While spending two weeks traveling solo in Havana, Cuba, I learned a lot about the beautiful and culturally-stimulating country that I’m originally from. I explored the famous sites, and discovered tons of new awesome things to do, see, and experience! I even met up with some of my relatives!
If you’re thinking of going to Havana, Cuba, “before tourism takes over”, that’s probably a good idea since there is already a lot of tourism and people with that very same idea. I walked around on my own the majority of the time and felt completely safe, and also made friends with the locals to learn about them and get some insight on interesting things to do.
So this list is a combination of the must-see touristy things to do in Havana, Cuba, mixed with spots I discovered on my own or was told to go!
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1. The Malecón at Sunset
The Malecón is the famous, historical stone wall in Havana, Cuba, that separates the pronounced city of Havana from the daunting ocean waters below it. For decades, families, friends, and couples have gone to the Malecón to talk, drink, and of course kiss and cuddle!
It becomes somewhat of a hotspot at night — many locals go there to drink and socialize because it’s much cheaper than going to a bar or club — but it is truly a majestic sight to see at sunset. Every night, the air cools down and the sky turns orange and pink for a truly spectacular show!
2. Ride in a 1950’s Convertible
Perhaps one of the biggest trademarks of Cuba is its notorious collection of antique cars from the 1950’s. If you’re looking for things to do in Havana, Cuba, don’t miss this opportunity. While many people still use them for every day use, most of them are used as taxis or private cars that you can ride in with a driver.
They will try to overcharge you at the airport, so wait until you’re in town to hop in one.
Many of them are owned by a bigger company so are more expensive, but if you can find one that is a private car, get the driver’s number! It will be cheaper (around 10 CUC) and they will likely be willing to wait for you places, and will come get you whenever you call them!
3. El Floridita for a Hemingway Daiquiri
Keep in mind that you’re not the only one lookin for things to do in Havana, Cuba, and unfortunately this is a HUGE tourist spot now. It’s still neat to see where Hemingway made his famous claim about the “best daiquiri in the world.”
Located in Havana Vieja, this little bar looks like a classic place to lounge, with live music and photos of Hemingway everywhere you look. And yes, the daiquiri is pretty damn good!
4. Have a “Cubata” on the Rooftop of Ambos Mundos Hotel
Hotel Ambos Mundos is another famous spot in Havana, Cuba that Hemingway used to frequent, and when I went there, I saw why. In fact, I think Hemingway and I would have been best friends because it’s exactly the type of place I’d drink and write at all day.
Take the elevator to the restaurant at the top for a breathtaking view of all of Havana Vieja, that stretches out across the bay and over to the Morro Cabaña. I got aggressive and ordered a “Cubata” (anejo and cola) because I couldn’t remember what Hemingway’s favorite drink was there, but it was pretty perfect for sitting in the warm Havana, Cuba sun!
5. Walk Around Havana Vieja
Havana Vieja translates to “old Havana,” even though it’s one of the most newly renovated areas. It’s what I would call the “touristy area” because it has a lot of new hotels, restaurants, landmarks, etc., but that doesn’t mean it can’t be on the list of thing to do in Havana, Cuba.
You can see the famous capitol building, that looks almost identical to the U.S. capitol, walk around the cobblestone streets, and check out one of the many restaurants or little souvenir shops that are on every block.
From the “Parque Central” you’ll also be able to find one of the many 1950’s cars, horse and buggies, and the Habana Bus Tour buses that offer tours of Havana and even a ride to the closest beach, Santa Maria. There are also plenty of other tours in Havana, Cuba, you may really enjoy!
6. Do a Cigar Factory Tour at Partagrás
If you’re in Cuba, you have to see how Cuban cigars are made. It’s actually really impressive! Partagrás is one of the oldest, largest cigar factories in Havana, Cuba, and is where they roll brands like Cohiba and Romeo and Juliet.
They’ll explain to you how using different proportions of types of tobacco leaves (scent, taste, and burning) is what makes each brand different, and then you’ll get to watch the masters at work! You can buy authentic Cuban cigars from a shop, but beware of the street peddlers who will try to sell you them illegally!
