Vedado Havana

  Vedado at a glance
City
Havana
District
Vedado
Vedado Havana location
Havana Vedado travel guide

Top Sights

  • Experience the great nightlife in the El Vedado district.
  • Visit the famous Hotel Nacional and refresh in the beside pool
  • Visit the the Colon cemetery with its impressive graves
  • Walk down the important Calle 23 street and enjoy the elegant architecture
Accommodation offers in Havana

 Photo Gallery

  • Spanish fortress La Chorella in Havana Cuba
    Fortress La Chorella on the end of the Malecon waterfront
  • What to see in Vedado Havanna - Cinema Yara
    The Cinema Yara is an architectonic gem
  • La Coppelia Havana Vedado - what to see and visit
    La Coppelia is the most famous ice-cream parlour in Cuba
  • Focsa Building Havana Cuba sight seeing
    The impressive Focsa building
  • Vintage car car - Colon cemetery
    Vintage car car at the Colon cemetery
  • Hotel Nacional Cuba Havana Vedado district
    The famous Hotel Nacional
  • Club in Havana Vedado - Gato Tuerto
    Nightclub Gato Tuerto
Tourism Vedado

Culture |
History |
Nightlife |

The Vedado district in Havana is located west of Centro Habana and Habana Vieja. Most of the offices, agencies, banks, major hotels and night clubs are located here. Vedado is the economic and financial center of the city.

Sights in Vedado

Vedado Havana sights

Originally Vedado was nothing more than a forest where a Count owned a few parcels - a closed area "zona vedada". However, the picture soon transformed and quickly the region blossomed. Vedado district of Havana with many galleries, theaters, parks and museums. A walk through Vedado is one of the most beautiful experiences one can do in Havana. Don't miss it under any circumstances.


The most famous Hotel in Cuba

( Hotel Nacional )
Malecón
Hotel Nacional - sights in Vedado Cuba

In 1998 this hotel was declared a national monument. This beautiful building was erected in 1930 with the use of stylistic elements of the Art Deco, the neoclassical and neocolonialism and has an H-shaped floor plan. It is one of the most popular buildings in Havana, where many celebrities from the arts and politics - not to mention the Mafia - have spent the night.

Hotel "Habana Libre"

( Hotel Habana libre )
"Calle 23"
Hotel Habana Libre

It was built as one of the most prestigious hotels "Hilton" - the "Havana Hilton". The name changed after the 1959 revolution. The building has 25 floors and is a masterpiece of modern classic architecture. The beautiful 670 m long wall paint is the work of artist Anlia Pelaez.

Nightlife district

( La Rampa )
"Calle 23" # 'Calle L' & 'Malecón'
La Rampa - party zone in Havana Vedado

The "La Rampa" is a stretch of "Calle 23", between Calle L" and the "Malecón" beachfront. It is a lively area that serves as a meeting place for many "Habaneros". Here you’ll find concentrated offices, restaurants, radio stations, cinemas and art galleries. You can find the famous "Hotel Habana Libre" and the biggest and most famous ice cream parlor in Cuba: "La Coppelia".

By night this is the place to go: Numerous nightclubs, bars and discotheques will invite you to party in Havana.

University of Havana

( Universidad de La Habana )
"Calle L" und "Calle 27"
University of Havana Cuba

Founded in 1718, it is the oldest university in Cuba and among the first in America. The statue that presides over the staircase was made by the Czech sculptor Mario Krobel, who chose a young aristocratic woman of the era as a model. This work is known as the "Alma Mater" and is the landmark of the University of Havana.

  • Anthropological Museum - "Museo Antropológico": Displays an extensive collection of artifacts and objects from the pre-Columbian period.
  • Museum of Natural History - "Museo de Historia Natural": Hosts a large exhibition of mollusks, insects, fishes and fossils.

