Alejandro's Guidebook for La Habana. We can arrange guided city-sight-seeing tours in Havana for affordable prices.

Alejandro
Alejandro's Guidebook for La Habana. We can arrange guided city-sight-seeing tours in Havana for affordable prices.

Drinks & Nightlife

Experience Ernest Hemingway's favorite spot for a Cuban Daiquiri and have one in his presence. You'll find out why.
764 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Floridita Bar
Obispo
764 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Experience Ernest Hemingway's favorite spot for a Cuban Daiquiri and have one in his presence. You'll find out why.
Enjoy a craft beer feeling the cool sea-breeze. It's just opposite our place.
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cerveceria Antiguo Almacen de la Madera y El Tabaco
Avenida Del Puerto
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Enjoy a craft beer feeling the cool sea-breeze. It's just opposite our place.
If you are a lover of Cuban traditional music, this is the right place to go.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Café Taberna
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you are a lover of Cuban traditional music, this is the right place to go.
If you want to be face to face with the Cuban traditional music, the you should try this one. The full address is Zulueta No. 658 e/ Gloria y Apodaca, Habana Vieja, 750 meters from our place and 10 minutes walk. If you plan on coming back too late, the rather ask my co-host to arrange a taxi for you.
66 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Legendarios del Guajirito Buena Vista Social Club
66 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you want to be face to face with the Cuban traditional music, the you should try this one. The full address is Zulueta No. 658 e/ Gloria y Apodaca, Habana Vieja, 750 meters from our place and 10 minutes walk. If you plan on coming back too late, the rather ask my co-host to arrange a taxi for you.
If you love the cabaret night life, you'll enjoy this Cuban version. In my opinion you get more value for money here than at the famous Tropicana. It is a venue of the Hotel Nacional. It's 6.1 km away from our place and might be an exciting 10 minutes drive in a vintage convertible along the seaboard, Malecon, to the Hotel Nacional.
237 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cabaret Parisien
Calle O
237 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you love the cabaret night life, you'll enjoy this Cuban version. In my opinion you get more value for money here than at the famous Tropicana. It is a venue of the Hotel Nacional. It's 6.1 km away from our place and might be an exciting 10 minutes drive in a vintage convertible along the seaboard, Malecon, to the Hotel Nacional.
A nice and picturesque bar, located right behind The Capitol. If you love live music, then this is a must in Havana. The prices are not cheap but also not exorbitantly high. It is 1,5 km from our place. It takes you 21 minutes to walk and 8 minutes on a car.
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sia-kara bar
Industria
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A nice and picturesque bar, located right behind The Capitol. If you love live music, then this is a must in Havana. The prices are not cheap but also not exorbitantly high. It is 1,5 km from our place. It takes you 21 minutes to walk and 8 minutes on a car.

