What to see and do in Havana

What to visit in Havana · squares, Capitol and Morro

• Plaza Vieja · Old Havana
• Capitol of Havana
• Castle of the Three Kings of Morro

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Havana · squares, Capitol and Morro

heritage

Plaza Vieja · Old Havana

Porches and facades from different periods surround this square in Old Havana. It is a good stop to observe the architecture and continue on foot through the streets of the historic center.

Activities for your visit

• Contemplate the arcades and facades from the square.
• Walk the public streets of the historic environment.

Tips for this place

• Wear appropriate footwear for uneven pavements.
• The museums, terraces and surrounding shops have their own conditions.

Check access ↗

Public square with free access. A guided tour, a drink or an entrance to a nearby building are optional services.

Reference sources and location

• Cuba Travel · Plaza Vieja

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 23.13607778, -82.35006111.

Wikidata · Old Square

history

Capitol of Havana

The Capitol's grand dome is part of Havana's historic skyline. Consult the official tourism information to learn about the building and check the conditions for visiting its interior.

Activities for your visit

• View the building's architecture from the surrounding public areas.
• Check which interior spaces are open to visitors.

Tips for this place

• Check which areas are open and whether a reservation is required for your date.
• Arrange transport and any guide services you wish to book separately.

Official information ↗

Consult Cuba Travel for official information about the Capitol and confirm visiting conditions directly. This link provides information; it does not sell tickets or confirm availability.

Reference sources and location

• Cuba Travel · El Capitolio in Havana

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 23.13527778, -82.35944444.

Wikidata · Havana Capitol

history

Castle of the Three Kings of Morro

El Morro guards the entrance to the bay in front of Old Havana. Its fortress and lighthouse are part of the port's historic landscape; The visit requires crossing to the eastern bank.

Activities for your visit

• Contemplate the defensive system and the entrance to the bay.
• Know the areas of the fortress that are open.

Tips for this place

• Organize transportation and return: it is not accessed by walking through the bay tunnel.
• The lighthouse and the La Cabaña cannon shot ceremony have different admissions.

Check access ↗

Check the entrance to the fortress and, separately, the lighthouse on the premises. The cannon shot ceremony is held in La Cabaña, another venue in the complex.

Reference sources and location

• UNESCO · Old Havana and its fortification system

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 23.15046389, -82.35666389.

Wikidata · Morro Castle in Havana

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-day itinerary in Havana · squares, Capitol and Morro

1. Day 1

   Old Havana and the Capitol

   Explore Plaza Vieja and the city center; check the access conditions directly before planning a visit inside El Capitolio.

2. Day 2

   El Morro and the bay

   Confirm admission to the castle and arrange round-trip transportation to the eastern bank.

Tips for visiting Havana · squares, Capitol and Morro

• The square and public streets can be explored without hiring a tour.
• El Morro and La Cabaña are different venues; The lighthouse and the cannon are not included.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Havana · squares, Capitol and Morro

Ropa vieja, arroz moro, tamales and dishes to share: six specialties of Cuban cuisine. The photos show actual dishes for reference; recipes and ingredient availability vary by location.

Cuba · Creole cuisine

Ropa vieja

Shredded beef, stewed with a sauce of tomato, onion and peppers. It is usually accompanied with rice and other garnishes; The photo shows a homemade preparation, still in the pan.

Reference: CiberCuba Cocina · Recipe by chef Iván

Cuba · Rice with beans

Moros y cristianos

Rice cooked with black beans and their broth, which colors the grain and concentrates the flavor. It is a common combination of the Cuban table; here it is served with pork ribs.

Reference: GOYA · Cuban recipe of moros y cristianos

Cuba · Celebration cuisine

Spit-roasted pork

The pig is slowly roasted on a spit that rotates over the fire. This preparation is associated with gatherings and celebrations; the photograph shows a street celebration in Santiago de Cuba.

Reference: Cuba Travel · Traditions of Pinar del Río

Cuba · Corn wrapped in leaves

Cuban tamales

Seasoned corn dough, wrapped in leaves and cooked until firm. You can have small pieces of pork mixed with the dough. The photo shows tamales open on their leaves in Havana.

Reference: Cuba Travel · Typical Cuban food

Cuba · Fried green plantain

Tostones or chatinos

Green banana slices that are fried, crushed and returned to the oil to become golden brown. They are eaten as a side; In Cuba they are also known as chatinos.

Reference: CiberCuba Cuisine · Chatinos or tostones

Cuba · Sopon to share

Cuban caldosa

Sopon of food, meats and condiments, associated with collective meals and celebrations. Recipes change between homes and regions; This Villa Clara variant incorporates corn and noodles.

Reference: Cuba Travel · The broth of Las Tunas