If you’re staying at a hotel you can book tour tickets from the concierge, and if not, use the tourist information center inside the Saratoga Hotel nearby.
7. Visit a Craft (Souvenir) and Fruit Market
You’ll see tons of little fruit markets, so if you want a fresh piece of mango or watermelon, be sure to stop by one. Keep in mind that they are probably using Cuban pesos, NOT the Cuban Convertibles (CUCs) you are used to using — 25 pesos = 1 CUC, so don’t mess that up.
I liked the craft markets because they have all of the little souvenirs you see in the tourist shops, but it’s all in one place so you have a better chance at bargaining for a deal. I found a pretty big one on La Rampa around 23rd street, just a few blocks away from the water.
8. Have a Mojito in the Garden at Hotel Nacional
You’ll be able to see the iconic Hotel Nacional from wherever you are usually. It’s in the middle of Vedado and Havana Vieja, and right across from the Malecón. It’s probably Havana, Cuba’s most famous hotel, and was built in the 1930’s.
It reminds me of The Breakers on Palm Beach Island with its palm tree lined entrance and massive double-tower structure.
Out back is a beautiful garden area where you can sit at a table on the lawn, or choose one closer to the water for a prime view of the ocean and the Malecón. Mojitos are their claim to fame drink and only cost about 3 CUCs!
9. Walk Through the Cuban Missile Crisis Tunnels
After you’re done enjoying your mojito in the garden of Hotel Nacional, 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. It’s crazy to think that an island in the Caribbean almost went up against the U.S. in what would have been a World War III!
10. Learn About the Crumbling Buildings in Centro Havana
Tucked deeper into the the middle of the city is Centro Havana — an area that is most densely populated with locals, but very sad to see. Like most things in Cuba, the buildings are the originals from the 1950’s and earlier. However, also like most things after 1958… there was no money to keep them maintained or restored.
At first you’ll think maybe this area of Havana, Cuba, is “ghetto” or “poor” because all of the buildings are crumbling and decrepit looking. But what you’ll quickly learn about Cuba is that when everyone makes the same amount of money per month ($40), and multiple families live in one dwelling, it makes it hard to maintain these old, once-beautiful homes.
While this might not be the most exciting of things to do in Havana, Cuba, it definitely gives you some perspective and appreciation for other cultures.
11. Visit Morro Cabańa
Also known as “the Morro” or “la Cabańa”, this massive fort is hard to miss when you’re in Havana, Cuba. It’s located just across the Bahia (bay) from Havana Vieja, and you can take a taxi through the underground tunnel to get to it.
It was built in the late 1800’s and still has many of the old cannons used to fire at invading ships over the centuries. It also has one of the most spectacular views of Havana and the Malecón, and if you maybe had a telescope, you could see 90 miles to Florida!
12. Watch The Cannons Fire at 9pm
Every night at 9pm, a cannon is fired from Morro Cabaña in Havana, Cuba. If you want to go to the fort to watch it from there, get there around 7:30pm because they have a little celebration before hand, and also because it gets pretty crowded. Otherwise take a seat along the Malecón or perhaps the rooftop of Hotel Ambos Mundos to watch it from there.
13. Have a Cuba Libre by the Pool at El Presidente Hotel
Everyday I would walk two blocks to use the internet at El Presidente Hotel (4.50 CUC per hour plus 4 CUC minimum bar fee… typically limited to 1 hour of Wi-Fi per day) so would sit by the pool and have a Cuba Libre (rum and cola) and a Cuban Sandwich minus the meat for lunch.
It’s only one block from the ocean in Vedado (west Havana) so you get that nice salty air feeling that really makes you feel like you’re in the Carribean. If you go, tell the pool boy Luis I said “hi,” or if you hang there later for live music, tell the bartender Arnoldo I said “hi.”
14. Go See the Old Mansions in Vedado
I was slightly confused when I got to my casa particular in Vedado and saw mansion after mansion along the street I was staying on. These things are not just massive, but the architecture is straight up mind-boggling. It makes you wonder who in the heck lived there before the Revolucion.
From what I gathered, it was where mafia and mob leaders from the U.S., plantation owners, and even the Bacardi family lived when Batista was in power and Havana, Cuba was considered the “Las Vegas of the Caribbean.”