Sightseeing

In front of this peculiar classical temple, the city of Havana was founded and the first mass celebrated.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Templete
Barillo
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
In front of this peculiar classical temple, the city of Havana was founded and the first mass celebrated.
Take a walk down and experience the colonial Havana. Take the opportunity to pay a visit to the old pharmacy, located next to Hotel Ambos Mundos, on Obispo street corner of Mercaderes street. This is very recommended.
133 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Obispo
Obispo
133 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Take a walk down and experience the colonial Havana. Take the opportunity to pay a visit to the old pharmacy, located next to Hotel Ambos Mundos, on Obispo street corner of Mercaderes street. This is very recommended.
If you love old classic cars, the you should go there (corner opposite the Gran Teatro de la Habana) and tour the city on a colorful convertible. But do not ask how the keep going. That's a mystery only Cubans know.
415 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Central Park
267 Agramonte
415 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you love old classic cars, the you should go there (corner opposite the Gran Teatro de la Habana) and tour the city on a colorful convertible. But do not ask how the keep going. That's a mystery only Cubans know.
This is possibly the best example of 18th century Cuban Baroque architecture. Its asymmetrical facade makes it unique. Occasionally at night musical recitals are offered on the adjacent square.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Catedral de San Cristóbal
Empedrado
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This is possibly the best example of 18th century Cuban Baroque architecture. Its asymmetrical facade makes it unique. Occasionally at night musical recitals are offered on the adjacent square.
The construction of the baroque-styled church visible from your balcony commenced towards the end of the 17th century. Then the first stone of what would be the first maternity hospital in Havana and an adjoining church was placed. The church was dedicated to Saint Francis of Paola who was one of the founders of the Roman Catholic Order of the Minims. The buildings were expanded in 1731 with the support and donations from the City Council, resulting in the Royal Hospital of Havana and the Church of San Francisco de Paula. In 1776, it was the most important hospital in Havana, there were several generations of famous doctors that trained here. The Havana Central Railroad, a U. S. company, in 1907 attempted to acquire the temple for its own corporate use. The Central Railroad’s several attempts to acquire and eventually demolish the church were frustrated by the opposition of historian Emilio Roig de Leuchsenring and anthropologist don Fernando Ortiz. Their efforts not only stopped the demolition of the church but also got it listed as National Monument in 1944. Havana Central Railroads, however, was able to bring down the hospital upon approval from the relevant authorities at the time.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Iglesia de Paula
110 Leonor Pérez
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The construction of the baroque-styled church visible from your balcony commenced towards the end of the 17th century. Then the first stone of what would be the first maternity hospital in Havana and an adjoining church was placed. The church was dedicated to Saint Francis of Paola who was one of the founders of the Roman Catholic Order of the Minims. The buildings were expanded in 1731 with the support and donations from the City Council, resulting in the Royal Hospital of Havana and the Church of San Francisco de Paula. In 1776, it was the most important hospital in Havana, there were several generations of famous doctors that trained here. The Havana Central Railroad, a U. S. company, in 1907 attempted to acquire the temple for its own corporate use. The Central Railroad’s several attempts to acquire and eventually demolish the church were frustrated by the opposition of historian Emilio Roig de Leuchsenring and anthropologist don Fernando Ortiz. Their efforts not only stopped the demolition of the church but also got it listed as National Monument in 1944. Havana Central Railroads, however, was able to bring down the hospital upon approval from the relevant authorities at the time.
Walk on the cobbled pavement of the eldest square in Havana, the place of the first open market. From our place it should take you 10 minutes to walk down here. Take San Ignacio Street, which begins next to our block and opposite the church, and walk straight down until you meet the square. Once on Plaza Vieja (Old Square) you'll discover lots of small private coffee-shops and restaurants.
176 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza Vieja
176 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Walk on the cobbled pavement of the eldest square in Havana, the place of the first open market. From our place it should take you 10 minutes to walk down here. Take San Ignacio Street, which begins next to our block and opposite the church, and walk straight down until you meet the square. Once on Plaza Vieja (Old Square) you'll discover lots of small private coffee-shops and restaurants.
The Revolution Square (Plaza de la Revolucion) with all the surrounding buildings, which are the seat of all ministries and government departments, including the Biblioteca Nacional (the National Library), is the sociopolitical centre of the country. The square is the 31st largest city square in the world, measuring 72,000 square meters. It has been notable as being where many political rallies take place and Fidel Castro addressed Cubans and delivered many of his long speeches. The square is dominated by the José Martí Memorial (pronounced the national hero), which features a 109 m (358 ft) tall obelisk and an 18 m (59 ft) statue of Jose Marti. Located behind the memorial is the Palace of the Revolution, the seat of the Cuban government and Communist Party. The construction of the square and the José Martí monument commenced during the Presidency of Fulgencio Batista. The square and the memorial were completed in 1959 (the year Fidel Castro came to power). It was originally called Plaza Cívica (Civic Square). After the Cuban Revolution (1959), it was renamed "Plaza de la Revolución" or "Revolution Square." An elevator allows access to the top of the memorial, at 109 m one of the tallest points in the city. Do not hesitate and take the lift up to the top of the obelisk. You'll have a 360 degrees view of Havana.
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
National Library José Martí
Avenida 20 de Mayo
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Revolution Square (Plaza de la Revolucion) with all the surrounding buildings, which are the seat of all ministries and government departments, including the Biblioteca Nacional (the National Library), is the sociopolitical centre of the country. The square is the 31st largest city square in the world, measuring 72,000 square meters. It has been notable as being where many political rallies take place and Fidel Castro addressed Cubans and delivered many of his long speeches. The square is dominated by the José Martí Memorial (pronounced the national hero), which features a 109 m (358 ft) tall obelisk and an 18 m (59 ft) statue of Jose Marti. Located behind the memorial is the Palace of the Revolution, the seat of the Cuban government and Communist Party. The construction of the square and the José Martí monument commenced during the Presidency of Fulgencio Batista. The square and the memorial were completed in 1959 (the year Fidel Castro came to power). It was originally called Plaza Cívica (Civic Square). After the Cuban Revolution (1959), it was renamed "Plaza de la Revolución" or "Revolution Square." An elevator allows access to the top of the memorial, at 109 m one of the tallest points in the city. Do not hesitate and take the lift up to the top of the obelisk. You'll have a 360 degrees view of Havana.

