tourism in cuba wiki

Tourism in Cuba

From wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Tourism in Cuba is an industry that generates over 4.7 million arrivals as of 2018 [ update ] , [1] and is one of the main sources of revenue for the island. [2] With its favorable climate , beaches, colonial architecture and distinct cultural history, Cuba has long been an attractive destination for tourists. "Cuba treasures 253 protected areas, 257 national monuments, 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 7 Natural Biosphere Reserves and 13 Fauna Refuge among other non-tourist zones." [3]

Having been Spain's closest colony to the United States until 1898 , in the first part of the 20th century Cuba continued to develop with the influence of big investments, the creation of various industries, and growing travel to support mostly US interests and corporations. Its proximity (roughly 90 miles (140   km) from the Florida Keys ) and close relationship to the United States also helped Cuba's market economy prosper fairly quickly. As relations between Cuba and the United States deteriorated rapidly after the Cuban Revolution of 1959 and the resulting expropriation and nationalisation of businesses, the island became cut off from its traditional market by an ongoing embargo and a travel ban was imposed on U.S. citizens visiting Cuba. The tourist industry declined to record low levels within two years of Castro's accession to power.

Unlike the US, Canada has maintained normal relations with Cuba and Canadians increasingly visited Cuba for vacations. Approximately one third of visitors to Cuba in 2014 were Canadians. The Cuban government has moderated its state ownership policies and allowed for localised and small private business since 1980. It also pursues revitalisation programs aimed at boosting tourism. The United States reestablished diplomatic relations with Cuba in 2015 , in a period referred to as the Cuban Thaw , and the tourism industry has not benefited as much as was predicted from normalised relations with America as the Trump administration reinstated a number of the pre-Cuban Thaw restrictions, and imposed fresh restrictions.

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17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Cuba

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Aug 30, 2023

Cuba, the Caribbean's largest island , drips with history, culture, and mystique. Live music wafts through the cobbled squares in Havana's World Heritage-listed Old Town , vintage cars still cruise the streets, and the beautiful old buildings in Cuba's colonial cities evoke the feel of a country frozen in time.

Cuba also abounds in natural beauty. This vast island has more than 5,000 kilometers of coastline, much of it rimmed by dazzling beaches. Coral reefs glimmer in the turquoise waters, and Cuba's lush countryside and sublime islands have played host to presidents; provided refuge to revolutionaries; and inspired writers from around the world, Hemingway among them.

With all this history and beauty, as well as superb diving and fishing, Cuba offers a depth and diversity few Caribbean islands can rival. Explore this captivating country with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Cuba.

1. Old Havana (Habana Vieja)

2. varadero, 3. trinidad, 4. guardalavaca, 5. playa paraíso, cayo largo del sur, 6. cayo coco, 7. parque nacional viñales (valle de viñales), 9. the malecon, havana, 10. che guevara mausoleum, santa clara, 11. museo nacional de bellas artes, 12. castillo de san pedro del morro, santiago de cuba, 13. peninsula de zapata (ciénaga de zapata), 14. el nicho waterfalls, 15. parque historico militar, havana, 16. plaza de la revolucion (jose marti memorial), havana, 17. fusterlandia.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Habana Vieja or Old Havana is a well-preserved slice of Cuban history. Strolling around the cobbled streets and gazing up at the grand Baroque and neoclassical buildings, it's easy to imagine what life in Cuba was like 200 years ago.

Extensive renovations are now breathing new life into the historic buildings. Major attractions here include the Plaza de la Catedral , home to the Cuban Baroque Catedral de San Cristobal ; the legendary restaurant and Hemingway hangout, Bodeguita del Medio ; and the military fortress, Castillo de la Real Fuerza .

Also in the Old Town, Plaza Vieja is one of the top places to visit in Havana . This vibrant gathering spot is home to some notable buildings, including the 18th-century Casa del Conde Jaruco , with beautiful stained-glass windows on the first floor. Nearby, the camera obscura offers fantastic views from its 35-meter tower.

The best way to explore Old Havana is to simply get lost along its cobbled streets. Colorful photo ops await around every corner, from the faded pastel-painted buildings to the clothes flapping in the breeze on washing lines and the candy-pink classic cars. Take time to watch kids play soccer in a square or listen to an impromptu musical performance. Allow at least a day to explore the Old Town and more if time permits.

Author's Tip: If you're seeking a more authentic Havana experience where you can connect with the locals, consider dining at paladars, small family-owned restaurants in private homes. They also tend to be cheaper than conventional restaurants. Similarly, if you're looking for an affordable place to stay, book a casa particulare. These homestays with Cuban families are another great way to save money and soak up the local culture.

Varadero is one of Cuba's most famous beach destinations, and home to one of the best beaches in the Caribbean . It stretches along the Peninsula de Hicacos, which juts into the sea off the north coast; a drawbridge connects it to the mainland.

More than 50 beach resorts line this popular palm-fringed strip, and its magnificent white-sand beaches draw visitors from around the world.

Varadero highlights include Parque Ecológico Varahicacos (Varadero Ecological Park) , and its two caves, Cueva de Ambrosio and Cueva de Musulmanes.

For more subterranean adventures, Saturno Cave (Cueva de Saturno) offers a cool respite from the sun-blasted beach. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear cenote, marvel at the giant stalactites and stalagmites, and jump off the surrounding ledges into the teal-colored pool below.

Also in Varadero, the peaceful Parque Josone is home to lush flower gardens, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a small lake where you can paddle about in rowboats.

Other popular things to do in Varadero, besides diving and snorkeling, are deep-sea fishing, golf, skydiving, and day trips to cultural attractions.

Exploring the town of Trinidad, Cuba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is like stepping back in time. The beautifully restored buildings and cobblestone streets in the city center exude a quaint colonial feel. Much of the architecture dates from the 17th to the 19th centuries, when Trinidad prospered from both the sugar and slave trades.

Today, Trinidad is one of the best cities in Cuba to visit, apart from Havana. You can soak up its lively ambience in the cobblestone Plaza Mayor , the city's central square. Above the square stands the neoclassical Church of the Holy Trinity (Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad).

Other Trinidad highlights are the Church and Monastery of Saint Francis (Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco), with its distinctive bell tower and the Palacio Brunet , a grand home built in 1812 and still featuring original frescoes and marble floors.

East of Trinidad, on the road to Sancti Spiritus , the lush World Heritage-listed Valle de los Ingenios contains numerous relics and monuments from the 19th century, when the sugar cane plantations and mills flourished. One of the best things to do in Trinidad, Cuba is simply drive or horseback ride through the beautiful scenery of green sugar cane fields, palm trees, and mountains.

Rimmed by glittering beaches, Guardalavaca, in the Holguin province , is quieter and more remote than Varadero. Lush foliage fringes the sweeping strand of beach here, providing plenty of shady patches for those seeking respite from the tropical sun. Divers and snorkelers can explore a plethora of sea life along the coral reefs.

Day trips from Guardalavaca include jungle adventures, sailing trips, and sightseeing tours of Santiago de Cuba .

West of Guardalavaca, Bahia de Naranjo encompasses a large slice of coast and three islands, including Cayo Naranjo with the popular Dolphinarium , which offers close-up encounters with these gregarious creatures.

Chorro de Maita is another side trip option from Guardalavaca, with a native Indian burial area and a recreated Taino Indian village.

In a country known for its beautiful beaches, Playa Paraíso (Paradise Beach), on the island of Cayo Largo del Sur, is one of Cuba's best. This sublime strand of powdery white sand and baby blue sea skirts the sheltered western edge of the island and merges with the equally ravishing Playa Sirena.

The island of Cayo Largo del Sur is truly a sun seeker's destination with a typically dry, sunny climate and few tourist attractions besides some of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba and many hotels and resorts.

Note that sections of these beaches are clothing optional.

Cayo Coco is another of Cuba's idyllic beach destinations and one of its most isolated. The island starred in Hemingway's novels, Islands in the Stream and The Old Man and the Sea, along with nearby Cayo Guillermo .

As part of the Jardines del Rey , the combined archipelago of Sabana-Camaguey , Cayo Coco is connected to the mainland by a bridge, though most visitors arrive by air.

Sun-splashed beaches are the prime attraction. Playa Los Flamencos, on the Atlantic side of the island, is a standout with its five-kilometer strand of sun-bleached sand, and the quiet and undeveloped Playa Prohibida offers a peaceful nature trail. The island is also known for its excellent birding.

Connected by a causeway to Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo also boasts a bevy of beautiful beaches, such as the ravishing Playa Pilar, as well as a string of all-inclusive resorts.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Parque Nacional Viñales is a beautiful, verdant valley in the Sierra de los Organos, north of Pinar del Rio. Steep limestone hills, called mogotes, slice through the valleys, creating a dramatic landscape, and the wildlife

The valley floors in the Parque Nacional Viñales are agricultural areas where tobacco, fruit, and vegetables are grown. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers fantastic hiking and horseback riding in the hills. You can also tour coffee plantations, explore caves, and go rock climbing or ziplining here.

Nearby, the charming town of Viñales is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Tour companies also offer day trips here from Havana.

One of the highlights of eastern Cuba is beautiful Baracoa, the oldest city in the country. It was founded in 1511 in the province of Guantanamo, and construction began on the first church here around that time. Cut off from much of the outside world until the 1960s, when the La Farola highway was built, the city still has a remote feel.

Today, visitors come here for the charming colonial architecture and lush countryside, where waterfalls and pretty beaches provide a cool counterpoint to the steamy jungle. The flat-topped peak of El Yunque presides over all this tropical beauty, beckoning hikers to take the guided ascent to its 589-meter summit. The hillside is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where rare birds and plants thrive.

To really appreciate the spectacular scenery, take a drive down the winding La Farola highway , a 49-kilometer stretch from Baracoa over the mountains to Cajobabo .

The Museo Municipal is also worth a look. Housed in the Fuerte Matachin military fortress, it provides a glimpse of Baracoa's fascinating history, and the fort itself offers great views over the bay.

About 20 kilometers northwest of Baracoa is one of the area's best beaches: picture-perfect Playa Maguana . If you're looking for something adventurous to do in Cuba, you can rent a bicycle in Baracoa and peddle out here. Flights to Baracoa depart frequently from Havana.

Conceived in 1901 and partly built in 1902 and beyond, the Malecon is Havana's famous seafront promenade. A walk along this top Havana attraction is a stroll through the history of the city.

The promenade runs seven kilometers from the Habana Vieja quarter to the Vedado, the central business district. Along the way, you will find an assortment of well-preserved 20th-century buildings that represent a mixture of architectural styles, including Art Deco and Neo Moorish. Painted in pastel pinks and yellows, the buildings are a photographer's delight, especially in the golden glow of dusk.

People-watching is a favorite pastime here. Young lovers saunter hand-in-hand, local fishermen cast their lines, and children clamber along the sea wall.

When beach towns and resorts all start to seem the same, and you're looking for unique things to do in Cuba, Santa Clara will add some depth to your Cuban itinerary. This is the famous site of the last guerrilla battle led by Che Guevara in 1958.

Che's body was laid to rest here, and his mausoleum (Mausoleo del Che Guevara) and monument, the Memorial Comandante Ernesto "Che" Guevara, are the town's big attractions. Etched on the bronze statue of Che Guevara in Plaza de la Revolucion is his final letter to Fidel Castro, while the mausoleum lies beneath.

Adjacent to the monument, the Museo Historico de la Revolucion exhibits some of Che's personal items. Che fans should also see the poignant Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado, a small boxcar museum and the site of the final battle between Che Guevara and the Batista troops.

If you're an art lover, don't miss Havana's Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts), with its vast and impressive collection of international and Cuban art.

The collection is housed in two buildings and includes works from ancient times to the present day. Clad in sumptuous Italian marble, the restored Spanish Renaissance-style Palacio del Centro Asturiano was designed in the 1920s by Manuel Bustos. It displays international art, including works by European Masters; ancient art from Greece, Rome, and Egypt; and works from Asia, the United States, and Latin America. The Spanish collection, in particular, is a highlight.

The striking marble sculpture, Form, Space and Light , greets visitors at the entrance to the second venue, which dates from 1959. This Rationalist-style Palacio de Bellas Artes building displays a thought-provoking collection focusing on Cuban Art from the 17th century to the present day, including sculptures, prints, and paintings.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Address: Trocadero Street e/Zulueta y Monserrate, Old Havana

Palacio del Centro Asturiano

Address: San Rafael, e/Zulueta y Monserrate, Old Havana

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo del Morro is one of the best-preserved Spanish fortresses of the 17th century. It stands at the entrance to the Bay of Santiago, about 10 kilometers southwest of Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city.

Perched high atop a cliff, the structure was designed in 1587, but took decades to build and was finally completed at the end of the 17th century. It was originally intended to protect against pirate attacks, but also served as a prison in the late 1700s before being once again converted into a fortress.

Today, you can explore the many different levels of the fort, learn about pirates and the fort history in the small museum, and enjoy impressive views over the bay.

Other cultural highlights of Santiago de Cuba include the Diego Velazquez Museum and Cementerio de Santa Ifigenia , home to the remains of some of Cuba's most famous military figures.

Less than an hour from the city by car, Parque Baconao is a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve where you can tour coffee plantations, wander through beautiful botanical gardens, and enjoy stunning 360-degree views over the mountains and sea from the 1,234-meter summit of Gran Piedra, a large volcanic rock.

A haven for birders and nature lovers, the Peninsula de Zapata is a remote, sparsely populated area of Cuba with diverse landscapes and one of the largest wetlands in the Caribbean .

The Cienaga de Zapata, or the Zapata Swamp as it is affectionately known, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to approximately 150 different species of birds, including waterhens, parrots, and herons. Crocodiles are also common.

One part of the peninsula is a designated nature reserve, the Gran Parque Natural de Montemar , where you can see some of these creatures in their natural habitats.

At the mouth of the Bay of Pigs (Bahia de Cochinos) is Playa Giron , the famous site of the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion. You can explore this fascinating history at the small Museo Giron .

At the top of the Bay of Pigs, Playa Larga is home to a long beach backed by lush vegetation. Avid divers can explore the underwater wildlife at numerous dive sites here along the reef.

Boca de Guama is the peninsula's tourist center, and its main attraction is the Criadero de Cocodrilos , a crocodile farm.

If you're looking for a ravishing slice of nature in central Cuba, head to El Nicho waterfalls. About a 90-minute drive from Trinidad or Cienfuegos, in Parque El Nicho , these multi-tiered falls flow into several jade-green jungle pools — the perfect place to take a cool dip on a hot day.

Driving here along the twisty rutted roads is an adventure in itself, and the scenery is beautiful. Once you arrive and pay the entrance fee, take the 1.5-mile palm-lined trail to the park's most scenic spots. It meanders along a cool river and ascends through thick, tropical forest to the falls, where you can swim and sunbathe. Along the way, keep an eye out for the tocororo, Cuba's national bird, and the beautiful royal palm.

Walk beyond the falls, and you'll end up at a scenic lookout with breathtaking views across lush valleys.

Wondering about things to do with the family in Cuba? This is the perfect back-to-nature excursion. Best of all, the waterfalls gush year-round — even in the dry season.

The Parque Historico Militar encompasses two of Havana's famous fortresses: the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro , also known as El Morro, and Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana .

Presiding over the entrance of the Bay of Havana, El Morro was built in the late 16th century and early 17th century to fend off pirates, and looks much the same as it did back then. The lighthouse was replaced with one of stone in the middle of the 19th century, but its original lamp still shines out to sea. You can ascend to the top of the fort to admire impressive views of the ocean and city.

A short stroll from El Morro, Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana , constructed in the 1770s, was the biggest fort the Spanish ever built, as well as the most expensive. The fort became a military prison during the Batista regime and was later used as the headquarters for Che Guevara after the Revolution.

You can explore the museums here, which trace the history of this fascinating fort, but the most popular time to visit is at night when actors dressed in 19th-century costumes perform Ceremonia del Cañonazo, a cannon-firing ceremony, at 9pm.

Due to its important place in Havana's history, the Plaza de la Revolucion deserves at least a brief stop if only to absorb the events that transpired here. Castro delivered speeches in this vast square, attracting more than a million people at times. And in 1998, during a visit to Cuba, Pope John Paul II celebrated mass here.

In the center of the Plaza de la Revolucion stands a 109-meter gray tower, a memorial to the Cuban national hero, Jose Marti, while a large, white marble statue of him lies at its base. Below the statue is the entrance to the interior of the Jose Marti Memorial , which contains a museum on Marti. Ascend the tower for incredible views over Havana.

Opposite the memorial, the famous giant portrait of Che Guevara adorns the Ministry of Interior building. This is a popular spot for capturing Instagram photos, and you can also pose next to one of the colorful classic cars parked here.

A riot of color and bucketloads of artistic inspiration is what you'll find at Fusterlandia. Mosaics, paintings, and sculptures in every color of the rainbow decorate this small neighborhood, which is actually called Jaimanitas. It's located about a 30-minute drive from Havana.

Local artist José Fuster, often called the Picasso of the Caribbean, is the artistic mastermind who transformed the neighborhood. A painter and sculptor, he created this striking display as a reflection of his life and art, even taking the time to decorate local bus shelters and his neighbors' homes.

After you click away at all the colorful art with your camera, pop by his home studio. Many Havana tours include a visit to this famous neighborhood, but you can also take the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus for a small fee. And if you really want to splash out, you can take a tour in a classic car.

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Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean Sea , Cuba is a fascinating country that has long captured the imaginations of travelers from around the world. From its vibrant culture and rich history to its stunning beaches and lush landscapes, Cuba offers an unparalleled travel experience that is both unique and unforgettable.