Now, multiple families live in these old mansions, and most of them are crumbling and run down. From what I learned from the locals, no one pays rent and the government assigns families to homes depending on family size and where they’re originally from (communism does not work).
Click here to read more about WHY all of the mansions are crumbling in Cuba.
15. Discover “Paladares” to Eat At
Paladares translates to “family-restaurant” or “self-run restaurant.” They have this name because they are typically built inside of the big houses or buildings that people live in, and have converted all or a section of it into a restaurant. If you walk around the streets in Vedado you will find a lot of hidden, authentic ones, but they are also well established in Havana Vieja as well.
My absolute favorite was a Mediterranean place called “Mediterraneo Havana” on Calle 13 entra de E y F (say that in Spanish to your driver), which had the best, and largest selection of seafood and pasta that I found in Cuba. Across the street is a more casual little spot that is literally set up on the front lawn of one of the biggest mansions I saw, and it has authentic Cuban food for affordable prices.
16. See A Tropicana Show
If you’re looking for amazing cultural things to do in Havana, Cuba, you cannot miss out on this. I remember seeing pictures of my grandparents at the original Tropicana back in the 1940’s, so to be able to go to this iconic Cuban show was a real treat for me!
Buy tickets in advance because the show fills up quickly every night! Upon entering you’ll be given a cigar (I attempted smoking it but it didn’t turn out well), and a bottle of rum for the table!
You can also order dinner, and after the show you can even go on stage and dance salsa with other brave, daring souls.
17. Go Dancing at Casa De La Musica
Image via TripAdvisor (I was too rum-drunk to take pictures here)
If you want real, authentic Cuban nightlife, head over to Casa de la Musica in Miramar — just west of Vedado and close by the Tropicana. This is where all of the young locals go to dance to live salsa or reggae music, but I noticed a lot of tourists there as well. There’s another one in Centro Havana but I was told that one is all tourists and that locals will only go to the one in Miramar.
It’s essentially a massive indoor nightclub, except with live music, and lots of salsa dancing! You can get a cheap bottle of rum and sit at a table, or get up and dance with someone.
Warning: you will get hustled out front by all of the taxi drivers so either keep the one you came with, or pick one and bargain with them for a good price.
18. Discover The Young Artists’ Movement at Fabrica de Arte
Now this place is just awesome. It’s relatively new and was suggested to me by a friend, and also any young local Cubano I would ask where to go out. Fabrica de Arte is essentially an art gallery discoteca that is built inside of an old olive oil factory.
It has two floors plus an additional back area made from cargo containers. On the first floor is a bar, artwork and a live band playing, and upstairs is more art, and a back area where an indie film is playing on a massive screen. Out back is a patio where most people lounge and hang out, then back downstairs out back is a little “food truck” type thing made from one of the cargo containers with modern Cuban cuisine.
If you continue walking past that you’ll see another bar made from a cargo container, then you’ll pass through the doors that lead into the nightclub area where there’s more live music, but tons of people packed in and dancing.
19. Practice Spanish & English With Locals
Before you go to Havana, Cuba, you should definitely learn a few basic Spanish phrases, because hardly anyone speaks English. A few people, especially younger ones, can speak a little, but we talk way too fast for them to be able to understand fully usually.
BUT they will help you speak Spanish if you ask, and many of the younger Cubans will actually ask you to speak in English or even teach them because they really do want to learn.
Tip: sign language works wonders when trying to communicate in any language!
20. See the Parisiene Dinner Show at Hotel Nacional
This is the famous dinner cabaret show at the Hotel Nacional that is somewhat like the Tropicana show but on a much smaller scale. It’s performed in an old theatre just outside of the hotel and you can reserve a table for dinner during the show.
Definitely do that because it was some of the best freaking food I had in Havana, Cuba (smoked salmon plate and sea bass for the entree), and one of the only places that had a name for the fish other than, “It’s the filet.”
21. Visit the Four Plazas of the Revolucion
There are four different plazas in Havana, Cuba, with statues dedicated to memorials of the Revolucion leaders, but they’re spread out all over Havana, Cuba, so you either have to take a taxi to each one or be touristy and take the HavanaTur bus tour. I took the bus tour because I have no shame in learning about sites while solo traveling, and it was only 5 CUC to go all around Havana, Cuba, even though it took about 3 hours.
22. Take the Bus to Santa Maria Beach
After I had walked or toured almost every area of Havana, I really wanted to check out a beach, but couldn’t exactly afford the 50 CUC taxi ride to get there. I happened to notice the Habana Bus Tour bus route maps, and saw that one of them took a longer route that goes to Santa Maria beach and Villa Tarará, and only costs 5 CUC!
The beautiful white-sandy beaches and clear-blue waters were only about 20 minutes from Havana Vieja, and I got to spend a day there exploring and lounging in the sun! There’s a few hotels on Santa Maria beach that you can order a delicious meal from, and of course some freshly made libations!
23. Explore Tobacco Fields and Caves in Viñales
Image via chocolate-fish.net
If you have time (and money) you should definitely check out Viñales. It’s where the big tobacco fields are that are really cool to see and learn about, but there’s also some really cool caves you can explore closer to the coast. It is located in Piñar del Rio which has a lot of lush, jungle type area which always makes for some amazing photos.
24. See a Local Fashion Show at “La Maison”
If you’re interested in some cultural things to do in Havana, Cuba, like seeing some local Cuban fashion, check out one of the nightly fashion shows at La Maison in Vedado. Beautiful young male and female models put on a professional runway show, while equally attractive waiters and bartenders serve you drinks and food.
As the name implies, it is located in an old mansion, but it has been nicely restored and will give you a good idea of how the many mansions once looked. The show takes place in the outdoor patio area on an elevated runway.
25. Have an Authentic Cuban Meal (you won’t have a choice)
I hope you like Cuban food because otherwise you might starve in Cuba. Your typical Cuban meal will consist of a meat (usually chicken, beef, fish, or shrimp) with a heaping side of rice and beans, plantains, and a salad of cucumbers and cabbage. If you stay in a casa particular, you’ll likely have the option to pay the people who own it a little extra to cook for you as well.
There are plenty of options for places to stay in Havana, Cuba, so feel free to look around.
Booking.comYou’ll probably want a Cuban sandwich as well, which you can get at many places, but for some reason my favorite one was from the lobby bar at Hotel Saratoga… probably because I’m a vegetarian and they let me custom order mine without meat…
Also try food from the local vendors and food stands like empanadas and croquettas. Oh… and you’ll see a lot of places selling pizza… I would NOT suggest trying it. It was the only food out of the whole two week period I spent in Havana, Cuba, that made me sick!
Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions about Havana, Cuba! You’ll definitely love it as much as I do!
Have an immediate question about Cuba? The best way to reach me is to leave a comment on one of my Instagram posts!
Check out my documentary of following my grandma’s journal in Cuba where she grew up!
Check out this awesome interactive map of the above awesome places to do in Havana!
Travel Gear I’d Recommend for Cuba:
Hai Alyssa! Your blog is inspiring! I will be travelling at the end of May for 10 days with a friend and am so excited! We are flying into and out of Havana but are keen to maybe to travel to Trindad for 3 nights possible. Was it worth doing a day trip to Vinales please? How did you travel to get there? Also, what was your experience with wifi/ internet please?
Where is the best place to change money in Havana? BTW, I loved everything about your experience in Cuba. My favorite site yet for information.
I’m loving it! Thank you for the details, the research, and all of the travel recommendations. This is extremely informative. Taking all the notes I can because I’m headed to Cuba in May. Can’t wait to report back. I also follow you on ig now so I won’t miss a thing! So glad I found your blog.
Glad my travel tips helped you Regina! Let me know how your trip to Cuba went! Can’t wait to hear the details!
I’m just waiting now for a confirmed booked tour this april 6, 2018 for a 6 day western Cuba tour.. I’m traveling sola as well. You have inspired me to be brave. Thank goodness I speak Spanish but this is my FIRST ever trip w/o meeting up with someone. I love your packlist. Do you recommend taking a CHECKed bag on plane? what about toiletries? I’m Not European descent so hair issues… LOL, body wash, lotion, bug spray, bed bugs?
