Havana - Plaza de Armas

For a real slice of Cuban life be sure to visit the Plaza de Armas in Havana. This is where locals and visitors alike stroll, sit, and watch the activity of the plaza take place. There are many cafés and restaurants where visitors can relax and have a cool drink or pleasant meal. For those feeling the heat, the Plaza is blessed with many large trees and lawns and is a good spot to escape the intense tropical sun. The Plaza de Armas has been a central gathering spot in Havana for the past 500 years.

The government has taken on an ambitious restoration project and now the Plaza de Armas is surrounded by beautiful Baroque buildings. Most of these buildings date from the mid to late 18th Century to the middle of the 19th Century. In the center of the square is a statue of the Cuban patriot Cespedes and a beautiful fountain is nearby.

Wander down any one of the avenues leading off the plaza, however, make sure you do not miss Calle Oficios with its vintage car museum and Calle Obispo with its fine examples of Colonial architecture.