Stroll through Old Havana and admire the colorful classical architecture

Cuba always has a strange attraction for international tourists thanks to its ancient beauty, slow pace of life and Caribbean culture. In particular, Old Havana is considered the heart of the capital and is one of the world cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO. This is where the past and present intersect, where you can encounter buildings with classic Spanish architecture mixed with colorful tones, small cobblestone streets and bustling salsa music from street bars. A walk in Old Havana is not just a simple sightseeing, but also a way to touch the soul of Havana.

1. History and cultural value of Old Havana

Old Havana preserves more than 900 architectural works in Baroque and Neoclassical styles (Photo source: Collected)

To understand the appeal of walking around, it is necessary to start with the history of Old Havana. This area was built in the 16th century, when the Spanish arrived in Cuba and turned it into one of the most important ports in the Caribbean. For centuries, Havana became a commercial, political and cultural center, a meeting place between Europe and the New World.

Today, the Old Town retains more than 900 Baroque and Neoclassical architectural structures. Each building and square reflects a diverse cultural mix, from Spanish, French to African influences. It is not only a historical site but also a vivid testament to the formation and development of Cuba through many turbulent periods.

2. The colorful architecture of Old Havana

Old Havana with colorful rows of houses (Photo source: Collected)

What fascinates visitors when walking around Old Havana is the scene of rows of houses with bright colors. Yellow, turquoise, pink or brick red walls create a vivid picture under the tropical sunlight. Besides the colors, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture is also shown in curved iron balconies, classic wooden doors and red tiled roofs.

Each street is like an art painting, where time has left its mark but still retains its own charm. Peeling walls, old wooden doors combined with fresh colors create a nostalgic contrast. For tourists who love photography, this is truly a paradise to capture unique moments.

3. Central Square – The Heart of Old Havana

Plaza Vieja with diverse architecture, surrounded by buildings from different centuries (Photo source: Collected)

On your tour of Old Havana, you cannot miss the squares, which have been the center of community activities and exchanges for hundreds of years. The most prominent is Plaza Vieja with its diverse architecture, surrounded by buildings from many different centuries. Each building here tells a story, from wealthy noble families to bustling merchants.

Plaza de la Catedral is famous for its magnificent Havana Cathedral, with its typical Baroque style, and outdoor cafes that are always crowded with tourists . Plaza de Armas is an ideal destination to learn about history, with the presence of Castillo de la Real Fuerza - the oldest fortress in the Americas.

4. Small streets contain unique beauty

Old Havana is also attractive for its narrow, cobblestone streets, winding like a maze (Photo source: Collected)

Not only the large squares, Old Havana is also attractive because of the narrow, cobblestone streets, winding like a maze. When walking here, you will encounter old but still vibrant houses, small bars with the sound of guitars and conga drums, or artistic murals full of expression.

Every corner holds a surprise, from a souvenir shop selling local handicrafts to a cafe where people gather to chat. It is the friendliness and closeness of the people of Havana that makes the journey to explore the old town all the more warm and emotional.

5. Authentic Cuban cuisine in Old Havana

An indispensable experience when walking around old Havana is enjoying the typical cuisine (Photo source: Collected)

An indispensable experience when walking around Old Havana is enjoying the typical cuisine. Cuban dishes often combine flavors from Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, creating a unique blend.

You can start with ropa vieja – shredded beef stew cooked in tomato and chili sauce, served with white rice. Or try tostones, crispy fried plantains that are loved by many tourists. In addition, mojito and daiquiri are two famous cocktails associated with Havana culture, often enjoyed with bustling live music. Cuisine in the Old Town is not just a meal, but also a part of the cultural experience, where you can feel the slow but passionate pace of life of the Cuban people.

Old Havana is not only a world cultural heritage, but also a place for visitors to truly slow down and immerse themselves in the rhythm of the past mixed with the present. Colorful buildings, historic squares, passionate music and friendly people have created a unique attraction. Walking here, you not only see a city, but also feel the soul of Cuba - a place that holds memories and is also a vivid picture of pride and identity. Every step in the old town is a journey of discovery, so that when you leave, you still carry with you the brilliant and warm echoes of Havana.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/pho-co-havana-v17780.aspx