Entertainment & Activities

You don't need to travel so far to Varadero to enjoy a nice beach. Playas del Este (Eastern Beaches) are just 20 km from the city. We can assist in arranging transport.
199 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playas del Este
199 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
You don't need to travel so far to Varadero to enjoy a nice beach. Playas del Este (Eastern Beaches) are just 20 km from the city. We can assist in arranging transport.
Visit the hotel room rented for many years by Ernest Hemingway while wrote his novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Then climb up to the roof deck and have a drink at the bar, while enjoying the beautiful views.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ambos Mundos Hotel
153 Obispo
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Visit the hotel room rented for many years by Ernest Hemingway while wrote his novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Then climb up to the roof deck and have a drink at the bar, while enjoying the beautiful views.
Even if you aren't a smoker this place is worth a visit. Attention: be prepared for pedlars trying to sell you items before you go inside the actual store. These cigars are in general not of lower quality, but may risk confiscation at customs due to not being the oficial items. Just gently say: "no, thank you". Also, do not expect to see beautiful virgins rolling cigars in a sensual manner. This is just a myth. Tickets have to be purchased at any state-run hotels to visit the factory, opened only between 09h00-13h00pm.
104 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fábrica de Tabaco Partagas
416 Industria
104 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Even if you aren't a smoker this place is worth a visit. Attention: be prepared for pedlars trying to sell you items before you go inside the actual store. These cigars are in general not of lower quality, but may risk confiscation at customs due to not being the oficial items. Just gently say: "no, thank you". Also, do not expect to see beautiful virgins rolling cigars in a sensual manner. This is just a myth. Tickets have to be purchased at any state-run hotels to visit the factory, opened only between 09h00-13h00pm.
If you feel like taking guided bus excursions, for bookings this state-run hotel is the closest to our B&B. The service desk of the hotel will assist at any time.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Armadores De Santander
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you feel like taking guided bus excursions, for bookings this state-run hotel is the closest to our B&B. The service desk of the hotel will assist at any time.
Take the ferry and move over to the other side of the bay. Make sure you take the ferry towards "Casablanca" by asking the attendant, as the ferry towards "Regla" also departs from the same spot. If you are a cycling fan you can take your bike with on the ferry. Once in Casablanca you can take the Hershey Train if you'd like to tour the small Cuban rural towns. If you like hiking, walk up the Loma de Casablanca (Casablanca Hill) to the Cristo de la Habana (Christ of Havana) at the top. You'll enjoy the best views of the city.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Terminal de Ferris station
Avenida Del Puerto
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Take the ferry and move over to the other side of the bay. Make sure you take the ferry towards "Casablanca" by asking the attendant, as the ferry towards "Regla" also departs from the same spot. If you are a cycling fan you can take your bike with on the ferry. Once in Casablanca you can take the Hershey Train if you'd like to tour the small Cuban rural towns. If you like hiking, walk up the Loma de Casablanca (Casablanca Hill) to the Cristo de la Habana (Christ of Havana) at the top. You'll enjoy the best views of the city.
If you are a regular jogger, then this is definitely for you. You don't have to worry about safety. It is very safe and you can start and end jogging on our doorsteps. The Malecón (officially Avenida de Maceo) is a road with broad walkway and seawall which stretches for 8 km (5 miles) along the coast in Havana. It starts from the mouth of Havana Harbor in Old Havana (opposite our place), along the north side of the Centro Habana neighborhood, ending in the Vedado neighborhood. Construction of the Malecón began in 1901, during the temporary U.S. military intervention. The main purpose for building the Malecón was to protect the city facing the seafront from the sea and weather from the north. Many generations of Cubans grew up considering this site as a romantic spot, ideal for love birdies, especially at night in the moon light.
680 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Malecon
Malecon
680 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you are a regular jogger, then this is definitely for you. You don't have to worry about safety. It is very safe and you can start and end jogging on our doorsteps. The Malecón (officially Avenida de Maceo) is a road with broad walkway and seawall which stretches for 8 km (5 miles) along the coast in Havana. It starts from the mouth of Havana Harbor in Old Havana (opposite our place), along the north side of the Centro Habana neighborhood, ending in the Vedado neighborhood. Construction of the Malecón began in 1901, during the temporary U.S. military intervention. The main purpose for building the Malecón was to protect the city facing the seafront from the sea and weather from the north. Many generations of Cubans grew up considering this site as a romantic spot, ideal for love birdies, especially at night in the moon light.
Body massage - Spasio : If you are a body massage lover, well, you can enjoy of one in Havana. This place, privately-owned, is located side-wise to Plaza Vieja (Old Square), on San Ignacio street which demarcates the eastern side of the square. You'll enjoy, while you support a local private business.
176 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza Vieja
176 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Body massage - Spasio : If you are a body massage lover, well, you can enjoy of one in Havana. This place, privately-owned, is located side-wise to Plaza Vieja (Old Square), on San Ignacio street which demarcates the eastern side of the square. You'll enjoy, while you support a local private business.
Chinese immigration to Cuba started in 1847 when Chinese (Cantonese and Hakka) contract workers were brought to work in the sugar fields, bringing the religion of Buddhism with them. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese workers were brought in from China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan during the following decades to replace and/or work alongside African slaves. After completing eight-year contracts or otherwise obtaining their freedom, some Chinese immigrants settled permanently in Cuba, although most longed for repatriation to their homeland. Havana's Chinatown (known as Barrio Chino de La Habana) is one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in Latin America. Some 5,000 immigrants from the U.S. came to Cuba during the late 19th century to escape the discrimination present at the time. Another, albeit smaller wave of Chinese immigrants, also arrived during the 20th century, some as dissidents escaping the authorities in China. There are lots of small and cosy restaurants in the area. It's worthwhile paying a visit.
225 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Chinatown
225 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Chinese immigration to Cuba started in 1847 when Chinese (Cantonese and Hakka) contract workers were brought to work in the sugar fields, bringing the religion of Buddhism with them. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese workers were brought in from China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan during the following decades to replace and/or work alongside African slaves. After completing eight-year contracts or otherwise obtaining their freedom, some Chinese immigrants settled permanently in Cuba, although most longed for repatriation to their homeland. Havana's Chinatown (known as Barrio Chino de La Habana) is one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in Latin America. Some 5,000 immigrants from the U.S. came to Cuba during the late 19th century to escape the discrimination present at the time. Another, albeit smaller wave of Chinese immigrants, also arrived during the 20th century, some as dissidents escaping the authorities in China. There are lots of small and cosy restaurants in the area. It's worthwhile paying a visit.

