Plaza Vieja was laid out in 1559 as 'Plaza Nueva' and is one of the four great squares of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a market and venue for festivals and proclamations, it was buried under a Batista-era underground car park that was demolished in 1996; the sweeping restoration that followed made it Havana's most architecturally eclectic square, where Cuban baroque sits beside Gaudí-inspired Art Nouveau. As of 2026 its pastel arcaded façades house cafés, restaurants and a microbrewery, making it a natural place to pause while exploring the old town on foot.
Cámara Oscura: an optical device atop the 35 m tower of the Gómez Vila building that uses lenses and mirrors to project a live, panoramic view of Havana within roughly a 5 km radius; installed in 2001 as a gift from Cádiz.
Palacio Cueto: Havana's finest Art Nouveau building on the southeast corner, recently restored and reopened as a four-star hotel.
The white marble fountain at the center (a restored replica) and the vibrant stained-glass windows (vitrales) on the square's western buildings.
Factoría Plaza Vieja, the square's own microbrewery and beer garden.
Nearby within a short walk: the Museo de Naipes (playing-card museum), Fototeca de Cuba (photo gallery) and the Planetario.
Good to know
SafetyPickpocketing occurs in Old Havana even by day, so carry bags in front and keep valuables secure. At night avoid dark side streets and especially the Malecón seafront on foot.
CautionChange money only at official CADECA bureaus or banks; street offers of a 'better rate' risk fraud and counterfeit notes. In tourist bars and restaurants confirm menu prices before ordering to avoid overcharging.
RulesFrom 2026 the paper tourist card is abolished and an e-visa is required; before arrival you must complete the online D'Viajeros form for an entry QR code and show proof of valid travel-health insurance. Note that a Cuba visit voids U.S. ESTA eligibility, so travelers must obtain a U.S. visa for any later trip to the United States.
SafetyCuba runs largely on cash, foreign cards and ATMs often fail, and blackouts are frequent in 2026 due to the energy crisis. Bring ample cash in small denominations and be ready for power and payment interruptions.
MannersAsk permission before photographing street performers or people in traditional dress, and keep small tips (in local-currency cash) ready; tipping guides and restaurant staff is customary.
SeasonJune to November is hurricane season and summers are hot and humid, so bring water, a hat and sun protection, plan for rain, and enjoy the square in the morning or around sunset.
Practical info
Havana has no metro; the square lies in walkable Old Havana, reached on foot from the Capitolio or Calle Obispo, or by classic-car taxi or bicitaxi. The plaza itself is a free public space open around the clock, but the Cámara Oscura and nearby museums keep their own hours and charge small entry fees, so confirm current prices and opening times before you go.
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