In This Article

Provinces and cities of cuba, what is the capital city of cuba, what is the population of cuba, geography of cuba, popular landmarks in cuba.

• Landscape And Biodiversity Of Cuba
• Foods And Drinks Of Cuba
• Social And Cultural Customs Of Cuba

Famous People From Cuba

Festivals and celebrations, family-friendly country, solo female traveler-friendly country, lgbt-friendly country, visa requirements, what is the best time to visit cuba, what is the climate like in cuba, what is the currency used in cuba, payment options accepted in cuba, opening hours of establishments, a good place for shopping, health and safety in cuba, other facts, don’ts:, introduction and brief history of cuba.

Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, south of the United States and east of Mexico. It is the largest island in the Caribbean and has approximately 11 million people. Cuba’s history is rich and complex, with influences from Native American tribes, Spanish colonizers , enslaved Africans , and the United States.

The first known inhabitants of Cuba were the Ciboney and Taino tribes , who lived on the island before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. The Spanish quickly colonized Cuba, and it became an essential source of wealth for Spain due to its natural resources and strategic location. The island remained a Spanish colony for over 400 years until its independence in 1902.

After gaining independence, Cuba experienced a turbulent period of political instability and corruption, which led to the rise of Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution in 1959. The revolution led to the establishment of a socialist government in Cuba. However, it strained relations with the United States, which placed an economic embargo on the island in 1962 that continues to this day.

The Soviet Union has heavily influenced Cuba, and its economic and political system is based on Marxist-Leninist principles. The government has tightly controlled the economy and restricted political freedoms, leading to criticism from human rights groups and political opponents. Despite these challenges, Cuba has made significant strides in healthcare and education. In addition, its cultural contributions to music, art, and literature are renowned worldwide.

In recent years, Cuba has undergone significant changes, including the normalization of diplomatic relations with the United States in 2015 and the transition of power from Fidel Castro to his brother Raul Castro in 2008 and later to current President Miguel Diaz-Canel in 2018. However, Cuba still faces significant economic and political challenges as it navigates its way forward.

Cuba is divided into 15 provinces and one special municipality ( Isla de la Juventud ), which are further divided into 168 municipalities.

The most popular cities in Cuba, in terms of tourism, are:

• Havana – the capital city and largest city in Cuba, located in the province of Havana.
• Varadero – famous for its beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts, located in the province of Matanzas.
• Trinidad – a charming colonial town with a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the province of Sancti Spiritus.
• Santiago de Cuba – the second-largest city and cultural capital of Cuba, located in the province of Santiago de Cuba.
• Cienfuegos – a French-inspired city on the southern coast with a beautiful bay, located in the province of Cienfuegos.
• Camagüey – a historic city known for its winding streets and impressive architecture, located in the province of Camagüey.
• Holguín – a city in the east of the country, known for its beaches and natural attractions, located in the province of Holguín.

Other notable cities in Cuba include Pinar del Rio, Santa Clara, Guantanamo, Bayamo, and Nueva Gerona.

The capital city of Cuba is Havana (La Habana in Spanish). It is located on the northwest coast of the island. It is the largest city in Cuba, with over 2 million people. Havana is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant music and arts scene, and rich history, including its role in the Cuban Revolution. It is a popular tourist destination and a major economic center in Cuba.

As of 2021, the estimated population of Cuba is approximately 11.2 million people. The population is concentrated in urban areas, with over 75% of Cubans living in cities and towns. The largest city and capital, Havana, is home to over 2 million people, followed by Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey, with populations of around 500,000 each. Despite being a relatively small country, Cuba has a diverse population with influences from Spanish, African, and indigenous cultures.

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean . It is located in the western part of the sea, just south of the United States and east of Mexico. It covers an area of approximately 110,860 square kilometers (42,803 square miles) and has over 5,700 kilometers (3,500 miles) of coastline.

The island is mainly flat, with a few mountainous regions in the southeast, including the Sierra Maestra range, the highest point in Cuba at 2,005 meters (6,578 feet). There are several rivers on the island, the longest being the Cauto River, which flows for 250 kilometers (155 miles) through the eastern part of Cuba.

The Most Popular Destinations In Cuba

Cuba is known for its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. It offers a range of tourist destinations to suit different interests. Here are some of the most popular destinations in Cuba:

• Havana: The capital city of Cuba is known for its historic architecture, vibrant music scene, and cultural landmarks such as the Malecón seawall and the Museum of the Revolution .
• Varadero: This beach resort town on the northern coast of Cuba is known for its white-sand beaches, clear blue waters, and all-inclusive resorts.
• Viñales: A small town located in the western part of Cuba, Viñales is surrounded by lush green hills and tobacco fields, and it offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring local caves.
• Trinidad: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Trinidad is a well-preserved colonial town with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historical landmarks such as the Plaza Mayor and the Museo Romántico.
• Cienfuegos: Known as the “Pearl of the South,” Cienfuegos is a coastal city with French-inspired architecture, a bustling waterfront, and several cultural attractions such as the Teatro Tomás Terry and the Castillo de Jagua.
• Santiago de Cuba: Located on the southeastern coast of Cuba, Santiago de Cuba is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, historical landmarks such as the Castillo del Morro, and vibrant music scene.
• Baracoa: A small town located on the eastern tip of Cuba, Baracoa is surrounded by mountains and lush rainforests, and it offers opportunities for hiking, exploring waterfalls, and sampling local cuisines such as chocolate and coconut-based dishes.

These are just a few examples of Cuba’s many destinations, each with unique charm and attractions.

Cuba has numerous historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural wonders that attract tourists worldwide. Here are some of the most famous landmarks in Cuba:

• The Malecón: A famous seawall in Havana, stretching for 8 kilometers (5 miles) along the coast, offering spectacular views of the sea and the city’s historic architecture.
• El Capitolio: A historic government building in Havana, designed after the U.S. Capitol building in Washington DC, now houses the Cuban Academy of Sciences.
• The Morro Castle: A fortress located at the entrance of Havana Bay, built in the 16th century to protect the city from pirate attacks.
• The Museum of the Revolution: Housed in the former Presidential Palace in Havana, the museum tells the story of the Cuban Revolution and features artifacts such as Che Guevara’s beret and Fidel Castro’s jeep.
• The Varadero Beach: One of the most popular beaches in Cuba, located on the Hicacos Peninsula, with crystal clear waters and soft white sand.
• The Valley of Viñales: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring dramatic limestone formations called “mogotes,” tobacco fields, and traditional rural communities.
• The Castillo del Morro: A fortress built in the 17th century to protect the city of Santiago de Cuba from pirate attacks, offering stunning views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
• The Plaza Mayor: A historic square in Trinidad, surrounded by colorful colonial buildings and featuring landmarks such as the Museo Romántico and the Palacio Brunet.

These are just a few examples of Cuba’s many landmarks, each with its unique history and charm.

Landscape And Biodiversity of Cuba

Cuba’s landscape and biodiversity are highly diverse, ranging from lush rainforests and coral reefs to arid plains and mangrove swamps. The country’s unique geography and location have contributed to its high level of endemism, with many species of plants and animals found only in Cuba.

One of the most distinctive features of Cuba’s landscape is the mogotes, or limestone hills, that can be found in the Viñales Valley and other parts of the country. These towering formations are home to various unique plant and animal species, including the Cuban solenodon , a nocturnal mammal, one of the world’s rarest and most ancient mammals.

Cuba is also home to several national parks and protected areas, which preserve the country’s rich biodiversity. The Ciénaga de Zapata National Park , is one of the largest wetland reserves in the Caribbean and provides habitat for over 900 plant species, 170 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians, including the Cuban crocodile.

Cuba’s coastal areas are also rich in biodiversity, with extensive coral reefs that provide habitat for various marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and numerous fish species. For example, the Jardines de la Reina, a group of islands and reefs off Cuba’s southern coast, is one of the most pristine and biodiverse marine environments in the Caribbean.

Cuba’s landscape and biodiversity are among its most unique and valuable assets, attracting tourists and researchers worldwide to explore its natural wonders.

Languages Spoken In Cuba

The official language of Cuba is Spanish, spoken by most of the population. However, due to Cuba’s history and proximity to other countries, other languages are spoken in certain regions or by specific groups.

In some parts of eastern Cuba, Haitian Creole is spoken by Haitian immigrants who have settled in the region. Additionally, many Cuban citizens who work in the tourism industry are fluent in English and other languages to serve international visitors better.

There are also some regional dialects of Spanish spoken in Cuba, such as Cuban Spanish or Habanero, which have distinctive vocabulary and pronunciation compared to standard Spanish.

Foods And Drinks of Cuba

Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors, focusing on simple, hearty dishes that use locally available ingredients. Here are some popular Cuban foods and drinks:

• Ropa Vieja: A dish of shredded beef stewed in a tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and garlic, served with rice and beans.
• Lechón Asado: A roasted suckling pig, often served at special occasions and celebrations.
• Moros y Cristianos: A dish of black beans and rice, often served as a side dish or as a main course with meat or vegetables.
• Tostones: Fried plantains that are flattened and fried again, often served as a side dish or snack.
• Cuban Sandwich: A sandwich made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, often served grilled or pressed.
• Mojito: A classic Cuban cocktail with rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and soda water.
• Daiquiri: Another classic Cuban cocktail made with rum, lime juice, and sugar, often served frozen.
• Café Cubano: A strong, sweet espresso shot, often served with sugar or as a base for other coffee drinks.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious foods and drinks that Cuba has to offer. Cuban cuisine is known for its flavorful spices, fresh ingredients, and creative combinations, making it a favorite among foodies worldwide.

Social And Cultural Customs of Cuba

Cuba has a rich and diverse culture, shaped by its history and influenced by various traditions and customs. Here are some social and cultural customs that are important in Cuban society:

• Family: Family is central to Cuban culture, and many aspects of daily life focus on spending time with loved ones. Extended families often live together, and family gatherings are common.
• Music and dance: Music and dance are integral to Cuban culture, with various styles and genres, including salsa, son, and rumba. Music and dance often allow Cubans to express their emotions and connect with others.
• Respect for elders: Elders are highly respected in Cuban culture, and showing deference to older people in social situations is customary.
• Religion: While Cuba is officially a secular state, religion plays a vital role in Cuban society, with Catholicism and Afro-Cuban religions such as Santería being the most common.
• Hospitality: Cubans are known for their warm and welcoming nature; hospitality is essential to Cuban culture. Guests are often treated like family and are offered food and drink as a sign of hospitality.
• Clothing: Dress is generally casual in Cuba, with lightweight clothing being the norm due to the country’s warm climate. However, more conservative attire is expected in more formal settings, such as church or business meetings.

Cuban culture is characterized by a strong sense of community, a love of music and dance, and a deep respect for family and tradition.

Cuba has produced many famous people in various fields, from politics and sports to music and art. Here are some notable individuals from Cuba:

• Fidel Castro : The former Prime Minister and President of Cuba played a vital role in the country’s revolution and subsequent socialist government.
• Ernesto “Che” Guevara : An Argentine Marxist revolutionary who played a significant role in the Cuban Revolution alongside Fidel Castro and became a symbol of revolution worldwide.
• Gloria Estefan : A Cuban-American singer, songwriter, and actress who has won numerous Grammy Awards and is known for popularizing Latin music in the United States.
• Celia Cruz : A Cuban singer and actress known as the “Queen of Salsa” who was a significant Latin music figure for several decades.
• José Martí : A Cuban poet, essayist, and journalist considered a national hero for his role in the country’s struggle for independence from
• Omara Portuondo : A Cuban singer and dancer who has been performing for more than 70 years and is known for her contributions to the Afro-Cuban and jazz genres.
• Yo-Yo Ma : An American cellist of Chinese descent born to Chinese parents in Paris and spent part of his childhood in Cuba, where he studied with renowned Cuban cellist Orlando Cole.

These are just a few examples of the many famous people from Cuba who have made significant contributions to their fields and left their mark on the world.

Cuba is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and diverse influences. Here are some of the most popular festivals and celebrations in Cuba:

• Carnival: Carnival is celebrated throughout Cuba, with each city and town having unique styles and traditions. The most famous carnival is in Santiago de Cuba, with parades, music, dance, and colorful costumes.
• Habanos Festival : This annual festival celebrates Cuba’s famous cigars with workshops, tastings, and cultural events in Havana.
• Havana Jazz Festival: This famous festival brings together jazz musicians worldwide for a week-long celebration of music, dance, and culture.
• Fiesta del Fuego: Held in Santiago de Cuba, this festival celebrates the African and Caribbean roots of Cuban culture with music, dance, and art.
• International Ballet Festival : This biennial festival brings together ballet dancers and companies worldwide for performances, workshops, and competitions in Havana.
• International Book Fair: This annual event is held in Havana and other cities throughout Cuba, with book fairs, readings, and cultural events celebrating literature and publishing.

These festivals and celebrations are just a few examples of Cuba’s many vibrant and colorful events throughout the year, showcasing the country’s unique culture and traditions.

Is It Safe To Travel To Cuba?

Cuba is generally a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate and a well-developed tourism industry. However, as with any travel destination, there are some safety concerns that travelers should be aware of:

• Petty theft : Pickpocketing and other petty crimes can occur in crowded tourist areas, so being vigilant and keeping your valuables secure is essential.
• Scams: Tourists may be targeted by scammers trying to sell fake cigars or tours. So, it is essential to only book tours with reputable companies and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
• Traffic: The roads in Cuba can be congested and chaotic, so it is important to be cautious when crossing the street or driving.
• Natural disasters: Cuba is vulnerable to hurricanes and other natural disasters, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November.

Overall, Cuba is considered a safe travel destination, and the Cuban government takes measures to ensure the safety and security of visitors. However, travelers should exercise common sense and take appropriate precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Cuba is family-friendly, with plenty of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Here are some reasons why Cuba is an excellent destination for families:

• Beaches: Cuba has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. The beaches are safe for swimming and offer a variety of water sports and activities.
• Culture and history: Cuba has a rich cultural heritage and a fascinating history, with many museums, monuments, and historical sites to explore. Families can visit the colonial cities of Havana, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos and learn about the country’s revolutionary past.
• Nature and wildlife: Cuba is home to various wildlife and natural wonders, including national parks, coral reefs, and biosphere reserves. Families can go hiking, birdwatching, snorkeling, and scuba diving to explore the country’s natural beauty.
• Entertainment: Cuba has a lively music and arts scene, with many festivals, concerts, and performances throughout the year. Families can enjoy traditional Cuban music and dance and attend cultural events and festivals.
• Food: Cuban cuisine blends Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences with delicious dishes sure to please the whole family. Kids will love sweet treats like churros and ice cream. At the same time, adults can enjoy traditional dishes like ropa vieja and arroz con pollo.

Overall, Cuba is an excellent destination for families, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained and engaged.

Cuba can be a safe and welcoming destination for solo female travelers. Still, as with any travel destination, it’s essential to exercise caution and take appropriate safety measures. Here are some tips for solo female travelers visiting Cuba:

• Dress modestly: Cuban culture is generally conservative, so it’s a good idea to dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing to avoid unwanted attention.
• Stay in reputable accommodation: Choose safe and well-lit areas. Consider staying in a guesthouse or homestay with a local family for added security and a more authentic experience.
• Use common sense: As with any destination, using common sense and being aware of your surroundings is essential. Avoid walking alone at night, and be cautious of strangers approaching you.
• Learn some Spanish: Knowing some basic Spanish can help you communicate with locals and navigate the country more easily.
• Official taxis: These are generally safe and reliable, so it’s best to use them rather than accept rides from strangers.
• Join a tour: Joining a group tour can be a great way to meet other travelers and explore the country in a safe and organized way.

Overall, Cuba can be a safe and enjoyable destination for solo female travelers if they take appropriate safety measures and use common sense.

Cuba has made significant progress in LGBT rights in recent years. It is considered one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the Caribbean. In 2019, the Cuban government approved a new constitution that included protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

However, while attitudes towards the LGBT community are generally positive in Cuba, discrimination and harassment can still occur, especially in rural areas or among older generations. LGBT travelers should take precautions and be aware of their surroundings, especially when displaying affection in public.

There is a vibrant LGBT scene in Havana, with many gay bars, clubs, and events. The annual Havana Pride parade, which takes place in May, is a popular event that draws thousands of locals and tourists.

While there is still work to ensure full equality for the LGBT community in Cuba, the country is generally considered a welcoming and accepting destination for LGBT travelers.

How To Get To Cuba?

Cuba can be reached by air or sea. Here are some ways to get to Cuba:

• By air: There are several international airports in Cuba, including Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport, Varadero International Airport, and Santiago de Cuba’s Antonio Maceo Airport. Many major airlines offer direct flights to Cuba from cities in North and South America, Europe, and the Caribbean. Some popular airlines that fly to Cuba include American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Air Canada, and Air France.
• By sea: Cuba can also be reached by sea, with many cruise lines offering stops in Havana and other Cuban ports. Ferry services are also available from Miami and Key West, which are currently limited due to U.S. government restrictions.
• From within Cuba: Once you are in Cuba, there are several ways to travel. Domestic flights are available between major cities; some buses and trains connect cities and towns. Taxis and rental cars are also available, but it’s essential to know the driving conditions and local traffic laws.

It’s important to note that U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba must comply with certain travel restrictions due to U.S. government regulations. Travelers should check the latest guidelines from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) before planning their trip.

Visa requirements for Cuba depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. However, here are some general guidelines:

• Tourist Visa: Most visitors to Cuba require a tourist visa, also known as a “Tourist Card” or “Tarjeta del Turista.” This visa allows visitors to stay in Cuba for up to 30 days. It can be extended for an additional 30 days once in Cuba. Tourist visas can be obtained from Cuban embassies or consulates, travel agencies, or airlines that fly to Cuba.
• Other types of visas: If you are traveling to Cuba for other purposes, such as business, education, or visiting family, you may require a different kind of visa. These visas must be obtained from your home country’s Cuban embassy or consulate.
• U.S. citizens: U.S. citizens are subject to specific travel restrictions and must comply with certain requirements to travel to Cuba. Under current regulations, U.S. citizens can only travel to Cuba for specific approved purposes, such as family visits, official government business, journalistic activity, professional research, or educational activities. U.S. citizens must also obtain a particular type of visa, known as a “travel authorization,” from the U.S. government before traveling to Cuba.

It’s important to note that visa requirements for Cuba can change anytime, so it’s best to check the latest information from your local Cuban embassy, consulate, or a reputable travel agency.

The best time to visit Cuba depends on what you’re looking for and where you plan. Here are some things to consider:

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• Weather: Cuba has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October). The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit, as the weather is sunny and warm with low humidity. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to travel to Cuba.
• Events and Festivals: Cuba has many festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Havana Jazz Festival in January, the Havana International Book Fair in February, and the Havana Carnival in July. If you’re interested in attending a specific event, planning your trip around that time is best.
• Crowds and Prices: The peak tourist season in Cuba is from December to March, when prices are high, and many attractions can be crowded. To avoid crowds and save money, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (April to June or September to November).

The best time to visit Cuba is from November to April when the weather is dry and sunny. However, no matter what time of year you go, Cuba has plenty to offer visitors with its rich culture, history, and natural beauty.

Cuba has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. The weather is influenced by the trade winds, which bring cool breezes from the northeast during winter.

The average temperature in Cuba is around 25°C (77°F), with highs of 32°C (88°F) in the summer months (June to September) and lows of 21°C (70°F) in the winter months (December to March). The humidity can be high, especially during the rainy season (May to October), which can make the heat feel more intense.

Cuba has two main seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October). There is very little rainfall during the dry season, and the weather is sunny and warm. This is the peak tourist season, with many visitors flocking to the island to escape the cold weather in their home countries.

The rainy season, on the other hand, can be unpredictable, with heavy rain and occasional hurricanes or tropical storms. However, the rainy season has benefits like fewer crowds, lower prices, and lush green vegetation.

Cuba’s climate is warm and pleasant, with plenty of sunshine and tropical breezes.

How Is Public Transportation In Cuba?

Public transportation in Cuba is generally considered safe and reliable, although it can sometimes be slow and crowded. Here are some options for getting around in Cuba:

• Buses: There are two types of buses in Cuba: government-run and private. The government buses are generally cheaper but can be crowded and uncomfortable. Private buses are often more comfortable and spacious but can be more expensive.
• Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Cuba, and there are two types: state-run and private. State-run taxis are generally cheaper, but they can be old and uncomfortable. Private taxis are often more comfortable and reliable but can be more expensive.
• Colectivos: Colectivos are shared taxis that run along specific routes. They are famous for getting around in Cuba, especially in rural areas.
• Train: Cuba has a limited train system connecting some major cities. Trains are generally slower than buses or taxis, but they can be a more comfortable and scenic option.
• Bicycle and Scooter Rentals: Bicycle and scooter rentals are available in some parts of Cuba. They can be a fun and affordable way to explore the country.

Public transportation in Cuba is affordable and reliable. Still, being prepared for long wait times and crowded conditions is essential. Taxis and private transfers are often the most convenient and comfortable way to get around, especially for longer distances or group travel.

The currency used in Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP) and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC).

The Cuban peso (CUP) is the national currency. Locals mainly use it for everyday transactions, such as buying groceries or paying for public transportation. The government fixes the exchange rate for the Cuban peso, and the value is much lower than the Cuban convertible peso (CUC).

The Cuban convertible peso (CUC) is the currency most commonly used by tourists in Cuba. It is equal in value to the U.S. dollar. It pays for most tourist services, such as accommodation, food, and transportation. The Cuban convertible peso can be exchanged for U.S. dollars, Euros, or other foreign currencies at official exchange offices (CADECA) or banks.

It’s important to note that there is a 10% tax on U.S. dollar exchanges in Cuba, so it’s recommended to bring other currencies, such as Euros, to avoid the extra fee. Getting cash to Cuba is also a good idea, as credit and debit cards are only widely accepted in major tourist areas.

In Cuba, cash is the most widely accepted payment option. However, credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, especially outside major tourist areas, so having enough cash on hand to cover your expenses is essential.

The Cuban convertible peso (CUC) is the most commonly used currency for tourist transactions. Still, U.S. dollars and Euros are also widely accepted. However, it’s important to note that there is a 10% tax on U.S. dollar exchanges in Cuba, so it’s recommended to bring other currencies, such as Euros, to avoid the extra fee.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of debit cards in Cuba, especially at government-run stores and restaurants. First, however, it’s essential to check with your bank to see if your card will work in Cuba and to inform them of your travel plans before you go.

Overall, it’s best to plan and bring enough cash to cover your expenses in Cuba, as credit and debit cards may only be accepted in some places. Keeping your cash and valuables in a secure location, such as a hotel safe, is also a good idea to prevent theft.

The opening hours of establishments in Cuba can vary depending on the type of business and location. However, here are some general guidelines:

• Banks: Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Some branches may also be open on Saturdays, but with reduced hours.
• Government offices: Government offices are typically open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• Museums: Most museums in Cuba are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some museums may also have extended hours on certain days.
• Restaurants: Restaurants in Cuba may have different opening hours depending on their location and type. Many restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while others may only serve one or two meals a day. Some restaurants may also close on certain days of the week.
• Shops: Shops in Cuba may have different opening hours depending on location and type. Most shops in tourist areas are open from Monday to Sunday, from around 10:00 am to 7:00 pm or later. Shops outside tourist areas may have more limited hours and be closed on certain days of the week.

Overall, it’s a good idea to check the opening hours of establishments in advance, especially if you have specific plans or activities you want to do. It’s also important to remember that some businesses in Cuba may close unexpectedly, so it’s best to have a backup plan or be flexible with your schedule.

Cuba can be a good place for shopping, particularly for souvenirs and unique handicrafts. Here are some places to shop in Cuba:

• Artisan Markets: Throughout Cuba, there are many artisan markets where you can find a wide range of handmade crafts and souvenirs. These markets offer an opportunity to support local artisans and pick up one-of-a-kind items such as pottery, wood carvings, and textiles.
• Old Havana: The historic center of Havana, Old Havana, is a great place to stroll through and shop for souvenirs, clothes, and artwork. It’s particularly well-known for its antique shops and art galleries.
• Varadero: The resort town of Varadero has several shops and markets selling souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. It’s a popular spot for tourists to shop and explore.
• Cigar Shops: Cuba is famous for its cigars. If you’re a smoker or looking for a unique gift, visit one of the many cigar shops nationwide. Be sure to purchase from an official store to ensure the quality and authenticity of the cigars.
• Palacio de la Artesanía: Located in Old Havana, the Palacio de la Artesanía is a large market with hundreds of vendors selling Cuban handicrafts, including pottery, textiles, and jewelry.

Cuba can be a great place to shop for unique and handmade items. However, it’s essential to remember that bargaining is common in Cuba, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. Also, be sure to check the customs regulations of your home country before purchasing any items to ensure you can bring them back with you.

Cuba is generally considered a safe country for tourists, with a lower crime rate than other countries. However, travelers should still take precautions to ensure their safety and health while visiting Cuba. Here are some tips:

• Health: Taking necessary health precautions when traveling to Cuba is essential. Make sure you are current on routine vaccinations and consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and Zika virus are also a concern in Cuba. Be sure to prevent mosquito bites, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent. Drink bottled water and avoid street food to prevent foodborne illness.
• Safety: While Cuba is generally considered safe, some safety concerns remain. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, can occur in crowded markets and public transportation. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuables with you, and always be aware of your surroundings. While the political situation in Cuba is generally stable, it’s essential to be aware of any current events and potential protests or demonstrations.
• Transportation: Cuban roads can be poorly maintained, so it’s important to exercise caution when driving or taking public transportation. Taxis and buses are generally safe, but use licensed providers and negotiate fares in advance. Avoid hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers.
• Natural Disasters: Cuba is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, particularly from June to November. Be sure to monitor weather conditions and follow any instructions from local authorities in the event of a storm.

With the proper precautions, Cuba can be a safe and enjoyable destination for travelers. However, staying informed and using common sense are important to ensure a safe and healthy trip.

Interesting Facts And Trivia

Some interesting facts about Cuba include that is the largest island in the Caribbean, and that Cuba has a literacy rate of almost 100%, making it one of the most literate countries in the world.

• The world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird , is found only in Cuba.
• Cuba has two currencies: the Cuban peso (CUP) and the convertible peso (CUC).
• The famous Cuban dance, the salsa, originated in Cuba and is a mix of different African and Latin dance styles.
• The national symbol of Cuba is the Cuban trogon , a colorful bird found only in Cuba.
• Baseball is the most popular sport in Cuba. The country has produced many famous baseball players, including Yasiel Puig and Jose Abreu .
• Cuba is known for its classic cars, often used as taxis and tour vehicles.
• Cuba has a high number of doctors and medical professionals per capita. It has sent medical personnel to assist in disaster relief efforts worldwide.
• The Cuban sandwich is famous in Cuba and the United States, made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.

Dos And Don’t in Cuba

• Do learn some basic Spanish before you go to Cuba. This will make it easier to communicate with locals.
• Try local food and drinks, such as mojitos and Cuban sandwiches.
• Explore the local culture and history by visiting museums and historic sites.
• Do take a private or shared taxi, as they are a safe and affordable way to travel around the country.
• Do be respectful of local customs and traditions.
• Do be mindful of your belongings and keep an eye on your safety.
• Avoid bringing U.S. dollars to Cuba, as they are subject to a 10% fee when exchanging them for the local currency.
• Don’t take pictures of military or government buildings without permission.
• Make sure to leave your belongings unattended in public places.
• Don’t use unlicensed taxis or other unregulated transportation.
• Don’t wear flashy jewelry or carry large amounts of cash.
• Don’t engage in illegal activities, such as drug use or trafficking.

Cuba is a captivating country that has long been a dream destination for travelers worldwide. With its diverse culture, captivating history, picturesque beaches, and lush landscapes, Cuba offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Whether you desire to stroll down the colorful streets of Havana, unwind on a serene beach, or immerse yourself in the country’s finest cuisine and culture, Cuba has probably something for you.

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Hailing from the US, Mia Jones is a fervent traveler driven by a love for unearthing new destinations and mastering languages. With a knack for crafting captivating travel guides, Mia has explored over 52 countries. Her heart belongs to the enchanting lands of Spain, the vibrant spirit of Cuba, and the idyllic beauty of Seychelles, inspiring readers to embark on their own transformative journeys.

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• Contributors

© 2019 The Voyage Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.5 By shared taxi
• 2.6 By boat
• 3.1.1 By colectivos
• 3.1.2 By Coco taxi
• 3.4 By bicycle
• 3.5 By boat
• 3.6 On foot
• 5.1 Outdoor activities
• 5.2 Live music
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge
• 8.4 Havana Chinatown
• 8.5 Breakfast
• 10.1 Backpacker hostels
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Hotels
• 12 Stay safe
• 13.1 Embassies

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Havana ( Spanish : La Habana ) is the capital city of Cuba , and one of the fifteen provinces of the Republic of Cuba . Visitors come to Havana for its music, history, culture, architecture and monuments. Havana is a lively city that retains a lot of beautiful buildings from its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many of which have been deteriorating since the 1950s, creating a romantic atmosphere of a bygone era.

Before the Communist revolution, Havana was one of the vacation hot-spots of the Caribbean, and since Cuba reopened to tourism in the 1990s, it has become a popular destination once again, albeit with many fewer U.S. citizens, due to an almost total ban on travel maintained by the U.S. federal government. However, there will be lots of tourists at any time of year, so expect huge crowds and long lines in places.

Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish . During the colonial period, it became a stopping point for treasure-laden Spanish Galleons crossing between the Old and New Worlds. Since independence from Spain in 1902, Havana has been the capital of Cuba. Today, the city preserves some of the oldest standing stone fortifications in the Americas.

There are regular international flights to resort areas such as Varadero , and these can sometimes be less expensive than flying into Havana. From Varadero's Viazul terminal to Havana's Viazul bus terminal is 3 hr by bus.

Getting there/away :

• By taxi – An official taxi to Havana center costs ~US$20-25, but you can find slightly cheaper (illegal) ones. The cost is roughly ~US$1/km.
• By bus – Havana MetroBus routes P-12 and p-16 travel within 400 m to 500 m of Terminals 1 (stops on Avenida Rancho Boyeros at Avenida Van Troi) and Terminal 2 (stops on Avenida Rancho Boyeros at Carretera De Murgas). Route P-12 terminates at Parque Fraternidad on Simon Bolivar near Habana Vieja (1 block south of El Capitolio) and route P-16 terminates at Parque Maceo in Centro Habana (near the Malecon). These buses operate until about 20:00, but are generally overcrowded. Taking the bus will take longer than a taxi colectivo. For passengers transferring to reach Terminal 3,
• By colectivo – A taxi colectivo route follows the same route as bus P-12 between Parque Fraternid (Simon Bolivar, just west of Fraternidad), and stops for Terminals 1 (stops on Avenida Rancho Boyeros at Avenida Van Troi) and Terminal 2 (stops on Avenida Rancho Boyeros at Carretera De Murgas). Taxis colectivos are more frequent than the bus, will stop less than the bus and only has seated passengers, but are likely not suitable to accommodate space for more than one full-sized travel, hiking backpack or passenger.

Havana is the hub for the whole Cuban railway network and there are trains to most larger cities. However, financial difficulties have meant that services are scaled back to running every other day or in some cases twice a week. Therefore it's important to confirm in advance that they are running on the day you wish to travel. All services, including overnight trains, are seating only.

The main line Santiago de Cuba via Matanzas , Santa Clara and Camagüey and there are departures every second day. As of 2017, trains with superior Primera class seating run only two times per week. Journey time from end-to-end is about 18 hr.

Other services include:

• An overnight train from Moron with stops in Matanzas and Santa Clara.
• An overnight train from Sancti Spiritus with stops in Matanzas and Santa Clara.
• A daytime train from Camagüey with stops in Matanzas and Santa Clara (this is the only daytime service to Havana on the main line).
• A very slow daytime train from Cienfuegos .
• A slightly faster evening train to Matanzas and Cienfuegos, returns to Havana overnight.
• An overnight local train to Pinar del Rio that returns to Havana during the day.

Hiring a car in Cuba will cost you at least US$120/day (2019). When hiring, beware of the price of the insurance policy, as it may be subject to a scam . The car will have a special tourist licence plate (these begin with T) which means you will be required to give generous tips every time you park your car in a crowded place. Taking into account the all-around unreliability of Cuban transport, hiring a car can be the right choice for those who don't want any hassle whatsoever. Picking up hitchhikers is almost a moral obligation for the "aware" tourist, especially when travelling between cities. Picking up a hitchhiker can be the best way to arrive to your destination without getting lost.

Rental cars will be newer, which means they can only use "especial" petrol. Not every petrol station has this, so fill up before leaving town.

• 23.10997 -82.39939 3 Main Viazul Bus Terminal ( 3   km southwest of central Havana ). Operates an inter-city coach service to/from most major destinations including Camagüey , Cienfuegos , Matanzas , Pinar del Rio , Sancti Spiritus , Santa Clara , Santiago de Cuba , Trinidad , Varadero and Viñales . Departing buses also stop at the central (Astro) bus terminal, but arriving buses do not. If you are using the central bus terminal, you buy tickets and wait for the bus in a separate air-conditioned office near the west entrance of the terminal. Schedules are posted on the Viazul website. Viazul buses are geared for foreign tourists and rarely carry Cuban nationals as Viazul's prices are higher than the non-air conditioned bus services available to Cuban nationals. ( updated Jun 2020 )

Update : Viazul departures are no longer from old terminal near the Zoo. They now leave from the same terminal as the Astro bus, near Plaza de la Revolucion. Astro, the bus company for Cubans, is not legally allowed to sell tickets to foreign tourists. However, some travellers have reported success in travelling on these services.

There are Cubanacan offices in many hotels, such as El Torre Hotel at Parque Central, that sell bus tickets for their own buses for the same rate as Viazul except that they pick up their passengers from major Havana hotels. So if staying in this neighborhood you can get picked up at one of these hotels and avoid the costs to get to the Viazul bus station.

By shared taxi

Shared taxis that travel between cities are often available from immediately outside of Viazul bus terminal buildings. For slightly higher rates than Viazul bus rates, shared taxis may offer services that can potentially be faster than Viazul buses and offer somewhat more convenient departure schedules, and pick and drop off from locations of your choosing. Shared taxis are old American cars, without air conditioning and overall less comfortable than the much more modern Viazul buses. Shared taxis operate if sufficient riders turn out. Fares are charged per passenger. Shared taxi operators may claim travel times that are significantly faster than in reality.

Due to political circumstances, it is difficult to enter Cuba by sea. Visiting mariners need to make arrangements in advance of entering port to avoid difficulties. Also, most ports are closed to unauthorised visitors.

As a tourist, the most convenient way of getting around Havana is by taxi. Some of the taxis are old American Chevys from the 1950s, others are (somewhat) newer Russian Ladas, whilst most tourist taxis are modern Peugeots, Skodas and even Mercedes.

It is illegal for tourists to ride in anything other than the official government taxis. However, it is often easier to wave down one of the old Chevys or Ladas. When riding in an illegal taxi, negotiate the fare ahead of time. The fare in illegal taxis will be no cheaper than the official taxi fare. Around the city, taking illegal taxis should be no problem. However, taking an illegal taxi to or from the airport may attract the attention of the police.

By colectivos

Taxis colectivos are the old, beaten-up American cars with a taxi sign on the roof or in the front window, which will typically already have numerous Cubans on board getting on and off and will take additional passengers if flagged down. Tourists are not supposed to take them, but you will rarely run into problems and they are a fun and cheap alternative to the state-run taxis. They have set fares and run set routes, so you may need some assistance when taking them the first few times.

The drivers are generally honest regarding the fares, but it is best not to appear oblivious by asking how much at the end of the trip. Always watch what the other passengers give. There can be a long wait trying to get a taxi colectivo as they are very popular with Cubans and often full, but the experience and the savings make it worthwhile.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of colectivo routes : Parque de la Fraternida (westbound on Simon Bolivar, just west of Industria). Follows Simon Bolivar, Avenida Salvador Allende, Avenida Manuel de Cepedes, Avenida de la Independencia, Avenida de Rancho Boyeros. Route travels within blocks of Habana Vieja, Plaza de la Revolucion, Viazul bus station (800 m away), and Airport Terminal 2 (500 m away).

By Coco taxi

Coco taxis and yellow three-wheel motorbikes are a cheap way of getting around central Havana. Coco taxis are bright yellow motorcycle cabs that charge ~US$0.50/km (2016), or more if they think they can get away with it.

Havana operates modern YuTong Chinese city buses.

The cost of riding the new city bus is the same to anywhere in the city. The driver will not give you change. Almost all buses are overcrowded, there are plenty of buses running though, so if the one you want is full simply wait for the next one (don't expect to sit though). There are few clearly marked bus stops on route, but it's clear where they stop usually as you will have other waiting at the side of the road.

Other local buses can also get crowded, but in the suburbs, they are a practical means of transport for visitors.

Whilst useful for reaching some of the less central locations in Havana, the price of car hire will rarely be less than using taxis.

Traffic is moderate, especially outside the rush hour. Do however expect to share the road space with a multitude of cyclists, pedestrians and poorly parked vehicles.

Parking regulations are enforced in central Havana. There are many attended, on-street car parks, use them. Expect to pay about US$1 for parking.

Cycling can be a great way to get around Cuba. There are a number of international tour companies [ dead link ] that offer guided tours, the most popular is from Havana to Santiago de Cuba. If you are travelling in February and March avoid the west to east approach as the trade winds are tough to cycle against.

Public ferries operate between Old Havana and various points on the other side of the harbour including the neighbourhood of Casablanca.

Walking around Havana is by far the best way to see and experience the city: get a decent map of the city and discover new sights on foot.

The Old Town of Havana, ' La Habana Vieja , is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and strolling along its streets and enjoying the beautiful buildings is a must for any visitor. Some parts of the Old Town are quite dilapidated with crumbling buildings but many others have been restored to their former glory.

An evening walk along the Prado is a great way to sip in the street life and enjoying the hums of numerous cafes and restaurants. The street is however not illuminated at night. Another favorite stroll for tourists and locals is along El Malecón , Havana's waterfront with stunning views of the city.

• 23.135577 -82.347702 4 Havana Club Rum Museum ( Museo del Ron Havana Club ), Avenida del Puerto 262 . Go on a guided tour of Havana Club, one of Cuba's most famous rums. Most of the exhibits are subtitled in English and are fairly self-explanatory.  
• 23.13639 -82.349675 9 Cámara Oscura . Enjoy extraordinary 360° views of the city using the large Cámara Oscura in the old town. ( updated Jun 2017 )

Outdoor activities

• 23.14471 -82.35372 1 Walk along the Malecón ( the sea wall that runs along the Havana coastline. ). On weekends this is where the locals come to party, so bring a bottle and join in. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 23.13776 -82.40004 2 Walk down the Paseo del Prado . A lively pedestrian zone full of locals spending their free time. ( updated Oct 2017 )
• Latin American New Cinema Festival . A popular event held every December, screening international films and drawing around 500,000 people.  
• 23.13872 -82.377612 3 Bike tour, Discover Havana by bike ( Citykleta ), 117 San Francisco street, Centro Habana, between San Lázaro St. and Jovellar St. Havana , ☏ +535 5652579 , [email protected] . Sunrise - sunset daily . Citykleta offers you a wide range of shared or private bike tours, bike excursions and events in Havana through which you can get to know the city like no other. ~US$28 . ( updated Jun 2019 )
• Take a tour in an old car . Be driven around Havana in style. Choose a car you like near the Hotel Inglaterra or outside the Museum of the Revolution. ~US$20-30/hr for up to 4 people . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 23.17128 -82.1251 4 Go to the eastern beaches ( Playas del Este ). There is a bus leaving from Hotel Inglaterra every 30 minutes. The ride takes about 30 minutes. ~US$5 for a roundtrip . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 23.1256 -82.3881 5 National Theater ( Teatro Nacional de Cuba ), Paseo & Cl 39, Vedado ( close to Memorial a José Martí at Plaza de la revolución ). Come here for concerts, the Ballet Nacional de Cuba and teatre. Functions are held irregularly. Beware of scams as ushers try to sell you the same ticket for up to ~US$25 shortly before the function starts (and only paying the nationals price). Instead go to the box office to get it for the official price. foreigners ~US$10 .  

Nearly every restaurant and hotel in town has a decent house band playing old favorites.

• Hotel National . Often hosts big name talent such as Omara Portuondo. See also information below. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• La Zorra y el Cuervo, La Rampa ( near the Hotel Habana Libre ). A tiny little club below street level, they often host funky and amazing jazz musicians. Go there for something a little different. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• La Tropical . A venue designed to hold several thousand people. It only opens for live music. Look around for signs in the streets publicising the next event. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Casa de la Musica de Centro Habana . The place to be if you like to dance Salsa. Check the program before you buy tickets, there are different top-rated Salsa bands playing every night. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Museo del Ron . Offers a very nice outdoors 1950s Cuban music show called Buena Vista. You can watch it with or without dinner. ~US$50 with dinner . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Bertolt Brecht Cultural Center , 258, 13th street, Vedado. Between I street and J street . Go dance with Interactivo on Wednesday nights. Interactivo is a collaborative group of Cuban musicians, led by the pianist, singer and composer Roberto Carcasses. ( updated Jun 2019 )
• Tropicana Show . A cabaret 1950s show, a must-see show while you are in Havana. ~US$90 . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Legendarios del Guajirito . Similar to the Tropicana show but smaller and more immersive. Once the live show ends, the venue turns into a nightclub till around 02:00. ( updated May 2020 )
• The University of Havana — Offers intensive Spanish courses from 1 week/20 hours (~US$100) to 4 weeks/80 hours (~US$360). Contact Professor Judith Portal [email protected] .
• The Instituto Superior de Arte/Escuela Nacional de Arte/CNSEA offer courses of various lengths and levels in music, dance, drama, art and Spanish.
• Dance classes of Caribbean rhythms (salsa, reggaeton, cha cha cha, merengue, bachata) with professor Raul Pedroso. Contact: [email protected] . Mobile: (53) 05 352463450.

Havana is a surprisingly expensive city to stay in; if you stay in hotels and eat in restaurants it can work out to be nearly as expensive as other popular international destinations. If you are on any kind of a budget, stay in casas particulares ; it is much cheaper, often more comfortable, and the food (a recurring theme in Cuba) is almost invariably better.

Although prices may be shown here in US dollars, you will pay in pesos ( CUP ).

ATMs are not too hard to find in downtown Havana, but American credit- and debit-cards can not be used in Havana. Credit cards issued in countries other than the USA may be issued by a bank whose parent company is a U.S. corporation. In this case, the card will not work as the parent company is bound by U.S. law. Even banks wholly owned by non-American companies may have a policy on blocking Cuban transactions in order not to compromise their US business. Always check with your bank or credit card company before leaving home to see if your card will work in Havana. Also, the ATMs do not accept MasterCard/Maestro but are marked to accept Visa.

You can withdraw money from your MasterCard in a couple of exchange offices. There is one in the basement of the Hotel Nacional, but expect quite steep service fees.

Whilst restaurants can be quite expensive at the top end for rather mediocre food, some such as the Café de Oriente have a splendid ambiance. The average government-run restaurants are about US$20 for two.

Peso stalls are all over the city, particularly on Prado Marti.

Some restaurants like Hanoi, in Calle Brasil, offer generous meals for the equivalent of US$5.

You can get ice cream in small street booths scattered around the city. You can also get a filling bocadito (small ham sandwiches) or a cajita (small meal in a cardboard box), or a "pizza".

Particularly, the Terminal de Omnibus , by the Plaza de la Revolucion, has a very good cafe with offerings as fried chicken.

• 23.139826 -82.384417 1 Coppelia Ice Cream parlour ( Heladería Coppelia ), 2111 Calle L ( Opposite the Habana Libre hotel ), ☏ +53 7 8326184 . 24/7 . Practically a Cuban institution with people waiting up to an hour to get a seat.  
• 23.135431 -82.3657 2 Chan Li Po , Campanario 453 / Zanya & San Jose ( in Barrio Chino ), ☏ +53 7 8704747 . 11:30-24:00 . The restaurant is upstairs, fully air-conditioned, looks immaculate. Despite being a Chinese restaurant, they serve European dishes too. Friendly service. About ~US$4 for one pizza. Cocktails are ~US$2.5. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 23.135612 -82.35663 3 Hanoi ( La Casa de la Parra ), Corner of Teniente Rey and Bernaza ( Near Park Cristo ), ☏ +53 7 8671029 . 11:00-23:00 . Old fashioned restaurant, with live music and no A/C. They even serve traditional Cuban food, such as black beans with rice. ( updated Jun 2017 )

Keeping your eyes open you can find complete menus (starter or salad, soup, main dish, dessert and a national beverage) for the equivalent of US$6-10 in pesos. In the Vieja, there are such restaurants in the smaller, not very crowded streets.

A least one paladar charges a hefty per-person service charge on top of your bill (~US$10 per couple at Paladar Amistad de Lanzarote in Central Havana) - deceivingly printed in Spanish only in a bilingual English/Spanish menu. Also no matter what the owner insists, there is never a tax levied for eating at paladares. Always ask before ordering.

There are many good, mid-priced restaurants in Chinatown. "Bavaria" is one of the best if you can picture a restaurant named after a German province pronounced like "barbaria" with Chinese decor, serving pizzas and spaghetti.

• 23.119483 -82.421261 4 El Aljibe , Avenida 7ma , ☏ +53 7 204 1583 . In the Havana suburb of Miramar, El Aljibe is the definitive proof that food in Cuba needn't be bland. Try the house specialty, chicken in sour orange sauce. El Aljibe also has a remarkably well-stocked wine cellar.  
• 23.114039 -82.399851 5 La Casa , Calle 30 No. 865, Nuevo Vedado , ☏ +53 7 881-7000 . Daily 12:00-24:00 . This stylish restaurant, in Nuevo Vedado, is a large California-style house typical of the 1950s. The dining room and garden are inviting and intimate. The impeccable service and consistency uncommon in Cuba, are a must in Havana. ~US$10-25 .  
• Paladar La Tasquita , Calle 27 de Noviembre (Jovellar No. 160) e/ Espada y San Francisco , ☏ +53 7 873-4916 . Daily 12:00-24:00 . Located near San Lazaro, this Paladar (small, family-run, privately-owned restaurant) serves typical criolla food. You will be dining in the living room of a local family, so don't expect anything glamorous in terms of atmosphere. On the other hand, the staff is very friendly and you will get the opportunity to taste typical Cuban food as local families prepare it: Simply delicious. The seating is limited so reserve in advance. ~US$15-25 .  
• 23.135698 -82.35696 6 DNext Bar Cafetería , ☏ +53 7 8605519 , [email protected] . 08:30-24:00 . They serve mainly Italian food, sandwiches and cocktails. Prices start at ~US$3.5. The establishment is fully air-conditioned and ideal for a quick meal. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 23.14003 -82.34753 7 Los Marinos . 10:00-23:00 . Seafood restaurant on a pier in Havana harbour. A great place to relax with seafood and a beer or mojito looking at the city. On the big terrace the breeze from the water is pleasant on a warm day. Prices depends on the kind of seafood, you order. Lobster is the most expensive. The seafood paella is less expensive, has lots of good seafood in it, and you get a big portion. ~US$6-30 . ( updated Jul 2017 )
• 23.143669 -82.360965 8 Castropol , Malecón (Avenida de Maceo) 107 ( on the eastern end of the Malecon, Old Havana ), ☏ +53 7 8614864 . 11:00-00:00 . Restaurant with Cuban-Asturian food. Lots of great appetizers that also works as snacks with a cocktail. The atmosphere is cosy. In front of the restaurant is a small arcade with small cast iron tables and chairs, where you can have a drink (and a snack) and look over the water and study the steady stream of old US cars on Malecon (you just have to accept the noise from the cars too). ~US$7-20 . ( updated Jul 2017 )

The restaurants inside five-star hotels tend to charge excessive amounts of money for mediocre food and service.

• 23.115746 -82.432809 9 [ dead link ] La Fontana Restaurant , Ave. 3ra. A & 46, #305 , ☏ +53 7 202-8337 . One of the most notable grill restaurants in Cuba. La Fontana has a refined yet sober home environment, suitable for a dinner with a touch of familiarity and a placid conversation, while enjoying exquisite dishes from its specialty, updated Cuban cuisine. Reservations essential. From ~US$25/person. .  

Havana Chinatown

Check out the small Havana Chinatown a few blocks west of the Capitolio if you are looking for Chinese-themed restaurants. The food is neither spectacular nor authentic Chinese, but decent enough if you can't face another serving of rice and beans. Street food can also be a notch better here, try the area around the intersection of Avenida de Italia and Avenue Zanja.

All the tourist hotels serve breakfast, typically a buffet with a wide variety of good food, although overpriced (the equivalent of US$15 at the Hotel Nacional). If you stay in a casa particular ask whether you'll be served breakfast. If not, ask the landlord/lady to take you shopping. Otherwise, there's almost no hope of finding a restaurant open for breakfast. One exception is the Chan Li Po Bar-Cafeteria, open at 09:00, in Centro Habana, near Chinatown, at Perseverancia #453 (between Zanja and San Martin).

There are two types of establishments you can go to drink in Havana: Western-style bars with near-Western prices, good selection of quality drinks (and sometimes food), nice decorations, semi-motivated staff and often live music, typically found around tourist hot-spots such as Old Havana and tourist hotels. Here you will mostly meet other tourists, expats and a few Cubans with access to hard currency, but don't expect a 'local' experience. Bars with a sign saying "Hemingway drank here" will be pricier than others.

The alternative is to seek out local neighborhood bars where you can choose from a quality, but limited, selection of drinks (mainly locally produced rum by the bottle, beer and soft drinks, very rarely will you be able to get cocktails such as mojitos), cigars of dubious and cigarettes of only slightly better quality, and sometimes snacks. These bars are also a good way to meet locals who may even open up a bit and talk about their lives after a couple of drinks.

Local bars are not that hard to find despite typically having no prominent signs displayed outside. Just ask or walk around a local neighborhood and look out for a bare-walled, neon-lit run-down room without any decorations or furniture, save for a bar and a few rickety chairs and tables, sullen staff and depressed/bored/drunk-looking customers, almost always men. Contrary to Cuba's reputation as a music and fun loving nation, these places are not boisterous affairs - they are quiet, almost subdued, music is rarely played, and have the charm of third-world railway station waiting rooms.

Nonetheless, they make for a fascinating experience (especially if you make the effort to speak to some locals - offering to buy a drink will get a conversation going, no surprise there), and they provide a good insight into what life must be like for ordinary Cubans without hard currency. As a foreign visitor, you will be generally welcomed. Discussing politics over a drink is a tricky, and typically lose-lose proposition: speak negatively about the Cuban political system and you may put your Cuban drinking companions into a very difficult position as they may very well be informed on (for hanging out with subversive foreigners); enthuse about the Revolution, Che, Fidel, Cuba's health care system, sticking it to the Gringos, etc., and people will assume that you are at best naive or at worst not in full possession of your mental faculties.

You can have a great time just outside of the Hotel Inglaterra near the Capitólio Building, drinking good daiquiris and mojitos at an affordable price.

• 23.140774 -82.352216 1 La Bodeguita del Medio , Calle Empedrado ( Across the plaza from Havana Cathedral ), ☏ +53 7 571375 . The bar in which to sample a Mojito. The former hangout of Ernest Hemingway, it is best sampled in the evening once the tourist crowds from Varadero have headed back out of the city.  
• 23.137422 -82.357203 2 El Floridita Bar , Calle Obispo , ☏ +53 7 8671300 . Another stop on the Hemingway drinking tour; best visited for its atmosphere, which is almost unchanged from pre-Castro days. Their daiquirís are however - certainly much to Hemingway's grievance - mediocre.  
• 23.13559 -82.35662 3 Los Buccaneros Hanoi , Calle Brasil and Bernaza . With the front of the Capitol building on your right from the main street, walk about two blocks to the left on the road that runs parallel to the Capitol. There are two bars called Hanoi. Go to the first one Los Buccaneros. good mojitos for ~US$1 .  
• 23.135618 -82.350239 4 Factoría Plaza Vieja ( Taberna de la Murallo ), Plaza Vieja . Brewpub located on the pretty Plaza Vieja. The pub has three main beers (light, dark and black), with seasonal additions. Beer cocktails, along with a meat-based food menu, also feature. ~US$2 for a glass of beer, ~US$12.50 for a 'meter' of beer. .  

