World City Guide

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview
Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) is best explored on foot to take full advantage of the glorious Spanish colonial architecture, much of it under restoration. Visitors can easily occupy many an hour meandering through the narrow streets and around the shady plazas. There will always be something happening to catch the eye and, thankfully, there are many more refreshment facilities in which to linger and watch the colourful pageant. Museum-lovers will be spoilt for choice as more and more open each year, many in wonderful old buildings.

While Old Havana holds many charms for the visitor, it would be a pity to neglect other areas of the city, such as Vedado, or New Havana, the former centre of gambling and good living. La Rampa, Vedado’s main street runs from the Habana Libre, a hotel built as the flagship of the Hilton chain just before the Revolution and then used by Castro as his headquarters, down to the Malecon. On either side of La Rampa are many fine examples of Art Deco and 1950s architecture, not least the imposing Hotel Nacional. To the west of the city is the former upmarket district of Miramar, with its grand mansions giving evidence of a bygone age of prosperity. Many are now being restored as offices for joint-venture companies and embassies.

A good overview of the city can be enjoyed from the observatory at the top of the Jose Marti Memorial in Revolution Square. A stroll along the Malecon, the seafront walk, which stretches almost the length of Havana, is a must. Here, old and young fish during the day and courting couples take their paseo (promenade) at night. The Malecon also provides a wonderful view of Havana’s cityscape, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Tourist Information
Infotur
Calle Obispo 358, at Calle San Ignacio
Tel: (7) 636 884 or 333 333.
E-mail: webmaster@ofitur.mit.tur.cu
Website: www.infotur.cu
Opening hours: Daily 0830-1730.

Passes
There are no tourist passes available in Havana.