Capitolio & Centro Habana★★
The Capitolio Nacional is Havana's most imposing building — a 1929 replica of the US Capitol in Washington, actually one meter taller than the original. The gilded dome (91.7 m) dominates the skyline. After extensive restoration, the building now serves again as the seat of the Cuban parliament. Inside, the 17 m high Statue of the Republic (third largest indoor bronze statue in the world) and a 25-carat diamond in the floor marking Kilometer Zero of all Cuban roads are impressive.
Gran Teatro de La Habana „Alicia Alonso"
Right next to the Capitolio stands one of the world's most magnificent theaters (1838, neobaroque). Named after Cuba's legendary prima ballerina Alicia Alonso (1920–2019). Home to the Ballet Nacional de Cuba — one of the best in the world. Tours during the day (5 €), performances in the evening from 10 €.
Parque Central
The elegant park between Capitolio and Old Town is Havana's "living room." Under royal palms stands the first statue of José Martí (1905). At the "Esquina Caliente" (hot corner), men passionately discuss baseball daily — Cuba's true national sport.
Centro Habana
The district between Old Town and Vedado is the real, unvarnished Havana: narrow streets, crumbling facades, clotheslines between houses, domino players on the sidewalk, the scent of garlic and lard from open kitchen windows. Centro is not restored — here you see how most Habaneros live. The Barrio Chino (Chinatown) at Cuchillo de Zanja is the remnant of a once 100,000-strong Chinese community — a few restaurants and an imposing entrance gate remain.
