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The Cathedral
Old Havana and its surrounding area was declared part of mankind's heritage by UNESCO. There are also many museums and places of historical interest. One of the places of most interest is the Plaza de la Catedral, where there is often an arts and crafts market. The Cathedral, an impressive example of Baroque architecture built in 1777, is a good place to start a tour of the city. If you go along Calle San Ignacio, you will come to the Centro Wilfredo Lam, which houses an interesting collection of the work of contemporary Latin American artists, including Lam himself, the world-renowned Cuban painter and sculptor. If you are interested in literature, you can buy second-hand and antique books in the Plaza de las Armas and then stop in to the elegant La Dominica restaurant for a delicious Italian meal. The Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro (El) is the largest fort built by the Spaniards during the colonial period. Every night, at 9p, you can hear a cannon shot from the castle. In times past it announced that the city wall had closed; today this custom continues in Havana. Going down Calle Oficios you will come across many interesting museums, such as the Museo de Autos Antiguos and the La Casa del Arabe. Another interesting place is La Casa de Africa, with a fascinating collection of Afro-Cuban art, including paintings, sculptures and a large variety of objects. The Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís houses an interesting exhibition of archaeological findings. If all this touring has worked up an appetite again, try having dinner at La Paella, in an 18th-century mansion and serving some of the best paella in the world.
Gran Teatro Nacional
Keep going along Calle Opispo toward the Parque Central, where you will come to the Gran Teatro Nacional, with several statues representing Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca. Nearby is the Capitolio Nacional, which you can also visit. Inside, you will find the largest indoor bronze statue in the world and you will have the chance to visit the parliament, and walk through the Salón de los Pasos Perdidos (The Room of the Lost Footsteps), so called due to the echo caused by the sound of visitors' footsteps. If you are lucky, you might also get the chance to see one of the many exhibitions which are regularly organized here, mainly the work of young Cuban artists.
Museo Nacional Palacio de Bellas Artes
On Calle Trocadero you will find the Museo Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts), which exhibits the largest collection of art in Cuba. The nearby Museo de la Revolución on Calle Refugio, exhibits an important collection of documents and objects related to the Cuban Revolution. The National Music Museum, Museo de Música, houses an interesting collection of traditional and modern musical instruments. For a bite to eat after all these museums, La Torre de Marfil serves up Cantonese cuisine in authentic surroundings, and El Mercurio serves up delicious and interesting meat dishes that are good for you too.
Bus Tours:
San Cristobal Agency (+537 863 9555/ http://www.cubaheritage.com/san-cristobal-description.htm)
Cuba Excursions (http://www.cuba-excursions.com)
Walking Tours:
San Cristobal Agency (+537 863 9555/ http://www.cubaheritage.com/san-cristobal-description.htm)
Juliet Barclay VIP Tours ((+537 863 9555/ http://www.cubaheritage.com/juliet-barclay-bio.htm)
Cuba Excursions (http://www.cuba-excursions.com)
Other Guided Tours:
Félix Argüelles Espinosa (+535 889 3335/ http://www.felixarguelles.com/services.asp)
Cuba Excursions (http://www.cuba-excursions.com)
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 Havana Hotels Guide
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