Centro Habana

  Central Havana at a glance
City
Havana
District
Central Havana
Centro Habana district - location in Havana Cuba
Tourism in Centro Habana - district of Havana Cuba

Top Sights

  • A walk down the Malecon waterfront
  • Visit the emblematic Capitolio
  • The China Town of Havana - Barrio Chino
  • Visit the Tobacco Factory Real Fabrica de Tabaco Partagas
  • Walking through the ver lively street of Centro Habana observing the colorful street life
Accommodation offers in Havana

 Photo Gallery

  • Fishing people by the Malecon waterfront in Havana Cuba
    Fishing people
  • Centro Habana district - travel guide - Calle Galiano street
    Calle Galiano street with commercial center La Epoca
  • Malecon waterfront in Havana Cuba
    The famous Malecon waterfront
  • Colonial building in Centro habana Cuba Havana
    Nice colonial building in Centro Habana
  • View from the Malecon waterfront towards the Old Spanish fortress
    Malecon waterfront with stormy wind
  • Street in Centro Habana
    Typical street in Centro Habana - district in Havana Cuba
  • Centro Habana - street with vinalestage car Ford
    Old car driving in Centro habana
  • Huge waves on the Malecon waterfront Malecon
    Malecon with huge waves
  • What to see in Havana Centro - Park by the Capitolio
    Park beside the Capitolio
Tourism Central Havana

Culture |
History |
Nightlife |
For tourists, it’s difficult to distinguish exactly where Habana Vieja ends and where begins the Centro Habana begins. Centro Habana municipality is the smallest and most populated district of Havana.
It’s surrounded by the waterfront ("Malecón") in the North and the "Paseo del Prado" in the East. It extends up until the "Hotel Nacional" in western district of Vedado
 
Centro Habana is the most important district of Havana in terms of trade and services. Although next to Habana Vieja, the cultural and historical center, Centro Habana represents the transition from the old to modern city. With less than just 5 square kilometers, it is a very interesting area, with many attractions. Here you can take a stroll and connect with the local "Habaneros" as they go about their everyday lives. 

Sights in Central Havana

Sights in Centro Habana - district in Havana Cuba

Central Havana is noisy and bustling by both day and by night. This used to be a zone mainly inhabited by workers and the lower middle class. The monuments that adorn the streets here are important sculptures of great beauty and elegance!

Known as the "city outside the walls" (ciudad de extramuros), "Centro Habana" symbolizes a new era. Here, you can see how the architecture and lifestyle changed, including influences of other cultures that have left their landmark in this part of Havana.


Capitol of Havana

( Capitolio )
between the streets "Prado", "Dagones", "Industria" & "San José"
The El Capitolio in Havana Cuba - tourist attractions and best sights

Although it was conceived in a time of great economic downturn, with a high cost of approximately $17 million, the Capitolio now stands as the pride of the Havana city's architecture. Building started in 1926. The Capitolio was first home to Houses of Congress. Today it houses the Academy of Science of Cuba and the National Library of Science and Technology.

Due to its stunning architectural features, the Capitolio of Havana is considered to be amongst the six most beautiful palaces in the world. One of its most valuable pieces includes the magnificent bronze statue inside, representing "La República". 15 meters high and weighing 30 tons, it’s surpassed only by the Nava Buddha in Japan and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.

The other piece is a wonderful replica of a diamond of 25 carats (which replaced the original for safety), located just beneath the imposing dome, from which all distances are measured in the country.

Chinatown

( Barrio Chino )
behind the "Capitolio"
Cuba Havana China Town - Barrio Chino

In 1847, a wave of Chinese came to Havana to work on the sugar and coffee plantations. Their shrewd business skills helped them to prosper quickly and soon they formed their own neighborhood within the city.

The "Barrio Chino" in Havana is located between the streets of "Amistad" and "Dragones". The first businesses were an inn and a fruit stand. Later followed businesses like laundries, restaurants and casinos - converting Havana Chinatown in one of the most important districts in the area.

At the moment, there are very few Chinese left but their descendants that have mixed with other races can be seen all over the area. Although the “Barrio Chino” has lost much of its authenticity, it retains some good restaurants, a few Chinese societies and an edited Chinese newspaper.

Great Theater of Havana

( Gran Teatro )
Corner "Paseo del Prado" & "San Rafael"
Gran Teatro - best theater in Havana Cuba

With its spectacular architecture, the Grand Theater of Havana opened in 1838, and became one of the greatest opera houses in the world.  Admire its impressive facade, designed by the Italian Guiseppe Moreti. The four sculptures that guard the building represent Charity, Education Music and Theatre.

As one the most important cultural institutions in Latin America, its stage has received many artists and internationally renowned companies such as Sarah Bernhardt, the Royal Ballet of London and the tenor Enrico Caruso.

Currently, the Grand Theater offers performances of the "Ballet Nacional de Cuba" and many others. In the building there are different theaters, concert halls and visual art galleries. The "Gran Teatro" also hosts international festivals like "The Footprint of Spain" ("La Huella de España") and the "Festival de Ballet de La Habana". If you want to discover a new facet of Havana and enjoy one of the artistic representations, don't hesitate to visit the greatest Cuban Theater.

Prado Promenade

( Paseo del Prado )
leads from the "Capitolio" to the waterfront "El Malecón"
Sights and tourism in Havana Cuba - El Prado boulevard

That is one of the most attractive streets in Havana. The lions that guard the street are bronze and have a fascinating history.

