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Old Square (Plaza Vieja)

La Habana Vieja, Havana, Cuba
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Ranked #2 of 88 attractions in Havana
Type: Historic Sites, Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Owner description: What is now called the Old Square was originally Plaza Nueva (New Square), built as a popular alternative to Plaza de Armas, the military and... more » Owner description: What is now called the Old Square was originally Plaza Nueva (New Square), built as a popular alternative to Plaza de Armas, the military and government nerve center. Later called Plaza del Mercado (Market Square) as Havana's commercial hub, Plaza Vieja was the site of executions, processions, bullfights, and fiestas -- all witnessed by Havana's wealthiest citizens, who looked on from their balconies. The original Carrara marble fountain surrounded by four dolphins was demolished in the 1930s when President Gerardo Machado (1871-1939) built an underground parking lot here. Today the square's surrounding structures vary wildly in condition, though all of them are noteworthy. « less
Useful Information: Lockers / storage
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697 reviews from our community

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Hamilton, Canada
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

The square is so beautiful, you could spend an entire day here taking photos. The food isnt amazing, but you have to eat somewhere! There are always street performers around too

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See 2 more reviews by Hamiltongirl_12 for Havana
Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

Nice area with interesting buildings, only down points I can point out is the beggars and tourist trap people that come and try to get money out of you. Also the food and drink was quite expensive in this area and remember to take toilet roll or you will be paying for it!

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See 4 more reviews by Adam D for Havana
UK
Top Contributor
187 reviews 187 reviews
58 attraction reviews
Reviews in 74 cities Reviews in 74 cities
124 helpful votes 124 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 June 2013

The Old Square is one of the high spots of Old Havana with beautiful buidlings, sculptures and a bar where they brew their own beer.

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See 9 more reviews by Neatham for Havana
Deland,florida
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2013

Nothing negative about this trip , better than expected,so much to see, so little time. Great in evenings

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See 2 more reviews by Luv2GoMo for Havana
Ruislip
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2013

1 Buena Vista Social Cub, say no more 2 Cafe el Escorial, excellent roastery and coffee shop 3 La Factoria, brew pub 4 A great restaurant on the other corner, sorry I've forgotten the name

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See 2 more reviews by 5uperDuke for Havana
Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2013

Went to coffee house, supposed to see it being roasted but we were too busy chatting and watching the world go round

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See 2 more reviews by 365Cosmosmallpiece for Havana
Bolton, United Kingdom
2 reviews
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2013

Is a large square, a must see in Havana where the government has imrpoved a lot of repairs, has an impressive colonial church located on the north side but this week it was closed so we couldn't see how it looks inside. There are many restaurants and bars but too many people trying to approach you to sell everything and... More

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London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

The restoration of Old Havana came as such a surprise, they are doing an amazing job restoring such a great city of the past. The mix of old and restored holds a magical presence ... go and explore!

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See 2 more reviews by onefliesoneswims for Havana
Zurich, Switzerland
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

When once after the petrified Castro regime has fallen and the economy recovered, all of old Havana will be beautifully renovated like this square, the world will have gained another jewel.

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See 3 more reviews by AloisTreindl for Havana
Potomac,MD
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

What a difference from 13 years ago! They have created a beautiful restored Plaza Vieja with shops, restaurants and music venues. Nice for strolling and meeting Cubans, good place to hang out and have coffee or a meal.

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See 6 more reviews by psdunner for Havana

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