El Malecon
El Malecon
4.5
Full view
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631 within 3 miles
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199 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
12,052 reviews
Excellent
6,098
Very good
3,726
Average
1,756
Poor
358
Terrible
114
Armando G
5 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
The Malecon of Havana City is probably one of the most beautiful promenades of the world. It's truth that couples, friends and cuban families are used to hang around this long avenue which overlooks the sea. It's romantic for lovers and it's a place for artists and musicians who smell the cuban history.
Malecon is included both in Vedado, Center Havana and Old Town. From one tunnel to other.
The best part is along Vedado where nice hotels and casas particulares such as Penthouse 21 & M, Casa Betty et Armando Gutierrez, are excellent options.
Nice restaurants are also near Malecon, some of them with direct view on the sea.
A place for a nice promenade to breath fresh air and think deeply about life.
Best time to go: after 7.00pm
Malecon is included both in Vedado, Center Havana and Old Town. From one tunnel to other.
The best part is along Vedado where nice hotels and casas particulares such as Penthouse 21 & M, Casa Betty et Armando Gutierrez, are excellent options.
Nice restaurants are also near Malecon, some of them with direct view on the sea.
A place for a nice promenade to breath fresh air and think deeply about life.
Best time to go: after 7.00pm
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
our56
Melbourne, Australia543 contributions
Jun 2019
This is the most iconic part of Cuba where all the cars can be seen driving up and down this road which runs along the outside of old Havana. The place we were staying at was on a street that came off El Malecon, so every day we found our way down there at some point whether just to go for a walk, for a coffee or a snack, or go to one of the hotels selling Wi-Fi access and connection to the local network. Many days we would just sit there on the stone wall along the waterway taking photos or video. Sometimes just watching the cars and people go by. From this location you also get a full view of the buildings and the Vista that most people would see in magazines or on TV showing the face Havana. it is impossible to not be taken by what you see along this road, it serves as a great visual impression that will last with you forever. The late afternoon is when most people , locals and tourist come out to walk along the wall and see the sunset.
Written May 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,769 contributions
Jan 2020
Most visitors take a classic car trip along the malecon, however, I would recommend walking at least part of it. Its a great way to observe local life, especially in the early evening. A good route is from Old Havana to the Hotel Nacional or vice versa, where you can enjoy a cocktail or two at this famous hotel. A taxi one way should cost no more that 10 CUC and the walk there or back is around 3 miles.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Coco!
Gilford, NH670 contributions
Jan 2020
Walk for miles and be safe. Enjoy the view of Havana as you walk. Locals come out at night and play music and relax along the entire way. Buy local soda or peanuts from locals. Good immersion into local culture.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pablo
Toronto, Canada186 contributions
Oct 2019
I used to go to the Malecon on a daily basis as my hotel called Panorama was about ten minutes from there. The Malecon consists of a gathering area of Cubans enjoying their nightlife at little cost. Often along the Malecon there was diving into the ocean, dancing, partying and drinking. Do not go there with lots of money, gold chains, etc as some areas. could be dangerous for a tourist. .
Written June 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trip52514015110
2 contributions
Aug 2019
Beautiful, clean, friendly people, long romantic walk during the night . During the is very hot and humid. Every night we went for our walk , there was this gentleman with his guitar and he will serenade us every time he sees us. very safe to walk around during the day and night.
Written June 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Argyridou S
CYPRUS302 contributions
Jul 2019
We were there durig the celebration of the revolution and El Malecon was the centre of the celebrations. Lot of oarties were there and epscially under hotel national with big concepts and local music and good and thousands of local people around.
Ride wit the old cars across Malecom is good fun to do.
Ride wit the old cars across Malecom is good fun to do.
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clachangirl
Skipton, UK1,231 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I’d read so much about the Malecon in my lonely planet guide book I was sooo excited to actually be there walking along!!
Built in the 1920s it gave the locals somewhere to promenade along and meet socially at the sea edge. It’s got a wide lip on the wall where lots of people sit hence the ‘sofa’.
To drive along the Malecon in a 1950s soft top car was just the most amazing highlight of this holiday. You’ve got to visit if you are going to Cuba!!!!
Built in the 1920s it gave the locals somewhere to promenade along and meet socially at the sea edge. It’s got a wide lip on the wall where lots of people sit hence the ‘sofa’.
To drive along the Malecon in a 1950s soft top car was just the most amazing highlight of this holiday. You’ve got to visit if you are going to Cuba!!!!
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tbonjour
Shandon, UK260 contributions
May 2022
Ocean on one side of a dreary road, with buildings well set back on the other side.
What nonsense the guide books talk about it being full of people in the evening, bursting with clubs,bars, cafes and music.Totally absent…
Stay in Old Havana, and hangout in Calle Obispo , or Plaza Parque Central.
Only reason to cruise the Malecon is in a pink Cadillac……
What nonsense the guide books talk about it being full of people in the evening, bursting with clubs,bars, cafes and music.Totally absent…
Stay in Old Havana, and hangout in Calle Obispo , or Plaza Parque Central.
Only reason to cruise the Malecon is in a pink Cadillac……
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dan S
Upminster, UK120 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a v large boardwalk by the sea and canal in Central Havana.
Good for views and exercise during the day, and at night it seems to be the place to meet and talk and dance for locals, both the Malecon together with the long paved adjacent road leading up to Parque Central that reminded me of Las Ramblas in Barcelona (but without the ‘human statues’ and muggings).
