The Four Plazas — Havana's Crown Jewels

The heart of Habana Vieja consists of four colonial plazas, laid out in the 16th–18th centuries and today partially splendidly restored. Together they form the core of the UNESCO World Heritage — each square has its own character.

Plaza de la Catedral

The most elegant square in Havana: the baroque Catedral de San Cristóbal (1748) with its asymmetrical towers dominates the north side. Cobblestones, colonial palaces with arcades, cafés under umbrellas, and live music in the evenings. Most walks through the old town begin here. The square is more atmospheric in the evening than during the day.

Plaza de Armas

Havana's oldest square (1519) — once the parade ground of the Spanish garrison, today a shady park with the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (now the city museum). On weekends, a book flea market takes place here — antiquarian items, Che biographies, old maps, and revolutionary propaganda. The small restaurant on the square, El Templete, marks the spot where Havana was founded in 1519.

Plaza Vieja

The most colorful and lively square: an ensemble of restored colonial houses in pastel colors — pink, blue, yellow, turquoise. In the corner is the Cervecería Antiguo Almacén, Cuba's first microbrewery (fresh beer on the rooftop!). The Camera Obscura on the square offers a 360° view over the old town. Street musicians, cafés, and playing children — the square that shows Habana Vieja at its liveliest.

Plaza de San Francisco

The most elegant square at the harbor: the Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís (now a concert hall), the lion fountain, and views of the cruise terminals. Here are also the beautiful Convento de San Francisco and the Terminal Sierra Maestra (cruise port). Less touristy than the other plazas, but architecturally impressive.