Including best places to eat, where to stay, and how to get there!
Cuba is a hidden wonder, and United States citizens have only been able to step foot in this country in the last few years. Being a New Yorker, I wanted to travel to the destination as soon as the opportunity was available to me. I started doing research on the country to see the best way to travel to Cuba.
There were many questions that I needed answers to before I booked the trip; “Do I need a Visa? Why wasn’t the U.S. allowed there for so many years? Was it even safe to travel there?” If you had doubts like me, erase all your negative thoughts now. Cuba is a must-see destination and I’m here to make your travels easier! Here is everything you need to know when traveling to the country through my personal experience.
BOOKING YOUR FLIGHT
You’ve decided to go to Cuba, great! Booking flights is always so exciting in my opinion. How I started my search was I looked on the worldwide web for the best deals and airlines to fly to the country. I know, so simple right? During the process there is one unique question airlines may ask you before you purchase your ticket: “What is the reason you’re visiting Cuba?” The airline site I booked on provided only a handful of options. If you’re going for tourism, you’ll need to select the option called “support of the Cuban people.” Now you’re all set!
Once you’ve hit that submit button to confirm your flight, you may need to purchase a Visa (depending on what country you’re traveling from). It was around $100 USD with shipping and handling on this site here. Don’t forget to bring it with you to the airport, along with your passport! When you check in your flight, the airline receptionist will ask for it!
ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!
Be sure to bring enough cash to exchange! This is extremely important. If you’re a U.S. citizen, 1 CUC = $1 USD. I called my banks ahead of time to notify them I will be traveling to Cuba…however; NONE of my cards worked there when I wanted to withdrawal money. Furthermore, the U.S. embassy was closed when I visited. U.S. tourists used to be able to exchange money there...and you sure can’t stop by if it’s closed! I highly suggest you bring enough cash to enjoy your trip. Nobody wants to stress about money when traveling so be sure you factor in transportation, excursions, dining, and more when budgeting for your trip!
BEST TIP FOR YOUR TRIP!
I love purchasing gifts from my travels! If you plan to visit the local markets and buy souvenirs, be careful of the change you receive back. Sellers may give you Cuban peso instead of CUCs, which are of less value. The difference is CUC is given to tourist when exchanging money and Cuban peso is the local currency in the country. Shop smart and you’ll be very happy you did!
WHERE TO STAY
There are plenty of hotels you can stay at in Cuba! I booked an Airbnb in the heart of Old Havana, near the El Capitolio. It was perfect walking distance from the markets, shops, and local restaurants.
TRANSPORTATION
The best way to explore is to walk around, in my opinion. You definitely get to witness more of the beautiful streets and explosion of colors on the buildings. Of course you can hail a taxi. They are very easy to find. Or if you want the real Havana experience, you can also rent a Cuban car and have a driver show you around!
3 PLACES YOU MUST VISIt
1. Walk around El Capitolio
The locals are very friendly and I always felt safe exploring. Cuba has so many historic buildings to gaze at. It’s still a developing country but I personally enjoy learning about the roots of a country on my trips.
2. Visit Santa Maria beach
I love visiting beach areas when I travel and was very excited to go to Santa Maria beach! There’s a bus that takes you there for only 10 CUC round trip! A shuttle stop will pick you up in the middle of the Capitol. Fresh coconuts and piña colada were also available at Santa Maria beach!
3. Sunsets at Malecón
Watching the sun go down at Malecón is a perfect way to end the evening. Taking a stroll down this coastal road is a must see and I guarantee you will not be disappointed by the breathtaking views. It is also located next to the El Morro Castle where you can hear the cannons firing around 9pm. Very neat place to visit!
BEST SPOTS TO
EAT & DRINK
1. Breakfast at Quinta Esquina Trattoria
Start your day off with this delectable breakfast buffet for only 4.50 CUC! It was surprisingly difficult to purchase eggs at a market when I visited. I explored the local markets and none of them had eggs available!
This unlimited breakfast buffet has just about everything for the perfect breakfast…and you can eat until your heart’s content for less than 5 CUC.
When you visit the restaurant, there’s a table display of fresh fruits, and other favorite breakfast items such as bacon and ham. You can order eggs to your preference; scrambled, sunny side up, etc. Their juices and smoothies were also very refreshing!
2. El Achanchullero in Christ Park
If you want authentic Cuban food, you MUST go here. The food was absolutely delicious! A few of the menu items were braised pork, (cooked to perfection with an abundance of flavor), sautéed shrimp, mouthwatering chorizo and tapas, all with a side of fresh vegetables. The portions were large for a decent price. I visited this spot a few times on my trip and you definitely have to add this dining experience to your list!
3. Grab a Cuban Daquiri at El Floridita!
This bar has been opened since the early 1800s believe it or not! When you enter the historic cocktail bar, you’re immediately welcomed by a Cuban band and live music. This bar is located in the middle of the Capitol! Be sure to stop in for their upbeat ambiance and decadent Cuban Daquiris!
CIGAR EXPERIENCE
A very important tip I discovered is you should never purchase Cuban cigars on the streets! They are not authentic and you may get ripped off. Luckily, I had the opportunity to experience two very different cigar locations while traveling to Cuba and they were everything I had imagined and more! I highly recommend you try out these two Cigar spots!
Visit a Cigar Farm! Book an Excursion to Viñales
It was very easy to book an excursion to visit a cigar farm in Viñales, and the best travel option as the tour company will plan everything for you! I highly recommend you make a reservation in advance. I visited one of the hotels at El Capitolio that offered the day trip to Viñales. Included was shuttle transportation, tour of a cigar farm (+plus 1 cigar for you to take home!), lunch near the The Viñales Mural de la Prehistoria, a cave tour, and breathtaking views!
Go to the Luxurious Gran Hotel Manzana
This five star hotel located in Havana provides the best service for your Cuban cigar experience. I discovered this is the best location to buy cigars for a fair price and they sell very high quality ones to bring back home as gifts.
As soon as you step foot in the luxurious hotel, the concierge will guide you to the cigar room...which was absolutely beautiful. There were high ceilings, chandeliers, and a large glass case of cigars you can choose from based on your preference.
Enjoy the view of beautiful Havana from the balcony! For an unforgettable experience, request the Cuban tableside cigar service where a hotel staff member will prepare, cut and light your cigars for you as you sip on some rum and relax in luxury. It’s one of the most prominent buildings encircling Parque Central and definitely worth the visit!
NIGHTLIFE
Cuban Art Factory (F.A.C.)
“Half of my heart is in Havana, oh na-na”
Experience nightlife in Cuba at this art factory! You can find large exhibitions and live music at this unique venue. There is intriguing and provocative artwork displayed in each room you walk in and eclectic bands and DJs that will have you dancing the night away. Be sure to check hours and times to see when the Cuban Art Factory is open!
Most importantly have the most amazing time and thank you so much for visiting my page! If you have any questions feel free to contact me!
-XO Go With Giang