Riddled with cliches, many of them true, Havana is like no other city in the Caribbean - or in the world. Living with the effects of an embargo dating back nearly 50 years, it is constantly trying to move into the 21st century while proudly embracing its past. On 1 August 2006, less then two weeks before his 80th birthday, Fidel Castro - the world's longest-serving political leader - took the unprecedented step of handing over power to his brother, Raul, who he had already chosen to succeed him when he dies. Even if this proves to be merely a temporary measure, this latest setback is a reminder that Havana could be about to change forever. If you haven't visited before, go now. *Sightseeing in Havana *Havana hotels *Havana restaurants *Havana bars *Havana shops *Havana maps *The best of Cuba, including Varadero and Santiago de Cuba

Author Biography

Founded in 1968, Time Out has grown from humble beginnings into the leading resource for anyone wanting to know what's happening in the world's greatest cities. Alongside our influential weeklies in London, New York, Chicago and Dubai, we publish more than 20 magazines in cities as varied as Beijing and Beirut; a range of travel books, with City Guides now joined by pocket-sized Shortlist series; and an information-packed website. The company remains proudly independent, still owned by Tony Elliott four decades after he launched Time Out London. Written by local experts, and illustrated with original photography, our books also retain their independence. No business has been featured because it has advertised, and all restaurants and bars are visited and reviewed anonymously.