GO NOW
Ahead of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the city this year, winter festivities began in balmy weather in December, with cinemagoers flocking to the Havana Film Festival, and music fans for January's Festival of Jazz.
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 $373 (R5,190) including breakfast.
Bijou bed and breakfast Madero B&B packs a lot of style into a petite converted townhouse. Doubles from $103 (R1,435).
WALK HERE
Walk south from the ocean along El Prado Promenade. Swing left past the Moorish facade of the Hotel Sevilla (guests have included Al Capone, and Josephine Baker) on Trocadero Street.
Cross Zulueta Street 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 Bacardí building. Then it's an Ernest 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 Hall of Lost Steps, and garden statue of Lucifer. Guided tours daily Tues-Sun. CUC$10 (R140).
TRY THIS
For a Lilliputian view of Old Havana life, climb to the Camera Obscura on Plaza Vieja, 8.30am-6pm daily. CUC$2 (R14).
SHOP HERE
Browse at the Book and Curiosities Market, Baratillo St, corner Justíz St, off Plaza de Armas.
DRINK HERE
For funky colours, convivial company and live piano and sax, pull back the curtain at Siá Kará.
EAT HERE
At old-school paladar (private restaurant) Grados, chef Raul Bazuka is reviving traditional Cuban recipes. Expect to pay around CUC$20 pp (R280).
OFF THE MAP
Hemingway's home for 21 years, Finca Vigía, is a museum. His house, pool and boat Pilar can be seen in the fragrant gardens. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. CUC$5 (R70) entry. Return taxi CUC$20 (R280). 9km from Old Havana. - The Telegraph..