Celebrate 500 years of Havana
Celebrate the Cuban capital’s 500th anniversary by wandering the boulevards of this picturesque city and getting to grips with its unique culture and heritage.
The elegant Cuban capital prepares to celebrate the 500th anniversary of its founding this November — the perfect occasion to explore the city's history, culture and cuisine.
Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cultural melting pot. Wandering the wide boulevards, visitors are surrounded by beautifully preserved colonial houses and elaborate art deco architecture — their elegant facades serving as windows into Cuban history.
Havana is also the hub of Cuba’s music scene, which draws inspiration from Andalusia, Haiti, Africa and New Orleans. Explore the city’s many jazz clubs, listen to the untapped talent of street artists, enjoy the lively rhythms of rumba and salsa or move to the propulsive sounds of guajira. Check out the upbeat La Dichosa bar or stroll to the magnificent Plaza Vieja and take a seat outside Santo Angel with a mojito in hand to watch the resident live band perform on the terrace.
As Cuba continues to open up to the world, the island’s chefs have increased access to ingredients and produce, transforming Cuba’s food scene into an imaginative amalgam of the past and present. Fusing foreign influences and centuries-old traditions with native ‘criollo’ flavours, Havana’s restaurants are becoming world-class. Try atmospheric La Fontana for its famed charcoal grill and generous portions of fresh seafood, or Doña Eutimia, which serves up authentic ropa vieja (shredded beef and rice) and picadillo (spiced ground beef).
Three of the Caribbean city’s landmark hotels offer the perfect bases to explore from: Iberostar Grand Packard, Iberostar Parque Central and Habana Riviera by Iberostar. All situated in the heart of the city, their locations offer guests the opportunity to experience Havana at its best. The formidable fortresses of San Salvador and Parque Central overlooking the Atlantic Ocean are just a few highlights that are within walking distance of the accommodation options.
Make the most of this exciting occasion with Iberostar and head to Havana to party like it’s 1519. iberostar.com