Parks & Nature

The land of the best Cuban tobacco is a bit far from Havana, about 170 km, but worthwhile seeing. There are few spots in the planet with similar natural landscapes. The tobacco fields with bluffs as background create a wonderful scenery. We can assist in arranging transport at affordable prices.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Vinales Valley National Park
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The land of the best Cuban tobacco is a bit far from Havana, about 170 km, but worthwhile seeing. There are few spots in the planet with similar natural landscapes. The tobacco fields with bluffs as background create a wonderful scenery. We can assist in arranging transport at affordable prices.
A romantic scenery at night in dimmed light, feeling the cool sea-breeze.
432 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa de la Música de Miramar
20
432 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A romantic scenery at night in dimmed light, feeling the cool sea-breeze.
The city of Havana did not have any promenade when Felipe de Fons de Viela, marquis de la Torre, was appointed captain general of the island by King Charles III. He is considered to be the first major town planner in the city. In 1772 began the works of the “Paseo del Prado” (Meadow Promenade), improved and then embellished by the governors who succeeded in the government. The promenade was located outside of the old city, enclosed by walls at the time, and ran parallel to the walls. By 1841 this site turned into the city centre. In 1925 French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier redesigned the Paseo del Prado, lined it with trees, sculptures of lions, coral stone walls and with marble benches. The promenade has had several names: The Meadow Promenade, External Promenade, Promenade of Isabel II, The New Meadow Promenade, Promenade of the Count of Casa Moré and Martí Promenade, which is its current official name. You will certainly enjoy a walk on the promenade, from the Central Park down to the sea. It is located to the north-west of the Central Park, easy to recognise by the sculptures of lions right at the beginning of the promenade.
261 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Paseo del Prado
Paseo de Martí
261 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The city of Havana did not have any promenade when Felipe de Fons de Viela, marquis de la Torre, was appointed captain general of the island by King Charles III. He is considered to be the first major town planner in the city. In 1772 began the works of the “Paseo del Prado” (Meadow Promenade), improved and then embellished by the governors who succeeded in the government. The promenade was located outside of the old city, enclosed by walls at the time, and ran parallel to the walls. By 1841 this site turned into the city centre. In 1925 French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier redesigned the Paseo del Prado, lined it with trees, sculptures of lions, coral stone walls and with marble benches. The promenade has had several names: The Meadow Promenade, External Promenade, Promenade of Isabel II, The New Meadow Promenade, Promenade of the Count of Casa Moré and Martí Promenade, which is its current official name. You will certainly enjoy a walk on the promenade, from the Central Park down to the sea. It is located to the north-west of the Central Park, easy to recognise by the sculptures of lions right at the beginning of the promenade.
WiFi connection spot closest to the apartment. Make sure you buy an internet data card first at the ETECSA kiosk. The kiosk is located at the craft market (also on this guidebook under "Shopping"), just opposite our apartment. The WiFi spot is about 1,2 km away from our block and it should take you 15 mins to walk.
Parque cristo
372 Teniente Rey
WiFi connection spot closest to the apartment. Make sure you buy an internet data card first at the ETECSA kiosk. The kiosk is located at the craft market (also on this guidebook under "Shopping"), just opposite our apartment. The WiFi spot is about 1,2 km away from our block and it should take you 15 mins to walk.

