Christ of Havana
A colossal marble statue offering breathtaking panoramic views of Old Havana, especially magical at sunset. Accessible via a scenic ferry ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views are unforgettable
Christ of Havana
Best Time
Golden hour views are unforgettable
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal marble statue offering breathtaking panoramic views of Old Havana, especially magical at sunset. Accessible via a scenic ferry ride.
"The views of Old Havana from the Christ of Havana are absolutely stunning, especially at sunset!"
🚢 Ferry Fare Savvy
Use Cuban Pesos (CUP) for the ferry; expect to pay around 40 CUP. Tourists may be quoted higher prices, so be firm!
👟 Uphill Trek or Bike Ride
The walk up from the ferry is steep. Consider hiring a bike for a small fee, but be ready for a workout!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Havana Views
Hilltop plaza
Gaze upon the entirety of Old Havana from this stunning vantage point. The city unfolds before you, especially magical at sunset.
The Christ Statue Itself
Plaza
An impressive marble sculpture offering a striking visual against the Havana skyline. Admire its scale and artistry up close.
Casablanca Ferry Ride
Ferry terminal, Old Havana to Casablanca
A short, scenic journey across the bay. It's an affordable and iconic way to reach the statue, offering unique city perspectives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Ferry Fun & Uphill Hikes
Timing Your Visit for Views & Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry Fare Savvy
Use Cuban Pesos (CUP) for the ferry; expect to pay around 40 CUP. Tourists may be quoted higher prices, so be firm!
👟 Uphill Trek or Bike Ride
The walk up from the ferry is steep. Consider hiring a bike for a small fee, but be ready for a workout!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially if walking uphill. Stalls are available, but prices might be higher.
💰 Currency Matters
Have small CUP for local transactions. Avoid changing money at the airport; official rates are better elsewhere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry Fare Savvy
Use Cuban Pesos (CUP) for the ferry; expect to pay around 40 CUP. Tourists may be quoted higher prices, so be firm!
👟 Uphill Trek or Bike Ride
The walk up from the ferry is steep. Consider hiring a bike for a small fee, but be ready for a workout!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially if walking uphill. Stalls are available, but prices might be higher.
💰 Currency Matters
Have small CUP for local transactions. Avoid changing money at the airport; official rates are better elsewhere.
📸 Capture the Skyline
The views are incredible! Don't forget your camera or phone to snap photos of Old Havana.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Christ of Havana for its stunning panoramic views of Old Havana, especially during sunset. The affordability of the ferry ride and the lack of an entrance fee are significant draws. However, some find the uphill walk from the ferry challenging, and navigating local transport prices requires vigilance.
"It's a must visit destination and never miss the beautiful view in sunset. The old Havana town can be viewed from the top. The statue of christ is also great. Parking facility is available. No entry fees. You can spend there to have a sunset view."
JAIN SOJAN
"One of the most beautiful places that I visited in Havana with an excellent view of old Havana.
To reach there we used governmental ferry service. It supposed to be $2 but as I paid pesos it costs us 40 pesos ($0.2) which was great.
They will search you and your baggage before allowing you to enter the terminal.
When we arrived there, there was a walk distance to the Christ of Havana. But it was all uphill and we decided to use bike service.
We hired a bike for 500 pesos ($2-$3) but after 1-2 minutes I released the guy can not handle two of us in uphill, so I started to push the bike for a while and then I ride the bike and he pushed that until we arrive there.
I just did rest for 5-10 minutes after that physical workout (🙈)
Then there was a drink shop and I got a delicious local drink and then we visited the picturesque sculpture and its view to the havana.
For return, apparently there was a tunnel that cars can pass but as they were charging too much we walked back and used the ferry service again."
Morteza Babaee
"Amazing architecture in la Havana 🇨🇺, it looks phenomenal when you’re close to it and so does the view of the city from up there, a must see if you want to visit Cuba."
Da silva Jessica
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is to take the governmental ferry from Old Havana to Casablanca. The ride is about 20 minutes and costs around 40 CUP per person if you pay in local currency. Be aware that tourists might be quoted much higher prices.