There are 3 main areas that travelers generally stay in: Old Havana is the liveliest (some would say hectic and dirty), Central Havana is slightly quieter and parts can be a bit seedy, and Vedado is the quietest with more greenery, and is the place to find the large hotels and nicer casas particulares .

Hotels vary. Do not be surprised if you have no hot water and bad TV-reception in a hotel that still goes to the effort of having an in-hotel doctor and hosting extravagant shows of synchronized swimming in the hotel pool.

List of casas particulares

• 23.13478 -82.35004 1 Casa Ana & Surama , San Ignacio no 454 2º piso entre Sol y Vieja Santa Clara La Habana Cuba ( 50 meters from Plaza Vieja ), ☏ +53 7 8622717 , [email protected] . Clean house in colonial style, like you are time travelling, see the pictures on website of our casa. €25-60 Depending room and how may persons and when . ( updated Jan 2024 )
• 23.132286 -82.40554 2 Casa "Todo de Aitana" , 14 street, #51, between Linea Ave. and 11 street, Vedado ( building in the corner of Linea Ave. and 14 street, 6th floor, apartment 25 ). Full apartment for 1-3 guest. The apartment is very nice, quiet and clean, with views to the sea and sunsets. 1 bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, nice balcony. You can reserve on Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15798248/ US$35-50 (depends on season) . ( updated Oct 2017 )
• 23.133837 -82.353925 3 Ana y Chuchi , Aguacate 513, Havana Vieja ( /e Sol y Muralla (between streets Sol & Muralla) ), ☏ +53 7 861 1877 , [email protected] . Very central place with a great host who gets out of her way to make people comfortable. Three rooms of different sizes. Small windows overlook patio, breakfast and dinner are enormous. ~US$25-30 inc. breakfast .  
• 23.138472 -82.361115 4 Casa Mabel , Industria No. 270 (altos), between Neptuno and Virtudes, Centro Habana ( One block from Parque Central and Prado. Close to Malecon and Havana Vieja. ), ☏ +53 7 8635706 , [email protected] . A very friendly family home. 2 comfortable rooms with balcony and great view for rent. ~US$25 .  
• 23.137055 -82.379791 5 Jorge Leon de la Hoz , Neptuno No. 1218 (altos), e/ Mazon y Basarrate, Vedado Plaza ( Close to the University end of Neptuno street ), ☏ +53 7 870 7723 , [email protected] . A very friendly family home, close to the Universidad de la Habana. Room rates are negotiable depending upon the length of stay.  
• Señores Elsa y Julio Roque , Consulado No. 162, apto. 2 (between Colon and Trocadero) , ☏ +53 7 860 1257 , [email protected] . A very friendly couple rent rooms in their centrally located house, and help find other houses in case they're full. Both speak good English and offer helpful information. Reservations can be made by e-mail either in English or in Spanish ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 23.139076 -82.363558 6 Casa Olga , Galiano No. 206 e/Virtudes y Concordia ( just around the corner from Hotel Lincoln), Centro Havana ), ☏ +53 7 863 5547 , [email protected] . Olga rents her entire 2nd floor including full kitchen, living room and three beds (one double) for ~US$25-30. She's extremely friendly and not pushy like other casa owners can be. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Casa Lopez ( in a very central part of the city, just a few blocks from the Capitolio and Old Havana. ). ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Señora Ivette Flores ( Centro Habana, near the Casa de la Música. 213 San Nicolas, Concordia y Virtudes, Centro Habana ), [email protected] . Rents out three private rooms with air conditioning and independent entrances ppn: ~US$25 including abundant breakfast . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Casa Mireya , 47 Ave. #5211 ( between 52 and 54, Playa ), ☏ +53 7 209 13 54 . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Casa Mra Cristina & Guillermo , Calle 21 e/N and O - Building #15 Apartment 7-A, Vedado ( Near the Hotel Nacional ), ☏ +53 5 270 8449 , [email protected] . A very friendly family home with two university-aged children who speak English. 2 comfortable rooms with balcony and great view. Ask for "mi cafecita" in the morning on the balcony. ~US$35 . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 23.116476 -82.385498 7 Casa Ines , Calle Segunda #559 ( between Ayesteran and Ayuntamiento, Plaza de la Revolucion ), ☏ +53 7 870 0237 , [email protected] . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Casa de Jesus y Saida Valdez,Calle 24 #262, Apt #5 ( between 17 and 19, Vedado ), ☏ +53 7 830 7279 . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Casa Cary , Virtudes #511 ( top floor, between Lealtad and Preseverancia ), ☏ +53 7 863 1802 , [email protected] . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Casa de Lydia y Felix Pedro , 15 St #456, Vedado ( between E and F ), ☏ +53 7 832 6223 . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 23.124675 -82.408885 8 La Casa de Ana , 17 St #1422, Apt 1 ( between 26 st and 28 st ), Vedado , ☏ +53 7 833 5128 , [email protected] .  
• Alicia Beaton, Havana , CRESPO No. 10, e/ San Lazaro y Malecon, Vedado , ☏ +53 7 863 9616 . This is very convenient hostel, located close to the Malecon and near the Park Central area. The pristine house and bedrooms are located on the third floor of the building. Ask the owners to turn off the air conditioning if you are too cold. ~US$20-25 . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Casa Nora, Havana , Calle 64 No. 4105 e/ 41 y 43, Playa . Living room, bedroom and compact kitchen. George speaks wonderful English and has a wealth of information. ~US$35 . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Casa Nora, Havana , Calle 27 No. 954 e/ 6 y 8 apt 4, Vedado, Habana , ☏ +53 7 830 9800 , [email protected] . Casa Nora is a lovely apartment right in the heart of Vedado. Her wonderful, friendly family makes you feel at right at home. Very safe area. The rooms are very big with AC and television, and they have an incredible view of Vedado and the ocean. Great food as well. ~US$20–25 . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Sra. Ivón de los Angeles Acosta , Central no. 2 entre Conil y Tulipán, Nuevo Vedado, Plaza de la Revolucion , ☏ +53 7 879 1223 , [email protected] . Nice roof terrace just for you, great meals and super friendly hosts. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Casa Tere , Consulado no. 303, entre Neptuno y Virtudes, Havana Center ( Near Park Central, Capitolio and Paseo del Prado ), ☏ +53 8642689 , [email protected] . ~US$25/night, 1 room with air con, 2 single bed . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 23.141072 -82.365696 9 Casa 1932 , Campanario 63 bajos entre San Lazaro y Lagunas, Havana Center ( near Havana's sea wall ), ☏ +53 8636203 , [email protected] . ~US$30/night, 2 room with air con, 2 single bed & one double bed . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Casa Milagros Diez , Calle Manrique No. 208 (bajos) ( Left entrance of the building, groundfloor; between Concordia and Virtudes. Centro Habana Havana's Music House neighbourhood. ), ☏ +53 53905001 , [email protected] . from ~US$25/night, 2 double rooms with en suite bathroom accessible for people in wheelchairs .  
• Casa Xiomara Hernández ( Near National Capitol Building. ), ☏ +53 7 8639398 , [email protected] . Calle Aguila No. 506 Derecha 2do. Piso -right entrance of the building, second floor; entre San Jose y Barcelona. from ~US$25/night, two double rooms en-suite .  
• 23.13499 -82.3552 10 Casa Lázaro , Villegas #427 between Teniente Rey and Muralla ( near Capitolio ), ☏ +53 78625657 , [email protected] . Old construction, very well preserved. Offers breakfast, dinner, taxi, and laundry services among others. ~US$20-25 .  
• 23.13922 -82.35132 11 Hostel Carpizon , Street San Ignacio corner Obispo ( Walking to sea direction starting from Floridita Bar ), ☏ +53 78610443 , +53 52988568 , [email protected] . The hostel is composed by two houses each one located on very centrical places. Also you can enjoy of very comfortable rooms which include terrace and backyards. ~US$25 .  
• 23.130798 -82.351111 12 Sizemore Habana , Calle Habana No 923 Altos, Habana Vieja ( between streets Merced & Paula/Leonor Perez ), ☏ +53 78665871 , [email protected] . Very lovely place with an amazing host (Belkis) who is very generous and helpful. Two rooms with two double beds and private bathrooms.  
• 23.099576 -82.372972 13 Ricardo's Place , 110 D'Strampes , ☏ +5354000696 , [email protected] . Check-in: after 16:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Private apartment with terrace (for guests only). Free breakfast. Kitchen. Air conditioning. Good water pressure. And Internet (extra fee, optional). Not a touristic area so the plus is “this is the real Cuba”. 20 minutes away from the center (Old Havana aka Habana Vieja). A bank, cafeterias, bars, mini markets, all at no more than 3 blocks away (literally). An indoor garage is also available at no extra charge. US$18-22 . ( updated Dec 2018 )
• Casa Vitrales , 106 Calle Havana ( between Cuarteles and Chacon ). Upmarket, stylish casa particular in Old Havana with choice of room category and roof terrace. ( updated May 2020 )

Backpacker hostels

• 23.138699 -82.375976 14 Hamel Hostel , 308 Hospital Street ( near the University of Havana ). Check-in: 12:00 , check-out: 12:00 . 12-bed dorm. ( updated Mar 2017 )
• D Robles Hostel , Escobar 161 E/animas Y Virtudes . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . four-bed dorms ~US$7 per person. . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 23.120029 -82.376464 15 Enzo's Backpackers Hostel , 20 De Mayo Avenue 426 10th floor. Apartment 101 . Check-in: 07:00 , check-out: 12:00 . A dorm with six beds ~US$9 per person . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• Casa de Sergio and Miriam , Luz 109 ( in the center of Old Havana ), ☏ +53 7 860 8192 .  
• 23.137563 -82.359476 16 Hotel Inglaterra . Paseo del Prado, Old Havana. A popular hotel with a restaurant for those wanting to stay closer to the action yet still in the comforts of a hotel. Rooms from US$80 .  
• 23.14045 -82.35815 17 Hotel Mercure Sevilla Havane , Trocadero 55 e, Prado y Zulueta Habana Vieja , ☏ +53 7 8608560 , fax : +53 7 8616565 , [email protected] . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 23.138016 -82.359558 18 Hotel Telegrafo , Prado and Neptuno, Old Havana . A popular hotel just around the corner from Parque Central, right next to Inglaterra. Renovated and now really nice inside, a welcome haven of peace away from Vieja. US$80–120, cheaper if you book ahead with Opodo . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 23.13947 -82.382469 19 Tryp Habana Libre Hotel , Calle L ( Just off the Malecón in Vedado ), ☏ +53 7 8346100 . A Havana landmark in a good location, it's popular with tourists and journalists, has a good 24-hr cafe on site, and a business center with decent internet connections.  
• 23.139756 -82.40417 20 Hotel Habana Riviera . Paseo and Malecón, Vedado. Located along the Malecon, Havana's waterfront boulevard, this elegant hotel is considered a classic among Cubans. Its proximity to the historical-cultural center of Havana, makes this hotel the perfect place from which to explore the city. In the night time the Riviera offers excellent entertainment featuring both the exclusive Copa Room Cabaret and one of Havana's top restaurants.  
• 23.143056 -82.380556 21 Hotel Nacional de Cuba , Calle 0 esq. 21 , ☏ +53 7 836 3564 . Calle 21 and O, Vedado. Overlooking the ocean on the Malecón, this hotel is legendary, having hosted international VIPs for 30 years. Many years of neglect, coupled with an only partially successful renovation, have left the Nacional a step below its former glory. That said, some stay here and rarely leave the hotel, enjoying the restaurant, terrace, frequent live performances by renowned Cuban musicians, and enjoying the views while sipping Mojitos. But did you come to see Havana, or hang out in a hotel? Maybe some of both is called for. The hotel also has an excellent, albeit expensive business centre featuring CNN, internet access and a bar. Rooms from US$150 .  
• 23.138831 -82.358693 22 Hotel Parque Central , On Neptuno ( between Agramonte and Paseo di Marti ), ☏ +53 7 867 1037 . Similar to the Saratoga in quality, and has a beautiful ground floor lobby and a rooftop swimming pool. The Torre wing may have the best rooms in Cuba, at least by Western standards. The lobby of the Torre is very good, in keeping with the main hotel lobby. Excellent breakfast buffet.  
• 23.137986 -82.349821 23 Hotel Conde de Villanueva , Calle Mercaderes esq. Amagura, Old Havana . A beautifully restored colonial home, this hotel is the ultimate destination for a connoisseur of Cuban cigars; each room is named after a tobacco plantation, and, of course, all rooms permit smoking. Boasts an impressive cigar shop in the hotel, in addition to a (reasonably average) restaurant. Be warned, though: if you like to sleep late, there is a peacock that wanders around the courtyard that begins to make noise as soon as the sun comes up. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 23.13938 -82.35054 24 Hotel Ambos Mundos , Obispo esquina a Mercaderes . Writer Ernest Hemingway stayed and wrote most of For Whom the Bell Tolls here, a fact which adds historical charm to this well-located hotel in Old Havana. The Plaza de Armas is a few steps away, and the establishment has an elegant and lively lobby where piano and jazz musicians perform.  
• 23.141355 -82.358009 25 Hotel Park View . Colón 101. A popular hotel in the 1920s, the Park View is a small establishment just off Prado, close to the colonial centre of Old Havana and the seawall. It does not share in the historical or decorative charm of other Old Havana properties, but it is certainly a practical option for anyone interested in exploring Old Havana and traveling on a tighter budget.  
• 23.138497 -82.358294 26 Hotel Plaza , Ignacio Agramonte No. 267 . The Plaza is one of Havana’s oldest hotels. In addition to a beautifully restored interior and a great location near many places of interest in Old Havana, the hotel also has some interesting anecdotes. Albert Einstein once dined here, and Babe Ruth stayed at one of the suites, today a museum (where his bat has been preserved).  
• 23.14024 -82.348835 27 Hotel Santa Isabel , Baratillo 9 . Considered Old Havana’s flagship hotel, this establishment is one of the classier – and more expensive – colonial-era options in this part of town. The long terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, shared by 10 west-facing rooms, is one of the hotel’s most evident charms, as are its colonial appeal and a magnificent location.  
• 23.108611 -82.441745 28 Hotel Meliá La Habana , Ave. 3Era. E/ 76 Y 80 Miramar . A modern five-star hotel with very big and comfortable rooms, and possibly the biggest swimming pool in Havana. ( updated Jun 2017 )

Diario de Cuba and Tribuna de La Habana are the local periodicals. The H Magazine + Guide [ dead link ] is an interesting publication about Havana beyond common stereotypes.

The city code for Havana is 7. Prefix with 0 or 01 when calling from within Cuba.

Internet cafes can be found at ETESCA (the state telephone company) offices, in Hotel Habana Libre, Hotel Inglatera (cheapest but slowest), Hotel Nacional and at the Capitolio.

Wireless Internet access - some high-end hotels such as Hotel Parque Central sells wi-fi scratch cards at the rate, which can be used inside the hotel and works well with iPhone/iPod Touch.

The emergency number is 116. The information number is 113.

Havana is quite safe for a large city. Heavily dependent on tourism, Cuban police are everywhere and pay particular attention to spots where travelers congregate (Habana Vieja, El Malecón, etc.), so you don't have to be afraid of being accosted in the daytime. Prison sentences for crimes involving tourists are extremely harsh, a fact which residents are well aware of, which adds an extra layer of deterrence. At night, however, there have been muggings in the dark streets of Centro Habana. While this part of town is perfectly safe to explore in the daytime, and can be crossed safely while going to Habana Vieja or Vedado, it's best not go there at night. If you are going to walk, do so along El Malecón, where there are lights and a lot more people.

Be wary of hustlers ( jinteros / jinteras ) offering to show you a nice bar or restaurant, or offering a tour of the city, as you'll be stuck paying hefty prices to cover their commission. Just walk away and continue walking—soon enough they will leave you alone. There are a few well established scams you should learn about in order to be prepared.

In local restaurants, ask for menus or prices before ordering anything; there can be special 'tourist price menus' that get pulled out after you have consumed food or drink.

When paying, it is recommended to give the exact amount of cash. If you don't have it, it is wise to state clearly how much money you are giving and how much you should get back. Otherwise, they might try not to give you your change back.

If you're male, expect to be accosted regularly by prostitutes and/or their pimps, especially in Habana Vieja. While it's illegal, the mandatory jail time for prostitution filled prisons so quickly that the government had little choice but to start looking the other way. The result is a steady, depressing stream of solicitations that can wear down even the most cynical traveler unless he's prepared for it. Particularly disheartening are the offers from young girls, some no more than 11 or 12. Accept this situation as a fact of life in modern-day Cuba—and don't contribute to it.

People on the streets try to sell you cigars, especially in Havana Vieja. Often they say (after asking when you arrived in Havana) that the "Cigar Festival" is on today or that there is a "Cigar Cooperativa", where people sell cigars in their homes for half the price. These are usually fake cigars and they try to push you to buy a whole box of cigars even if you just want to buy a few.

The air in Havana is very polluted because of old cars and factories. This will cause respiratory conditions to some visitors.

• Enjoy the beach in Varadero
• Taste some nature in the Valley of Viñales
• Isla de la Juventud
• Visit the French style city Cienfuegos , the small town Trinidad and the adjacent Topes de Collantes national park
• Go east to Santiago de Cuba

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Six Essential Tips for Your Trip to Cuba 2022

From alternative accommodation to bypassing the restrictive internet in Cuba, check out these six essential tips for your trip to Cuba.

Cuba up-close

When is the best time to visit Cuba?

