Havana Attractions

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With a rich and fascinating history, Havana's sightseeing is centred around its varied architecture, with everything from museums and churches to colonial forts and elaborate city squares. With friendly and colourful people juxtaposed by elegantly dilapidated buildings and occasionally derelict streets, there's nothing quite like Havana.

Just breathing in the scents and watching the vintage cars roll down the streets makes for a great day of sightseeing, but head into the historic old town, La Habana Vieja, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the magnificent colonial architecture. Take in the sights and sounds as you stroll down the Calle Obispo as this pedestrian boulevard takes you through the streets, past the Parque Central and to some of the more hidden away gems of the La Habana Vieja. You can get the best view of Havana from the Camera Obscura, which provides a 360-degree look from atop the Plaza Vieja.

Havana is special for visitors simply because there are none of the tacky tourist developments that have overrun other destinations. That said, you'll find plenty of places claiming to be significant to Ernest Hemingway, but few are. You can visit the Ernest Hemingway Museum on the outskirts of town, set in his old residence.

Visit the cigar factories and rum distilleries to sample some of these world famous exports, visit the Plaza de la Revolución where political figures such as Fidel Castro have addressed the crowds and peruse the Museo de la Revolución - a must for all history buffs. And after a long day of sightseeing in the city, head to the nearby beaches, most of which are located no more than 20 minutes away to soak up some Caribbean sun and sip on a rum cocktail.

Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City)

Built in 1791, the stately Baroque residence of Cuba's colonial governors and former Presidential Palace, the Palace of the Captains General stands as an impressive sight on the Plaza de Armas and is now the repository for the city's museum collections. The museum's displays... see full details

Cigar Factories

Even non-smokers have to agree that a visit to Cuba would not be complete without investigating the island's most famous export, cigars. The art of cigar-making in Cuba is old and traditional, and three main factories in Havana offer tours for visitors to... see full details

Plaza de la Revolución

Dominated by the imposing José Martí Memorial, the gigantic square has seen numerous political rallies, and the podium in front of the memorial is where important political figures like Fidel Castro have addressed more than a million Cubans on important occasions, such as 1... see full details

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

The modern Bellas Artes Museum is split into two buildings housing International and Cuban art. The Colección de Arte Universal covers everything from ancient Greek artefacts and Latin American pieces to art by French, Dutch and Italian painters. The Colección de Arte Cubano is... see full details

Museo de la Revolución

Formerly the Presidential Palace and headquarters of the Cuban government, the impressive building now houses documents, photographs and artefacts pertaining to the Cuban Revolution, and provides an excellent introduction to, and understanding of, Cuba's history and its struggle for independence. Prepare to spend a... see full details

Capitolio Nacional

One of Havana's grandest pieces of architecture, the Capitolio is an important landmark and one of Centro Habana's major touristic sights. Resembling the US Capitol in Washington, DC, the monumental stone stairway leads to the vast domed hall, from where tours will take visitors... see full details

Habana Vieja (Old Havana)

This historic section of Cuba's capital was founded in 1519, and for centuries, was an important naval port of colonial Spain. Being in such a strategic position, the city was targeted by pirates and fought over on numerous occasions, and the ruins of... see full details

Ernest Hemingway Museum

Ernest Hemingway may be an American by birth, but Cubans have adopted him as their own - especially in Havana, where you'll find memorials to his apartments, regular haunts, and even favourite drink. Finca Vigia, his home just outside Havana, has been restored and... see full details

El Malécon

A five-mile (8km) esplanade, roadway and seawall, running between the harbour in Old Havana and the historically Russian area of Vedado, El Malécon is the perfect place to start your Havana adventure. The two-hour walk, described by many as a cross-section of Cuba's history,... see full details

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