Habana Vieja

Havana, Cuba

The UNESCO-protected old city—baroque churches, colonial plazas, and tourist central.

Places in Habana Vieja

El Dandy Hipster-ish café in Habana Vieja with good coffee, cocktails, and food.
La Floridita Hemingway's favorite with classic daiquiris and pre-revolutionary ambiance
La Bodeguita del Medio The birthplace of the mojito. Graffiti-covered walls and constant crowds.

Best time to visit: November-April (dry season, cooler temperatures)
Getting around: Old Town walkable; classic American cars as taxis; buses for broader areas; vibrancy and energy throughout
Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP). Bring cash—ATMs unreliable, US cards don't work.
Language: Spanish. English limited. Basic Spanish essential.
Timezone: Cuba Standard Time (CST), UTC-5
Current trends: Emerging private restaurants (paladares) gaining recognition; craft beverage culture growing; heritage restoration accelerating; culinary innovation cautious but present

Old Havana (Habana Vieja) — Historic colonial center with main tourist attractions
Vedado — Established neighborhood with hotels, restaurants, nightlife
Centro Habana — Vibrant middle neighborhood
Miramar — Elegant upscale neighborhood