Planning a visit to Cuba? The island offers sunny skies and activities year-round. Learn more about its seasons, weather, and cultural calendar.

Is it safe to travel to Cuba?

Here are some of the best safety tips to follow as you enjoy your trip, and use public transportation in Cuba.

Greatest Waterfalls in Cuba

Imagine finding yourself in Cuba, surrounded by an exuberant natural environment - where the vivacious green mountains stretch out into a splendid blue sky - while the fresh Caribbean seabreeze brightens your face. And on this tropical voyage, you discover a land of waterfalls on every corner of the island.

El Nicho waterfall, Sierra de Escambray

Photo: Shutterstock

Looking for some cool things to do?

Fábrica de arte cubano: a unique experience for art lovers.

Havana houses one of Time Magazine’s Best 100 experiences: the

Top Four Jazz Clubs in Havana

Things to Do Top Four Jazz Clubs in Havana La

Tarará Beach – Havana’s Best Kept Secret

Tired of typical tourist spots? Get to know Tarará beach,

Five of the Most Instagrammable Cafes in Havana

Havana is full of gems to start your morning on

Where to Drink in Havana: Our Essential List of the Best Bars

Explore our essential list of the best bars in Cuba,

City Guide: Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos is a picturesque coastal town with laid back charm

Trace the Steps of Hemingway Around Havana

Stroll through Cuba’s storied streets with this guide to Ernest

Best Spots for Fishing Around Cuba

Largely untouched and diverse, Cuba is one of the most

The Cuban Cigar: Everything You’ll need to know

Learn about the curious and mysterious history of the Cuban

La Casa del Ché: The Home of Ché Guevara

Discover Ché Guevara's life & legacy at Casa del Ché

Cuba’s capital has always enjoyed a lively jazz scene, and has produced legendary musicians. It’s time to visit Havana’s best jazz clubs!

La Zorra Y El Cuervo jazz club, Vedado, Havana

Photo: Alamy

Winter activities and tips!

History & Heritage

Visit the Museo de la Revolución

Wildlife & Nature

Ciénaga de Zapata

Castillo del Morro

Beaches & Islands

Hit the Beach at Tarará

Castillo del Morro: A Historical Fortress in Havana

Learn about the History of Cuba in the bay of

Ciénaga de Zapata: A Natural Cuban Treasure

Encounter the endemic flora and fauna of Matanzas Cuba, and

Visit the Museo de la Revolución, and Relive the Fight for Cuba

Havana’s Museo de la Revolución offers a thorough look at

Learn about the curious and mysterious history of the Cuban cigar, how a Habano is made, and where you can buy quality tobacco like Cohiba cigars.

A Cuban woman with a cigar, Havana

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• Destinations

Ultimate Guide to Travel to Cuba (2024 Update)

Cuba is well known for its white sand beaches, delicious rum, and world-famous cigars… but you might be surprised learn just how much Cuba has to offer travelers. From incredible hiking destinations and wildlife preserves to fascinating historical sites and modern art galleries, Cuba is so much more than most visitors expect.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion about who can travel to Cuba (hint: yes, Americans can travel to Cuba ! ) and how to travel to Cuba. Thankfully, Cuba travel is easy for just about anyone.

In this ultimate guide to travel to Cuba, we’re covering a ll the details about how to travel to Cuba, the best things to do in Cuba, and why you need to add Cuba to your travel bucket list .

Plus, keep reading for all the inside tips we’re sharing about what to pack for your trip, and what to leave at home.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Cuba at a Glance

Who can travel to cuba.

Everyone can travel to Cuba! – even U.S. citizens or citizens of other countries traveling through the United States. U.S. citizens are required by the United States government to only spend money at private businesses (rather than government-run establishments) while there – which is quite easy to do.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Travel to Cuba from the United States

Cuba uses the Cuban peso , valued at 24 pesos to $1 USD . However, since 2021 Cuba has been experiencing high inflation, and the official exchange rate is much lower than the one you’ll find if you exchange your money with a moneychanger.

Read More: Currency in Cuba: Ultimate Guide to Changing and Using the Cuban Peso

Spanish is the only language spoken in Cuba, with English occasionally spoken in the tourism industry . Download Google Translate before your trip to help. Check out our guide to the apps you’ll need for travel in Cuba for more recommendations.

Cuba is known for being an extremely safe country , much safer than most other places in Latin America or the Caribbean.

Take precautions that would generally when traveling – don’t be excessively flashy with jewelry, hold on to your stuff well in crowded areas, etc. You can find more Tips for Visiting Cuba like these from a fellow traveler here.

Electricity

Some areas of Cuba use 110V electricity while others use 220V electricity , and you’ll find a mix of plug types in different places around the island. We recommend bringing along a universal travel adapter and electrical converter so you can use your devices while there.

Internet in Cuba isn’t everywhere yet, but it is generally easy to access , although slower than you may be used to. We wrote a complete guide to using the internet in Cuba with all the details.

We recommend using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when using the internet in Cuba. Check out our complete guide to using a VPN in Cuba for more details.

Required Insurance for Travelers

Cuba requires that all travelers show proof of travel insurance coverage upon arrival. We recommend Visitors Coverage for American and Canadian citizens and World Nomads for those of other nationalities.

Read More : Ultimate Guide to Cuba’s Travel Insurance Requirements

Our Most Popular Cuba Guides

• How to Legally Travel to Cuba from the United States (It’s Easy!)
• Ultimate Guide to Havana, Cuba
• Ultimate Guide to Varadero Beach, Cuba
• How to Get the Tourist Visa to Cuba
• Cuba’s Required Travel Insurance: What You Need and How to Get It

Weather in Cuba

A tropical country, Cuba has two seasons: the wet season and the dry season . The heat will generally dip slightly in the winter months (November through April) , but not much.

While the dry season generally attracts more tourists, the weather is perfect for a visit. May is a good time to visit as well, with the weather still nice and fewer tourists.

Dry Season: November – April

Wet Season: May – October

Don’t forget, Cuba occasionally experiences hurricanes . Peak hurricane season is from mid-August through mid-October.

Peak Tourist Season

Peak tourist season in Cuba lasts from early December through the end of March. Peak tourist season generally starts with a huge spike around the holiday season , when many Cubans living abroad come home to visit family.

Visiting around Christmas and New Year is when I’ve seen the greatest price increase in the price of flights and accommodations across the island – try to avoid these weeks if you can.

Best Things to Do in Cuba

Visit havana.

The craziest and most beautiful city in the world in our most humble opinion, Havana is like no other place on the planet.

Many say it’s stuck in the 1950s, but they couldn’t be more wrong – Havana holds on to its history beautifully while moving forward in a wholly modern way that will leave you enchanted.

Some of the best things to do in the city include exploring Old Havana , taking in the view over the city at the Cristo de la Habana , and ending the night with a drink and a show at the Fábrica de Arte Cubano .

Planning A Trip to Havana?

Check out our travel guides for insider information:

• Ultimate Travel Guide to Havana, Cuba
• Where to Stay in Havana
• The Best Airbnbs and Casa Particular Rentals in Old Havana
• The Best Airbnbs and Casa Particular Rentals in Vedado
• The Best Cafes in Havana and The Best Brunch in Havana

Visit Cuba’s Beaches

Cuba is known for having some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Not only that, but many of them are as close to virgin, untouched beaches as you can still find in the Caribbean, which makes for an unmatched experience.

Check out our guide to the Top 10 Best Cuban Beaches to help you choose which to add to your itinerary.

The Beaches of Holguin

The province of Holguin is home to some of Cuba’s best beaches – Guardalavaca, Playa Pesquero, and Playa Esmeralda. Check out our ultimate guide to Holguin, Cuba for more details. 

Varadero is the best-known beach in Cuba due to its proximity to Havana – it’s the perfect getaway from Havana for those looking to spend time in both the city and at the beach. If you’re picturing crystal clear waters and white sand , you’re thinking of Varadero.

While Varadero has a built-up infrastructure so you’ll have everything you’d want at your fingertips, there are also areas of Varadero where you can still get a slice of the beach all to yourself.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Varadero, Cuba  

Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo

This incredible pair of ‘cayos’ aka ‘keys’ located on the north shore of Cuba are served by their own international airport and have about a dozen large international hotel chains between them.

They’re some of the most underrated islands in the Caribbean .

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive beach experience, I recommend checking out these two keys and some of the incredible hotels they have to offer. The beaches here are truly pristine – some of the best beaches in Cuba .

Playa Ancón – Trinidad, Cuba

Playa Ancon is known as one of the most beautiful beaches on the southern part of the island, and is close to Trinidad, Cuba , an absolute colonial gem of a city that will take your breath away.

If you’re looking to get outside of Havana and Varadero track, which most travelers visit, we definitely recommend considering Trinidad and Playa Ancon!

Ride in A Classic American Car

The cars in Cuba are absolutely enchanting. While they’ve been kept on the road mostly out of necessity, it makes for a car-lover’s dream to see city streets packed with them.

A ride in a vintage convertible along Havana’s famous Malecón sea wall is a must while in Cuba.

Visit A Tobacco Farm in Viñales

Get up close and personal with one of Cuba’s most famous exports in Viñales , at the heart of the best tobacco-growing region in the country.

Here you can travel by horseback to beautiful tobacco farms where you’ll learn about how tobacco is grown, dried, and formed into world-famous cigars.

Viñales is also one of the most beautiful places in Cuba – this stunning valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Center . It’s an unforgettable way to see a stunning area of the country while this excursion!

What to Pack for Cuba

Check out our  Ultimate Cuba Packing List   to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Cuba and what we never travel without.

Learn About the Cuban Revolution

Cuba is so much more than the Cuban Revolution! The evidence of the revolution is everywhere, certainly, but there is so much more you’ll see and learn here as you meet the people, try the food, and see the art here in Cuba.

Make sure to visit these sites if you’re interested in learning more about the Cuban Revolution:

• Plaza de la Revolución in Havana
• Comandancia de la Plata in the Sierra Maestra mountains , the mountain base where Fidel and his band of revolutionaries launched their attacks
• Museo de la Revolución , a former presidential palace converted into the Museum of the Revolution in Havana. You’ll find American tanks captured in the attack on the Bay of Pigs behind the museum.

Learning more about the Revolution can be absolutely fascinating for visitors, and a great way to understand more of what you’re seeing and experiencing.

Make sure to check out this free walking tour in Havana focused on the Revolution as a fantastic way to learn more about what you’ll see in Cuba!

Want to learn more?

We made a list of a few books to read and movies to watch to inspire your travel and help you learn more about Cuba, past and present. Check them out before you go to learn more about the Cuban Revolution and much more.

• Books to Read Before You Travel to Cuba
• Movies to Watch Before You Travel to Cuba

Top Activities in Cuba

This list doesn’t even scratch the surface of what Cuba has to offer.

Make sure to check out our complete guide to the best travel experiences and activities in Cuba – totally travel-restriction compliant for travelers from the United States!

Where To Stay in Cuba

Casa particularles.

Casas Particulares – or, guest houses – are a fantastic option for staying in Cuba. You can find an amazing selection of rentals of all kinds, from luxury beach houses to staying with a family in a spare bedroom or renting a simple city apartment.

Not only do rentals usually get you a lot more for your money, but you’re supporting small business in Cuba and you’ll get a much richer cultural experience.

We’ve always had the best luck searching with, ironically, Hotels.com .

Despite their name, Hotels.com actually has a great selection of guest houses, private apartments, and Airbnbs for rent – with the best selection for Cuba!

Casa Particular Guides:

• Best Casas Particulares in Old Havana
• Best Casas Particulares in Vedado, Havana
• Best Casas Particulares in Viñales, Cuba
• Best Casas Particulares in Holguin, Cuba

Airbnb is one of the most popular platforms for finding rentals, but plenty of others exist as well and many people rent their listings across multiple platforms.

While we always recommend staying in a casa particular over a hotel, there are more and more amazing options in Cuba these days.

There are several new luxury hotels in Havana and in Cuba’s beach towns, but I recommend the boutique hotels like this one which can be just as luxurious and offer a more personalized stay.

All-Inclusive Resorts

There are many all inclusive resorts in Cuba, especially from companies like Iberostar and Melia , and they’re especially lovely ones located in Varadero and the Cayos – the Keys – on the northern coast of Cuba.

Cuba Accommodation Guides

• Where to Stay in Viñales, Cuba
• Where to Stay in Holguin, Cuba

Cuba can be a tough place to pack for – you’ll probably be combining time in the city, on the beach, or in the countryside.

Plus, there are a lot of things you just WON’T be able to find in Cuba no matter how hard you look, meaning you need to plan ahead!

We created an  ultimate packing list for Cuba  – so make sure to click through to this list to see all of our recommendations for packing (for men and women), plus important travel essentials!

Cuba Travel Essentials

• CASH – if you’re a U.S. citizen, you won’t have access to debit or credit cards while in Cuba . Check out our guide to traveling with cash in Cuba for more details.
• SteriPen – purify water from any source so you won’t get sick!
• Water Bottle (with water filter!)
• S-Biner locks for backpacks and purses while out and about
• Luggage locks
• Comfortable and lightweight basics – I love Los Angeles Apparel clothes for travel, especially to Cuba. These high-quality basics are perfect for layering, and mixing and matching for traveling light (PLUS they’re ethically produced in the United States).
• Go Toobs are the BEST for bringing toiletries.
• Make a mini first-aid kit with a few bandaids, aspirin, triple antibiotic, and alka seltzer just in case!
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Light clothing that will keep you cool in the sun
• Comfortable shoes – get ready for a lot of cobblestones and uneven sidewalks
• Feminine Hygiene Products- I have NEVER been able to find tampons in Cuba – and the period products I have had to purchase there are incomparably bad. Absolutely come prepared, ladies!
• A electrical plug adapter and converter
• A tablet (we love the Amazon Fire !) pre-download some audiobooks and any TV shows or movies you’ll want to watch while you’re in Cuba… internet speeds in Cuba will make downloads slower than you’re used to or impossible.
• A spare memory card for your camera – also something that can be extremely challenging to find in Cuba!
• NordVPN or another Virtual Private Network service . Not a physical product, but something you shouldn’t travel without! Check out our guide to using a VPN in Cuba , and our guide to using a VPN for international travel .

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Home to Havana and Explorers Away. She is a serial expat and traveler, having visited 40+ countries and counting. Carley has written for publications like Travel + Leisure, MSN, Associated Press, Weather Channel, Wealth of Geeks, and more. Find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

10 of the very best places to visit in Cuba

Jan 9, 2024 • 6 min read

Experience the very best of Cuba with these top places to visit, starting with Havana © Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

From gorgeous cities swaying to the beat of tropical rhythms to unspoiled, lush forests,  Cuba delights travelers with a wide variety of contrasting places.

Travelers will find eclectic architecture, white-sand beaches and prime wildlife-watching spots across the country. Here are 10 places worth adding to your Cuba itinerary to truly experience the Caribbean’s biggest and most fascinating island.

Best city for art and architecture

The Cuban capital of  Havana is packed with vintage cars, embellished with old-world cobblestone plazas and silhouetted on the north by a 5-mile sea drive known as the Malecón.

Make sure you visit  Habana Vieja ’s old squares for a glimpse of the colonial architecture that shaped the city in the 1700s and 1800s, where you can admire the palatial mansions that now operate as museums and hotels.

A walk along pedestrianized Calle Obispo  offers art galleries, shops, music venues and incredible architecture, with buildings spanning periods from the 1700s to the late 1900s in just a mile.

Planning tip:  Art is everywhere in Havana, with plenty of galleries and artsy outdoor areas such as San Isidro Art District and  Fusterlandia . For an in-depth session on Cuba’s artistic history, spend a day at the  Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes – Arte Cubano .

2. Valle de Viñales

Best for tobacco plantations

About 180km (100 miles) west of Havana,  Viñales is one of the most beautiful places in Cuba. It was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List because of its dramatic landscapes of red soils and distinctive limestone outcrops called mogotes. 

Viñales has the best casas particulares (private homestays) in Cuba and some of the friendliest and most helpful casa owners, who are the go-to coordinators for local activities. Choose from cycling, horseback riding or hiking to  Los Acuáticos and Valle del Palmarito, or drive to the  Gran Caverna Santo Tomás , Cuba’s largest cave system. 

Planning tip:  Touted as the growing spot of the world’s best tobacco, Viñales isn’t fully experienced unless you book an expert-guided tour inside the triangle-roofed drying houses scattered on local tobacco plantations.

3. Varadero

Best Cuban beach resort

Even if every tourist in Cuba decided to meet in  Varadero , there’s still room for more. Varadero is Cuba’s best beach resort, with 20km (12 miles) of white, powdery sand and impossibly crystalline waters.

You can stay in all types of accommodations, from top-end all-inclusive resorts to beautiful casas particulares . Families enjoy Varadero’s safe, shallow shores while revelers dance the night away at Casa de la Música or themed party nights at hotels.

Planning tip:  When you tire of the beach (if that is possible), while away an afternoon sipping rum-infused cocktails at  Mansión Xanadú ’s rooftop bar while gazing out at the peninsula. 

4. Santiago de Cuba

Best for understanding Cuba’s revolutionary history

Considered the second capital of Cuba,  Santiago de Cuba was the HQ of the revolutionary guerrillas in the 1950s, but there’s more to experience here. Caribbean rhythms, tropical flavors and frenzied festivals set the rhythm of this colorful city.

Start with a visit to  Cuartel Moncada , one of Cuba’s best museums, with a curated collection of the guerrillas’ paraphernalia and a detailed explanation of the events that started the 1959 revolution. Continue your journey through the past at the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Cobre , Cuba’s most venerated church.

It has an exhibition of offerings given to the patron saint, including those given by the bearded revolutionaries themselves in the 1950s.