The waterfront of Havana

( El Malecón )
just the waterfront
Waterfront Malecon Havana Vedado district

The "Malecón" in Havana is one of the most famous and photogenic waterfronts in the world and extends over 8 km from the "Castillo de la Punta" to the mouth of the river "Almendares", the border between Vedado and the district of Playa & Miramar. Here you will find important monuments and buildings of the city and for the "Habaneros" this is a special place to meet with friends or with the partner to enjoy the refreshing sea air and the impressive sunsets. Sights by the "Malecón" waterfront of Havana:

  • Monument "Antonio Maceo": established in 1916 for one of the greatest generals of the Cuban war for independence.
  • Monument "Calixto García": inaugurated in 1959 in memory of another hero in the Cuban struggle for independence.
  • Memorial to the victims of the "Maine": The explosion of American warship "maine" used the U.S. as a pretext to intervene in the Spanish-Cuban war. The memorial commemorates the victims
  • Place of the Anti-Imperialist Tribune: This large square, opposite the U.S. Embassy is used for political campaigns, concerts and demonstrations. The sculpture represents José Martí.
  • "Edificio Focsa" building: It is considered one of the most outstanding Cuban architecture. Its construction was completed in 1956 and counted as the second highest in the world. A masterpiece of modern engineering in this time. It has 39 floors and is divided into three main parts. Although it is a residential building, you will find as well restaurants and cafés, shops, offices and TV studios.

Old cemetery

( Necrópolis de Colón )
Calle 23
Columbus Cemetery Havana - Necropolis de Colon
One of the largest cemeteries in the world - and the largest in the Americas. The "Necrópolis de Colón" is structured like a city in the city and there are also street names. Here you find the graves of many celebrities, such as the "Buena Vista Social Club" musician Ibrahim Ferrer, the boxing legend Teofilio Stevenson and many important Cuban politicians.

The sometimes-glorious architecture of the grave plants makes this place well worth a visit. The cemetery "Necrópolis de Colón" is a protected monument of Havana.

House of the Americas

( Casa de Las Americas )
Corner "Calle G" / "Calle 3"

This is one of the most important cultural institutions in Cuba. It was founded in 1959 with the aim of promoting and developing cultural relations between the people of Latin America and the Caribbean. Provides various literature prizes in Latin America. It has an art gallery and a bookstore.

Decorative art museum

( Museo de artes decorativas )
"Calle 17" Nº 502

The National Museum of Decorative Arts features eleven exhibit halls with 23 collections, consisting of 35,000 exquisite pieces of Rococo style, Oriental and Art Deco.

Napoleonic Museum

( Museo Napoleónico )
"Calle San Miguel" Nº 1159

Unique in its topic in Latin America, the museum has 4 floors with a permanent exhibit of more than 7,400 pieces of the Napoleonic era with some personal belongings of the Emperor. Furniture, weapons, costumes and artwork.

Museum of Dance

( Museo de la Danza )
"Calle" Linea Nº 365

Displays various objects related to the history of dance in Cuba from the 17th century until today. The rooms are dedicated to the National Ballet, the Russian Ballet, Spanish Dance, Modern Dance and a special room dedicated to the life and career of Alicia Alonso.

Fun, Leisure and Sports in Vedado

Cinema Yara

Cinema Yara - what to do in Vedado Havana

Visit the most famous cinema in Cuba and watch one of the movies (often in English). An architectural gem.



Hotel pool "Hotel Nacional"

Pool Hotel Nacional Vedado Havana - what to do - activities

On hot days you will love this place. Have drink and refresh yourself in the pool of the "Hotel Nacional". Even as a non-hotel guest, you can use the pool area and the sun loungers for a reasonable price. The price includes a tasty hamburger on the pool bar.



Cultural "Fresa y Chocolate"

Center for filmmakers in Havana. There is a café, full of props from the Cuban movie "Fresa y Chocolate" by the director Tomás Gutierrez Alea. For cinema fans a must.


Restaurants & Paladares

Vedado Havana restaurants

As expected, there are numerous restaurants and private "paladares" in Havana Vedado district. From fast food restaurants, like "pan.com" up to restaurants with French cuisine, serving excellent fish dishes, everything is represented. The private restaurants - the so-called "paladares" in Havana are increasing in popularity and offer a pleasant alternative to the government-run restaurants. 

Of course, as well in Vedado Havana you can have your meal in your "casa particular". This costs about 7-10 CUC / person (without drinks). 

