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.
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?
🚶♀️ 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
✈️ 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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a short, fun ride in a vintage car or a horse-drawn carriage for a memorable family experience. The park is also a good place to start a walking tour of nearby attractions, keeping younger ones entertained with the sights and sounds of Havana. Remember to stay hydrated and be aware of the heat, especially during midday.
💰 Budget Travelers
For meals, follow the tip to eat where locals are dining; you can get a substantial meal for around $5-$7. The airport shuttle from Parque Central for $5 is also a significant cost-saver compared to taxis.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for golden hour during sunrise or sunset for the best light. The evening also brings a lively atmosphere, perfect for capturing candid shots of local life and the illuminated buildings. Don't miss the chance to photograph the classic cars up close.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Havana
This central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Havana. Many city tours, whether by vintage car, horse-drawn carriage, or the hop-on-hop-off bus, originate or pass through Parque Central. It's also a prime spot to witness the iconic vintage American cars that Havana is famous for, often parked along the perimeter, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere.
Beyond its visual appeal, Parque Central is a social hub. Locals and tourists alike gather here, creating an electric atmosphere, especially in the evenings. It's a place to soak in the sights, sounds, and energy of Havana, offering a genuine glimpse into the city's rich culture and history.
Navigating Havana from Parque Central
For longer distances or when time is limited, the hop-on-hop-off bus is a convenient option, with a stop directly at the park. This service is particularly useful for getting a broader overview of the city. Taxis are also abundant, and for a unique experience, vintage car tours and horse-drawn carriages are readily available, often departing from or passing through the park.
An often-overlooked tip is the affordable airport shuttle service that departs hourly from Parque Central for just $5, making it a practical point for arrivals and departures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit