Parque Central is one of Old Havana's most iconic squares and the classic gathering point where vintage 1950s American convertibles line up waiting for passengers. Riding a Chevy, Buick, Ford or Cadillac frozen in time since the 1959 embargo, tours loop along the Malecón seafront, through Vedado, and past the Plaza de la Revolución, with the sunset drive along the Malecón in a roofless car regarded as the highlight. In 2026, despite Cuba's fuel and electricity shortages, tourism continues and this remains one of Havana's most popular experiences. The classic move is to walk the line of cars around the square, framed by the Hotel Inglaterra, the Gran Teatro and the Capitolio, and negotiate before you ride.
Genuine 1950s Chevrolet, Buick, Ford, Cadillac and Plymouth convertibles with original chrome
The Malecón seafront drive in an open-top car, especially at sunset
A city circuit linking Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución (the Che Guevara facade) and the Capitolio
Cuban ingenuity on display: cars kept running with Soviet diesel engines and Lada parts
The historic architecture around the square: Hotel Inglaterra, Gran Teatro, and the Manzana Kempinski
Good to know
CautionAgree the price, the currency and exactly what is included (stops, guide, music, duration) out loud before you set off. Don't take the first car that approaches you; walk the line and compare a few before negotiating.
CautionCommon hustles near the Capitolio include 'my family needs help' approaches, unofficial money changers offering too-good rates, and fake gallery invitations. They aren't dangerous but can be costly, so decline politely.
RulesAs of 6 June 2026, Visa and Mastercard are no longer accepted in Cuba, so cash (USD or EUR) is essential. Classic car tours are cash-only anyway, so carry plenty of small bills.
MannersKeep the tip separate from the fare. Settle the price first, then, if the tour was good, hand over 10-15% at the end. The driver often doubles as your guide, so a little rapport goes a long way.
SafetyIn 2026 frequent blackouts occur due to fuel and power shortages, but tourist-area safety is generally fine. Watch for pickpockets, keep bags and phones on the inside seat in an open car, and don't request reckless speed as seatbelts may be absent.
SeasonSummer through autumn (June-October) is hot and falls in hurricane and rain-shower season. A roofless car offers no protection from sun or sudden rain, so bring sunscreen, a hat, water and a light rain layer, and aim for early morning or the sunset window.
Practical info
Parque Central sits in the heart of Old Havana near Prado and Neptuno streets, easy to reach on foot, with classic cars waiting curbside throughout the day. There are no fixed opening hours; it is a street pickup where negotiating directly runs roughly 25-35 USD per hour, a hotel-concierge booking 50-80 USD, and about 120 USD for a guided three-hour tour, but fares and routes vary widely, so confirm the latest on the spot.
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