What to see in Old Havana in one day, on foot
In one day you can see the essentials of Old Havana without taking a taxi: the four squares in the morning, Obispo Street and the Capitolio at midday, and the Malecón as evening falls.
This is the day we suggest to guests at Amargura 62, a colonial house on Amargura Street, right in the historic center. Everything starts from our door.
In the morning: the four squares
Start early, before the heat. From our door, Plaza de San Francisco is 1 minute away; Plaza Vieja, 3; Plaza de Armas, 7; and the Cathedral, 9. All four fit into one morning. The full route, with what to see in each square, is in The four squares of Old Havana, on foot.
At midday: Obispo Street and the Capitolio
Obispo Street is pedestrian, with shops, cafés and music. On the corner with Mercaderes is the Ambos Mundos hotel, where Hemingway stayed; from our door, it is about a 7-minute walk.
Keep going west along Obispo and you'll come out near the Capitolio, about a 15-minute walk from the house. It looks good from the outside and is great for photos. If you want to go in, ask about the hours and the price first: we don't give them because they change.
It's a good time to look for some shade and have something to eat. Our recommendation is the Venami pizzeria, on Monserrate Street, a 12-minute walk from the house. And if you feel like a rest, the house has air conditioning: you can come back and head out again in the afternoon.
In the afternoon: museums and unhurried streets
The afternoon is for whatever caught your eye in the morning: going into a museum on the Plaza de Armas, getting lost on quieter streets or sitting on a terrace on Plaza Vieja. Tell us what interests you and we'll tell you where to go.
If you'd rather not walk so much, we can arrange a taxi or a tour in a classic convertible along the Malecón; you order it from the Guest Portal, where you see the price beforehand.
At sunset: the Malecón
The Malecón, the seaside promenade, is where Havana's residents go as evening falls. It begins at the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, about a 20-minute walk from our door. Stay and watch the sun set over the sea.
At night: back to the house
For the last hour, the roof terrace: colorful rocking chairs, a chess table and the rooftops of Old Havana all around. What surprises people most about staying here is the quiet: after a day downtown, you close the door and the city stays outside.
If you'd like to see what's on that night, check the Agenda: concerts, exhibitions and shows, with the distance from the house.
Tips for the day
- Heat: bring water, a hat and sunscreen, and save midday for the shade.
- Money: bring enough cash for the whole stay. Since June 2026, Visa and Mastercard are not accepted; we explain it in money in Cuba.
- Internet: download the maps before you leave. In the Guest Portal, the map and the walks from Amargura Street are saved on your phone and work without a connection. More in Internet in Cuba.
- Safety: Old Havana is lively and well lit at night. As in any city with tourism, look after your belongings where there are crowds.
- Footwear: comfortable. Everything is done on foot, and there are cobblestones.
If you don't have a place to stay yet, see our apartments or Where to stay in Havana.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see Old Havana in one day?
The essentials, yes: the four squares, Obispo Street, the Capitolio and the Malecón at sunset, all on foot.
What is near Amargura Street?
Plaza de San Francisco, a 1-minute walk; Plaza Vieja, 3; Plaza de Armas, 7; the Cathedral, 9; and the Capitolio, 15.
Where did Hemingway stay in Havana?
At the Ambos Mundos hotel, on the corner of Obispo and Mercaderes streets, in Old Havana. From our door, it is about a 7-minute walk.
Is Old Havana safe to walk around?
It is a lively area, with pedestrian streets and lighting at night. As in any city with tourism, look after your belongings where there are crowds.