You know that feeling when you dream about visiting a country for years and then you finally get the chance to go? You arrive there and it just feels surreal and you want to document EVERY.SINGLE.MOMENT because you don’t ever want to forget a thing. Well, that was Cuba for me. As a Cuban-American, growing up in South Florida, visiting Cuba has been on the top of my list of places to visit for a very long time! While the U.S. and Cuba’s relations might be unclear, traveling to Cuba is easier than ever before for Americans and it seems like everyone is planning a trip to see the country before it “changes.” Unsure if you can visit Cuba as an American? Read here.

If you’re thinking of visiting Cuba, I would say yes, absolutely GO! Not to see it before it changes, but to witness the changes as they’re unfolding daily. Go to remind yourself of what it’s like to live without technology; to gain a greater appreciation for things, to ask people questions instead of using google, and to slow down to a simpler pace of life for a while.

As you walk around and explore Havana, you will feel like you are in a different world, from old classic cars, to the brightly colored buildings, Havana is a bustling city with so many wonderful things to do and see. Any visit to Cuba must include a few days in Cuba’s capital, Havana. In this post, I will be sharing all the details about my 5 day visit to Havana, including where I stayed, restaurant recommendations, what I did and lots of helpful tips most people won’t tell you!

---

Arriving in Cuba

We flew on American Airlines from Miami to Havana arriving around 9 AM. The flight from Miami to Havana took approximately 30 minutes. Upon arrival at the airport, we made sure to exchange our money for Cuban currency. I had read that the line to exchange money at the airport is extremely long, however when we arrived it was empty. Remember, you will need to exchange some money at the airport in order to pay for your transportation to your accommodation. Our driver, who was arranged to pick us up by the host at our casa particular, greeted us outside the terminal and drove us to our place in an old 50’s classic car. The drive from José Martí International Airport to our casa was approximately a 25 minute drive.

---

Where I Stayed

The city of Havana is split into three districts – Old Havana, Centro Havana and Vedado. I decided to stay along the seafront of the Malecón, near Vedado. Vedado is a more modern part of the city, developed in the first half of the 20th century. In 2016 it was described by one commentator as the city’s “most affluent” section. The northern edge of the district is the waterfront seawall known as the Malecón, a famous and popular place for social gatherings in the city.

I found my casa particular on Air BNB and it was absolutely beautiful! La Casa Blanca is a colonial traditional, which offers stunning views from the Havana Bay. It’s only a 15 minute walk from the old district Habana Vieja. We had our own bedroom with a private bathroom on the second floor of the house, which provided enough privacy. Our room was very comfortable and included towels, a hair dryer, mini fridge with bottled water, beer and soda, and a portable air conditioner.

The house itself has a long balcony in front and a big living/dining room where guests can have breakfast or even dinner with fantastic view of the sea. We had breakfast at our casa every morning, as it was very convenient and affordable at 4 CUC per person. Breakfast included eggs, toast, tomato, avocado, coffee, tea, water and fresh fruit. I highly recommend you have breakfast at your casa if it is offered because it is difficult to find places that serve breakfast in Cuba. The house staff was absolutely incredible throughout our stay. Anything we needed they were there to help. From making fresh mojitos that we enjoyed in the living room one night watching the sunset, to arranging a car service for our day trip to Varadero and even phoning local businesses for us. If you find yourself in Havana, make sure that you stay at Casa Blanca and book well in advance!

---

Day 1

Walk along the Malecón

Since our casa was situated along the Malecón we decided to walk along this famous Cuban street as we headed towards Hotel Nacional. It’s a 5 mile avenue, which borders the sea. It’s the place where locals and tourists chill out in the evening to watch the beautiful sunsets. I enjoyed walking along the Malecón and watching the waves crash against the concrete barrier. Be careful not to get too close on a day when the water is really active because you will get hit with a wave and they are powerful enough to knock you into the street.

Visit Hotel Nacional

This hotel is full of history and is located in the center of Havana by the sea. Everyone from Winston Churchill to President Obama has stayed in this hotel. The decor and the rich history of this hotel make it so iconic. Outside in the garden area, you can explore the Santa Clara Battery which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. After enjoying a mojito in the garden, take a little stroll to the far right corner and look for the signs, and tunnels where the Cuban Missile Crisis missiles were once set up and aimed directly at the U.S.