Planning tip: In symphony with its rebellious roots, Santiago bursts with a constant party-like atmosphere, reaching its pinnacle at the nationally famous Carnavales  (Carnival) right after the Día de la Rebeldía Nacional (National Rebellion Day) on July 26. 

Best for wildlife spotting 

Located in the easternmost tip of Cuba, just getting to  Baracoa is an experience in and of itself. The road from Guantánamo leads to La Farola, a sinuous 60km-long (37-mile) road considered the most scenic drive in Cuba.

Expect a three-hour trip through lush mountains, interrupted only by vendors of cucuruchos de Baracoa , a cone-shaped mix of coconut flakes, honey, guava paste and a fruity flavor (such as pineapple and orange rinds) all wrapped up in a palm frond.

Planning tip:  Río Duaba and  El Yunque are great spots for hiking among abundant flora and birdlife, but if you’re looking for a deeper immersion into semi-virgin forests, book a tour at Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt.

6. Trinidad

Best for shopping handmade arts and crafts

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and a World Craft City in 2018,  Trinidad , full of cobblestoned streets and colonial-era mansions, is not only Cuba’s best-preserved “open-air museum,” it’s also a cradle of the best handmade crafts on the island.

Trinidad's needleworkers stitch their linen pieces at open-air markets, exhibiting handmade clothing, delicate embroidered tablecloths and garments such as guayaberas (Yucatán shirts).

Planning tip:  You’re likely to see local markets on pedestrianized parts of the town’s historical center, adjacent to the Plaza Mayor , but artisans also display a daily fair at the base of Torre Manaca Iznaga , 16km (10 miles) outside of Trinidad.

7. Matanzas

Best for live music and dancing

Touted as the Athens of Cuba,  Matanzas is the homeland of some of the country’s most cherished performers, such as Miguel Failde, creator of the cheek-to-cheek danzón (ballroom dance).

The city is also the birthplace of rumba, an Afro-Cuban dance that 70-year-old music group Muñequitos de Matanzas has promoted worldwide. Look out for live music performances held weekly at the  Museo Histórico Provincial – Palacio de Junco .

Local tip:  For travelers looking for a more Cuban Cuba – and not the usual tourist postcard of Varadero – Matanzas offers alluring architecture, featuring neoclassical buildings such as the fully restored Teatro Sauto or living antiques like the  Museo Farmacéutico , founded as the first of its type in Latin America in 1882.  

8. Cienfuegos

Best spot for water sports including kayaking, fishing and windsurfing

Known as the Pearl of the South,  Cienfuegos is Cuba’s French-inspired city, founded in 1819 on a beautiful natural bay. Deep enough to welcome cruises and mega-yachts, the bay is best enjoyed from Punta Gorda and the nautical centers at Club Cienfuegos and Marlin Marina Cienfuegos.

Planning tip:  Enjoy a day kayaking, fishing or windsurfing, but make sure you include an excursion to  Laguna Guanaroca , Cienfuegos’ natural protected area, for the chance to see flamingoes and take a boat trip on the lake.

9. Camagüey

Best city for strolling maze-like alleys

Elegant and artistic,  Camagüey oozes charm and youthful energy, but it’s the surprisingly intricate street pattern of the city center that usually strikes visitors most.

With most of the grid formed by one-way narrow streets, it’s almost impossible to figure it out if you’re behind the wheel. Instead, stroll around maze-like alleys to discover small but lovely plazas all within walking distance from one another.

Spend a day wandering between the artisan market in  Plaza San Juan de Dios and the less-visited  Plaza del Carmen , home of the inspiring art gallery of  Martha Jiménez Pérez .

Planning tip: Check out Cuba’s narrowest and shortest streets while you're in Camagüey. Callejón del Cura is only 1.4m (4.6ft) wide, while Callejón de la Miseria is 15m (49ft) wide, with only two houses facing each other.

10. Playa Girón

Best for swimming, diving and birdwatching

South of Matanzas province,  Playa Girón has one of the country’s best diving sites that isn’t far offshore – no boat required! The clear Caribbean waters offer impressive visibility and a colorful variety of marine fauna. Go for a refreshing swim in a gorgeous cove at  Caleta Buena , or look for coral reefs at  Punta Perdiz .

Playa Girón is also one of the best places in Cuba for birdwatching because it is part of the Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata, which welcomes about two-thirds of the nearly 350 bird species that call Cuba home. 

Planning tip:  On the way from Playa Larga to Playa Girón, make sure you stop at  Cueva de Los Peces , one of Cuba’s few cenotes.

This article was first published Dec 8, 2021 and updated Jan 9, 2024.

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Cuba Travel Guide

Last updated on May 18, 2024 by Shannon

Less than a hundred miles off the coast of the United States, Cuba is a step into a seemingly lost era. Travelers dreaming of visiting Cuba conjure images of classic fifties cars set against crumbling Spanish colonial facades. They picture lively street-side musicians and miles of gorgeous coastline. And that’s largely what you find when you visit the country.

Cuba boasts some of the best Spanish-Colonial architecture in the Americas, the most pristine coral reefs in the Caribbean, and a fascinating, vibrant culture. Cuba is one of the more intriguing places in the Caribbean.

Although the decades-long U.S. embargo shielded Cuba from much American influence, Cuba hosts millions of travelers from Europe and Latin America each year. Many tourists opt for luxury resort hotels, but it’s possible to independently travel the country on a much lower budget. Particularly if you plan to travel independently, it’s important to understand Cuba’s complex history, as well as the current political situation since these will crop up in small ways throughout your visit.

I had mixed feelings about the country when I first visited; the locals were in a downswing on trusting the government and were afraid to talk with tourists. Recently, travel friends reported that much has changed and independent travelers will find opportunities for fascinating conversations and local experiences all over the island nation.

Cuba is safe for travelers, including families—a big factor for indie travel. And there are a lot of fun moments to discover: the local obsession with baseball, the fluidity of time, the love for soul-satisfying beats. Also, all travelers should realize that the transportation infrastructure in Cuba is rough, and you should make a strong commitment to understanding responsible travel considerations unique to Cuba .

This travel guide focuses on helping those taking independent route through Cuba’s major travel spots, and it highlights the most important historical situations and pressing issues you’ll need to know. It also includes city recs and responsible travel options, too !

Table of Contents

Things to Know Before Traveling to Cuba

Understanding these pieces of Cuba’s recent history is an important part of ensuring that conversations with locals are undertaken with thoughtful and considered opinions.

Cuba’s earliest known inhabitants date back to 3,000 BC, yet much of its pre-Columbian past remains shrouded in mystery. The arrival of Columbus in 1492 marked the beginning of a new era, with Spanish colonization profoundly influencing Cuba’s culture and aesthetics for four centuries until 1899.

Postcolonial Cuba emerged as a leading sugarcane producer, relying heavily on African and Chinese labor, which significantly impacted its cultural landscape. This era also gave birth to the island’s signature Afro-Caribbean Latin music, a fusion that resonates globally.

1959 was a pivotal year, witnessing the Cuban Revolution led by Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, which toppled the U.S.-backed Batista regime and established Castro’s Communist rule. This period also saw the Cuban Missile Crisis, which severed U.S.-Cuba relations and led to a trade embargo, pushing Cuba closer to the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union’s collapse in the 1990s brought hardships, including food shortages and power cuts, prompting many Cubans to flee to the U.S.

The 1990s also marked Cuba’s opening to tourism, a development met with mixed feelings, especially among Cuban-Americans wary of supporting the Cuban government. The U.S.-Cuba relationship began thawing in December 2014, a process initiated under Obama’s administration, although it has faced challenges and is still evolving.

For travelers, understanding these pieces of recent history is an important way to ensure that conversations with locals are undertaken with thoughtful and considered opinions. The Wikipedia page has a full history. For a quick overview, I rather like this BBC timeline  or this Vox piece .

Fast-Facts About Cuba Travel

Cuban convertible peso (CUC) and Cuban peso (CUP). CUC is the tourist currency and pegged to the USD; the CUP is the local currency ( current exchange rate ).

Americans should bring all their cash (in Euros) to exchange as you can’t count on working and debit cards (as of May 2019, the U.S. embargo still prohibits most banking transactions with Cuba).

All other visitors can withdraw money from ATMs, but call your banks to be sure they offer withdrawals in Cuba. All travelers should bring cash as a safety net.

Electricity

127V/60Hz (American plug). You may find 220V outlets as well, but most hotel outlets label outlets nowadays.

Primary Airports in Cuba

• Havana (HAV)
• Santiago de Cuba (SCU)
• Varadero (VRA)
• Santa Clara (SNU)
• Holguin (HOG)

Can you drink the water in Cuba?

No, the water is not safe to drink in Cuba. Drink bottled water, bring a reusable water bottle to refill at your guesthouse, and/or consider the merits of a  SteriPen  or  LifeStraw  on your trip.

Spanish is the national language and you’ll have a much better trip if you learn some basics. The Cuban accent is also pretty strong, so it can take a few days to suss it out if you plan to trot out that high school Spanish.

You should also download a language app on your smartphone to grease the wheels of communicating locally.

Hows the wifi and internet in Cuba?

WiFi increasingly common and national data plans were introduced in 2019. You can use internet cafes, or there are a number of WiFi hotspots located throughout the country, including in hotels, restaurants, and public squares.

To connect to a WiFi hotspot, you will need to purchase a WiFi card, which can be purchased at most hotels or at an ETECSA (the state-run telecommunications company) office.

But really, you should make plans to have reduced access while you’re traveling in Cuba, and you might be lucky and find it a couple times. (And that also means making sure you have all travel documents and specifics saved offline!).

Festivals of Note

• The  Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba takes place annually in Santiago, Cuba (July)
• Habanos Cuban Cigar Festival takes in Havana (February)
• Others are listed here .

How much should you budget for Cuba travel?

The accommodation is quite expensive, so plan on a higher daily spend rate than in many developing countries. Plan on $45-$65 for a solo traveler, $66-$100 if you’re splitting expenses. These posts provide couple ,  solo , and general  travel budgets for Cuba.

Accommodation

Expect hotels to vary widely in quality. The infrastructure in Cuba is old, so read reviews and go with an open mind. Throughout the country, you used to have to use very specific local booking engines to find local casa particulares (sites like Cuba Booking Room  and Your Casa Particular.

Now, however, there are heaps of more mainstream options on services were you likely already have an account— Booking.com and Expedia are now in the marketplace and it’s made it easier but a bit more soulless. Now the hotels and casa particulares are mixed on the platforms, and even Airbnb entered Cuba in 2015 and has listings across the country.

Note that casa particulares are still budget options and cost between $20-30 USD a night, and even with the easy increased access to booking sites, you should book accommodation ahead of time—increased tourism demands are stressing the country’s accommodations. Specific recommendations for cities are below.

Visas for Cuba for Americans

This is a fast-changing situation. As of 2016, Americans could legally enter Cuba as long as they travel for one of 12 listed reasons, more on that here  and here . Tourism is not one of those reasons, but it’s still possible (as of May 2023) to schedule independent travel under the Support the Cuban People Category.

Cuba will not stamp your passport if you’re not visiting under one of the 12 OFAC travel licenses—instead, they stamp a piece of paper when you enter the country. You can sometimes buy a visa/tourist card at the airport for $20 USD; you purchase the tourist visa from the airline at the gateway airport to Cuba.

This post gives a rundown of the process and requirements for Americans . For other countries, check your visa requirements here .

Possible Issues Traveling in Cuba

Airport immigration spot-checks for travel insurance according to online buzz—pick a good travel insurance. I usually go with IMG Global . Then print your proof before you board your plane.

Socially Responsible Travel

Start your Cuba trip with a stop at Cuba Libro bookstore in Havana and they will give you the skinny on everything you need to know about this side of the Cuban travel industry. In fact, email before your trip to see if they need any supplies you can bring with you.

Food Considerations

The food scene is going through a renaissance as the government allows family-run paladares to operate. Outside of those places, government-run establishments leave a lot to be desired (:: cough cough ::).

Vegetarian food is tricky on the independent travel route, but the AlaMesa app is a good place to start for all travelers. Many tourist restaurants are heavy on fish, and the beans have animal fat at the very least. The fresh fruit is gorgeous and eggs are plentiful. Vegetarians should bring nutritious snacks. You can find a few types of ubiquitous, cheap street food, like pizzas. If you go this route, remember to follow these street-food safety principles .

How to Travel Around Cuba

Cubana Airlines offers easy flights from Cancun, a popular route to Cuba. You can arrive in Cancun and usually book a Cuba-bound flight for the next day—give wiggle room in high season of a couple extra days.

Commercial flights from the U.S. began in August 2016 with several major airlines. The bulk of flights still leave from New York and Miami, but there are now direct flights for a dozen other U.S. cities, too. Departure taxes are now included in your air tickets, which is handy.

Within the country, tourists should only use marked tourist taxis. Buses between all the cities are great for independent travelers. Roads lead to all the major towns, but Cuba’s infrastructure is crumbling so expect poorly paved roads outside of the popular towns. You’ll use Viazul to get to anywhere in the country. Hitchhiking is also common for the adventurous, but can be an exercise in futility for those traveling in Cuba on a visitors visa.

Is Cuba safe for travelers?

Cuba is safe. You can walk around at night and the country is proud of the very low rates of violent crime and theft. Be wary of hustlers in Havana, however. There are a few tourist scams, and they will surely recommend places where they get a commission. Just exercise normal caution when meeting new friends.

That said, you should absolutely have travel insurance to be sure you’re covered if something happens. I recommend IMG Global , here’s why .

World Travel Planning Resources

From the best travel gear to how to pick travel insurance—a detailed list of resources, tips, and advice to help you plan an amazing trip.

Pre-Trip Reading Inspiration: Books About Cuba

Fiction and Nonfiction Books About Cuba

• The Other Side of Paradise: Life in the New Cuba . Makes a good history read, but a little more accessible. Published in 2014, it’s the most recent and gives a great overview of the modern Cuba visitors will find.
• Cuba, What Everyone Needs to Know . If you’re interested in a deeper accounting of Cuban history, this is accessible and thorough enough to flesh out any gaps in your understanding—while still being compact.
• Dirty Havana Trilogy . Tales from a former journalist on some raunchy (mis)adventures in Havana. Published in 2002, it’s a good contemporary read about modern Havana.
• Adios, Happy Homeland . A collection of stories, the author uses modern myths and Cuban commentary to build a fascinating and unique complementary collection of stories.
• Dancing to “Almendra”: A Novel : If you like getting a dose of history through fiction, this story weaves together fascinating characters and elements of 50s Cuban history.

Podcasts and Online Reads about Cuba

• RadioLab: Los Friskis : A fantastic podcast episode about a group of eighties Cuban misfits who found rock-and-roll and created a revolution within a revolution, going into exile without ever leaving home.
• Our Human Planet: Cuba : A long-time traveler and filmmaker explores the various facets of Cuba now that it’s opening to tourism, and offers a niche look at everything from transportation to traditional games.
• NPR’s Brief History of U.S.-Cuba Relationship : NPR takes all the highs and lows over the past 100 years and makes it easy to understand and consume.
• Claimed : Fascinating profile on Slate about the claims U.S. citizens and companies have over property in Cuba. I didn’t know that these unpaid claims were the foundation of the U.S. embargo—it’s a good read.
• In Pursuit of the Wild Cohiba : This is narrative presents backstory on Che Guevara, cigars, and an intriguing, unseen side of Cuba.
• Cuba, in Clothes : This presents an interesting way to use the lens of fashion to learn about the Cuba that is just now emerging after the U.S. lifted the embargo and more money is flowing into the country.
• Word of Memory Stick : Without email and Facebook, how would you communicate? This article looks at how Cubans share their lives and stories when the rest of the world uses technology.
• Cinefilia en Habana : A look at how one Cuban filmmaker bucks the revolution and reimagines Utopia.

Read all  my Cuba travel blog stories  and find more regional fiction and nonfiction books and long-reads .

Recommended Guidebook

The Lonely Planet Cuba is handy. It’s good to find a guidebook that is hot off the press. I like to have a paper guide as a backup, especially in a place like Cuba, which has little internet access.

Best Things to Do in Traveling in Cuba

Unlike other guides on this site, this one won’t break down the recommendations by city, but instead present a list of activities and where you can partake in each one. Cuba is quite small, so some travelers choose to take weekend or day trips from Havana.

I spent a week in Trinidad and a week in Havana—with better weather (boo February, boo) we would have ventured further. Here are the highlights!

My Favorite Cuba Experiences

• Slurping down a cone from Coppelia Ice Cream in Havana—it’s a Cuban institution.
• Starting each day with delicious guava juice and a plate of mamey fruit.
• Watching kids play baseball in every open space.
• Wandering the colorful streets of Trinidad and learning salsa to the beats of Afro-Caribbean music.
• Photographing the crumbling colonial buildings in Habana Vieja. 

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

Things to Do in Havana

Wander Old Town Havana.

Old Town Havana is like stepping back in time to the colonial era of Cuba. This historic neighborhood, also known as La Habana Vieja, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Havana just oozes charm, and there’s unique architecture and sights around every corner. You’ll spot Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Deco buildings, and each reflects different periods of Cuba’s history. And as you admire the buildings, it’s hard not to feel a hit of nostalgia when vintage American cars from the 1950s roll by you.

Plaza de la Catedral is, perhaps, the most iconic landmark in Old Town Havana. The majestic Havana Cathedral (Catedral de San Cristobal) dominates this vibrant square.

Explore the city with this detailed laminated city map , updated in late 2016. Since Cuba is changing quickly, it helps to have a solid map to get around. This company also has a detailed map for all of Cuba , which ideal if you are road-tripping across the country.

