However, Old Havana is one of those special destinations that deserve time to explore. Havana is much more than just this one neighborhood – check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Havana to see our recommendations for travelers throughout the WHOLE city. Without a doubt, this neighborhood is lively, colorful, and vibrant, and you’ll likely want to spend a lot of your time in Havana exploring and taking in all it has to offer. Here you’ll find the most historic architecture in the city, some dating back to the 1500s, and plenty of shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Old Havana and its fortification systems are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, best known for its impressive and unique historical mix of architectural styles from its 500+ year history. The neighborhood of Habana Vieja – Old Havana – is the most famous neighborhood in the city, and a must-visit destination for any visitor to Cuba. For more information, please read our disclosure policy. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. José was born and raised in Havana and spent his whole life here until age 25 – we hope it helps you feel at home in Havana like we do. In our ultimate local guide to Old Havana / Habana Vieja, we’re sharing a complete guide to what to do in Old Havana, places to stay, where to eat, and what to avoid.

It’s a bucket list travel destination for a reason!

Don’t make the mistake of forgetting the rest of Havana, but give this complex neighborhood the time it deserves. There is so much to see and do in Old Havana, that you could easily dedicate a few days of your time in Cuba just to exploring this area. But a deep dive into Old Havana Cuba will change your perspective of Cuba and show you there’s a lot more here than might first meet the eye. In many ways, Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is the stereotypical Cuba you’re thinking of – beautiful vintage cars, historic yet faded facades, and cobblestone streets.

Old havana cuban