Hi Stefanie! That is SO exciting! Cuba is one of the first places I traveled solo, and I just loved it, so I know you will! Definitely bring toiletries from home as they don’t have many options there…maybe even bring extras to give away to locals! They also don’t have things like ibuprofen, stomach meds etc. (I brought an entire bag to my family that still lives there). Enjoy your trip! Can’t wait to go back myself!
Hi Alyssa– I’m Michael in Santa Monica CA http://www.mkerr.co ; also a world traveler ( your global beat trumps mine (sorry to invoke the T-word…)). And your site’s content/organization is GREAT! I’ll be in Cuba for 3-4 days in March, en route to Vieques PR then Punta del Este… all places I’ve been and now revisiting for a much-needed beaches vacanciones. Thanks for your Havana tips! I’m gonna stay in a hotel there (w/ a pool)…which do you recommend? I don’t like fancy; think The Marlton in New York. Thnx!
hello Alyssa! Thank you for your post, will gonna add these to my IT. I booked a ticket to havana Cuba and was wondering how can I obtain the tourist visa card? I found a website where I can purchase a tourist visa but what OFAC category am I gonna fall into? Is it gonna be under People to people or Educational activities? thanks, Very much appreciate it. 🙂
Your best bet is to call the airline you booked the ticket through and ask them if they can issue one for you. Right now I think Trump put a hold on tourist visas for Cuba, so definitely call and double check!
Hello Alyssa,
Fun reading your site!
I’m going alone to Cuba in February.
My concern is how little Spanish I have.
(almost none but cramming now)
Are there personal guides that could be hired that you know of?
Thank you!
Don
This list looks great! Me and a few of my girls will be traveling to Cuba Jan 25 to 29th for my birthday. I think this list will be very helpful. I know a few laws have changed since you posted this. I think I made the right connections to have a smooth trip there and back. Thanks again for the list, I will definitely use.
Glad you found this helpful, Christine! Let me know how your birthday trip went! Can’t wait to hear the details!
Hey! amazing job, I am departing in 10 days, really looking forward to Fabrica de Arte. Do you remember if it costs anything to access?
My brother-in law and I are heading to Havana in January! We are only going for the weekend (Friday-Sunday) because that is all we can fit in our busy schedules. I love the list you have so far, but I noticed you didn’t have anything about the RUM!! lol
Regardless, this list is awesome and we will take all of this into consideration.
I did want to know how safe you felt during your travels within Cuba. I’ve lived in Monterrey, MX for 3 months and felt safe, so is this area pretty safe to walk around? We’re just curious on what spots to maybe stay out of. Thanks for the help!
Hi Alex! It’s very safe, especially since it’s a communist country where crimes are punishable by death…
It’s said that you shouldn’t go strolling around Havana Media (or middle-Havana) since that’s where most people live and in very bad/cramped conditions, but in my opinion, that’s advised so you don’t see the sad reality of how locals are forced to live :/
As with any travel though, and I”m sure you know if you lived in Mex, just be careful with showing any money or valuables in public, and always remain vigilant!
Hello!
How much was the dinner and show at the Hotel Nacional?
I am very happy I came across your page. I will be traveling to Havana solo in October for a few days. I have an Air BnB apartment that I rented off of Plaza Vieja. These are all great recommendations and I plan to put a lot of these on my list. Did you take a trip out to Hemingway’s house? I just love his house in Key West and I would like to see his house in Cuba as well. I know it is a bit outside of Havana, but I am set on going there. Also, how much on average do you think it cost to cruise around each day? Food, sights, etc. I have no idea where to even begin budgeting since I have to bring US dollars. Thanks!
****US dollars to convert
That’s so awesome Elizabeth!! I hope you have a great time!! I didn’t make it to Hemingway’s actual house, but I did go to the area where he had a beach house! It’s at Santa Maria beach and it’s a bit of a secret (I found it while doing extensive research on my family’s history!). Things are pretty cheap, but transportation, especially if you take an over-priced cab, can get pricey, so I’d average about $30 USD per day! Have fun!