Visit the Museo del Chocolate.

It was unseasonably wet and cold when I visited Havana, so I took refuge in this delicious smelling shop and loved their hot chocolate and various treats (churros!).

Shop Havana’s street markets.

If you’re in Havana for a few days, it will be hard to miss one the city’s lively street markets. These are not only good fun just for the vibes, but you can find handmade crafts, cigars, and Cuban souvenirs. Don’t miss the chance to engage with the friendly locals, who are often eager to share stories about their city and way of life (but brush up on your Spanish, because you’ll need it to truly get the most out of your market visit.

Walk the Malecón.

The long stretch of Havana’s  Malecón is quintessentially Cuban. Like a lot of the country, it’s best to plan for a long stroll and give yourself time to relax and just enjoy. Cubans have a delightful sidewalk culture —life is lived in the open, so give yourself time to people watch the locals as they socialize, and soak it all in as you stroll this seven-kilometer long stretch of promenade that passes everything from Baroque to Art Deco architecture—and a lot in between.

The route you should take is a walk from Old Town to the National Hotel along the Malecón and plan on finishing here just before sunset so you can grab a drink and watch the sunset over the water.

Book a day tour to maximize your time.

GetYourGuide has a phenomenal range of tours, and they’re affordable too. Maximize your time by booking your must-dos as a tour, and then slot in the rest as time permits.

Things to Do in Trinidad

Photograph the charming historic center.

Trinidad is renowned for its beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture. The city’s historic center, known as the “Casco Histórico,” is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, grand mansions, and stunning plazas. The architecture reflects the city’s prosperous past as a center of the sugar trade during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Admire the cobblestone streets and colorful houses.

Wander the streets of Trinidad and shop the tiny side roads. This is a beautiful, low-slung colonial town. The picturesque cobblestone streets are lined with houses painted in vibrant pastel colors, adorned with wrought-iron grilles, and often featuring beautiful courtyards filled with flowers. Explore Calle Cristo and hang out at Plaza de Armas—walking this area is a delightful way to soak up the city’s unique atmosphere.

Hang out in Plaza Mayor.

Plaza Mayor lies at the heart of Trinidad as a vibrant central square surrounded by buildings significant to the city. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a lot to admire. Visit the neoclassical-style Iglesia Parroquial de la Santísima Trinidad, an impressive church dating back to the 19th century. You can also explore the Museo de Historia Municipal, housed in the Palacio Brunet, which showcases Trinidad’s history and exhibits artifacts from the colonial era.

Beat the heat and take in a museum.

Although there are several museums and galleries where you can delve deeper into the city’s history and cultural heritage, I really enjoyed the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos. The museum tells the story of the Cuban Revolution and the guerilla warfare against counter-revolutionary groups. It’s a fascinating place to stop, and also offers really gorgeous views.

If that’s not your speed, the Museo Romántico, housed in the Palacio Cantero, provides a glimpse into the affluent lifestyle of Trinidad’s past. You can also visit art galleries featuring local artists, showcasing traditional and contemporary Cuban artwork.

Take in the sun at Playa Ancón.

If you’re looking for sun, sand, and turquoise waters, head to Playa Ancón, which is pretty close to Trinidad. This pristine beach stretches for several kilometers and it’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. You can swim, sunbathe, and splash about in the beach, or even go snorkeling or diving to explore the coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Visit the Valle de los Ingenios.

A local Cuban man runs ethical horse trips to this area just outside of Trinidad. You can also board a vintage 1907 American steam train to travel through gorgeous UNESCO-recognized valleys outside of Trinidad and end at the sugar estate of Manaca-Iznaga. Climbing the Manaca-Iznaga tower provides panoramic views of the valley and its surrounding landscapes, allowing you to appreciate the area’s natural beauty. The train ride is more touristy, the horse day trips are an amazing way to get out and explore the region. Either way, you get to explore more deeply a beautiful area that was once a major sugar production.

Seek out live music and dancing.

Trinidad is known for its vibrant music and dance scene. You’ll find phenomenal live music performances at Casa de la Música or Casa de la Trova—talented musicians play traditional Cuban music such as Son cubano and salsa. The best part is that you can also join in on the dancing and learn salsa steps from the locals. It was so enjoyable to pass the evening here. Locals come out to interact with tourists, play music, and its just a big salsa party.

Things to Do Across Cuba

Visit the artwork of Salvador Gonzalez.

Pass through Callejón de Hamel in Centro Havana to see the quirky street art and murals from Salvador Gonzalez, a local artist. Go at noon on a Sunday for an experience that you’ll remember forever—drums, rhythms, and Afro-Cuban music for hours.

Take in the waterfalls near Cienfuegos.

Head to Cienfuegos for the  El Nicho Waterfalls and revel in the pretty, lush green as you hike and swim.

Experience the Holidays with Las Parrandas celebrations in Remedios.

Remedios is a quaint enough town on it’s own, but if you find yourself in Cuba over Christmas, no where else can you experience something like their celebrations, called Las Parrandas.

Hike and zipline in a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

An eco-tourism project done right,  Las Terrazas in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO site) offers everything from hiking to ziplining.

Relax in Viñales for a few days

Head to Viñales ; friends of mine count this as one of their favorite spots to visit. You can swim in caves or just enjoy the pretty scenery.

Visit Cuba’s first settlement.

Baracoa was the first settlement in Cuba. I didn’t make it here but I will return for it. From here you can raft, hike, or just enjoy El Yunque Biosphere Reserve and Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt.

Find a slice of Cuban life in Santiago de Cuba.

Hightail it to Santiago de Cuba for a different slice of Cuban life. It’s quite far from the tourist trail but pairs well with a visit to Baracoa. You’ll find a bit gritty and less touristy side of Afro-Cuban culture.

Splurge on a stay at Hotel el Salton.

Go off the path at the gorgeously placed  Hotel el Salton , which located in the n the heart of Sierra Maestra mountain range and a short two hours from Santiago de Cuba. An ALA reader says this spot has “everything you can possibly want for some authentic experiences, getting lost in the jungle, and getting away from the city.”

Dive pristine reefs.

Plan a scuba dive at María la Gorda—it’s a popular spot because it has a perfect combination of clear waters, gorgeous dives, and a great dive operation.

You should also find a way to be among the mere 500 annual divers permitted on the pristine reefs of Jardines de la Reina .

Bike across Cuba’s interior.

Book a bike tour to experience rural Cuba—although you could theoretically bike the country yourself, companies like WoWCuba have bike routes that take you through the highlights, while stopping in family-run guesthouses and restaurants, which offers a great way to infuse money directly into the local economy.

10 Best Cuba Travel Tips

Book a Tour Before You Leave Home

If there’s something you just absolutely need to do when traveling to Cuba, book that experience ahead of time. Companies like Cuban Adventure and WoWCuba allow online booking and that is one of the only ways to ensure your adventure actually happens (since the internet is scarce to research and book one you are there). For everything else though, day trips are easy to book and your casa  particular  owner is often very amenable with recommendations for things in the area.

Get Familiar With the Viazul Bus Network

Use the Viazul bus network to easily visit anywhere in Cuba. Viazul is a reliable option, but in the height of tourist season you may need to book ahead.

You May Need to Exchange Money

Cuba has a dual currency system. The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is primarily used by tourists, while the Cuban Peso (CUP) is used by locals. Exchange your currency to CUC, but carry some CUP for small purchases and interactions with locals.

Don’t Count on Using a Card

Cash is king and credit and debit cards from non-Cuban banks are not widely accepted. It’s essential to carry enough cash (preferably in CUC) to cover your expenses throughout your trip.

Don’t Count on Having Reliable Internet Access

Internet access can be limited and expensive in Cuba. Wi-Fi hotspots are available in certain public areas, but you’ll want to purchase an internet access card from ETECSA, the state-owned telecommunications company, and use it at designated Wi-Fi zones. That said, you should embrace the chance to disconnect from constant connectivity and enjoy the slower pace of life in Cuba.

Understand the Layers of Accommodation Options

In addition to hotels, budget travelers will stay in casa particulares, which are privately-owned bed and breakfast accommodations. These provides a more authentic experience and an opportunity to interact with local hosts.

You’ll Need Some Spanish

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Cuba, and although you’ll find English-speaking locals in the most touristy areas, once you step a bit off-the-beaten path it becomes a lot less likely. Learn a few basic phrases to ease your travels—it will also enhance your interactions with locals and show your appreciation for the culture.

Carry Your Own Toiletries Into Cuba

Due to limited availability, bring essential items like toiletries, medications, and sunscreen from home. It’s better to have them on hand than rely on finding them in local stores.

Take Your Time and Don’t Rush It

Cuba operates at its own rhythm, so patience is essential. Service may be slower than what you’re accustomed to, and be prepared for transportation delays or schedule changes. Flights, buses, and even taxis may not always run on time, so it’s best to have some flexibility in your travel plans. Basically, relax and embrace the laid-back atmosphere.

Don’t Flash Your Money

Cuba is generally a safe country for travelers, but you’ll want to take normal precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid flashing valuable items, and use reputable transportation services.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

Category : Tourism in Cuba

Subcategories.

This category has the following 13 subcategories, out of 13 total.

• Tourism in Cuba by city ‎ (7 C)
• Airports in Cuba ‎ (14 C, 2 F)
• Tourism buildings in Cuba ‎ (2 C)
• Canyoning in Cuba ‎ (1 F)
• Casas particulares in Cuba ‎ (14 F)
• Coco taxis in Cuba ‎ (1 C, 25 F)
• Gaviota Group ‎ (2 C)
• Resorts in Cuba ‎ (62 F)
• Souvenirs of Cuba ‎ (1 C, 3 F)
• Tourists in Cuba ‎ (71 F)
• Transtur ‎ (2 C, 16 F)
• Visitor attractions in Cuba ‎ (9 C, 4 F)
• Water sports in Cuba ‎ (1 C)

Media in category "Tourism in Cuba"

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• Economy of Cuba
• Tourism by country
• Uses of Wikidata Infobox
• Uses of Wikidata Infobox with no image

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Main origin countries for inbound tourism in Cuba 2021

Leading countries of origin for international tourism in cuba in 2021, based on number of tourist arrivals (in 1,000s).

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February 2022

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Statistics on " Cruise industry in the Caribbean "

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Ukraine war latest: Russia takes 'strategically important' town - as it creeps towards major population centres

Russia claims to have taken control of the Donetsk town of Niu-York, calling it a strategically important logistics hub. It comes as civilians are fleeing the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk amid heightened attacks. Leave a question for our military analysts in the box below.

Tuesday 20 August 2024 18:40, UK

• Zelenskyy says situation in the east is 'difficult'
• Russia claims to have taken control of Donetsk town of Niu-York - and say it's strategically important
• Civilians flee Ukrainian city as Russian attacks intensify
• Firefighters in Ternopil grapple with blaze after strike
• Michael Clarke : Battle of bridges is about to begin
• Putin 'in a position he never dreamt of in his worst nightmares'  
• Your questions answered: What is Ukraine hoping to achieve with invasion of Russia?
• Live reporting by Kieren Williams 

Ask a question or make a comment

Later this week military analysts Sean Bell and Michael Clarke will answer your questions on Ukraine's invasion of the Russian region of Kursk - and the wider war.

What does the incursion mean for the conflict and, on the opposite side, how quickly is Russia advancing inside Ukraine?

Submit your question in the box at the top of this page.

That's all our live coverage on the war in Ukraine for now.

We will be back if there are any major developments this evening. 

If not, we'll be back tomorrow with all the latest updates.

Before we go, here's a reminder of today's key events:

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the situation in the east is 'difficult' as Ukraine warns Russia has redirected troops into the region to continue their advance there;
• Moscow claims to have taken the strategically important town of Niu-York as it attempts to continue across the region;
• While Ukraine is ceding ground to Russia in the east, it has an opportunity in Kursk to seize more territory, Sky News' military analyst Professor Michael Clarke has said;
• A fire continues to rage for a third day at a Russian oil depot hit by a Ukrainian drone attack;
• Meanwhile, firefighters in the Ukrainian city of Ternopil are also battling a fire after a fuel reservoir was hit;
• The US are insisting their policy on the use of American weapons in Russia has "not changed" - even in light of recent pressure from Mr Zelenskyy.

Ukraine is said to be making "marginal advances" in the Kursk region as fighting continues, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has said.

We've brought you news on Ukraine's struggles in the east of Ukraine (see 14.35 post) but further north, Kyiv's incursion into Russia continues.

On 6 August, Ukraine threw a surprise counterpunch that saw their troops surge across the border into Russia.

Ukraine has previously claimed to have captured 1,250sq/km (480 square miles) and 92 settlements in Kursk, forcing tens of thousands to flee (see 12.53 post).

Today, Ukraine's army chief said that its forces had advanced 28-35km (17-21 miles) into Kursk.

But the US-based thinktank said that, while still making progress, Ukraine was no longer eating up Russian territory as fast as it once was.

Using geolocated footage from 19 August, Ukrainian forces were confirmed to be in Vishnevka, the ISW said, around 14km (8.5 miles) from the border.

The Russian defence ministry said that they had struck forces operating in that area - potentially tacitly acknowledging the progress Kyiv had made.

It is known that Ukraine has targeted bridges in the region, perhaps as an effort to stifle Russian attempts to counter their incursion.

But Kyiv's army chief said that Russia was moving troops from other directions to Kursk, to strengthen its positions there.

Even facing losses further east, Sky News' military analyst Professor Michael Clarke said there were still opportunities from Kyiv in Kursk nonetheless (see 12.39 post).

These pictures show Kyiv's forces on the frontline in the Donetsk region.

Russian forces have been advancing in recent days and threaten to seize key settlements, including Pokrovsk.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the situation in the east as "difficult".

Vladimir Putin's recent trip to Azerbaijan was an "effort to shift focus away" from Ukraine's Kursk attack, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has said.

The Russian president recently spent two days in the country where he tried to present himself as an "effective diplomat", the research group said.

The content and presentation of the visit did not stray beyond the usual, but...

"The timing of this visit is noteworthy given the ongoing situation in Kursk Oblast and the Kremlin's continued efforts to downplay the Ukrainian incursion's magnitude and impact," ISW said.

They added: "Russian state media focused on Putin's trip to Azerbaijan, amplifying minute details, likely in part to divert attention from the uncomfortable situation in Russia by saturating the information space with a showcase of the Kremlin's global diplomatic engagement and alleged successes."

Away from the battlefield, Ukraine has passed a law paving the way to ban the Russia-linked minority Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the country.

Kyiv has cast the UOC as complicit in the Kremlin's invasion.

They have accused it of aiding Moscow's 30-month assault by spreading pro-Russian propaganda and housing spies.

A new bill passed in parliament bans the Russian Orthodox Church and the government will assemble a list of "affiliated" groups who will face similar treatment.

Russian security services (FSB) have detained a scientist over suspected treason, according to reports.

A scientist in Moscow allegedly carried out suspected cyberattacks on behalf of Ukraine, Interfax news agency has said.

The distributed denial-of-service attacks were said to have been carried out on critical infrastructure on behalf of Ukrainian security services, it quoted the FSB as saying.

It was added that the scientist sent money to the Ukrainian military, as well as gathering information on Russian armed forces.

The suspect, the FSB claimed, had confessed, although it was not immediately clear when the arrest was made.

Russian media outlets published what they claimed was footage of the scientist's detention.

Footage also shows a man arrested in a snow-covered city, suggesting they had been detained some time ago.

 Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the situation in the east, near Toretsk, is "difficult", amid Russian advances in the region.

There have been 14 combat clashes reported in the Toretsk area and 34 in the Pokrovsk sector since the start of the day, Ukraine's general staff said.

Russia has sent more troops to Pokrovsk today, according to the Ukrainian army, to support the offensive there - seemingly in an effort to capitalise on momentum.

In our 13.37 post we mentioned that Russia had taken Niu-York, which is less than six miles (10km) from Toretsk, and this morning we reported on the evacuation of the nearby Pokrovsk (8.05am post).

Despite successes in its Kursk invasion, Kyiv has struggled in its east, losing ground to Russian forces.

"The Ukrainians have been under tremendous pressure [there] for several months, but it's becoming intolerable now at Toretsk - which is quite a small place but it's important because it's close to Pokrovsk and Chasiv Yar," Sky News' military analyst Professor Michael Clarke said.

The latter, Prof Clarke said, is important because it is high ground that controls movement towards Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, and Pokrovsk is important because it is a transport hub and controls movements north and westwards.

Prof Clarke added: "They're struggling to maintain their hold on the area. 

"And that's the problem here... Kramatorsk and Sloviansk are the really important places, if Russia gets them, it gets the whole of the Donbas."

Russia has summoned a senior US diplomat to protest the presence of American journalists in Kursk.

Moscow has complained about the "provocative actions" of journalists in the region.

On 6 August, Ukraine launched an incursion into Russia, taking many by surprise.

Now, the Russian foreign ministry has said it told US Charge d'Affaires Stephanie Holmes that reporters had illegally crossed into the region too.

It added that Russia intended to prosecute them.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was recently freed in a historic prison swap - after being jailed on alleged espionage charges.

Russia has claimed to have taken control of the Donetsk town of Niu-York.

Moscow described the town as a strategically important logistics hub, in eastern Ukraine.

While Russia refers to Niu-York as Novgorodskoye - the Russian spelling of the settlement's Soviet-era name - Ukraine gave it back its original name in 2021.

In a statement, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed to have "liberated" the town.

Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian military said that heavy fighting was under way in the Toretsk sector, including in Niu-York.

Sky News has not verified Russia's claims, but if true it would show Moscow is creeping ever closer to the larger population centres in the region.

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