Havana Tourist Information and Tourism

(Havana, Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba)

Tourism in Havana (Ciudad de La Habana) is big business - this is the Cuban capital after all. The oldest city in the Caribbean is one of elegant Spanish colonial abodes, mixed with Afro-Cuban flair and an unflappable charm.

Havana is loaded with sights, landmarks and museums, and is also the top spot for shopping and eating in Cuba. In addition, the city stages innumerable fun festivals and events most months of the year, such as the Feira Internacional del Libro (International Book Fair) each February and the raucous carnival (carnaval) celebrations in August. Of note, the main tourist information office is on the Calle Obispo in the Habana Vieja (Old Havana) district. There is also an Infotur tourism outlet available for those flying into the nearby Jose Marti International Airport.

Havana Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Historical Spanish-colonial character abounds in central Havana and the spectacular old town area known as Habana Vieja has earned itself a UNESCO World Heritage listing, following its substantial restoration work, which transformed it after many years of poverty. The Habana Vieja Walking Tour is the perfect way to acquaint yourself with this city and the tourist attractions that it has to offer. If you prefer to do things at your own pace, then choose between a visit to the Partagas Cigar Factory (Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagas), the National Aquarium (Acuario Nacional), the National Zoological Park (Parque Zoologico Nacional) or the National Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanico Nacional). Then perhaps finish off your day of sightseeing by enjoying a stroll along the scenic El Malecon promenade, taking in the seafront views and perhaps stopping off at one of the many bars and cafes to watch the sun setting. More information about Havana Tourist Attractions.

Being the proud Cuban capital and a true Caribbean metropolis, prominent landmarks and striking buildings are in good supply in downtown Havana, particularly around the Habana Vieja and Centro districts. Here you will find the Plaza de Armas (Square of Arms), which serves as the city's principal plaza and is where it all began some 500 years ago. Although this square is easily the most important and interesting, many others exist in the city, with the most obvious being the Plaza de la Catedral, the Plaza del Cristo, the Plaza de la Revolucion, the Plaza de San Francisco de Asis and the Plaza Vieja. When it comes to buildings, the National Capital Building (Capitolio Nacional) is one of Havana's most magnificent and functioned as the Cuban seat of government for many years, until the revolution in 1959. Another landmark of note is the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, a historic fortress dating back to the 16th century and built to defend the city from possible pirate attacks. More information about Havana Landmarks and Monuments.

The list of cultural offerings within Havana is quite lengthy and there are easily more than you would ever wish to visit during a holiday. Therefore, it is well worth selecting those that appeal the most, with the Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolucion) being a very likely candidate and found within the former Presidential Palace. The Museum of the City (Museo de la Ciudad) on the Plaza de Armas is another good bet, while if you are here with children, then the National Museum of Natural History (Museo Nacional de Historia Natural) may be more appealing. For an insight into the country's love of art, both the National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes) and the Museum of Colonial Art (Museo de Arte Colonial) will appeal. More information about Havana Museums and Havana Art Galleries.

Getting out and about is an integral part of any Cuban holiday and a variety of day trips are possible. Although Havana enjoys a coastal setting alongside the Straits of Florida, there are not actually any decent beaches in this area. If you would like to spend the day sunbathing on some of the best beaches in this part of Cuba, then an excursion to the resort town of Varadero is in order, being around two hours away and to the east. Located a similar distance from Havana, only this time to the south-east, is the vast Cienaga de Zapata National Park (Parque Nacional Cienaga de Zapata), where scuba diving, walking and bird watching are all highlights. Closer to home is the municipality of Playa, which is sited just over the Almendares River and fronted by a series of old forts. Located a short distance from the city's harbourfront is the bustling port town of Regla, where a vibrant Afro-Cuban community welcomes visitors. More information about Havana Attractions Nearby.

More Havana Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Cuba (north-west)
• Location: Ciudad de La Habana Province
• Status: capital city
• Area: approximately 278 square miles / 720 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 2.3 million
• Language: Spanish
• Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP)
• Time zone: UTC - 5
• Country dialling code: +53
• Telephone area code: 07
• Religion: predominantly Roman Catholic
• Average daily Havana January temperature: 25°C / 77°F
• Average daily Havana July temperature: 31°C / 88°F