Thank you so much for these (very) helpful tips, Alyssa! My husband and I are going next week (July 13-21), and I added several of your tips to our to-do list! We’re going solo, without a tour, so they will definitely come in handy. Just curious, I noticed you said you were a vegetarian, but saw that you were eating fish? Just a little confused coming from a fellow vegan. Anyway, thanks again for your tips!
Hi Meghan! I’m a vegetarian, so I eat fish (some call it “pescatarian” but I feel like I sound too LA when I say that word), but either way, fish was a bit scarce anyway and I ate a lot of beans and rice, plantains, etc. Would love to know what you guys ended up eating while you were there!
Thanks for these suggestions and tips. My husband & I are going tomorrow with our 17 month old daughter. We’re excited!
Thank you very much! thanking my wife there next week! very informative and will definitely try some of your top 25!
Thanks Peter!! Have a great time in Cuba!
Hi Alyssa, so happy to found your blog.. My husband and I are going to Cuba for 10 days at the end of November. We want to stay a few days in Habana and then go to small towns. We are doing airbnb. Is there any cities you would recommend outside Habana? Also, on an average on food could you give me an idea of how much would you spend a day? I heard you have to take cash. Where do I change the dollars to their money? Wait until we are there or can i do that in the States? No credit cards accepted at all anywhere? I was thinking about bringing my laptop but if there is no wifi i might just leave it home. What do you suggest? I take pictures as my hobby and will be taking lots of pictures and I could wait until I get home to download. Suggestions? Thank you so very much for all the info on your blog. I really appreciate it. This is our first trip to Cuba and we are very excited.. We are seniors and hope it will be safe to travel to the country. Best to you. Mireya
Hi, just back from Cuba. It’s very safe to go for seniors.
You can only change money at official places called Cadeca or at hotels. Cadecas will give you the best exchange and they use the same exchange. You can change at the airport too in your way out. There is one there.
Viñales is at the western part of Cuba and is full of natural beauty and wildlife, so bring binoculars if you like this. It is a day trip but it would be better if you book to stay overnight at any house or hotel.
Probably some 25-30 dollars for food and drink per person. It varies on where you go for a drink, but a mojitos costs between $3.00-4.50 others are similar or cheaper. Paladares are a bit more expensive than government run restaurants, but the selection is better.
I would take the laptop and buy an internet card at a hotel, it costs $4.50 for one hour and you don’t need to pay to go to a hotel and use it.
Hope you have a good experience.
AWESOME write up, and list of things to do, thank you!!! Very helpful!! I’ll be traveling there in August (5 nights) and want to take in as much as possible. I’m so excited about this and ready to learn and experience the culture.
Thanks Mary!! Glad it could help! I have another post on here as well that has a couple things to do just outside of Havana too, some you can take the tourist bus to for super cheap and it doesn’t take too long at all!
Great writeup! You mentioned at the end you’re a vegetarian — were you able to find enough (good, or decent) options for food in and around the city? Any great veg. suggestions??
Thanks so much
To be honest, I had a lot of bread and cheese sandwiches LOL! But in the main area (Havana Vieja) and some of the nicer Paladores, they had really good pasta and seafood dishes! They’re just a little pricier 😉
Hi Alyssa,
We are leaving for Havana in few days. Have no certain plans other than we are staying in casa particular.
Since we will only be there for 5 days, we only plan to visit places in town (Havana) so far, But wondering if we will be able to go visit Vinales. Do you know any tour (day tour) from Havana to Vinales?
Thanks,
Betsy.
Just wondering if there is wine in Cuba? Specifically Rosé? lol sorry the question but i’m truly curious…
Obsessed with this question!! It’s pretty hard to find wine…there’s mostly rum 😉 But the fancier hotels might have rosé!
Hi Alyssa,
My wife and I will be traveling to Cuba next month. We’re planning on doing the exact route you did. Would you recommend exchanging Dollars to Euros before we arrive in Cuba?
Hi Alyssa,
I leave tomorrow for 5 days in Havana. I am looking forward to spending the time there. My daughter and I will be visiting family the first day and spending the rest of the time to ourselves. Which would be your first stop on Thursday? El Floradita or the beach? Also do you have any recommendations for souvenir shopping?
