Laws of the Indies: Havana was set up according to the Laws of the Indies. These were controlled cities set up by the Spanish. The Laws called for a grid pattern of geometrically regular streets that radiated out from a central plaza. The plaza was the center of life in Spanish colonial cities, and remains a very important part of Havana. In the past, living near the plaza conveyed a certain high status, and was therefore among the most desired places to live in Havana.

Havana is classified as a fan-shaped semi-circular city. In other words, there is one node of attraction and penetration roads radiate out towards the hinterland. As Havana has grown over the past century, this pattern has diminished somewhat, but is still evident. As Havana has expanded, most of the growth has been to the west and the south, but some eastward migration of the city has taken place. A tunnel was built underneath the entrance to the bay, facilitating travel between the two sides. Some residential areas are now located on the east side of the bay.

A unique aspect of Havana is the relative absence of industry in the city center. Production of materials is on the outskirts of the city, whereas in many cities there is a large industrial area within the city limits. Another characteristic Havana is known for is the abundance of broad, tree-lined avenues and boulevards throughout the city.

 Havana can be divided up into three or four regions-Old Havana, Vedado, Central Havana (sometimes considered part of Vedado, and the residential/industrial districts to the west.

Old Havana is the traditional center of commerce, industry and entertainment. It is also a residential region. It is characterized by narrow streets and overhanging balconies. Many architectural styles are represented in the historic buildings of this region. There are Baroque churches, Spanish colonial and neoclassical buildings. Old Havana is in the midst of a 35-year multimillion dollar restoration project to return some of their historic buildings to their former glory. To the left is an image of the Plaza de la Catedral, with the Catedral de San Christobal de La Habana dominating the square.

Vedado is an active residential area to the northwest of Old Havana. It is where the affluent Americans stayed, and as a result there are many impressive hotels in this region. It was built largely in the 20th century, and its commercial activity and nightlife rival that of Old Havana's. Wide, tree-lined boulevards and avenues are common in Vedado. To the right is an image of the Museum of the Revolution, the best museum in Cuba. It is in the Plaza de la Revolucion, a very large, empty square in which Castro has made speeches to hundreds of thousands of people.

Central Havana is a relatively seedy area that actually used to be the "red light district" before the Revolution. It is better today, but still relatively run down. Most tourists stay away from this area, preferring the more built up Old Havana and Vedado. To the left is the Capitol Building, which used to be the seat of the government but now houses the Cuban Academy of Sciences and the National Library of Science and Technology.

The residential and industrial districts to the west were very exclusive at in the past, especially during the 1920's. The homes there are impressive, but many were expropriated by Fidel Castro's regime after the Revolution. Now, many of the homes house government service buildings.

The Malecon is a broad avenue along the coastline of Havana. It is a popular destination for tourists and always bustling with activity. It is a main thoroughfare, and also offers magnificent views of the water.

Cristobal de Colon is the largest cemetary in Havana. It has many beautiful monuments and is quite large, containing over 800,000 graves.

Buses are the most popular mode of transportation within Havana. Consequently, there is an extensive system of bus routes throughout the city. Many people also take taxis, which are old American or Soviet cars. Within Cuba, Havana is the center of the transportation network. Railroads and highways link it to the rest of the island. The Jose Marti International Airport is located near downtown Havana and handles all international air travel for the country.