Castle of the Three Kings of Morro

Reaching Morro Castle takes some preparation, but rewards patience with stirring views and hidden surprises. The busiest days see lines snaking along the drawbridge, but quieter mornings and golden evenings offer a gentler pace. A little planning makes the difference between a rushed photo stop and a rich, lingering experience.

• Best time to visit: Aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons, especially between November and April for cooler breezes and softer light.
• How to get there: Taxis and coco-taxis from Old Havana cross the Tunnel de la Bahía in under 15 minutes. Bus routes and organized tours also stop near the entrance.
• Accessibility: Steep stairs and uneven stones challenge some visitors; families with strollers or guests with limited mobility may find certain areas difficult.
• Average visit duration: Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours to explore at a relaxed pace.

Every corner of Morro Castle reveals another layer of history and wonder. Weathered cannons point seaward from thick bastions while winding passages echo with the footsteps of defenders long gone. Even regulars discover fresh angles and details in this storied place.

• The lighthouse: Still guiding ships as it did centuries ago, the Faro del Morro offers some of Havana’s strongest sunset views.
• Bastions & walls: Duck through cool stone corridors and climb steep steps for sweeping panoramas of both sea and city.
• Old cell blocks: Small exhibit rooms house artifacts, recovered weapons, and models of the fort’s earliest days.
• Cañonazo ceremony: Each evening, locals in colonial uniform fire a historic cannon—a tradition dating back to Spanish rule.
• Secret lookout points: Less-traveled corners near the ramparts offer quiet space and dramatic photo opportunities without the crowds.
• Information panels: Well-placed signs and plaques add surprising facts, bridging past and present with vivid stories.