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Some rooftop bars and restaurants that emerge as colorful oases among the decaying rooftops, art galleries in old industrial buildings, restaurants that add a touch of avant-garde to Creole cuisine. And music, of course, everywhere. New winds are blowing in the Cuban capital.

From the legendary Malecón lashed by the sea, to the colonial core presided over by the Cathedral. From Vedado with its crumbling palaces to the iconic Plaza de la Revolucion. Slowly but inexorably, Havana is awakening from its slumber to witness an unstoppable cultural takeoff. And it does so, of course, without losing its essence, that anachronistic charm that guarantees an authentic journey through time. With its decaying buildings and vintage vehicles. With the warmth of its people. And with music on every corner. These are (just) some of the must-see programs.

A SWIM WITH A VIEW OF THE CAPITOL

The one enjoyed from the pool of the Iberostar Parque Central hotel, located on the rooftop, almost touching the dome of the emblematic building, which is one meter taller, one meter wider, and one meter longer than the one in Washington. Lively and equipped with a bar, it is the great attraction of this five-star hotel that represents an excellent accommodation solution, not only for its privileged location but also for its spacious colonial-style rooms, its two restaurants, and its cheerful and welcoming atmosphere, typically Cuban, service. Not to be missed is the sunset, with the Capitol tinged with golden reflections.

THE EXPRESSION OF ART IN ALL ITS FORMS

Cinema, dance, design, visual arts, photography… Everything is included in the Fábrica de Arte Cubano, the great laboratory of contemporary creation in Havana. An old peanut oil factory, converted into an interdisciplinary space that opens up to exchange among all artistic manifestations. Here you can attend a rock concert or participate in a massive salsa lesson or watch a fashion show or loosen your hips to the rhythm of cubatón, which mixes traditional Cuban music with the rhythm of reggaetón. All this in a spectacular space that alternates industrial warehouses with bars, restaurants, and terraces.

DISCOVER NEW GASTRONOMIC PLEASURES

Because the culinary scene is not fueled only by old clothes and rice and beans. In line with the timid push for private businesses, interesting restaurants are emerging that give a twist to Creole cuisine. Dishes with avant-garde touches in venues that also stand out for their rewarding decor. Not to be missed is El Cocinero, located on a wonderful terrace that is part of the Cuban Art Factory (in the image); El Chanchullero (Bernaza y El Cristo, 457), which stands out, in addition to its Cuban Creole cuisine with a touch of modernity, for its beautiful decoration; and El Del Frente (O'Reilly, 303), for a dinner on a pleasant terrace, washed down with delicious cocktails and with jazz music in the background.

BUY CUBAN DESIGN CLOTHING

Yes, what until not long ago was a mission impossible, today is a reality. You can return from Havana with a souvenir of local design, with a piece of Cuban fashion. For this there is Dador, a lifestyle brand with limited edition pieces, handmade with natural fabrics. Its inspiration: sophisticated simplicity and the relaxed air typical of the tropical island. Blouses, dresses, jumpsuits, tops… to wear from morning to night and whose production can be seen in a concept store located in the city center, which is both a shop and an atelier.

UNTIL MORNING IN A SPEAKEASY

It is a place that would easily fit in Berlin, Buenos Aires, or New York. A place accessed through a door that simulates a bookstore to discover inside a fantastic universe. It is called Ley Seca (between Obispo and Obrapia streets) and it is the only speakeasy in the city. A place where you can eat (they say it offers the best chickpeas in the city), dance with live music, and enjoy delicious drinks served by waiters dressed in Peaky Blinders outfits. And all this, until the early hours of the morning. In short, a unique space, a symbol of the new Havana knocking at the door.

BOOK WITH US. WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU… OBVIOUSLY IN HAVANA!