Tobacco factory

( Real Fábrica de Tabacos )
"Calle Industria" nº 520 (behind the "Capitolio")
Tobacco Factory Havana Cuba - Real Fabrica de Tabaco Partagas
This is the oldest and most prestigious cigar factory in Havana and was founded by the Spanish Jaime Partagas. It employs about 400 skilled workers who select, press and roll the best cigars  - "Lusitanias", "Montecristo", "Churchill" and "Cohiba Espléndidos".
The quality is top-notch. In the factory there is a little shop and a bar, where you can enjoy a good cigar.

National ballet school

( Escuela Nacional de Ballet )
corner "Paseo del Prado" and "Trocadero"

This is the most prestigious dance school in Cuba and one of the largest in the world. 4350 carefully selected students are trained here to become later part of the National Ballet. Interested people can go there to get information about courses and workshops.

Yoruba Cultural Association of Cuba

( Asociación Cultural Yoruba de Cuba )
"Paseo del Prado" No. 615

In order to understand the true African heritage of this Caribbean island, you should visit this fascinating place. Exhibitions and ceremonies related to Santería-cult and Yoruba beliefs rooted in Cuba.

Fountain of the Indian

( Fuente de Las Indias )
beside the "Capitolio"

Beautiful fountain made in 1837 in white Italian Carrera marble.

Fun, Leisure and Sports in Central Havana

An evening on the Malecon waterfront

Just take a seat on the Malecón wall by the sea and enjoy the atmosphere. Cubans a very curious and you will get in touch fast.


Restaurants & Paladares

Restaurants Centro Habana district in Havana Cuba

Restaurants

Restaurant "Prado nº 264"
Authentic Cuban restaurant with simple but very tasty dishes. The decor is a little long in the tooth - see it as a little journey through time.
Restaurant "Tien Tan"
One of the most famous Chinese restaurants in the "barrio Chino" district of Havana Cuba. The price of a meal is around 10 CUC.

Paladares

Paladar "Doña Blanquita"
In this private-run paladar-restaurant you get good value for price, overlooking the "Prado" Boulevard. Price for a dish: between 6-10 CUC. Recommendation: "Ropa Vieja".
Paladar "Bellamar"
Family business that serves the typical Cuban Creole dishes, based on chicken, pork, but also fish. 7-12 CUC.

Bars & Clubs

Nightlife Centro Habana

Bars

Bar "Nautilus"
Bar in Havana with submarine look. Private atmosphere.
Bar "Prado nº 12"
Here the clack simply stopped in the fifties.
Café Bar "La Logia"
Nice café in the "Capitolio".

Nightclubs

"Casa de la Música"
One of the most important and most popular cultural locations in Havana. Almost daily concerts of current Cuban musicians and bands. With a little luck you'll see some Cuban stars.
"Cabaret Nacional"
Very centrally located in the basement of the "Gran Theater". The evening starts with a small dance show and after you can dance to Salsa & Disco rhythm's. Only couples allowed!
Tourism
Cuba Central Havana sights
Sights
  • Capitol of Havana
  • Chinatown
  • Great Theater of Havana
  • Prado Promenade
  • Tobacco factory
  • National ballet school
  • Yoruba Cultural Association of Cuba
  • Fountain of the Indian
Cuba Central Havana activities
Fun & Leisure
  • An evening on the Malecon waterfront
Accommodation
Cuba Central Havana hotels
Hotels
  • Hotel "Saratoga"
  • Hotel "Lido"
  • Hotel "Caribbean"
Useful informations
Cuba Central Havana Tourist Office
Tourist Office
  • Infotur "Calle Obispo" (belongs to Central Havana but very near)
Cuba Central Havana Money Exchange
Money Exchange
  • CADECA - "Avenida Carlos III" / Corner "Calle Marquéz González"
  • CADECA - "Calle Neptuno"/ Corner "Calle Consulado"
  • CADECA - Hotel "Deauville": "Calle Galiano" / Corner "Malecón"
  • CADECA - "Calle Zanja" / Corner "Calle Soledad"
Cuba Central Havana Internet
Internet
  • in the "Capitolio"
Cuba Central Havana Shopping
Shopping
  • "El Bulevar" - "Calle San Rafael" (many various stores - including souvenirs)
  • "La Época" - "Avenida de Italia" / corner "Calle Neptuno" (clothing)
Cuba Central Havana Hospital
Hospital
  • Hospital "Freyre de Andrade" (as well called "Emergencias")
  • "Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras" (Centro Habana - "Calle Neptuno" / "Calle Marquez Gonzalez")
  • especially for foreigners "Clinica Central" - "calle 20 nº4101" / Ecke "Avenida 41" (municipality "Playa")
Transport
Cuba Central Havana Car Rental
Car Rental
  • "Havanautos" & "Cubacar": "Calle Galeano" / Ecke "Calle Concordia"
  • "Havanautos": "Hotel Deauville"
  • "Gran Car" - vintage car rental (normally to find in the front of the "Capitolio")
Gastronomy
Cuba Central Havana Restaurants
Restaurants
  • Restaurant "Prado nº 264"
  • Restaurant "Tien Tan"
Cuba Central Havana Paladares
Paladares
  • Paladar "Doña Blanquita"
  • Paladar "Bellamar"
Nightlife
Cuba Central Havana Bars
Bars
  • Bar "Nautilus"
  • Bar "Prado nº 12"
  • Café Bar "La Logia"
Cuba Central Havana Nightclubs
Nightclubs
  • "Casa de la Música"
  • "Cabaret Nacional"