Havana Travel Forum

HELLO ALL..

as a first timer which area to stay in havana? to see the museums, squares ets.. within walking distance. ps: I am planning to stay at a Casa. not a hotel

I suggest Vedado area, of course, this is where I live...lol:)
I`m sure many people would suggest you the same.
Have a nice day.

I agree, I stayed in the Vedado area when I was in Cuba a couple years ago and I thought it was the best place to stay in Havana. I thought it was nicer and more quiet than La Habana Vieja, and there are plenty of casas particulares in that area. However, we did end up having to take a taxi (about 5 CUC) to La Habana Vieja so if you really wish to be within walking distance of the plazas, perhaps you'd better look for a place in La Habana Vieja. Otherwise, I would recommend staying in the Vedado area and hoping on board a coco-taxi for a fun ride to La Habana Vieja!

Have fun in Cuba!

if you want to be in walking distance then you need to stay in old habana. old habana is a city teaming with life people and all the good and bad of that.once you go outside of habana you are using taxis. relatively speaking they arent costly, but i dont know your budget and it does add up. i also liked being able to pop back to my casa to drop things off, or change quickly, and then go back out. a good place to stay which is near everything you mentioned and is very centraly located is
raul hernansez leon\aguila no 505
e san jose y barcelona
537 867 5755
silvioortega@infomed.sid.cu

it is clean, friendly and reasonable
good luck

I’d vote for La Habana Vieja. You can walk to many of the most interesting attractions, clubs, restaurants, the Malecón, markets, El Morro, San Cristobal and it‘s not that much of a hike to the Plaza de la Revolution. You can print off a list of Casa Particulars in that area and also ask around when you get there for the not-so-legal ones (taxi drivers, horse and buggy guys).

I agree Vedado is a welcome break from the hussle and bustle of the old town, but be prepared to pay for taxis, it can be a long walk to Parte Vieja.

I would recomend U Havana Vieja as it is right in the historical center, near of the main buildings, plazas and other historical places. Centro Habana could be other option, this municipality is located between Havana Vieja and Vedado so U could get the goods and the bads of both places, near to historic center and near to night life but also noisier than Vedado and similar to Havana Vieja... good luck in your quest!

As a frequent visitor to Havana, I will recommend Vedado. It is true that for a first time, Habana Vieja may be more appropriate, with walking distance to the attraction, food and museum. You may not be spending all your time at Habana Vieja so the extra bit for taxi may not matter. Vedado is quiet, there are nice places to eat, less tourists, quiet places to relax and architecture of homes is something to behold. Whether you stay in Habana Vieja: with its chic eateries, chocolate and ice cream places and the four dominant plazas or Vedado with its sophisticated tranquility, you would enjoy Havana. It is a moveable feast. It will touch your heart..

I'm just back from 2 month in cuba and i allways stay in Vedado.You can walk and take taxis from there..but there is plenty to been seen in Vedado and mirama is very nice too. It cost a little more the old havana but it is safer to stay.