Old Square (Plaza Vieja), Havana: Address, Old Square (Plaza Vieja) Reviews: 4.5/5
Old Square (Plaza Vieja)
Old Square (Plaza Vieja)
4.5
About
What is now called the Old Square was originally Plaza Nueva (New Square), built as a popular alternative to Plaza de Armas, the military and government nerve center. Later called Plaza del Mercado (Market Square) as Havana's commercial hub, Plaza Vieja was the site of executions, processions, bullfights, and fiestas -- all witnessed by Havana's wealthiest citizens, who looked on from their balconies. The original Carrara marble fountain surrounded by four dolphins was demolished in the 1930s when President Gerardo Machado (1871-1939) built an underground parking lot here. Today the square's surrounding structures vary wildly in condition, though all of them are noteworthy.
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
528 within 3 miles

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Attractions
198 within 6 miles
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,617 reviews
Excellent
5,290
Very good
2,856
Average
419
Poor
30
Terrible
22
pawel_hbg
Sopot, Poland9,502 contributions
Couples
Old Square - The Plaza Vieja is a square located in Old Havana. It was designed in 1559 and is the most striking plaza in Havana from an architectural point of view. Here the Cuban baroque coexists with the Art Nouveau inspired by the Gaudinian style.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Zen&Co
Bristol465 contributions
This is the main sqaure in Old Havana and a wonderful place to see and perhaps take in the Havana atmosphere. It has a micro brewery in one corner and a very popular restaurant with constant music. However be careful as it also attracts tourist prices and the micro brewery with light or dark beer just make up a figure for your bill which is always over. Take my advice and get down the side streets for better quality and half the prices.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bidule05
France1,274 contributions
We visited the 16th-century Plaza Vieja, which is surrounded by well renovated elegant colourful colonial residences. In the middle of the place, we saw the beautiful Carrara showpiece fountain.
We were lucky because during our visit, there was a fine exhibition of very fine painted cats in Plaza Vieja!!!
We were lucky because during our visit, there was a fine exhibition of very fine painted cats in Plaza Vieja!!!
Written April 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MPWEST10
Mandurah, Australia624 contributions
This is a different plaza for old Havana. It's mainly surrounded by residential buildings, some with some restaurants in the ground floor or second floor with balconies. It has a beautiful fountain and a weird rooster statue with a naked woman on it... supposedly celebrating women. The restaurants are overpriced and offer tourist food, not good local food. Nice for a visit and maybe a drink not food
Written June 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dianedinky
253 contributions
I didn't go to any of the cafes or restaurants so cannot comment on the quality of the beer or food in this area...however...as a stand alone square I think it has unrivalled beauty. It absolutely took my breath away.
I've travelled to many, many cities all over the world and done my fair share of town squares & plazas, but this one, has gone straight to No1 in my list. Mesmerising.
I've travelled to many, many cities all over the world and done my fair share of town squares & plazas, but this one, has gone straight to No1 in my list. Mesmerising.
Written April 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lexi3
136 contributions
We’ve cruised a lot, and this is hands down the best point of disembarking of any place we’ve sailed into, except for places one can only tender to. The area is interesting, though you’d be hard pressed to find any souvenirs to buy with your Cuban tourist funny money. Many shops all selling the same government approved kitchen. The dancers on stilts were worth watching. Pretty sure cruises from US no longer go to Cuba.
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GlobeTrotters
Toronto, Canada53 contributions
Solo
I have been blessed to go to over 75 countries in the world and this square is one of my favorite places in the world. I don't know what it is.. there is no single thing that makes it stand out but a combination of factors that beautifully blend . From the cobbled streets that lead to it.. to the restaurants and Cafe's that adorn it's edges ... Enticing you to stay . The architecture is beautiful and I spent a lot of time writing.. sitting at the second floor of one of the many Cafe's .
Highly recommend it.. but don't got to just take selfies and pictures... Spend some time and you will fall in love with this place just at I did.
Highly recommend it.. but don't got to just take selfies and pictures... Spend some time and you will fall in love with this place just at I did.