At night it was a great experience. Lots of Cubans meet there, bring a bottle of rum, music, and party there. We had a great night there talking and meeting new people. Would definitely recommend, and despite my initial concerns it felt very safe.
The one drawback was that on a couple of occasions I was approached and asked if I was looking for ‘chicas’ (essentially enquiring if I was looking for a lady of the night so to speak). Particularly odd as I was there with my fiancée, but no harm or offence caused.
Good for views and exercise during the day, and at night it seems to be the place to meet and talk and dance for locals, both the Malecon together with the long paved adjacent road leading up to Parque Central that reminded me of Las Ramblas in Barcelona (but without the ‘human statues’ and muggings).
At night it was a great experience. Lots of Cubans meet there, bring a bottle of rum, music, and party there. We had a great night there talking and meeting new people. Would definitely recommend, and despite my initial concerns it felt very safe.
The one drawback was that on a couple of occasions I was approached and asked if I was looking for ‘chicas’ (essentially enquiring if I was looking for a lady of the night so to speak). Particularly odd as I was there with my fiancée, but no harm or offence caused.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
692dayamir
2 contributions
El Malecón es algo especial muy atractivo, entre las brisas del mar y la refrescante luz de la cariñosa Luna, la melodía de las guitarras y el pregonero, una flor para tu amiga es la realidad del amor en acción
Susan G
7 contributions
Muy de acuerdo. Fantástico lugar para caminar, correr, sentarse y disfrutar de la brisa del mar. En la noche, muy agradable para pasear con los amigos.
Cecilia M
Argentina64 contributions
Hola. Alguien tiene un itinerario de lo más importante para conocer al bajar de un crucero?
UbahnAusbilder
Eching, Germany879 contributions
Hello,
start your visit in the centre of the old town with the capitol and the street Obisco, where most of the shops are.
A good idea is a tour with the oldtimer trough the old town. The Malecon is not very spectaculaire.
There is also the possibility of an open hop-on hop-off bus to see a little bit of old Havanna.
If you have more time don´t miss a visit at the world famous Tropicana show. But it´s a little bit outside and you need a taxi (about 20 US Dollars)
Greetings from Roger of Munich, Germany.
louise c
Killaloe, Ireland33 contributions
Is it better to stay in Old Havana or the
malecon area for three nights in Havana? We like restaurants and bars at night
Dev K
1,283 contributions
Either is good ….. Malecon starts at Old Havana and goes 4 miles to NW Vedado. So you could get a casa closer to Old Havana and still be close to all the restaurants and bars. If you are going to stay on the Malecon make sure your room has a nice view of the Malecon from your window or terrace as that's the prime reason for being there.
poseidon9574
Fort Myers, FL2 contributions
What tour company did you use? How much did it cost? How long was the tour? Did you walk or ride to see the sights? How to get a ride in a vintage convertible along El Malecon?
noswim
US256 contributions
Blexie tours.
Nice air conditioned car and walked around old Havana. The tour was about seven hours.
Jep Martin Loberiza
Amsterdam, The Netherlands3 contributions
Hey so what was so great about this part?
djackley
Hayward, CA45 contributions
Very historic. Mostly a walk along the water front. Frequented by Cubans for years.
Majjallita L
2 contributions
Ya está reconstruido después del huracán Irma?
SAMUEL-MERIDA
Merida, Mexico202 contributions
HOla yo acabo de estar en octubre y está muy bien, puedes pasear, yo llegue en un crucero y pasamos tres dias, recorrimos la catedral, la plaza de armas, el Capitolio por fuera,el teatro la habana El malecón en general muy interesante y lo más valioso su gente. Anímate a visitar la habana es un bello y único lugar
jsmachado
Lagooa Santa - MG84 contributions
Me gustaria se es seguro para caminar a la noche por el Malecón o se existen asaltos allá
jmarcospozu
Elda, Spain315 contributions
El malecón, al igual que el resto de La Habana y de todo Cuba, es un lugar seguro para pasear a cualquier hora del día, noche incluida. Los cubanos son muy respetuosos y en todo momento la sensación de seguridad no os abandonará. De todos modos os diré que el malecón resulta precioso al atardecer y que por la noche pierde una pequeña parte de su encanto aunque sigue siendo un lugar perfecto para pasear a cualquier hora...
Why do you think Castro has let this once beautiful city go into such disrepair? Is he blind? Can he not see the result of his 'Revolucion'?
dmrbay
Ankara, Türkiye325 contributions
To save money to give food to the Cubans, and to fight the embargo imposed by the imperialist countries like the USA and Britain
El Malecon (Havana) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about El Malecon
- Hotels near El Malecon:
- (0.15 mi) Hotel Nacional de Cuba
- (0.23 mi) Casa Particular Sandelis
- (0.25 mi) NH Capri La Habana
- (0.35 mi) NH Collection Victoria La Habana
- (0.44 mi) Casa Clarita y Orlando
- Restaurants near El Malecon:
- (0.09 mi) Nacional Hotel
- (0.10 mi) Bim Bom
- (0.22 mi) California Cafe
- (0.23 mi) Havana's 21
- (0.25 mi) Hotel Capri Restaurant
- Attractions near El Malecon:
- (0.11 mi) AVEC
- (0.11 mi) Cabaret Parisien
- (0.10 mi) Regalitos Miau
- (0.19 mi) Taxi Drivers Cuba
- (0.13 mi) My Cuban Taxi