Lunch at Paladar Cafe Laurent

Cafe Laurent was our first meal while visiting Cuba and remains one of the most memorable meals in Havana. After our trip, we agreed that it was one of those Cuban restaurants with high quality ingredients, great presentation and flavorful food. Our experience began with an antique elevator ride up to the 4th floor and we enjoyed a delicious Cuban meal on the balcony overlooking Vedado. Although the ropa vieja has a modern presentation it is packed with traditional Cuban flavor.

Explore Habana Vieja

Cuba displays a lot of 16th century Spanish colonial architecture. Old Havana has many vibrant architectural styles including Baroque, Colonial, and Neocalssical cathedrals, churches and monuments. The city is best explored on foot and includes 4 main plazas:

• Plaza de Armas
• Plaza Vieja
• Plaza de San Francisco de Asis
• Plaza de la Catedral

There are also many restaurants, bars with live music and quaint art shops to visit in this area. Don’t avoid the side streets, as they are often the most charming! Many of the buildings have grand, colorful facades painted in various pastel shades with beautiful columns although they aren’t in the best of shape.

Dinner at Paladar Los Mercaderes

Paladar Los Mercaderes is a privately owned restaurant located in Old Havana on one of Havana’s oldest streets. You walk up a flight of stairs to a dining room, where you will be greeted by live music and an incredible menu of Cuban and international dishes. We enjoyed a beautiful dinner on the patio overlooking the charming street of Mercaderes. Muy romántico!

Explore the Night Life

Fabricia de Arte – is essentially an art gallery discoteca that is built inside of an old olive oil factory. It is different from anything you’ve ever experienced. A place for everyone and pretty much everything. It has a restaurant, nice art expositions, concerts, movies, a few bars and much more. All of that spread through completely different areas, with a very casual and fun atmosphere. If you have only one night in the city to party, this is the place to be.

---

Day 2

Free Walking Tour of Havana

We decided to begin our day with a free walking tour of Havana to acquaint ourselves a little more with the city. Our tour began at 9:30 AM and we met our guide with a large group of other tourists near the Jose Marti Statue in Parque Central. The best part is there is no need to book in advance! It’s a free tour, just show up! Tours like this are great because a local educates you on the history of the city and takes you to all the touristy and non touristy spots. They can even provide recommendations on places to eat, drink and visit during your trip. You get to actually see and learn about the most important places in Havana versus just walking around the city on your own and not really understanding what you’re passing by. Of course, nothing is really free, the tour is tip based and giving your guide some cash is greatly appreciated.

Lunch at Doña Eutemia

Doña Eutemia is tucked in an Old Havana alley away in Cathedral Square, but busy enough to give you a taste of true Cuban street life. This is a very popular restaurant in which reservations are required well in advance. After having lunch here I completely understand why it is so busy. This was by far the best meal that we had our entire trip and we returned the next day for lunch and dinner, however they were completely booked and we could not get in for another meal. The picadillo was AH-MAZING! TRUST ME! I’m Cuban and I thought my dad made the most delicious picadillo, until I ate here. (Sorry Dad)! If you eat at one place during your visit to Cuba, make sure it’s at Doña Eutemia.

Ride Around Havana in a Classic Convertible

While this is totally touristy, where else can you find 50s era cars in great condition? Go for a ride at least once on your vacation to Cuba – just make sure to haggle the price first! On average, expect to pay anywhere from $25 CUC to $50 CUC per hour, depending on the season and if you would like to ride with an English speaking tour guide. Your driver will take you anywhere you want to go and wait for you to explore, take pictures and educate you on important sites as you drive by.

Dinner at La Guarida

La Guarida is a paladar that opened on July 14th, 1996, in a mansion, where in an exclusive atmosphere you will find the mixture of the daily resident´s life routine and a luxury restaurant. La Guarida, meaning “The Hideaway,” is arguably the best restaurant in Havana and is a must for your trip to Cuba. You will walk up the marble staircase leading into the restaurant and have dinner on an open patio overlooking Havana. The food was very delicious and was presented beautifully. I enjoyed the ropa vieja for dinner. Interested in having drinks after dinner? Visit their rooftop bar for cocktails.

