Basílica de San Francisco de Asís - Image 1
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Basílica de San Francisco de Asís

4.6
·140 reviews·La Habana, Cuba

A 16th-century church and monastery in Havana, now a sacred art museum and renowned concert hall with stunning architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Enjoy concerts and illuminated plaza

CrowdMedium
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Basílica de San Francisco de Asís - Image 1

Basílica de San Francisco de Asís

Best Time

Evenings

Enjoy concerts and illuminated plaza

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 16th-century church and monastery in Havana, now a sacred art museum and renowned concert hall with stunning architecture.

4.6
(140 reviews)

"A beautiful building with history and culture around every corner, offering great views and a low admission price."

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TIP

🎟️ Low Admission Price

Enjoy full access to the church and museum for a minimal fee. A great value for history and art lovers!

⬆️ Explore Upstairs

Don't miss the upstairs views of the nave and the plaza outside. It offers a unique perspective!

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 140 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sacred Art Museum

Sacred Art Museum

Discover a collection of sacred art within the historic walls, offering a glimpse into the site's religious past.

Concert Hall Acoustics

Concert Hall Acoustics

Experience world-class music in a venue renowned for its exceptional sound quality and stunning ambiance.

Architectural Grandeur

Architectural Grandeur

Marvel at the 16th-century architecture, from the nave views to the exterior plaza, a true testament to Havana's heritage.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History

This former 16th-century church and monastery is now a vibrant concert hall and sacred art museum. Explore its rich history and stunning architecture.

Concert Hall Charm

Experience the church's excellent acoustics, now a premier concert venue for classical, choral, and contemporary music. Check schedules for performances.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Enjoy concerts and illuminated plaza
Crowd
Medium
When
Daytime
Why
Explore museum and architecture
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎟️ Low Admission Price

Enjoy full access to the church and museum for a minimal fee. A great value for history and art lovers! Reddit

⬆️ Explore Upstairs

Don't miss the upstairs views of the nave and the plaza outside. It offers a unique perspective! Reddit

🎶 Check Concert Schedule

The church is a renowned concert hall. Check for performances to experience its incredible acoustics. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Plaza

The surrounding Plaza de San Francisco de Asís is beautifully lit and safe for evening strolls with live music nearby. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Low Admission Price

Enjoy full access to the church and museum for a minimal fee. A great value for history and art lovers! Reddit

⬆️ Explore Upstairs

Don't miss the upstairs views of the nave and the plaza outside. It offers a unique perspective! Reddit

🎶 Check Concert Schedule

The church is a renowned concert hall. Check for performances to experience its incredible acoustics. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Plaza

The surrounding Plaza de San Francisco de Asís is beautifully lit and safe for evening strolls with live music nearby. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(140 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Basílica de San Francisco de Asís for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and excellent acoustics as a concert venue. The low admission price and the charm of the surrounding plaza are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects of the experience. Some visitors noted that the former convent sections are off-limits.

"Is part of the most beautiful place of Habana Vieja! Central to all most popular place this Convento will give you a good view to all small streets and places. Walking also around this great architecture unveils some nice surprises than only the front and lateral structures, don't miss it!"

Alex Wyns

"Its is no longer a place of worship. Today the church, with its excellent acoustics, is one of Havana's finest concert hall and the venue of a regular series of classical, choral, and contemporary concerts. Although no.longer is use by monk, the former convent with its exquisite cloister and serene courtyard is off limits to visitors."

Russ Lacuata

"The church was one of my favorite buildings in Havana, with history and culture around every corner. Another stop that was low in admission price, we had full reign of the church both upstairs and down. Take your time because there is plenty to see, make sure to go upstairs and see both the view of the nave and plaza outside."

Nathan Ramirez

What People Like

Rich history and architecture
Excellent concert acoustics
Low admission fee

What People Dislike

Convent sections off-limits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Basílica is located in Habana Vieja on the Plaza de San Francisco de Asís. It's easily accessible by walking from other popular spots in Old Havana. Taxis are also readily available throughout the city. Reddit

Parking in Habana Vieja can be challenging due to narrow streets. It's generally recommended to arrive by taxi or on foot if you're already exploring Old Havana. Reddit

The Basílica is a central point in Habana Vieja, close to many popular streets and plazas. It's a great starting point for exploring the historic district. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission price is quite low, offering excellent value for exploring the church and its museum. Visitors have reported having full reign of the church. Reddit

While specific hours can vary, the Basílica is generally open during the day for museum visits and in the evenings for concerts. It's advisable to check for current operating times. Reddit

Unfortunately, the former convent, including its cloister and courtyard, is generally off-limits to visitors. The focus is on the church and its museum. Reddit

For concerts, it's highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for popular performances, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Inside, you can explore the sacred art museum and admire the church's architecture. Going upstairs offers great views of the nave and the plaza. Reddit

No, it is no longer a place of worship. It now functions as a concert hall and a museum. Reddit

The plaza is a beautiful public space, enhanced with improved lighting and spotlights. It's a great spot for evening strolls and often features live music from nearby establishments. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, the low admission and open access suggest you can explore at your own pace. Consider hiring a local guide in Old Havana for deeper historical context. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the surrounding area in Habana Vieja has many restobars and restaurants. You can find cozy places with good food and live music nearby. Reddit

You'll find a variety of Cuban cuisine and international options. Many places offer a pleasant dining experience with live music. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning 16th-century architecture from the Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, especially with the improved lighting. The interior views from upstairs are also highly recommended. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed inside, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions, especially during concerts. Reddit

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