Arts & Culture

If you are looking for combining culture and entertainment, make a turn by this museum.
127 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museum of the City
Cuba Tacón
127 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you are looking for combining culture and entertainment, make a turn by this museum.
Great opportunity to enjoy Cuban concert music at its best at early evening. It's advisable to buy tickets in the morning. Do not be misguided by the low rating. Concert music is not for everybody but if you're a especial person you'll enjoy it.
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Convento de San Francisco de Asís
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great opportunity to enjoy Cuban concert music at its best at early evening. It's advisable to buy tickets in the morning. Do not be misguided by the low rating. Concert music is not for everybody but if you're a especial person you'll enjoy it.
Get to know the interesting history of Cuban rum, dating back to 1800.
222 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo del Ron Havana Club
222 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Get to know the interesting history of Cuban rum, dating back to 1800.
This beautiful venue used to be called the Great Theatre of Havana, recently renamed Alicia Alonso Theatre, after the prima ballerina for decades of the world renowned Cuban National Ballet Company. If you are interested in ballet or opera performances look out for the programme on the billboard.
682 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great Theatre of Havana
458 P.º de Martí
682 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This beautiful venue used to be called the Great Theatre of Havana, recently renamed Alicia Alonso Theatre, after the prima ballerina for decades of the world renowned Cuban National Ballet Company. If you are interested in ballet or opera performances look out for the programme on the billboard.
If you are a museum person, this colonial art museum is recommended. I advice you visit both museums, this one and the City Museum which is also on this guidebook. They are close to one another and the walk is enjoyable.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Arte Colonial
61 San Ignacio
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you are a museum person, this colonial art museum is recommended. I advice you visit both museums, this one and the City Museum which is also on this guidebook. They are close to one another and the walk is enjoyable.
The Museum of the Revolution gathers material and collections related to the Cuban revolution. Former Presidential Palace, it was built between 1909 and 1920 to be the seat of the provincial government of Havana. President Mario García Menocal chose it to be the seat of the Executive. In 1974 it became the Museum of the Revolution and in 2010 it was declared a National Monument. Its more than 30 showrooms store around 9,000 pieces of different stages of the Cuban revolutionary struggle, lead by Fidel Castro. The exhibition rooms cover every stage of Cuban history. In the museum the actions of March 13 are set in their Palace stages. Even if you are not a person into politics, the architectural beauty of this building makes it worth a visit. The construction started in 1909 by initiative of General Ernesto Aubert , then governor of Havana. The project was carried out by the architects Rodolfo Maruri (Cuban) and Paul Belau (Belgian), while the construction phase was assumed by the General Contracting Company. The interior decoration was under the responsibility of Tiffany Studios. The building, designed from the canons of Eclecticism , took for its completion a budget that exceeded one and a half million pesos. Its floors and stairs were covered with Carrara marble.
781 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolucion)
Avenida Bélgica
781 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Museum of the Revolution gathers material and collections related to the Cuban revolution. Former Presidential Palace, it was built between 1909 and 1920 to be the seat of the provincial government of Havana. President Mario García Menocal chose it to be the seat of the Executive. In 1974 it became the Museum of the Revolution and in 2010 it was declared a National Monument. Its more than 30 showrooms store around 9,000 pieces of different stages of the Cuban revolutionary struggle, lead by Fidel Castro. The exhibition rooms cover every stage of Cuban history. In the museum the actions of March 13 are set in their Palace stages. Even if you are not a person into politics, the architectural beauty of this building makes it worth a visit. The construction started in 1909 by initiative of General Ernesto Aubert , then governor of Havana. The project was carried out by the architects Rodolfo Maruri (Cuban) and Paul Belau (Belgian), while the construction phase was assumed by the General Contracting Company. The interior decoration was under the responsibility of Tiffany Studios. The building, designed from the canons of Eclecticism , took for its completion a budget that exceeded one and a half million pesos. Its floors and stairs were covered with Carrara marble.

