Old Town Square

Old Town Square sits in the core of Havana's most walkable and atmospheric neighborhood. Planning a trip here takes just a bit of thought, thanks to seasonal crowds and the plaza’s growing popularity among travelers and locals. Early mornings and late afternoons deliver the most authentic experiences; tour groups thin out and the square reveals its slower, local side. Taxis, pedicabs, and even horse-drawn carts deliver visitors right to the cobbles, while friendly guides at informal stands can offer maps or tips. The plaza remains family-friendly, flat, and easy to navigate for most, though some side lanes have uneven stones. Expect some street performers and a line or two at popular cafés, but public access is free and there’s plenty of room to wander.

• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon, dry season (November to April)
• How to get there: Taxi, pedicab, or a short walk from major hotels in Habana Vieja
• Accessibility: Mostly flat and stroller-friendly, but historic streets can be bumpy
• Average visit duration: 1 to 2 hours, more with café breaks or museum visits

The magic of Old Town Square reveals itself in layers: grand mansions that have become quirky museums, open-air cafés where old-timers play dominoes, tiny art studios tucked behind Caribbean blue doors. Each corner of the square tells its own story, from tiled fountains alive with birds, to galleries filled with local abstracts. Architecture buffs will marvel at the Spanish Colonial pillars and curved arches, while casual visitors soak in the music drifting from Plaza bands or snap shots of sunbeams hitting painted facades. Even on busy days, there’s always a quiet bench or shady corner for people-watching. For kids, a stroll past the playful bronze sculptures becomes a mini-treasure hunt, while adventurous eaters find tiny bakeries that serve guava pastries known only to locals.

• Key sights or features: Restored colonial mansions, the famous Camera Obscura tower, playful public sculptures, museums (such as the Museum of Naïve Art)
• Unique experiences: Climb the Camera Obscura for a 360-degree view of Havana’s rooftops
• Photo-worthy locations: Colorful street scenes, vintage street performers, sparkling tiled fountains
• Cultural or historical facts: The square first opened in 1559; after decades of neglect, it was carefully restored in the late 1990s; artists and performers often gather here, carrying on centuries-old traditions