TIP: Make reservations well in advance via email. You must confirm your reservation the day before – either in person or via email. If you’re more than 15 minutes late you will lose your reservation. I don’t recommend missing our on this dining experience!

Dance at La Casa de la Musica

La Casa de la Musica is essentially a massive indoor nightclub with live music, and lots of salsa dancing! You can buy a cheap bottle of rum and sit at a table and dance the night away. This is a great way to end your night. Not sure how to salsa dance? Don’t worry, a local will most likely try to dance with you and teach you how to salsa! No better place to learn right?!

TIP: Go to the location in Miramar, not in Centro Havana! The Miramar location is where you will find more locals than tourists.

---

Day 3

Day Trip to Varadero Beach

Varadero is best known as a tourist resort town, with more than 12 miles of white sandy beaches. I have heard all my life how Varadero is the most beautiful beach in Cuba. Many of my family members visited this beach at some point in their life and still continue to say how no other beach compares. During my visit to Cuba, I met with some of my Cuban family for the first time at Varadero beach. Our journey began around 8 am when our private driver picked us up in a classic 50s car at our casa. The host at our casa arranged our ride with Armando the night before. The drive to Varadero was pleasant and scenic as we drove on highways and through neighborhoods, arriving about 10:00 AM.

Was the beach worth the 2 hour drive? ABSOLUTELY! It was everything I expected and lived up to my expectations. If you’re looking for a day to lay on the beach, bathe in clear blue water and engage in water activities, then by all means go! You can rent a car round trip from Havana for about 150 CUC or take a bus if you’re on a limited budget. The bus is significantly cheaper, however takes about 3 hours each way. If you don’t want to make the trip to Varadero, Santa Maria Beach is only 20 minutes away from Havana and a perfect way to experience a white sand beach with turquoise water.

Dinner at Paladar Vistamar

Paladar Vistamar has been established since 1996 and inhabits the 2nd-floor family room turned restaurant of a private residence, which faces the sea. The seaside ambiance is has a beautiful swimming pool that spills its water into the ocean. Make sure to sit outside for dinner and overlook the ocean.

---

Day 4

Day Trip to Viñales

Viñales is a rural town in Cuba located in the Province of Pinar del Rio, that’s famous for scenic beauty and tobacco production. Viñales is where you go in Cuba in order to visit a tobacco plantation and observe how cigars are made. On our fourth day in Cuba, we decided we would take a private day trip from Havana to Viñales with Discover Viñales.

We were picked up at 8 AM at our casa and began our 2 hour journey to the country side. I booked our tour in advanced online which included the excursion, road trip transportation from Havana, lunch at an organic farm and an English speaking guide. During our tour we visited Los Jazmines, the most famous view of the valley, a traditional tobacco farm to learn about the handmade processes of the leaves, a tobacco sorting factory, the historical center of Viñales and we went horseback riding for 1 hour in the Silent Valley. The tour ended at 5 PM and we were then driven back to our casa in Havana where we arrived around 7 PM. I can not recommend this tour or company enough! If you do one day trip while in Havana, make sure it is to Viñales!

Dinner at San Cristobal Paladar

San Cristobal Paladar is located in Central Havana serving up Cuban-Creole dishes. This paladar is named after its owner, chef Carlos Cristóbal Márquez Valdés. If you’re looking for a delicious dinner with great service and a unique atmosphere, then you must dine at San Cristobal Paladar.

---

Day 5

Visit Plaza de la Revolucion

Plaza de la Revolucion is a memorial to Jose Marti, Che Guevara, and Camilo Cienfuegos. It was completed in 1959 as Fidel came to power. All political rallies are held here and it is known as the most visited square on tours of Havana since the huge tribute to Che Guevara is one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Get Lost in Central Havana

Central Havana (Centro Habana) is the neighborhood to wander around and get a better sense of Cuba’s economic situation and the daily lives of the Cuban people, take the time to wander around Centro Havana, a neighborhood that is often referred to as the “real heart of Cuba.” Centro Havana is located just West of the Capitol building and has far more crumbling and abandoned buildings.