Thanks,
Rich
Hi again! Been to Cuba before but not Havana! Lots of useful info. Can’t stop reading your blogs lady! Keep writing! 🙂
Thanks for reading! You would LOVE Havana! One of my favorites!
This site is wonderful. How do you recommend getting from the airport to downtown Havana?
Hi Alyssa,
I am traveling to Havana in April for 4 days and am quite nervous and extremely excited. Thanks so much for all of your suggestions – I hope to see at least some of the sights you recommend!
I am also vegetarian – and celiac. I plan to pack a snack bars, gluten free crackers and the like, but I am a bit worried about food. Do you have any suggestions on what I might order when roaming about? Thanks so much!
Best,
AJ
Hi Alyssa,
My family too is from Cuba and I will be traveling in about 8 days for two weeks. I am very excited, I am the first to return to see family after almost 60 years. I am curious, I have read everywhere that the internet situation is horrendous. Is it possible to take a hotspot and have it work? What do you recommend?
Thanks!
Hi Victoria! That’s so exciting!!! Congrats on your trip, you’re going to absolutely love it there! Unfortunately, what you hear about the horrendous wifi is correct, and unfortunately most wifi hotspots don’t work there. I do know however that if you go to the little local phone shops, you can ask to buy the wifi cards there and they are cheaper than the hotels. You can also try your luck at buying a local SIM card — don’t be alarmed when they start to cut it in order to fit in your phone, lol! I know also that the fancier hotels included wifi with your stay, not sure where you’re planning to stay, but that’s an option! Have an amazing time!
Hi Alyssa
I am travelling to Cuba by ship and only have three days I am from Australia and doubt I will ever return as it is so far away.
Which of your 25 would you say are “essential” to make my trip unforgettable.
Hi Shane! Definitely check out Havana Vieja, where you’ll probably land, and go see Hemmingway’s bar for a drink, the Hotel Nacional for a mojito, and also the dinner show (like a mini Copacabana) if your budget allows! the cigar rolling factory was pretty awesome, and if you really want to have an authentic experience, take one of the old fashioned cars to the Copacabana! If you have time, and want to get at least a glimpse of the beaches in Cuba, take the tourist bus to Santa Maria beach, it’s not too far away and really nice! Have a great time!
Love this going to Cuba this weekend for 5 days. So glad I came across your Blog. Great tips! Can’t wait to go Cuba! I’m staying in La Habana is this too far? We rented a house and i know the bus is near by.
Great page those are all amazing things to do in my beautiful Island
Looks like we may cross paths….heading to Cuba and then Exuma this weekend! Happy Holidays! Tara (www.taraontv.com)
Really?? What an amazing way to spend Christmas!!!! I won’t get there until next week, but will be on the look out for your posts! Have an amazing time!
Hi Alyssa,
My boyfriend and I just booked our trip to Cuba for two weeks! While we will most likely stay in Havana for a few nights we are looking to bop around surround cities to get fully immersed in Cuba. What cities would you recommend checking out aside from Havana? Do you know of any area where we could camp for a few nights (is it safe)? Looking for as many tips/suggestions as possible. Thanks so much! -Neelo
Hi Neelo! I’m not sure about camping, but I know Viñales is supposed to be a beautiful jungle-ey area, and of course the beaches of Varadero are incredible as well (although it’s also a bit touristy). Here’s a post with more info and a couple other places: https://mylifesamovie.com/10-things-to-do-outside-of-havana/ 🙂
did you go directly from the states? what was entering cuba and leaving cuba like? Did your trip fall under one of the twelve reasons for going (not tourism)? Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Going in 2 weekds
Hi Ana – Yes I went from Miami and was able to get a visa at the airline ticketing counter. At the time, I qualified as a “family visit visa” but now I’m pretty sure anyone is allowed to go as a tourist, and you should be able to just get it at the counter like I did! Have a great time in Cuba!
Thank you so much for this! I’m going to Havana for 2 weeks over New Years Eve and finding information online has proven to be a bit difficult. Did you go to Vinales while you were there? If so, was it difficult to get to? I’m considering taking the public bus, but have heard it can be a difficult process.