Shopping

If you really want to go back home full of souvenirs, that't the right place to go! It is just opposite the road.
208 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Antiguos Almacenes San José
110 Leonor Pérez
208 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you really want to go back home full of souvenirs, that't the right place to go! It is just opposite the road.
The shopping mall on the ground floor, once Manzana de Gomez alluding to its first owner, it's the oldest commercial facility in Havana. The structure, built in 1910, was the first of this type in Cuba. Manzana de Gómez was the first complex built for commercial purposes in the city, with two diagonal streets traversing the building.
100 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana
Agramonte
100 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The shopping mall on the ground floor, once Manzana de Gomez alluding to its first owner, it's the oldest commercial facility in Havana. The structure, built in 1910, was the first of this type in Cuba. Manzana de Gómez was the first complex built for commercial purposes in the city, with two diagonal streets traversing the building.
Grocery store: this grocery store, opposite the above-mentioned park, is located on Oficios street, between Luz street and Acosta street. Do not expect it to be abundantly stocked, just a basic selection of locally available groceries and conveniently located close to our to our B&B.
Aracelio Iglesias Park
Grocery store: this grocery store, opposite the above-mentioned park, is located on Oficios street, between Luz street and Acosta street. Do not expect it to be abundantly stocked, just a basic selection of locally available groceries and conveniently located close to our to our B&B.