Written March 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maari100
Helsinki, Finland3,025 contributions
This plaza was built in 1587. It has been renovated entirely using the UNESCO funding. In the middle of plaza there is a new classical marble fountain. La Casona is a palace from the 1800th century - nowadays an arts center.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GerryRailBaron
Toronto, Canada109 contributions
The history in Havana's buildings is legendary. At 500 years of age, there's something magnificent to see at every corner. The plaza here was a delight. Good lines of site to the various buildings, so we grabbed a seat at a table in one of the cantinas and ordered ourselves a drink. Just a great place to visit, pass some time, and people watch.
Written May 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Desmond R
Cuba12 contributions
Solo
I really loved this square. A lovely atmosphere and lots of people being guided by their tour operators. I stayed in the nearby Raquel Hotel for a night as I was returning from a 12 day trip to Cuba. I recommend this area as it is full of character.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Footprints277692
Warrington, UK3 contributions
Is the cruise port walkable to the old town of Havana
FraFancourt
Great Bookham, UK17 contributions
Yes, the port is right alongside the St Francisco de Asis Square, and the Plaza Vieja is an easy stroll away through pedestrianised streets. Very easy.
However if you want to see the Revolution Square that is in the new town which is some distance away. There is a double decker red bus which will take you around the whole city for about 2 hours so that you can get an idea if what you would like to see, and then if it is at a distance you can take a taxi. Taxis cost a bit more in the port area, but can be much cheaper if hailed away from the port and the main highlights.
We are going on a cruise. Can we get a tour guide to show us around the island instead of buying a pricey excursion? How much would it cost per person?
Sarah W
Rogerstone, UK15 contributions
Most of the people we spoke to just got one of the old cars to drive around and show them the sights. It sounded as though they got much better value for money than us . We booked a guided tour . Just make sure your taxi driver can speak English and is willing to explain what you're looking at. Haggle over the price.
Wanda M
Branchburg, NJ13 contributions
We are taking an Azamara cruise in November to Cuba. All of the tours from the ship state you must be able to climb 43 stairs in Havana to get to the bus for the tour. Is this correct. We are looking into private tours in Havana.
jinty195012
Peterborough, UK37 contributions
So sorry we didn't do acruise, as we had 2 weeks in Varadera, and had 3 day stay in Havana.and used taxis from our hotel.
Fttusdys2
9 contributions
Im thinking of going with a small group to visit Cuba next month. However I’ve been reading about the safety concern and how the US is advising citizens not too travel to Cuba. i still see people traveling there though from this website. Is this a real concern because it sounds dangerous. And I️ hear flights are also going to stop for some carriers. Advice?
Carla V
Hialeah, FL9 contributions
Cuba is safe even for a solo female traveler like me. I went there in early November for 8 days. I'm doing some research to go again next year. It'll be my third time. Once you meet Cuba you cannot stop thinking about going again. My advice is to go there, you have nothing to be worried about. Try to go with friends if you can, it'll be even cheaper because you can share prices among all of you. Always avoid US travel companies, they will charge a lot of money for simple activities you can book by yourself with local companies. For example, I went on a marvelous one-day tour to Viñales Valley. I booked online directly with a local private group. I paid $180, but the price is the same for up to 4ppl, so if you take a similar tour with friends it be cheaper and more enjoyable. Hope you finally decide YES!
Stephenqurkel
anywhere 8 contributions
Is plaza vieja across the street from el capitol.
swampykevin
Mairangi Bay, New Zealand316 contributions
Hi Guys
David has answered this question and he is correct. It well worth a look. There are walking tours which are also very informative. I may be wrong but I think the re is a timber roadway in this area bit I swear it looks like cobbles. The walking tours provide a local perspective of the history and are far better than guessing what you are looking at.
Currency? Going on a cruise to Cuba where should I get currency exchange and whuch currency since there are two? Also was food on the streets really cheap like they say?
Diana P
New York City, NY320 contributions
Food-on the street is not that common, but you can always find someone selling churros in an old fashioned cart, and peanuts "Mani". There are no US style food trucks, but plenty of cafes-Cuba does not have amazing food, but it is inexpensive, and fine. Find a breakfast place called "Cinco Esquinas" (5 corners) Breakfast is ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT for $4.50! Includes fruits, beautiful pastries, eggs, coffee etc...Best deal in town, and our fav cafe in Havana. Ask for Jonny to be your waiter-he speaks English, and is charming as anything. He named his son John Lennon. If you can bring a jar of Nutella for his son-Jonny will really appreciate it. and take VERY good care of you. We went to 5 Esquinas every morning in Havana, we sat outdoors, and planned our day out while drinking coffee and people watching. Look up! A lot of the locals hang out on their balcony talking to each other across the streets-it's a beautifull thing.
