Old Havana

(Local Name: Habana Vieja) Habana Vieja or old Havana is a well preserved slice of Cuban history. This wonderful area of Havana was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982. The area has been undergoing an extensive renovation and has a plethora of historical, cultural, and architectural highlights to see. Habana Vieja is a pleasant place to stroll around and get a sense of what life in Cuba used to be like 200 years ago.

Old Havana is popular with tourists, but does not have the feeling of being overrun. If you look carefully around you, sights of everyday living can be seen. Several of the major attractions within Habana Vieja are the Plaza de la Catedral, the Catedral de San Cristobal, and the legendary restaurant Bodeguita del Medio. Visitors should allow at least a half a day to explore this area and more if time permits.