Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta Havana
Historic 18th-century fortress guarding Havana Bay, offering panoramic sea views and a glimpse into Cuba's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the sea breeze and views
Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta Havana
Best Time
Enjoy the sea breeze and views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 18th-century fortress guarding Havana Bay, offering panoramic sea views and a glimpse into Cuba's past.
"The views from the top are really good too. It's a solid place to check out if you're interested in history. "
🚶 Walk for the Best Views
Walking around the fortress offers a better appreciation of its beauty than viewing from a tour. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Entrance Fee
Be prepared for an entrance fee of 600 pesos to explore the castle grounds. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Sea Views
Rooftop
Enjoy spectacular, unobstructed views of the Havana coastline and the entrance to the bay.
Historical Fortifications
Grounds and ramparts
Explore well-preserved war cannons and learn about the fortress's role in Havana's defense.
Architectural Details
Exterior and interior
Admire the stone fortress, sculptures, and statues that adorn this historic site.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The Castle of San Salvador de La Punta, a witness to the history of Havana [en/es]
🚶 Walk for the Best Views
Walking around the fortress offers a better appreciation of its beauty than viewing from a tour. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Entrance Fee
Be prepared for an entrance fee of 600 pesos to explore the castle grounds. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The rooftop offers great photo opportunities of the sea and Havana's coastline. :camerawithflash:
🧐 Limited Exploration
Note that some areas of the fortress may be restricted, limiting full exploration. :information_source:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk for the Best Views
Walking around the fortress offers a better appreciation of its beauty than viewing from a tour. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Entrance Fee
Be prepared for an entrance fee of 600 pesos to explore the castle grounds. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The rooftop offers great photo opportunities of the sea and Havana's coastline. :camerawithflash:
🧐 Limited Exploration
Note that some areas of the fortress may be restricted, limiting full exploration. :information_source:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta offers beautiful sea views and a sense of historical significance, with cannons and sculptures adding to its charm. However, some note that maintenance is needed and exploration is limited to certain areas, leading to mixed opinions on its overall value.
"I visited this castle on the coast of Havana in August 2025 and it was just average. There is no information in English and you can go through some chambers and the roof. The view to the sea is pretty good on the roof. Other than this, it was pretty underwhelming and if you don't visit, you have not lost much. The entrance is 600 pesos."
Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari
"I recently visited the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, and it was quite impressive. This fortress stands right at the entrance to Havana Bay, and you can definitely get a sense of its historical significance. The views from the top are really good too. It's a solid place to check out if you're interested in history and want to see a nice part of Havana."
Mueataz Al-Quaiti
"This place is beautiful but need maintenance. The view of peninsula like lighthouse. It has many war cannons and decorated with many sculptures and statues.
In general is fun to spend 2-3 hours and enjoy the spectacular view of seeing sights.
I saw this place many times with car tours, carriages, and motorcycles. However, walking around will give you much better experience of beauty of the place."
Morteza Babaee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The castle is conveniently located in the northernmost part of Havana Vieja, making it easily accessible by walking. It's also a common stop on car, carriage, and motorcycle tours of the city.
Parking can be challenging in Havana Vieja. It's often easier to arrive by taxi, public transport, or as part of a guided tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 600 pesos.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter.
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check locally or with your tour operator for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore some chambers, walk on the roof for great sea views, see war cannons, and admire sculptures.
Reviews suggest that while beautiful, the castle needs some maintenance.
No, some areas of the fortress are restricted and not accessible to visitors.
Yes, there are some historical facts about the castle and other fortresses inside the building for those interested.
Visitor opinions vary. Some find it underwhelming, while others appreciate the historical significance and views. It's a good stop if you're interested in history and Havana's coastal defenses.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some reviews mention a cigar and rum shop inside, but dedicated dining facilities are not widely reported.
The castle is located near Havana Vieja, which offers numerous restaurants and cafes serving Cuban cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The rooftop provides excellent panoramic views of the sea and the Havana coastline, making it ideal for photography.
No specific restrictions on photography have been widely reported, but always be mindful of any posted signs or staff instructions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Havana's Defense History
While the fortress has undergone restoration, some visitors note that it could benefit from further maintenance. Nevertheless, the historical significance is palpable, offering a tangible connection to Cuba's colonial era. The presence of war cannons and sculptures adds to the visual appeal, making it an interesting stop for history enthusiasts.
Experiencing the Views and Atmosphere
Beyond the views, the fortress provides a unique atmosphere. Walking through its grounds, you can feel the sea breeze and hear the waves crashing against the shore. While some visitors find the interior exploration limited, the overall experience of standing on this historic fortification, with the vibrant city on one side and the endless ocean on the other, is memorable.
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