Parque Central
Havana's bustling central park, a vibrant hub with iconic vintage cars, historic architecture, and the statue of José Martí.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Parque Central
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Havana's bustling central park, a vibrant hub with iconic vintage cars, historic architecture, and the statue of José Martí.
"A vibrant hub where you can enjoy admiring authentic vintage cars and stunning old architectural buildings."
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Explore Havana on foot; most sights are within an hour's walk.
💰 Eat Where Locals Eat
Find authentic, affordable meals by looking for busy local spots.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 3,496 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
José Martí Statue
Center of the park
Majestic white statue of Cuba's national hero, surrounded by palm trees and vibrant flowerbeds.
Vintage Car Showcase
Park entrance
Admire a colorful collection of classic American cars, a quintessential Havana experience.
Architectural Marvels
Surrounding the park
Gaze at stunning old buildings like the Municipal Building and the iconic opera house.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Walkability
Dine Like a Local
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
24 hours in habana, what hidden gems to see?
On a royal Caribbean cruise, will be in habana for a day. Have a tour booked with the fam, but what other hidden gems should I try to see? I’m also a photographer so if you know of any cool spots that don’t often get photographed, I’d appreciate that too. Figure asking here is…
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Explore Havana on foot; most sights are within an hour's walk.
💰 Eat Where Locals Eat
Find authentic, affordable meals by looking for busy local spots.
Havana Recommendations
Hi all. Going to Havana next week and wanted to get some must see/try recommendations. Any suggestions and tips are welcomed.
✈️ Airport Shuttle
Take the shuttle bus to the airport from here for only $5, runs hourly.
📸 Vintage Car Photos
Great spot for photos with classic cars parked nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Everywhere!
Explore Havana on foot; most sights are within an hour's walk.
💰 Eat Where Locals Eat
Find authentic, affordable meals by looking for busy local spots.
✈️ Airport Shuttle
Take the shuttle bus to the airport from here for only $5, runs hourly.
📸 Vintage Car Photos
Great spot for photos with classic cars parked nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Parque Central is a vibrant and unmissable hub in Havana, praised for its lively atmosphere, iconic vintage cars, and impressive architecture. It's a great starting point for city tours and offers beautiful sunset views. Some visitors find the constant offers from tour operators a bit overwhelming, and some may not get to explore the surrounding side streets as much as they'd like.
"It is definitely an unmissable stop if you come to Havana. It is a place where a lot of movement is maintained, you have a view of many important buildings in the city. You appreciate a sunset in this place is an excellent idea."
Alan Saúl Soto
"Right across from Hotel Inglaterra, you have this small park. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people operating tours, and they don't stop approaching you when the only thing you want is to just relax in the park."
Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari
"Havana's central park is a vibrant hub where you can enjoy admiring the authentic vibrant and colorful vintage cars or marvel at stunning old architectural buildings and statues, including the impressive Municipal Building of Cuba, iconic opera house. As the starting point for city tours, it's an ideal spot to begin your adventure, whether by car or horse-drawn carriage. The immaculately maintained Parque Central boasts a majestic white statue of Jose Marti, surrounded by swaying palm trees, pristine pathways, and vibrant flowerbeds. This electric atmosphere is a magnet for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique chance to experience Cuba's rich culture. With the option to ride open-top buses or vintage cars, or even enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, there's something for everyone. Luxury travellers will appreciate the nearby Gran Manzana hotel, featuring a beautiful shopping mall. For a truly immersive experience, visit the Habana Club, where you can sample and purchase authentic Cuban cigars. Although our time here was limited, we made the most of it, soaking up the sights and sounds of this incredible area.
Sadly, we were unable to stroll along the side streets and local cafes and indulge in the captivating ambiance. Nonetheless, this unmet expectation provides a justification for returning on a subsequent visit."
C Khan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parque Central is centrally located in Havana, making it easily accessible by walking from many areas. Taxis are readily available. For a budget-friendly option, consider the hop-on-hop-off bus which stops here, costing around $10.
Yes, the hop-on-hop-off bus service has a stop at Parque Central, serving as a starting and ending point for many city tours.
Absolutely! Old Havana is adjacent to Parque Central, and it's a pleasant and easy walk, taking about 15-20 minutes.
From Parque Central, you can easily walk to many attractions. Vintage car tours and horse-drawn carriages are also popular options that often start or pass through here.
Yes, there's an affordable shuttle bus service to the airport that departs from Parque Central every hour for just $5.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parque Central is a public park, so there is no entrance fee to wander through and enjoy its atmosphere.
Parque Central is always open, as it's a public space. It's particularly lively and recommended to visit in the evenings.
No booking is required to visit the park itself. However, if you plan on taking a city tour or a vintage car ride starting from here, booking might be advisable during peak times.
Yes, Parque Central is a common starting point for many city tours, including hop-on-hop-off buses, vintage car tours, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
You can easily access the exteriors of the surrounding buildings like the Capitol and the Gran Manzana hotel from the park. Some may have their own entry fees or tour requirements.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic José Martí statue, the vibrant vintage cars, and the stunning colonial architecture surrounding the park. The park itself offers great people-watching shots.
Yes, sunset views from Parque Central are highly recommended and offer beautiful lighting for photography.
Absolutely! The vintage cars parked around Parque Central are a major draw and perfect subjects for photos.
Early morning or late afternoon/evening offer the best light. Evenings are particularly vibrant with activity.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. Be mindful if photographing individuals up close without permission.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
There are many restaurants and cafes surrounding Parque Central, catering to various budgets. Look for places filled with locals for authentic Cuban cuisine.
You can expect to pay around $5-$7 for a meal, including a bottle of water and coffee, if you dine at local spots.
While specific famous restaurants might change, the area is known for its proximity to historic hotels with dining options and numerous paladares (private restaurants).
Yes, the Habana Club is mentioned as a place nearby where you can sample and purchase authentic Cuban cigars.
Expect traditional Cuban dishes like Ropa Vieja, Moros y Cristianos (rice and beans), and various grilled meats and seafood.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit