Old Town Square

Plaza · Havana

Old Town Square

Plaza · Havana

4MP2+C22 pollo Jul, San Ignacio, La Habana, Cuba

Highlights

Public square with fountain, cafes, art, and varied architecture

4MP2+C22 pollo Jul, San Ignacio, La Habana, Cuba Get directions

@atlasobscura

The Ultimate Guide to Bird Monuments

"There’s a mysterious brass statue in Havana’s Plaza Vieja. A woman sits atop her big, feathery mount, her voluptuous form completely naked except for the stilettos on her feet. A massive forks rests on her right shoulder. The rooster, ever so stoic, gazes ahead. No one knows the meaning behind the puzzling sculpture. The piece is called Viaje Fantástico, so perhaps she’s heading off on an adventure to some sort of nudist dinner party. Or, as some online theories speculate, it could have a more sexual connotation given the rooster’s association with male genitalia. Or, maybe, it’s just a figure of the sculptor’s imagination and has no greater symbolism at all. Recent tour guides have suggested it is meant as a tribute to the long history of prostitution in Havana. The nude woman is earning her meals (fork and chicken) by selling herself. Yet, she is unabashed by this behavior, as seen in the defiant look on her face. Roberto Fabelo installed the nugget of art in Plaza Vieja in 2012 without explanation or context. The artist, who won the country’s 2004 National Arts Award, frequently features nude women with birdlike appearances in his work." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/ultimate-guide-to-bird-monuments

View Postcard for Viaje Fantástico

@afar

"Azucar Restaurant in Old Havana's Plaza Vieja My favorite part of Azucar restaurant in Plaza Vieja isn't the trendy setting, delicious food and drinks, or perfect location. My favorite part of Azucar is that it's one of the many restaurants that began when the government allowed Cubans to open their own businesses -- plus it's owned by a woman. The setting offers a modern vibe in Old Havana, and is decorated with slick photography, reminiscent of a Miami dining experience. The food is excellent, and the drinks are some of the best in Havana. Outdoor, balcony seating is a great way to spend a night overlooking Plaza Vieja in Old Havana."

A Cuba Trip to Remember

View Postcard for Old Town Square

Aleksandra Nesic

Google

A very nice square, especially during the day. There are always some events taking place here. Many restaurants and cafes are located here. Because they are located in this square, the prices are not that affordable. The fountain is located in the middle of the square, as well as other sculptures. The evening is also very nice, music, dancing, just to enjoy.

Puffin “Puff Puff” Young

Google

Driving an antique car, listening to Habana music and taking a stroll through the old town of Habana is definitely a life enjoyment.

Hanan Younes

Google

A wonderful place to be during the day; a nightmare at night if you’re living right next to it! People don’t sleep, once the music is done late at night, drunk people start fighting and dogs start barking! Lots is going on this place 😓 though I like the day vibes and architecture of this square.

Josep Vidal-Alaball

Google

Plaza Vieja is one of the most beautiful and lively squares in Havana, surrounded by stunning colonial buildings and filled with vibrant cafes, restaurants, and art galleries. The architecture is impressive, and there’s a lot to explore in the area. However, be mindful of the sun, especially during midday. The square has limited shade, so it can get quite hot. I recommend visiting in the morning or late afternoon, and be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable. Despite the heat, it’s a must-visit spot to soak in the atmosphere of Old Habana

Joshua Schmidt

Google

Very Nice restored plaza in Old Havanna. Definitely recommend to have a breakfast or Coffee here at Café La Bohemia.

R F

Google

Beautiful plaza with colonial style buildings surrounding the plaza and brick paved. There are several restaurants and bars in and around the plaza definitely a must visit. You can see the buildings and surroundings have been beautifully renovated. Just beware of the usual scams and beggars that may approach you.

Ross Daniels

Google

This is described as a visual feast, showcasing a blend of architectural styles baroque to Art Nouveau, each with its unique character. Some have stained-glass windows and arched structures and along with this being the main Havana Square makes it a great place. However in the past it witnessed public events like executions, processions, and bullfights. Unfortunately some of the more iconic features were abolished apparently in the late 1930’s. Plus, this is one of the main places to get wifi connections in the weird way to access the internet in Cuba.

Milan Zelcevic

Google

Out of all the squares in the Old Havana, this was my favourite one in terms of beauty. Kids were playing soccer in the middle of the square, plenty of cafes and restaurants (apparently and according to our Italian friends from the resort we stayed in, they have great pizza at Estanzia Bohema), excellent vibe. We visited during the day.