Mytravelworld35
Sacramento, CA137 contributions
Hi all,
We are going to take a Cruz from Miami to the Cuba so what should we do in Havana 2 days? would any recommendation see some good place in Havana? Probably we have the full day or 2 days overnight in Havana? l haven't been there yet but we are going there in this July .Thanks for you help
RA
California129 contributions
Hi. We also did a two day through NCL. We arrived in the morning. Tip regarding that. When they announce to you where to get your "number" for debarkation, be sure to get in that line about 15 minutes before they hand them out. We left by group number. Getting 1 or 2 gets you off quicker. We also did not book through the ship, so if they tell you for example to wait where all those who did book an trip with them, just hang out where they debark instead as you will avoid the cattle call when leaving the area where all those who booked hang.
We did a 6 hour car tour with a very well reviewed guide in his 65 I believe it was, Chevrolet, all original. He was outstanding. His name is Fabio. He and his dad run Havana vintage car tours. Best of the best. He does shorter tours as well. Having 6 hours gave us a lot of time to see all of Havana and get a history lesson you never learned in school. That is how we spent day 1. After all day in the sun and all the sights, we were done for that day and hung out on the ship after the tour. The next and last day which is shorter of course, was spent in the square right out front of where the ship docks. You can't miss it. You go through these nicely shaded gates that lead to a turn of either left or right. Go right, that takes you into Plaza Vieja where there are so many interesting buildings and people milling about. Locals and tourists. Great way to spend a couple hours without having to taxi anywhere. We felt we saw everything else well enough in the 6 hours we drove around. We did stop at the Hotel National for drinks mid tour. That ate up some time but that is a must see. That is how we spend our 2 days in Havana and we felt we saw everything we wanted. If you book with this guy, he will take you to a few other places well worth going to see. He will ask what you want to see. Just tell him you leave it to him as he knows what is best. If you book, tell Fabio when you see him that this advice came from the couple who have the wild property in California where the bears and mountain lions are common. He will understand. He is a great guy and you can't go wrong if you book with his dad. Just mention you want to make sure Fabio is your guide. Oh, and if the ship says you're off by 8? Take it with a grain of salt. We got off at 9:30 due to it being first time for them in Cuba. If you are taking the NCL, they will probably have it worked out by the time you travel. You will love it. It does get really hot and you are exposed to the suns intense rays, so take that into consideration. Have a great trip.
Nancy A
Leesburg, FL9 contributions
We have twelve hours to see as much of Havana as possible. What are the highlights? And one person has a mobility scooter, will it fit in classic convertible trunk? Where is the best place to convert currency and how much should you convert? Is there a lot of crime I. The streets?
Drkopman
Portland, OR41 contributions
I assume, since you only have 12 hours, that you are visiting for the day as part of a cruise. I would recommend that you hire a local car/driver/guide. I used Nosotros Cubameamos and really liked them. My guide was Claudia Machin. She spoke excellent english and you'll get more out of your visit with a local guide. I would ask to spend 1/2 your day touring old Havana sights and the other 1/2 seeing "modern" Havana, embassy row and the National Hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Square (Plaza Vieja)
- Hotels near Old Square (Plaza Vieja):
- (0.01 mi) Suite Plaza Vieja
- (0.02 mi) Casas PG
- (0.03 mi) Penthouse Plaza Vieja
- (0.03 mi) Dona Elena Habana Vieja
- (0.03 mi) Hostal Plaza Vieja
- Restaurants near Old Square (Plaza Vieja):
- (0.02 mi) Café Bohemia
- (0.02 mi) Cerveceria Plaza Vieja
- (0.02 mi) Cafe El Escorial
- (0.02 mi) Papa Ernesto - street food bar
- (0.02 mi) Azúcar Lounge
- Attractions near Old Square (Plaza Vieja):
- (0.01 mi) La Habana Vieja
- (0.01 mi) Fototeca de Cuba
- (0.01 mi) Viaje fantastico
- (0.02 mi) Camera Obscura
- (0.03 mi) Cuba 360 Holidays