Thanks!
Hello Alyssa. I am traveling there in about 3 weeks…. and am also Vegetarian. What are your recommendations for someone who is vegetarian to eat in Cuba? Thanks
Hi Jennifer! I’m a vegetarian too but I eat some fish, so I mostly ate rice and bean dishes, sometimes with some shrimp, and then plantains and tortillas. They do have a lot of vegetarian options though, especially since they don’t exactly have a large import of meat!
Do you use a Go Pro or selfie stick?
Both, my GoPro is attached to a pole 🙂 I have a tutorial on how I take (and edit) my photos on here as well under Tips and Tricks!
Ah this is exactly what I’ve been looking for! From the perspective of a young female traveler!
Where would you recommend getting a casa particular? Havana Vieja? I heard those spots are smaller and noisy but seems to be where the action is. What about closer to the beach?
Ah you’re going?! So nice! My casa particular was in Vedado, which is a little bit west of Havana Vieja (AKA the touristy area), but SO COOL because it’s where all the old mansions are that are now crumbling (I have a post on that too). There’s no beach in Havana, just the Malecon (sea wall), but you can take that bus to one nearby or do a day trip to Varadero! Enjoy!
Amazing! My family is also from Santiago de las Vegas, they were forced out in 1961. Planning a trip over in December first time. I have never been there. Should be a good time I hope. I speak pretty much perfect spanish so it will be interesting conversing with the locals.
Great list! Would love to visit before it becomes run over with tourists and changes the authentic vibe it looks like it still has. Seems like a fantastic country with a ton of history!
Wow, it looks like there’s so much to do in Cuba! I’d love to go soon before the country changes, which I think it inevitably will do with time.
Great detailed write up! What sort of general vibe did you get around Havana? Was it upbeat? Did the city feel in decay, is it coming around? I’ve had some long conversations with my grandfather about visiting (we are Cuban from Santiago / Oriente province and our family was forced out during the communist revolution and had everything taken from us, so needless to say we aren’t Castro fans). I personally want to make the trip down there, but we’re worried the city isn’t what it used to be, I’m not even sure if my family name would ring some alarms. When I do visit, I just want to make sure I can be excited about it, or maybe it’s worth waiting a little longer until the country is more revitalized. Either way, I need to get down there because it’s my roots and I need the salt water, just want to figure out timing :).
Greig
Hi Greig!!
Which Santiago? My family is from Santiago de las Vegas (I have some photos in a previous post) and I went to visit them and they were so happy to see me that they cried! The town is very poor but the people are all so friendly and happy. There is a lot of love and pride for each other every where in Cuba, and to be honest, I felt like the people were a little hostile towards me/tourists, but I would talk to everyone anyway and once they saw that I was attempting to talk in Spanish (I can speak it but not perfectly) and that I was alone and there to see family, they immediately accepted me with open arms. I definitely understand your family’s feelings and concerns — my family fled, and some of them were also forced out and refuse to ever go back, but it is still a beautiful and very interesting place, you’ll definitely feel a lot of emotions like I did, but overall you will be glad you went!
Alyssa,
I am considering going to Havana for a month this summer to gain learn more about the culture and increase my Spanish skills (I know some basic conversation). I am not from Cuba so I am trying to decide if it is a good idea. You said the locals seemed hostile towards tourists…can you explain it a little? I am worried if I go for a month that I may not enjoy it if that is the case. Help! Is there any other country you would suggest going for a month that is Spanish speaking? I am 27 and will be alone, however will enroll in a Spanish learning school wherever I go which I have found in many countries. Thank you for any help you can provide!
Hi Cara!
I totally understood why there was some hostility at first, but that can also happen anywhere! I think once you get settled in and used to the area, you’ll be fine, and since no one speaks English there, you’ll really be able to learn Spanish! I met a girl who was from the States that was studying Spanish at the University in Havana, and she seemed to enjoy it! She said there’s quite a few people who come there for that reason, so you definitely won’t be alone! Plus it’ll be an experience unlike any other Spanish country!
Good luck and let me know how it goes!
Alyssa