Also known as: La Habana, Havanna, La Havane
The Beating Heart and Grandeur of the Center
Our journey of discovery begins in the vibrant heart of Havana, at Parque Central. This green oasis, inaugurated in 1877, is surrounded by impressive architecture and majestic palm trees. Here, the city breathes, with statues honoring Cuban history, and you immediately feel Havana's energy. From here, it's just a short walk to one of the city's most dominant structures: the National Capitol of Cuba. With its colossal dome, this architectural masterpiece is an unmistakable symbol. Once serving as a government building, inside, a 25-carat diamond beneath the center of the dome marks Cuba's 'kilometer zero'. The sheer scale of the building can only truly be appreciated up close. From the Capitol, the elegant Paseo de Martí, better known as El Prado, extends. This boulevard is an open-air gallery of architecture and history, adorned with shady trees and cast-iron lampposts. It's a place where the grandeur of old Havana is still palpable.
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Wandering Through the Centuries in Old Havana
From the wide boulevards, we delve into the intimate alleys of Old Havana, where every corner reveals a new story. Here, we encounter one of Cuba's most moving and oldest monuments: the tombstone of María de Cepero y Nieto from 1557. This small but powerful piece of history is a silent witness to the city's early colonial era. Not far from there stands the Cathedral of Havana, a magnificent example of Baroque grandeur. Built of coral stone, this church distinguishes itself with its uniquely asymmetrical facade. The details on the facade are rich, and inside, you feel the centuries of history and devotion that characterize this place. The cathedral dominates the Plaza de la Catedral, one of Old Havana's most enchanting squares. Surrounded by colonial mansions and the majestic cathedral, it feels as if you step back in time here, with the scent of freshly ground coffee and the sounds of live Cuban music filling the air. Further on lies the serene Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, one of the most elegant squares. Here, the Minor Basilica of San Francisco de Asís towers, with its distinctive bell tower, and the fountain with lion statues and peaceful doves create an oasis of calm. Our historical walk concludes at Plaza Vieja, the 'Old Square'. This square, once a marketplace and even a bullfighting arena, is now a vibrant center of culture and architecture. The mix of colonial and Art Nouveau styles and the beautiful balconies make each building here tell its own story, an open-air museum where past and present meet.
The Soul of Cuba: Art and Legend
Havana is not just history and architecture; it's also a breeding ground for art and culture. The National Museum of Fine Arts, dedicated to Cuban art, is housed in a modernist building and holds a collection that captures the soul of Cuba through the centuries. From colonial portraits to avant-garde works, it's a journey through Cuban identity, full of passion and story. And no visit to Havana is complete without a stop at the legendary La Bodeguita del Medio. This place, where the walls whisper about famous guests and the air is filled with the scent of mint and rum, is the birthplace of the iconic mojito, made famous by Ernest Hemingway himself. Everywhere around you, you see signatures and messages from visitors from all over the world, contributing to the electric atmosphere. It's an indispensable stop for a true Cuban experience, where you feel a part of history.
- 12 stops
- Start anywhere
- ~3,4 km route length
- ~498 m longest stretch
- about 1,5–2 h duration
- Free
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