Havana Center
Havana Center is mainly residencial with shops, offices, bars and clubs. And many hotels, notwithstanding, Havana Center is not really touristic. On the contrary, you may be in for a shock when seeing the streets of Cuba´s capital covered with dirt, trash and innumerable holes.
Still, Centro has some history to offer. For example, it once contained the biggest chinatown of the Americas. The first Chinese arrived in 1847, brought in by the Spanish colonists, to replace the African slaves. Hundreds of thousands followed. After having completed their work contract in the sugar mills they settled in what is now called Habana´s Barrio Chino.
Until 1959 the neighborhood was flourishing with Chinese restaurants, laundries, banks, pharmacies, theaters and even several Chinese-language newspapers. The revolution and the seizure of private businesses changed this. The capitalistic minded Chinese left and nowadays only around 150 Chinese inhabitants are left. Today only a small porportion of el Barrio Chino is left; the area between Cuchillo de Zanja, San Nicolás and Dragones. There still is the entrance, a rectangular concrete arch with a pagoda-inspired roof. And Cuchillo de Zanja, once the thriving main street is now recognizable as being part of el Barrio Chino only because of the Chinese adornments and many (semi-authentic) Chinese restaurants.
In Havana Center www.househostelcuba .com can offer you different hotels and particular houses for your accommodation.
Barrio Chino, Havana Center, Notable site
The first Chinese arrived in 1847, brought in by the Spanish colonists, to replace the African slaves. Hundreds of thousands followed. After having completed their work contract in the sugar mills they settled in what is now called Habana´s Barrio Chino.
Until 1959 the neighborhood was flourishing with Chinese restaurants, laundries, banks, pharmacies, theaters and even several Chinese-language newspapers. The revolution and the seizure of private businesses changed this. The capitalistic minded Chinese left and nowadays only around 150 Chinese inhabitants are left. Today only a small porportion of el Barrio Chino is left; the area between Cuchillo de Zanja, San Nicolás and Dragones. There still is the entrance, a rectangular concrete arch with a pagoda-inspired roof. And Cuchillo de Zanja, once the thriving main street is now recognizable as being part of el Barrio Chino only because of the Chinese adornments and many (semi-authentic) Chinese restaurants.
Malecón, Havana Center, Notable site
Malecón is the oceanside pedestrian avenue that runs along the north coast of the city, beside the seawall, all the way from the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta in La Habana Vieja to the Almendares River that separates Vedado from Miramar. Malecón is the most popular avenue of La Habana and it is a great place to spend some time strolling and lingering, enjoying a sunset in a typical Cuban setting. Throughout the day you'll see children swimming (don’t try this yourself, the sea is deceptively dangerous with the rocks and the undercurrent), men fishing off the rocky coast that borders the avenue and people sunbathing, drinking and socializing. At night, lovers sit cuddling together, locals play some tune and no doubt, some hussler and jineteras will try to get in touch.
The Malecon is lined with grand colonial buildings whose pastel hues have faded in the sun and the salty air and have run in disrepair because of the waves breaching the sea walls. The section of Havana Center is probably the most picturesque. A walk from there to La Habana Vieja will take you half an hour at most.
In front of the Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras, you will find the Monumento a Antonio Maceo, built in 1916. Known as "The Bronze Titan," General Antonio Maceo Grajales was one of the most important leaders in the Cuban Wars of Independence (3 in total) against the Spanish.
Very near the monument to Antonio Maceo is the Torreón de San Lazaro, a small watchtower made by the Spanish in the eighteenth century. Like the Torreón de La Chorrera, San Lazaro was one of the first defenses to fall into the hands of the British during the siege of 1762.
At the western extremity of the Malecón there is the Torreón de Santa Dorotea de la Luna de La Chorrera. This watchtower was built in 1643 and protected the mouth of the river Almenares against pirates and foreign invaders. This small two-story turret housed artillery, storage rooms and a military of more than 100 soldiers. The tower was designed by the Italian engineer Juan Bautista Antonelli, who also designed El Morro castle. In 1762 this watchtower was also taken by the British. Today it houses a small restaurant, Mesón La Chorrera.
On the corner of El Malecón with streets D and E there is a daily crafts fair (starting at 10:30am, except Wednesdays), a market with handicrafts, handmade objects, secondhand books and ancient coins.
Near the Malecón is located the Interests Section (Calzada, between streets L and M), in the building of the embassy of the United States, which was built by architects Harrison and Abramovitz in 1953. This building is continuously and completely surrounded and guarded.
Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, Havana Center, Notable building
It's worth the walk to see the highest church of Cuba with its 50-meter tower. Locally known as Iglesia Reina (Queen Church), this Catholic church in authentic Gothic style and built in marble, is known for its magnificent stained glass windows and impressive light games, especially in the morning light.
Address: Avenida Simon Bolivar, between Gervasio and Padre Varela
Torreon de San Lazaro, Havana Center, Notable building
The Torreón de San Lazaro, a small watchtower made by the Spanish in the eighteenth century, is situated near the Malecón. When pirates or invaders were spotted, a bonfire was lighted on top of the tower.
Like the Torreón de La Chorrera, San Lazaro was one of the first defenses to fall into the hands of the British during the siege of 1762.
The watchtower was constructed next to a creek. In order to build the monument to Antonio Maceo, in 1916, part of the creek had to be filled, leaving the watchtower now a little farther from the sea.
Address: San Lazaro and Malecón
Palacio de los Matrimonios (former Casino Español), Havana Center, Notable building
If you ever considered getting married in Cuba, the Palacio de los Matrimonios in Havana Center would be the best place for it. Located in the Paseo del Prado, also known as the Paseo de martí, this former casino with its beautiful neo-renaissance architecture is Habana´s couples favorite wedding venue. On Saturday morning you will most likely spot some happy couples.
Address: Paseo del Prado, 302
Monumento a Antonio Maceo, Havana Center, Monument
The monument to Antonio Maceo, known as the Bronze Tiran, is located on Malecón in front of the Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras and was built in 1916. General Antonio Maceo was one of the most important leaders in the Wars of Independence of Cuba.
Address: Malecón, corner Padre Varela
Galeria La Acacia, Havana Center, Art gallery
The Acacia art gallery is located near the Capitolio and behind the Gran Teatro de La Habana. It organizes changing exhibitions of contemporary Cuban artists as well as the sale of the works of art. This gallery facilitates the required export permit.
Address: San Martin 114, between Industria and Consulado
Open: Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 3:30pm; Saturday, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Feria de Artesanía, Havana Center, Shopping
On the corner of Malecón with streets D and E there is a daily crafts fair (starting at 10:30am, not open on Wednesday), a market with handicrafts, handmade objects, secondhand books and ancient coins.
Address: Malecón, between Calle D and E
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