Vitrina de Valonia

Habana Vieja


Housed in a restored colonial mansion, this library and comic-book museum highlights the relationship between Belgium and Cuba, hosting Belgium Culture Week, graffiti exhibitions featuring Cuban and Belgian artists, and even comic-designing lessons. Revamped in 2006, it also hosts workshops for children and teenagers, and a quick tour with the librarian herself is available in English and French.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Habana Vieja attractions

1. Palacio de los Condes de Jaruco

0.03 MILES

This muscular mansion on Plaza Vieja's southwestern corner is one of the square's oldest, constructed in 1738 from local limestone in a transitional…

2. Plaza Vieja

0.03 MILES

Laid out in 1559, Plaza Vieja is Havana's most architecturally eclectic square, where Cuban baroque nestles seamlessly next to Gaudí-inspired art nouveau…

3. Museo de Naipes

0.04 MILES

Encased in Plaza Vieja's oldest building is this quirky playing-card museum, with a 2000-strong collection that includes rock stars, rum drinks and round…

4. Planetario

0.05 MILES

Aimed more at Cubans than tourists who may be used to more technical wizardry, Havana's planetarium includes a scale reproduction of the solar system…

5. Fototeca de Cuba

0.05 MILES

This photographic archive of Old Havana from the early 20th century onward was started by former City Historian Emilio Roig de Leuchsenring in 1937. There…

6. Cámara Oscura

0.06 MILES

At the northeastern corner of Plaza Vieja in a tall, narrow edifice is this clever optical device providing live, 360-degree views of the city from atop a…

8. Museo Alejandro Humboldt

0.1 MILES

German scientist Alexander von Humboldt is often referred to as the 'second discoverer' of Cuba, but his huge Cuban legacy goes largely unnoticed by…