Plaza de Armas
Havana's oldest plaza, a historic heart filled with colonial palaces, a vibrant book market, and tales of wooden road tiles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Plaza de Armas
Best Time
Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Havana's oldest plaza, a historic heart filled with colonial palaces, a vibrant book market, and tales of wooden road tiles.
"This place is Cuba, or what Cuba was in some point. Is an oasis into the poverty and destruction. Loved it so much!"
🚶 Hire a Guide
Enhance your visit by hiring a guide to uncover the rich history and folklore behind the plaza.
📚 Browse the Books
Take your time exploring the diverse collection of secondhand books available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Palaces and Colonial Architecture
Surrounding the plaza
Marvel at the grandeur of historic palaces and colonial buildings, showcasing Havana's rich architectural heritage.
Secondhand Book Market
Around the plaza edges
Browse endless stalls of used books, a unique cultural experience for any bibliophile.
Wooden Road Tiles
Near the palace
Discover the fascinating story behind the wooden tiles, designed to quiet horse carriages during siestas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Bookworm's Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Traveling to Havana, Cuba for 4 days. What to do to ensure I have the most fun?
🚶 Hire a Guide
Enhance your visit by hiring a guide to uncover the rich history and folklore behind the plaza.
📚 Browse the Books
Take your time exploring the diverse collection of secondhand books available.
Our 7 day itinerary for Havana
Traveling to Cuba by myself in a couple months!
☕ Relax and Observe
Find a seat in the park and soak in the vibrant atmosphere and people-watch.
📸 Capture the Details
Don't miss the unique wooden tiles and intricate architecture for great photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Hire a Guide
Enhance your visit by hiring a guide to uncover the rich history and folklore behind the plaza.
📚 Browse the Books
Take your time exploring the diverse collection of secondhand books available.
☕ Relax and Observe
Find a seat in the park and soak in the vibrant atmosphere and people-watch.
📸 Capture the Details
Don't miss the unique wooden tiles and intricate architecture for great photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Plaza de Armas is widely praised as a beautiful and historic square in Havana, offering a magical atmosphere with its colonial architecture and vibrant book market. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to relax, explore history, and enjoy local drinks. Some suggest a guide is essential to fully grasp the rich historical context.
"Awesome place to walking around."
Mueataz Al-Quaiti
"This is a nice small park in downtown Havana to relax after exploring the area. There is enough seating space."
Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari
"Beautiful square with a mix of palaces, old buildings and a park. One really interesting detail is that the tiles on the road near the palace are made out of wood. According to our guide, a mayor of the city at the time, ordered that they put wooden tiles so that the horse carriages don't make too much noise while he is having a siesta."
Milan Zelcevic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plaza de Armas is located in Old Havana and is easily accessible by walking if you are staying in the vicinity. Taxis are also readily available throughout the city to take you to the plaza.
Yes, Plaza de Armas is situated in the heart of Old Havana, making it a central point for exploring the historic district.
Many visitors find walking to be the best way to explore Old Havana and its plazas. Alternatively, consider a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the history.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Plaza de Armas is a public square, so there is no entrance fee to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.
As an open public space, Plaza de Armas is accessible at all hours. However, book stalls and surrounding establishments will have their own operating times.
No, advance booking is not necessary as it's a public plaza. You can visit anytime.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can relax in the park, browse the extensive secondhand book market, admire the colonial architecture, and learn about the area's history, especially the unique wooden road tiles.
Absolutely! The plaza offers beautiful colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and unique details like the wooden tiles, making it a photographer's delight.
Yes, you can often find guides in and around Plaza de Armas who can provide historical context and stories about the area.
The wooden tiles were reportedly installed so that horse carriages would not make noise during the mayor's siesta, a unique historical anecdote.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the plaza is surrounded by restaurants offering various dining options, perfect for a meal or a drink after exploring.
You can find places to enjoy Cuban rum and mojitos in the vicinity of Plaza de Armas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Book Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stroll Through History
Beyond the architecture, the plaza is a cultural hub. It's a place where history, magic, and folklore converge, offering an 'oasis into the poverty and destruction' for many visitors, as one reviewer put it.
The Literary Heart of the Plaza
This book market adds a unique layer to the plaza's appeal, transforming it into more than just a historical site. It's a place where stories, both historical and literary, come alive. Many visitors find joy in the simple act of perusing the shelves, making it a memorable part of their Havana exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit