31 Jan Old Havana – A Self-Guided Walking Route With Map
You simply can’t travel to Havana, Cuba without checking out Old Havana (Habana Vieja.) Many tourists choose to take the tourist jump-on-jump-off bus to cover the touristic sites. If you only have half-a-day to see Havana this is good enough to cover a lot in a short period of time.
If you have more time you should spend at least one day exploring Old Havana and see the real deal with walking along the backstreets and see all the colorful houses along the way. Here is my recommended self-guided walking route of Old Havana.
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Capitolio de La Habana
We lived in Vedado which is not close to Old Havana. We took a classic taxi to El Capitolio building and started our walk there. It is on edge of Old Havana. By walking a few meters up from El Capitolio along the Street Paseo de Marti we saw the iconic colorful buildings and took some photos. We then walked around El Capitolio and did a short trip into Partagas Cigar Factory.
Hotel Inglaterra, Habana Vieja, Cuba
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We then walked towards Hotel Inglaterra and Parque Central to check out the statue of Jose Marti. Outside of the park is a great place to find the classic car for a one hour guided car ride around Havana.
We then checked out the Museo de La Revolucion. The museum is in a remarkable building. However, I was a little disappointed with the museum as it was mostly images and facts about what happened during the revolution. I would not recommend spending so much time at this museum unless you are very interested in what happened and have a long time in Havana. We then walked towards Malecon and took photos of the Lighthouse and Castillo de Los Tres Santos Reyes.
Malecon
We then walked a little longer along Malecon and walked toward Catedral De San Cristobal and Plaza de La Catedral which is a must in Old Havana and get to know the history behind the Cathedral. If you continue walking along the street Empedrado you will get to La Bodeguita Del Medio, which is the birthplace of the Mojito and a hangout place of Ernest Hemingway. Try the Mojito and make sure to bring a marker so you can write a regard on the wall 😀
Musicians playing in Bodeguita del Medio, Havana Cuba
We then walked back towards Castillo de la Real Fuerza and Plaza de Armas. Castillo de la Real Fuerza is such an interesting fort-museum worth checking out. It is worth walking along Calle Mercaderes to see the interesting shops, museums, and interesting people. You can turn left on Calle Amargura towards Plaza de San Francisco De Asis where you will see the big church Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco de Asis. You can also check out the two museums there.
Related: How to plan for a trip to Cuba in 2017
To end the route perfectly you can walk towards Plaza Vieja to check out some museums there, The Camera Obscura and end up by enjoying a micro brewed beer or a coffee at one of the restaurants there.
Plaza De La Revolucion, Havana, Cuba
Bonus outside of Old Havana
Since we lived in Vedado we decided to take a classic taxi ride to Plaza de La Revolucion to check out the huge plaza with the icons of Che Guevara as well as the Memorial Jose Marti. You might be hungry by now and you can take coco-taxi to El Cocinero – the popular rooftop restaurant in Vedado. If you choose this be sure to book the day before and it is not recommended if it rains as you can not stay at the rooftop.
Cuba map made of keys, FAC, Havana, Cuba
If you are interested in Modern art you should definitely check out FAC which is right next to El Cocinero. It is only open on Thursdays to Sunday from 8 pm to 3 am (12 am). They also sell food and drinks there.
The Walking route in order:
- El Capitolio
- Paseo de Marti (colourful buildings)
- Partagas Cigar Factory
- Hotel Inglaterra
- Parque Central
- Malecon (Castillo de Los Tres Santos Reyes)
- Catedral De San Cristobal and Plaza de La Catedral
- La Bodeguita Del Medio
- Castillo de la Real Fuerza and Plaza de Armas
- Calle Mercaderes
- Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco de Asis
- Plaza Vieja
Bonus:
Plaza de La Revolucion
El Cocinero
FAC Fabrica de Arte Cubano
Feel free to print out this image
Are you planning on going to Havana what are you planning to do there? Or if you have been, what did you do?
Before you go this is must read if you are traveling to Cuba soon:How to plan for a trip to Cuba in 2017
Must haves for a trip to Havana
Cristina
Posted at 13:51h, 31 JanuaryHavana is one of the cities on my bucket list of traveling! I don’t know why, but I felt in love with the city from lots of pictures and movies I’ve been watching.
http://www.janded.eu
thevikingabroad
Posted at 14:47h, 31 JanuaryThat is so cool. You should definitely go there it is so unique.
Foirell
Posted at 15:52h, 31 JanuaryThis looks amazing! Your pics are amazing! I would love to go to Havana I can only imagine what a great time you had!
Foirell | http://www.citygirlrell.com
thevikingabroad
Posted at 19:22h, 01 FebruaryThank you 😀
Stephenie
Posted at 16:28h, 31 JanuarySuch amazing information and images
thevikingabroad
Posted at 17:28h, 31 JanuaryThank you 🙂
Kseniya
Posted at 17:24h, 31 JanuaryGreat post! Great information for traveling to Cuba!
thevikingabroad
Posted at 17:27h, 31 JanuaryThank you 🙂
ImNotGrandpa
Posted at 19:29h, 31 JanuaryGreat post! Havana is on my Bucket List of places to see. Thank you for the preview!
thevikingabroad
Posted at 19:30h, 31 JanuaryThank you 😀 That is awesome 🙂
Joely Smith
Posted at 23:28h, 31 JanuaryLoved this post! I watched a documentary recently on Havana and have wanted to go since then I am so glad I saw your article here. I feel a little more like I was there personally.
thevikingabroad
Posted at 10:23h, 01 FebruaryAh that is awesome 😀 You should go for sure 😀 Thank you 🙂
Azlin Bloor
Posted at 06:48h, 01 FebruaryThat’s a brilliant guided tour, don’t need a guide book! Some amazing photos!
thevikingabroad
Posted at 19:22h, 01 FebruaryThank you 😀
robin Rue
Posted at 06:50h, 01 FebruaryI won;t be going to Cuba, so I enjoyed your photos. It looks really pretty there.
thevikingabroad
Posted at 10:21h, 01 FebruaryIt is. Thank you 🙂
Amber Myers
Posted at 11:16h, 01 FebruaryWhat a blast! I would love to do this someday. I really like all the different colors of the buildings.
thevikingabroad
Posted at 11:24h, 01 FebruaryThank you 🙂
Nellwyn
Posted at 13:16h, 01 FebruaryOld Havana looks beautiful! Cuba is definitely really high up on my bucket list right now since I’d like to go before it changes too much. I’ll have to bookmark your walking tour for when I plan my trip!
thevikingabroad
Posted at 18:15h, 01 FebruaryThank you, You should definitely go 😀
Melanie Trethowan
Posted at 17:41h, 01 FebruaryThere is nothing better than a good walking tour to get the real feel of a place. I think it is the slower pace that lets you absorb more detail – including smells and sounds – something you can’t do as much inside a bus or car.
Many thanks for sharing. Mel
thevikingabroad
Posted at 18:16h, 01 FebruarySo true. Thank you for stopping by 😀
Sarah-Louise Bailey
Posted at 19:16h, 01 FebruaryI was so much fascinated with the Cuba map that is made of keys which symbolize as the opener of ideas/doors. Of course, who would not be known the famous Che Guevara?
thevikingabroad
Posted at 19:20h, 01 FebruaryYeah, it is amazing. You would love the FAC it is so cool. Thank you for stopping by 😀
Art M
Posted at 21:53h, 10 December“Famous” is a dubious moniker for Guevara; but, all who know of the many he murdered would certainly remember him …
Amy Jones
Posted at 21:29h, 01 FebruaryCuba could’ve been an even better and more touristic place! Sadly their economy is such a mess and their governors wasted so much potential
thevikingabroad
Posted at 10:02h, 02 FebruaryTrue, it is getting quite touristy lately tho .
Janine
Posted at 23:29h, 01 FebruaryWhat a great post! I love to travel and your story engrossed me into this rich culture! It looks like a fantastic trip and your blog post is so informative! Lovely website!
thevikingabroad
Posted at 10:02h, 02 FebruaryThank you 😀
Karlyn Cruz
Posted at 02:22h, 02 FebruaryWow. I didn’t know Cuba has this amazing place. It is a really a beautiful place and you have great photos 🙂
thevikingabroad
Posted at 10:01h, 02 FebruaryThank you 🙂
Victoria Heckstall
Posted at 02:25h, 02 FebruaryI really love your photos! The best for me is the map of Cuba using keys, it’s so creative 🙂
thevikingabroad
Posted at 10:01h, 02 Februarythank you, yeah that artwork is pretty cool 😀
Jennifer Gilbert
Posted at 09:12h, 02 FebruaryBeautiful pictures! What a fabulous view of the lighthouse. I would love to have a mojito in Ernest Hemingway’s old hangout!
thevikingabroad
Posted at 10:00h, 02 FebruaryThank you, yeah it is pretty cool 😀
Bethany Stout
Posted at 17:49h, 02 FebruaryYour photos are beautiful. Looks like you really enjoyed your trip. Love it. Hope to visit some day.
thevikingabroad
Posted at 17:59h, 02 FebruaryThank you 🙂 You should for sure 🙂
Dhemz
Posted at 21:47h, 02 FebruaryOh, wow! Looks like you had a fun trip. I would love to visit there someday. I love all the photos. Thanks for sharing!
thevikingabroad
Posted at 09:29h, 03 FebruaryThank you 🙂
Wendy Polisi
Posted at 21:47h, 02 FebruaryThose photos are so gorgeous, this is such a beautiful place! I’m really glad that you enjoyed your trip.
thevikingabroad
Posted at 09:29h, 03 FebruaryThank you 🙂
Elizabeth O.
Posted at 01:39h, 03 FebruaryThat’s really nice! I love walking tours because you get to explore the city without hassle. I think it’s nice to plan a route when you’re going to do it alone. There’s so much to see in Havana!
thevikingabroad
Posted at 09:28h, 03 FebruaryThank you, it sure is 😀
Jay Simms
Posted at 11:35h, 03 FebruaryOh that looks so pretty! I would love to visit there one day.
thevikingabroad
Posted at 12:11h, 03 FebruaryYou should 🙂 Thank you 🙂
Fatima Torres
Posted at 23:23h, 03 FebruaryI had a friend who recently stopped by and she was so excited to have seen all the wonderful things Cuba has to offer. I’ve always been fascinated with their old cars
thevikingabroad
Posted at 11:11h, 04 FebruaryThat is awesome. It surely is fascinating 🙂
thevikingabroad
Posted at 10:00h, 06 FebruaryThat is awesome. You totally should 🙂
Joyce | Live Laugh Love Post
Posted at 20:04h, 15 FebruaryWe wish that we could be there in Cuba for our vacation. We are saving money this year. Thank you for sharing.
thevikingabroad
Posted at 10:51h, 16 FebruaryIt is good to save money 🙂 Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Becci Abroad
Posted at 08:34h, 30 JulyHi fellow Viking 😉 Great quick guide to Havana Vieja! I couldn’t agree more with you about Museo de La Revolución! When I went, me and my Norwegian friend from the University made fun with that it was one huge guide to how make a revolution 😉 Luckily, nobody understood our Danish-Norwegian.
thevikingabroad
Posted at 10:21h, 31 Julyhaha yeah, it is cool but not worth the time 🙂 Cool you got to go there 🙂