The Cuban capital is gearing up for a big celebration. Here's all you need to know for a visit, writes Claire Boobbyer.
Go now
November marks the 500th anniversary of the founding of the city and there will be festivities taking place throughout the year. The local government has also been sprucing up some areas of the city, as well as enhancing the living conditions of some of its inhabitants, especially in Old Havana. The Cuatro Caminos market, which has been closed for more than a decade, is due to reopen this year, now converted into a modern shopping centre.
Stay here
With an infinity pool overlooking El Morro Castle, and the Bay of Havana, the central location of new Iberostar Grand Packard is perfect for Old Town sights and wandering Havana's iconic ocean boulevard. Doubles from $617, including breakfast. Bijou bed and breakfast Madero B&B packs a lot of style into a petite converted townhouse. Doubles from $150.
Walk here
Walk south from the ocean along elegant El Prado Promenade. Swing left, past the Moorish facade of the Hotel Sevilla (guests have included Al Capone, and Josephine Baker) on Trocadero St. Cross Zulueta St, passing between the Revolution Museum garden with the encased yacht Granma — which brought Fidel Castro from Mexico to Cuba in 1956 at the start of his rebel campaign — and the modern Museum of Fine Arts. Turn right on Monserrate Avenue; look up for the exquisite caramel-and-cream Art Deco Bacardi building topped by a bat sculpture. Further up is Hemingway haunt El Floridita. Step inside for live music and that icy daiquiri at the gorgeous long bar.
See this
Cuba's renovated wedding-cake white Capitol building has reopened to the public. Go for the third largest interior statue in the world, the gleaming Hall of Lost Steps, and the unusual garden statue of Lucifer. Between three and six guided tours daily Tues-Sun. $14.