Restaurants

You'll find here food places within walking distance to our apartment and the ones where, in my opinion, you'll get value for money.
It's not really close to our place and the full address is Concordia No.418 / Gervasio y Escobar, Centro Habana. You can still walk if you want to. It's 2.7 km away from our place, 35 minutes walk through Avenida Bélgica. This place is very sought after. You need to make sure you book in advance. Rather book on-line (website shown) two or three weeks before your trip. The ambience is unique and the food excellent example of Cuban cuisine.
617 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Guarida
418 Concordia
617 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
It's not really close to our place and the full address is Concordia No.418 / Gervasio y Escobar, Centro Habana. You can still walk if you want to. It's 2.7 km away from our place, 35 minutes walk through Avenida Bélgica. This place is very sought after. You need to make sure you book in advance. Rather book on-line (website shown) two or three weeks before your trip. The ambience is unique and the food excellent example of Cuban cuisine.
In my opinion the best place to eat in Havana. The food is of excellent quality, a wide wine selection, the service is efficient and you really get value for money. It's located opposite the Capitol. It will take you 15 to 20 minutes to walk from our place. You don't need to book so far ahead. Usually there's a little queue at the entrance. You'll be in after 15 to 20 minutes. But if you're definitely queue-impatient, then book on-line. Use the website shown. Note there are steep stairs to go up to the first floor. If you can't handle it, then rather visit D'Lirios, which is on the ground floor and also on this guidebook.
357 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Los Nardos
Paseo de Martí
357 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
In my opinion the best place to eat in Havana. The food is of excellent quality, a wide wine selection, the service is efficient and you really get value for money. It's located opposite the Capitol. It will take you 15 to 20 minutes to walk from our place. You don't need to book so far ahead. Usually there's a little queue at the entrance. You'll be in after 15 to 20 minutes. But if you're definitely queue-impatient, then book on-line. Use the website shown. Note there are steep stairs to go up to the first floor. If you can't handle it, then rather visit D'Lirios, which is on the ground floor and also on this guidebook.
This place can be very busy. If you love tranquillity, then stay away. But if you are looking for the most genuine Havana's culture and vibe, then do not miss out. It has been very famous, since its foundation, for the Cuban typical dishes, i.e. black beans, fried pork chunks and fried banana. Ernest Hemingway made it popular for becoming a frequent client and a lover of the Mojito cocktail they offer.
743 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Bodeguita Del Medio
Empedrado
743 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This place can be very busy. If you love tranquillity, then stay away. But if you are looking for the most genuine Havana's culture and vibe, then do not miss out. It has been very famous, since its foundation, for the Cuban typical dishes, i.e. black beans, fried pork chunks and fried banana. Ernest Hemingway made it popular for becoming a frequent client and a lover of the Mojito cocktail they offer.
It is just 10 minutes walk from our place. It can be very busy and you'll see people, both locals and tourists, walking up and down as it's on a very busy route. But this is one of the best examples of the rise of the Cuban private businesses.
155 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Vitrola
San Ignacio
155 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
It is just 10 minutes walk from our place. It can be very busy and you'll see people, both locals and tourists, walking up and down as it's on a very busy route. But this is one of the best examples of the rise of the Cuban private businesses.
Nice to enjoy a lunch and coffee, with the beautiful view of the Old Square.
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Café El Escorial
317 esquina Mercaderes
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nice to enjoy a lunch and coffee, with the beautiful view of the Old Square.
If you love craft beers, try this place. A good option for lunch, 10 minutes walk from our place.
69 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cerveceria Plaza Vieja
Muralla
69 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you love craft beers, try this place. A good option for lunch, 10 minutes walk from our place.
Located right opposite the Capitol of Havana, very central and 10 to 15 minutes walk from our place. It's on ground floor and below Los Nardos. So if you have a problem with stairs, rather go for this one. The food is of very good quality and the service efficient, just like Los Nardos.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
D' Lirios Bar Restaurante
Paseo de Martí
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Located right opposite the Capitol of Havana, very central and 10 to 15 minutes walk from our place. It's on ground floor and below Los Nardos. So if you have a problem with stairs, rather go for this one. The food is of very good quality and the service efficient, just like Los Nardos.
This is neither a unique nor special place, but very close by as it's located on our doorsteps, two minutes away. If you want to grab a quick bite, in a homely atmosphere with hearty Cuban cuisine for convenience and quite affordable.
Draquecitos
San Ignacio
This is neither a unique nor special place, but very close by as it's located on our doorsteps, two minutes away. If you want to grab a quick bite, in a homely atmosphere with hearty Cuban cuisine for convenience and quite affordable.
If you are really into Asian cuisine, don't miss this place out. You'll get Chinese dishes recreated in a Cuban fashion. The Chinese presence in Cuba dates back to the early XIX century. The adaptation of Chinese culinary in Cuba was a genuine process, as a result of immigration into the island and the different socioeconomic conditions encountered by immigrants.
109 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Flor de Loto
109 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you are really into Asian cuisine, don't miss this place out. You'll get Chinese dishes recreated in a Cuban fashion. The Chinese presence in Cuba dates back to the early XIX century. The adaptation of Chinese culinary in Cuba was a genuine process, as a result of immigration into the island and the different socioeconomic conditions encountered by immigrants.
Very recommend to make a turn by for a cocktail and snack in the local flavor. It's located 1,1 km from our place and it takes 14 minutes to walk.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lamparilla Tapas & Cervezas
Lamparilla
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Very recommend to make a turn by for a cocktail and snack in the local flavor. It's located 1,1 km from our place and it takes 14 minutes to walk.
Probably one of the most famous bar-restaurants in Old Havana. You'll be delighted with traditional music, delicious food, great mojitos and very smart prices. The staff is friendly and polite. If you go after 20:00 pm, you will have to wait about 30 minutes in a queue before you get a seat. Also consider it if you don't like crowded places. It's located 1,2 km from our place and 15 minutes to walk.
238 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Chanchullero
457 A bajos Teniente Rey
238 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Probably one of the most famous bar-restaurants in Old Havana. You'll be delighted with traditional music, delicious food, great mojitos and very smart prices. The staff is friendly and polite. If you go after 20:00 pm, you will have to wait about 30 minutes in a queue before you get a seat. Also consider it if you don't like crowded places. It's located 1,2 km from our place and 15 minutes to walk.