Plaza de Armas Secondhand Book Market
Park, Bookstore

A bookseller next to a stand of secondhand books | © Peter Kraayvanger/Pixabay
Booklovers beware—one step into Havana’s Secondhand Book Market and you may not want to leave. Situated in Havana’s historic Old Town, you’ll find rows of booksellers touting their favorite reads. Expect to browse through old magazines, some Revolutionary propaganda, and a lot of Hemingway—he did live in Cuba for nearly 20 years, after all. Along with books, you can browse through stacks of retro posters, stamps, and old beer labels—any of which could make a unique souvenir.
This market runs every day but Sunday, and is one of the most popular in the city. But why? Scarcity of new imports plays a role, and Cuban entrepreneurs are famous for their ability to reuse and recycle goods. The biggest reason, however, may be that Cubans love to read. Cuba’s literacy rate is 99.8—among the highest in the world.
This market runs every day but Sunday, and is one of the most popular in the city. But why? Scarcity of new imports plays a role, and Cuban entrepreneurs are famous for their ability to reuse and recycle goods. The biggest reason, however, may be that Cubans love to read. Cuba’s literacy rate is 99.8—among the highest in the world.