Centro Havana is very safe and if you speak Spanish, be sure to chat it up with a few locals! The Cuban people are so friendly. You will notice children playing in the dusty streets filled with vintage american cars and locals gossiping whilst drinking the Havana Club rum. Other Cubans can be seen earning a living selling fruit and vegetables from old carts.

Lunch at El Dandy

El Dandy is a hidden gem located near El Capitol in Old Havana. Great spot for tapas style food and cocktails. Great atmosphere and in a less busy area of Habana Vieja.

Visit Paseo Martí

Paseo Martí, previously known as Prado Promenade, is a long avenue located in Centro Habana, with more than 200 years of history. For many years it was known to be the most important and beautiful avenue in Havana. Nowadays, it is still a popular spot for tourists, and a very valued site for Cubans. Take a stroll along this historic avenue and snap a few pictures!

Bar Hop

El Floridita

Hemingway frequented El Floridita to enjoy his favourite cocktail, which is the Cuban daiquiri. El Floridita bar is located in Old Havana. At this bar you will find lots of old photos of Hemingway and a statue of him which the bar has placed right next to Hemingways favorite bar stool. It is super touristy, but worth a visit for one drink and the live music.

La Bodeguita del Medio

La Bodeguita del Medio, is another local bar Hemingway enjoyed as he often stayed in Ambos Mundos hotel. This bar is a great place to visit and has makes a great mojito. Again, it is touristy, but the drinks are cheap and the pours are strong.

---

Tips

1. Bring snacks from home. There aren’t really supermarkets to speak of. The stores that are available are government run and are practically empty. Most places only carry water, rum, and beer. I would recommend granola bars, nuts or any snack that are easy to pack.
2. The Cuban people are kind, welcoming, and eager to learn about you. Don’t be afraid to interact and get to know them.
3. Be prepared to have no internet or phone access. Enjoy it!
4. Bring enough cash for your whole trip. U.S. credit cards don’t work in Cuba. I recommend calculating what you think you’ll need and doubling that. If you aren’t sure, plan on about $100 a day to be safe.
5. For any shopping, be sure to haggle – often the standard price is 1/3 of what the seller starts with.
6. DO NOT buy cigars from people on the streets. Some Cubans will try to make it seem like they are doing you a favor by getting you a great deal on cigars. They will lure you into a store or a home off the beaten path to sell you “REAL Cuban cigars”. They are 100% fake. If you are approached simply say “No, Gracias” and keep walking. Only buy cigars from a legit store or at the airport.
7. DO NOT drink the tap water. Don’t even  brush your teeth with it. Use bottled water and ONLY drink bottled water.
8. Eat at a Paladar! Paladars are privately run restaurants. Technically in Cuba the government owns and operates state run restaurants for tourists. However, families can open their own private establishments.  You will notice that state run restaurants offer steak or lobster, where as a paladar usually serves Cuban food classics like ropa vieja, fried plantains and beans.
9. Make all your lunch and dinner reservations before your trip online. It will be difficult for you to get reliable wifi while in Cuba to make reservations. Most of the popular restaurants also book weeks in advance.
10. The easiest way to travel around Cuba is by collective taxi. These are like normal taxis with the only difference that you will probably be sharing one with strangers. If you ask your Air BNB host they will be more than happy to book one for you, which usually also gives you the guarantee that it will be a nice car.
11. DO NOT get into any taxis without negotiating the fare first.
12. DO NOT snap a picture if someone offers to let you because you will be expected to pay up!
13. Get to the airport 3 hours before your flight. Lines are long and inefficient.

 

---

Planning to visit Cuba? Book your trip on Kayak.com through my affiliate link. Kayak offers the best prices by scanning hundreds of travel sites in seconds and gathering flight deals from across the web and putting them in one place, at no extra cost to you!

If booking your own trip to Cuba is too overwhelming, book a cruise! Just show up and let the ship take you to paradise!

---

If you enjoyed this post, please comment below or share on social media!

PIN IT!

 

 

Shop My Cuba Look

_______________