Sights in Habana Vieja
Capitolio Nacional
Havana's most impressive building: a neoclassical palace from 1929, inspired by the US Capitol, but by Cuban standards even larger and more magnificent. The dome is 91.7 meters high, the diamond in the floor marks the kilometer-zero of all Cuban roads. Until 1959 the seat of parliament, today the seat of the Cuban Academy of Sciences. Newly restored and absolutely overwhelming — the highlight of Habana Vieja alongside the plazas.
Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso
Right next to the Capitolio: one of the most beautiful theaters in the world. The baroque facade with angel statues and lions is spectacular, the interior no less impressive. Home of the Cuban National Ballet — tickets for a performance are dirt cheap (3–10 USD) and the experience unforgettable.
La Bodeguita del Medio
The legendary bar, supposedly Hemingway's regular spot for Mojitos. The walls are covered with signatures, graffiti, and photos. The Mojito costs more here than elsewhere (5–6 USD), but the atmosphere — live Son music, dense crowds, Cuban joie de vivre — is incomparable. Tourist trap? Yes. Still a must-visit? Yes.
El Floridita
The "Cradle of the Daiquirí": an elegant bar at the entrance of Calle Obispo with a Hemingway bronze statue at the counter. Here bartender Constante invented the frozen Daiquirí, and Hemingway supposedly drank it double (Papa Doble — no sugar, double rum). The Daiquirí costs 6–7 USD — expensive for Cuba, but the experience is unique.
Calle Obispo
Havana's most lively street: a pedestrian zone connecting Plaza de Armas with Parque Central. Shops, restaurants, street musicians, bookstores, art galleries, and a constant stream of Habaneros and tourists. Especially atmospheric in the evening with live music from every other door.
Museo de la Revolución
In the former presidential palace — a magnificent building from 1920, whose interior tells the history of the Cuban Revolution: from colonization through Batista to Fidel and Che. In the garden stands the yacht Granma, with which Fidel Castro crossed from Mexico to Cuba in 1956. Propagandistic? Yes. Fascinating? Absolutely. Admission: 8 CUC.
