La Habana Vieja grew up around a natural harbour where ships once sheltered from storms. Sailors, traders and craftspeople built churches, palaces and plazas here, and many of those buildings are still standing. Walking through the narrow streets feels like stepping back in time - except the ice-cream sellers and musicians make it feel very much alive.
One of the most famous spots is the Plaza de la Catedral, a wide square surrounded by stone buildings that have stood for hundreds of years. Nearby is the Plaza de Armas, where second-hand book stalls stretch in long rows beneath shady trees. Locals sit on benches and chat while visitors browse the old maps and paperback novels.
The neighbourhood is full of colour on purpose - the city has a tradition of painting buildings in cheerful shades to brighten daily life. Many doorways are decorated with carved stone or wrought-iron patterns. Even the lamp posts along the seafront promenade (called the Malecón) are ornate, as if the city wanted every last detail to be something worth looking at.