Vedado, Central business district and residential neighborhood in Havana, Cuba.
Vedado is a residential and business neighborhood with streets laid out in a numbered and lettered grid system that makes movement through the area straightforward. The district features a mix of apartment buildings, shops, and dining establishments organized in a logical pattern from east to west.
The area began as a military defense zone in the 1850s and later became residential as Cuba's sugar industry grew and brought wealth to the region. This transition led to the construction of grand houses that shaped the neighborhood's character.
The University of Havana shapes the eastern part of this neighborhood with its student population and academic life visible in the streets. Around the campus, you see gathering places where young people spend time together throughout the day.
La Rampa street runs through the neighborhood as the main east-west corridor, connecting to shops, restaurants, and the Habana Libre Hotel. Getting around is manageable thanks to public transportation options and a walkable street layout with services readily available.
The FOCSA Building stands as Cuba's tallest structure with 39 stories containing homes and businesses that shape the skyline. This tower was once a symbol of modern prosperity before the revolution and remains an architectural landmark that visitors often notice first.
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