El Malecón

The Malecón

The Havana audio-guided tour has you walk along the Malecón, the famous seaside promenade also known as Avenida Maceo, an essential meeting place for the people of Havana.

The largest sofa in the world

Begun in 1901, under the American occupation, the Malecón first had the aim of protecting the city from the assaults of the sea, before becoming the favourite place of walk of the people of Havana. Stretched over eight kilometres between Old Havana and the Vedado, it is nicknamed "the largest sofa in the world". People meet there, walk there, fish there and dance there to the sound of Cuban music. Its so particular atmosphere has charmed cinema, as in the film 7 días en La Habana.

What there is to see

The Malecón unrolls its long ribbon facing the sea, lined with façades with colours washed out by the spray. By day, one admires there the ballet of old cars; in the evening, one lingers there facing the sunset, in a convivial and musical atmosphere. It is one of the most emblematic and lively places of Havana, to be walked without haste.

Practical information

The Malecón extends over eight kilometres along the seafront, between Old Havana and the Vedado. It is a public space freely accessible at all hours and on the level. The atmosphere is particularly pleasant at the end of the day; in heavy swell, the waves can submerge the seawall, and caution is advised.

Why was the Malecón built?

From 1901, first to protect the city from the assaults of the sea; it quickly became the favourite promenade of the people of Havana.

Why is the Malecón nicknamed the largest sofa in the world?

Because the people of Havana like to sit all along its eight kilometres of low wall facing the sea, to gather and enjoy the landscape.