La Cabaña Fortress Havana
An 18th-century fortress offering breathtaking Havana views, a nightly cannon ceremony, and a glimpse into Cuban history and cigar culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views and pre-ceremony atmosphere
La Cabaña Fortress Havana
Best Time
Best views and pre-ceremony atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 18th-century fortress offering breathtaking Havana views, a nightly cannon ceremony, and a glimpse into Cuban history and cigar culture.
"Must visit if in Havana for the scenic views and the nightly cannon blast!"
🎯 Arrive for Sunset Views
Get there before 9 PM to enjoy the sunset and explore the fort before the cannon ceremony.
💰 Negotiate Taxi Fares
Round trip taxi from Old Havana should cost around 15-20 CUC. Don't pay more!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nightly Cannon Firing Ceremony
Main plaza
Experience a historic reenactment of the 9 PM cannon blast, a Havana tradition.
Panoramic Views of Havana
Fortress ramparts
Enjoy breathtaking sunset vistas of Old Havana and the bay from the historic walls.
Cigar Rolling Demonstration
Inside the fortress
Witness master cigar rollers at work and learn about the art of Cuban cigar making.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Cannon Ceremony
Getting There and Back
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
San Carlos de la Cabaña, more than a fortress, a symbol of Havana [en/es] | PeakD
🎯 Arrive for Sunset Views
Get there before 9 PM to enjoy the sunset and explore the fort before the cannon ceremony.
💰 Negotiate Taxi Fares
Round trip taxi from Old Havana should cost around 15-20 CUC. Don't pay more!
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💧 Bring Water
It can get warm exploring the fortress, so stay hydrated. Gift shops sell water.
📸 Photo Restrictions
Photography may be restricted in certain areas, especially near the cigar shops.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive for Sunset Views
Get there before 9 PM to enjoy the sunset and explore the fort before the cannon ceremony.
💰 Negotiate Taxi Fares
Round trip taxi from Old Havana should cost around 15-20 CUC. Don't pay more!
💧 Bring Water
It can get warm exploring the fortress, so stay hydrated. Gift shops sell water.
📸 Photo Restrictions
Photography may be restricted in certain areas, especially near the cigar shops.
🚶♂️ Plan Your Return
You can't walk back through the tunnels, so ensure your taxi is arranged for pickup.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise La Cabaña Fortress for its stunning panoramic views of Havana, especially at sunset, and the captivating nightly cannon firing ceremony. The historical significance and the opportunity to witness cigar rolling add to its appeal, though some note photography restrictions and the need to arrange return transport.
"Yes, come here to get cigars. There are many different brands, sizes, and flavors. There's something for everyone here. The prices range from $20 and up. They sell single cigars and boxes. The feel of the place is outstanding when you first walk in, but they will stop you from taking pictures until you walk towards the back. I'm not sure why, and I didn't try to figure that out. There's a man that's been, uh, rolling cigars for decades in there. Look at my pictures and you'll see him seated with a wax replica of himself standing behind him. In the back room, they have the longest cigars.I think you can find anywhere. They must be fifteen, maybe twenty feet long. Look at my pictures, and you'll see a photo of them. It's a really cool place with a really good vibe.So, if you're looking for cigars, stop in here and get them."
Robert Harris
"We enjoyed visiting this during the day. Entrance as only a few dollars per person. We spent close to an hour exploring all the nooks and crannies. Lots of old cannons to see and a park like atmosphere."
Jennifer Sofie
"Best time to visit at 8pm to have enough time before the cannon is fired at 9pm. It is a nice place to watch the sunset and view Havana also. At the end you’ll find many taxis and they’ll ask for 10usd to cross you over back to Havana."
alfahad91
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by taxi. It's a short ride across the bay. Negotiate your fare beforehand, aiming for around 10 CUC one-way or 15-20 CUC for a round trip. Ensure your return transport is arranged as you cannot walk back through the tunnels.
No, walking back through the tunnels is not permitted. You'll need to arrange for a taxi or other transport to get back to Old Havana.
Taxis are readily available at the fortress entrance after the cannon ceremony. It's advisable to have your taxi driver agree to wait for you or arrange a pickup time.
