidad, one of the largest ships in the world during the 18th century. The fort is also a great location for viewing the harbour and city skyline.

16. See

    US Embassy

    This heavily fortified and guarded building is where Cuban citizens go to apply for U.S. visas. It was notable for displaying news which was unfiltered and not censored by the Cuban government on electronic billboards behind the windows of one of the floors, but these were switched off in 2009. It is also the focus for regularly staged protests.

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