Restaurants

Restaurant "La Roca"
Popular and traditional restaurant in Havana Vedado. Since the fifties this place offers delicious dishes with fish and meat. Be surprised by the decoration.
Restaurant "Unión Francesa"
Exquisite French restaurant in Havana Vedado. Located in a stylish colonial villa, the menu includes very good dishes in a delightful atmosphere. There are tables indoors and on the terrace.

Paladares

Paladar "Le Chansonnier"
This paladar restaurant promises innovative food in a stylish setting. The menu features seafood and meat dishes. A highlight is the duck ("pato a la casa").
Paladar "Los Tres Mosqueteros"
Good Cuban fare (Creole cuisine), but also seafood at reasonable prices.

Bars & Clubs

Nightlife Havana Vedado

Around the party zone "La Rampa" there is a plenty of nightclubs, bars and discotheques. Salsa, Boleros, Reggae or house music invites you to party in Havana.

Bars

Piano Bar "Delirio Habanaero"
This bar is located in the "Teatro Nacional" and in the evening you have a great view of the brightly illuminated "Plaza de la Revolución". Cocktails, comfortable chairs and good, Cuban music ("Nueva Trova", Rumba and Salsa). A good choice!
"Opus Bar"
Lounge bar upstairs in the "Teatro Amadeo Rolán". Great place to enjoy a drink in an intimate atmosphere.

Nightclubs

"Cabaret Parisien"
Great Cabaret Show, and a lot cheaper than in the famous "Club Tropicana" in the Miramar district. The "Cabaret Parisien" is located right next to the "Hotel Nacional".
"1830 Club" by the waterfront "Malecón"
This popular Salsa Club you find shortly before the tunnel leading to the Havana Miramar district. Every weekend many people fill up the dance floor on the terrace, moving to the hot salsa rhythms.
Tourism
Cuba Vedado sights
Sights
  • The most famous Hotel in Cuba
  • Hotel "Habana Libre"
  • Nightlife district
  • University of Havana
  • The waterfront of Havana
  • Old cemetery
  • House of the Americas
  • Decorative art museum
  • Napoleonic Museum
  • Museum of Dance
Cuba Vedado activities
Fun & Leisure
  • Cinema Yara
  • Hotel pool "Hotel Nacional"
  • Cultural "Fresa y Chocolate"
Cuba Vedado public pools
Public pools
  • "Hotel Nacional"
  • "Hotel Meliá Cohiba"
Accommodation
Cuba Vedado hotels
Hotels
  • "Hotel Habana Libre"
  • "Hotel Nacional"
  • "Hotel Riviera"
  • "Hotel Capri"
  • "Hotel Presidente"
Useful informations
Cuba Vedado Tourist Office
Tourist Office
  • Cubatur ("calle 23/ M")
Cuba Vedado Money Exchange
Money Exchange
  • Banco Financiero Internacional ("Linea"/ Ecke "Calle 0")
Cuba Vedado Internet
Internet
  • "Hotel Nacional" (2nd floor/ ask at the reception)
Cuba Vedado Shopping
Shopping
  • Galerias de Paseo
Cuba Vedado Hospital
Hospital
  • Hospital Clínico Quirúgico "General Calixto García" San Lazaro No. 701, corner/Marques Gonzáles y Belascoain
  • "Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras" (Centro Habana - "Calle Neptuno" corner/ "Calle Marquez Gonzalez")
Transport
Cuba Vedado Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Hotel Comodoro""
  • Hotel "Habana Libre"
  • Hotel "Nacional"
Gastronomy
Cuba Vedado Restaurants
Restaurants
  • Restaurant "La Roca"
  • Restaurant "Unión Francesa"
Cuba Vedado Paladares
Paladares
  • Paladar "Le Chansonnier"
  • Paladar "Los Tres Mosqueteros"
Nightlife
Cuba Vedado Bars
Bars
  • Piano Bar "Delirio Habanaero"
  • "Opus Bar"
Cuba Vedado Nightclubs
Nightclubs
  • "Cabaret Parisien"
  • "1830 Club" by the waterfront "Malecón"