Grand Theater of Havana and classic cars create a timeless scene. Architectural elegance meets Cuban culture.
Stunning illuminated architecture in Havana, featuring the Capitol at night.
View of the National Capitol Building and Grand Theater in Havana, Cuba against a blue sky.
All attractions

Grand Theater of Havana Alicia Alonso

Havana, Cuba
i

Grand Theater of Havana and classic cars create a timeless scene. Architectural elegance meets Cuban culture.

Photo by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz

A visit to the Grand Theater of Havana Alicia Alonso promises an emotional journey through Cuban history, art, and architecture. Steeped in glamour and grandeur, the theater stands as a beacon of creativity and civic pride. Ornate details, rich performances, and lively public spaces provide visitors with authentic glimpses of Havana’s vibrant spirit. Both first-time guests and returning admirers find something to spark their imagination in this legendary building.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
10 USD
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 8:30 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Contact Information

Location
Address
458 P.º de Martí, La Habana 10600, Cuba
Phone
Website

Planning Your Visit

Anticipating a trip to the Grand Theater of Havana Alicia Alonso requires a bit of preparation, but rewards careful planners with a rich, immersive experience. The theater sits on the bustling Paseo del Prado, within convenient reach of Old Havana’s most dramatic scenery. Expect busy sidewalks, classic cars, and the hum of city life all around.
Tickets for ballet, opera, or guided tours often sell out early, especially during performance weekends. While crowds are common, particularly on evenings, quieter mornings reveal more of the building’s graceful beauty.

  • Best time to visit: November to April (dry season); weekday mornings for fewer crowds.
  • How to get there: Taxi, vintage car ride, or even a short walk from central Old Havana; public buses stop nearby.
  • Accessibility: Main halls and lobbies offer ramp access for wheelchairs and strollers; theater seating varies in comfort and ease of entry.
  • Average visit duration: 1 to 2 hours for a tour; 3+ hours for a performance.

Must See Stuff

The Grand Theater delivers more than beautiful architecture. Behind the arched façade, visitors find a maze of marble staircases, velvet hallways, and crystal chandeliers. Each wing of the theater invites exploration, from the historic Salón García Lorca to tiny creative studios still used by the Cuban National Ballet. Don’t skip the rooftop terraces, which offer surprising city views and a break from crowded interiors.

  • Key sights or features: Main auditorium (García Lorca Hall), Baroque sculptures by Giuseppe Moretti, grand marble staircase, rooftop views.
  • Unique experiences: Watching a rehearsal session, attending a Cuban ballet or zarzuela, joining a guided backstage tour.
  • Photo-worthy locations: Outside façade at golden hour, grand staircases, chandeliers, city skyline glimpsed from the upper floor windows.
  • Cultural or historical facts: Opened in 1838, renamed after Alicia Alonso—Cuba’s legendary prima ballerina. Over its lifetime, the theater has welcomed performers from around the world.

Tips for Your Visit

A few simple strategies make a trip to the Grand Theater of Havana Alicia Alonso smoother and more enjoyable. For those eager to see the splendor without the crowd, early weekday mornings work best. Comfortable shoes help on stone floors and staircases, while bottled water keeps visitors refreshed in summer heat. Photography is allowed in most public spaces, but be discreet during performances or rehearsals.
Dress codes are relaxed in daytime but more formal at night. Friendly staff offer guidance but English may be limited outside of official tours.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Early mornings (before 11 a.m.), weekdays outside of holidays.
  • What to bring: Water bottle, camera, a light sweater for air-conditioned rooms, comfortable walking shoes.
  • Local etiquette: Keep voices low in hallways; applause is expected after standout performances.
  • Safety or comfort advice: Watch for uneven steps and polished floors; keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
Grand Theater of Havana Alicia Alonso – Tickets, Hours & Visitor Guide