Yes, parking facilities are available at the site, which can be convenient if you're arriving by car.
From the ferry terminal in Casablanca, it's an uphill walk to the Christ of Havana. Some visitors opt to hire a bike for a small fee to make the ascent easier, though it can still be a workout.
While the ferry is recommended for its views and affordability, taxis are also an option. However, they will likely be more expensive than the ferry.
The ferry ride offers nice views of the Havana coastline and skyline. It's a relatively short trip, and you'll need to go through a security check before boarding the terminal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to visit the Christ of Havana and its plaza. You can enjoy the statue and the views without paying for admission.
The site is generally accessible during daylight hours, with many visitors choosing to go for sunset. Specific official hours can vary, but it's typically open from morning until evening.
Since there is no entry fee, advance ticket purchase is not necessary. You can simply arrive and enjoy the site.
Visitors and their baggage are typically searched before entering the ferry terminal. Once at the site, general access is usually permitted.
Crowds can vary, with sunset being a popular time. Weekday evenings tend to be less crowded than weekends or peak tourist seasons.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities are the panoramic views of Old Havana from the hilltop plaza, especially during sunset. The statue itself also makes for impressive shots.
The vantage point is excellent for photography, offering a wide scope of the city. The lighting during sunset is particularly favorable for capturing stunning images.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. There are no specific restrictions mentioned for personal cameras or phones.
Sunset is highly recommended for its golden light and dramatic city views. Mid-day can be bright, but the late afternoon offers softer light.
Drone usage regulations can be complex in Cuba. It's advisable to check current regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
🎫 💰 Money & Costs
There is no entrance fee for the Christ of Havana itself. The main costs will be for transportation, such as the ferry (around 40 CUP) or any bike rentals.
The Cuban Peso (CUP) is the local currency. It's best to have small CUP denominations for ferry fares and local purchases. Be cautious with currency exchange and avoid unofficial rates.
It's recommended to have CUP beforehand. While some places might offer exchange, it can be difficult to get change for tourists quoted in CUC or USD.
Credit card acceptance can be limited in Cuba, especially for small local transactions like ferry tickets. It's best to rely on cash.
Exchange rates fluctuate, and it's advisable to get up-to-date information. Avoid changing money at the airport, as official rates are generally better.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no specific playgrounds or dedicated children's activities, the sheer scale of the statue and the vastness of the view can be engaging. It's a good opportunity to talk about geography and cityscapes. The lack of an entrance fee also makes it a budget-friendly option for families looking to explore Havana's landmarks.
💰 Budget Travelers
With no entrance fee, you can enjoy the statue and the spectacular views for free. The main expenses will be the ferry and perhaps a small fee for a bike if you choose not to walk the uphill path from Casablanca. Bringing your own water and snacks can also help save money, though there are stalls available if needed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to the Christ of Havana
Upon arrival in Casablanca, the Christ of Havana statue is situated atop a hill. The walk from the ferry terminal is uphill and can be quite strenuous, especially in the Cuban heat. Many visitors choose to hire a bike for a small fee to ascend the hill. However, some have found that the hired bikes may not be suitable for carrying two people uphill, leading to a shared effort of pushing and riding. Alternatively, taxis are available but will be more expensive than the ferry.
For the return journey, walking back down is an option, or you can use the ferry service again. Some travelers mention a tunnel for cars, but walking or taking the ferry are the most common and economical choices. It's wise to have small CUP denominations for these local transactions to avoid any currency exchange hassles.
The Iconic Statue and Its Views
The true magic of the Christ of Havana lies in the breathtaking panoramic views it offers. From the plaza, you can see the entire expanse of Old Havana, including its historic architecture, the Malecon seawall, and the bustling harbor. This vantage point is particularly spectacular during sunset, when the city is bathed in a warm, golden light, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle. Many visitors consider this the highlight of their trip to Havana.
While there is no entry fee to access the statue and its viewing area, it's a place where you can spend a good amount of time simply soaking in the atmosphere and the incredible scenery. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially in the late afternoon and early evening.
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