While less common for tourists, local buses might serve the area, but taxis offer the most direct and convenient option for visitors.
The taxi ride is typically quite short, around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is generally around 100 CUP (Cuban Pesos). Prices can vary slightly, so it's good to confirm upon arrival.
Tickets can usually be purchased upon arrival at the fortress entrance. Advance booking is typically not required unless there's a special event.
The fortress is generally open during the day, with visitors encouraged to arrive around sunset to enjoy the views before the 9 PM cannon ceremony. Specific opening hours can vary.
The entrance fee typically includes access to the grounds and the cannon ceremony. It's best to confirm this when purchasing your ticket.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's always worth asking at the ticket counter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Every night at 9 PM, a reenactment takes place where a cannon is fired, commemorating a historic tradition. It's a popular event for visitors.
Explore the historic fort, see old cannons, enjoy panoramic views of Havana, watch a cigar rolling demonstration, and experience the nightly cannon ceremony.
Yes, the fortress offers excellent vantage points for photography, especially during sunset. However, be aware of potential photo restrictions in certain areas.
While not always advertised, you might find local guides offering tours. The 'educational activities' ticket mentioned by a traveler might relate to guided experiences.
Arriving around sunset allows you to enjoy the scenic views and explore the fortress before the 9 PM cannon ceremony.
🍽️ 🚬 Shopping & Dining
Yes, the fortress is known for its cigar shops, offering a variety of brands, sizes, and flavors. Prices range from $20 upwards.
While there are gift shops, dedicated dining facilities are not prominently mentioned. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit.
Besides cigars, you can likely find typical Cuban souvenirs in the gift shops.
Cigar prices vary significantly, starting from around $20 and going up depending on the brand and size.
Photography might be restricted in the cigar rolling areas. It's best to ask permission or observe the rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to bring plenty of water and snacks, as on-site dining options might be limited. The taxi ride across the bay is also part of the adventure. Ensure you have a clear plan for your return journey, especially with children, as the area can get crowded after the ceremony.
💰 Budget Travelers
Negotiating taxi fares is key to keeping costs down. Aim for a round trip price of 15-20 CUC. While there are cigar shops, be mindful of your budget if you plan to purchase. Bringing your own water can also save a few pesos compared to buying it at the gift shop.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for the cannon ceremony as a prime photographic opportunity, though crowds can make it challenging. Keep in mind that photography may be restricted in certain areas, particularly within the cigar shops. The golden hour light is ideal for capturing the beauty of the fortress and its surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Significance of La Cabaña
Beyond its defensive role, La Cabaña has also served as a prison and, more recently, a cultural hub. The site hosts museums that delve into its history and the broader context of Cuban heritage. The impressive scale of the fortress and its well-preserved structures make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts. It's a place where you can truly feel the weight of centuries and imagine the lives of those who garrisoned its walls.
Experiencing the Nightly Cannon Ceremony
To make the most of the ceremony, visitors are advised to arrive around sunset. This allows ample time to explore the fortress, capture stunning sunset photos of Havana, and find a good vantage point for the show. The atmosphere builds as dusk settles, with the city lights beginning to twinkle across the bay. The ceremony itself is brief but impactful, a loud reminder of Havana's historical defenses.
After the ceremony, the area becomes busy with taxis ready to take visitors back to Old Havana. It's wise to have your return transportation pre-arranged or be prepared to negotiate fares. The experience offers a unique blend of history, spectacle, and breathtaking views, making it a highlight for many visiting Havana.
Cigars and Souvenirs at La Cabaña
Visitors can often witness cigar rolling demonstrations, providing insight into the craftsmanship involved. One reviewer mentioned a man who had been rolling cigars for decades, adding a personal touch to the experience. While the atmosphere is described as outstanding, be aware that photography might be restricted in these areas.
Beyond cigars, the gift shops likely offer other Cuban souvenirs. It's a convenient place to pick up mementos, especially if you're already visiting for the historical aspects and the cannon ceremony. Remember to bring water, as exploring the fortress can be warm, and the gift shops are a good place to purchase it.
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