Old Havana (Habana Vieja).

Old Havana is the historic, colonial heart of Cuba’s capital, defined by its 16th-century borders and a remarkably preserved cityscape that avoids feeling like a sterile open-air museum. Anchored by four distinct plazas—each historically dedicated to military, religious, commercial, or port life—the neighborhood is a dense grid of narrow cobbled lanes, baroque facades, and grand neoclassical plazas. What makes the area unique is its raw, lived-in character: meticulously restored landmarks like the Cathedral of San Cristóbal stand just blocks from crumbling, salt-worn ruins and everyday residential life. From its imposing harborside fortifications to the constant hum of street music and classic cars, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an essential, highly walkable slice of living history.