Country
Cuba
Vintage cars, salsa rhythms, and revolutionary spirit alive
Cuba hits different. Classic American cars from the 1950s cruise past crumbling colonial mansions while salsa spills from doorways into cobblestone streets. This is a country where time stopped, then started moving again in its own rhythm. You'll find revolutionary murals next to art galleries, rum distilleries beside tobacco farms, and beaches that feel like they're from another era. Cuba isn't polished tourism – it's raw, real, and absolutely magnetic. The music never stops, the conversations run deep, and every meal comes with a story.
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Districts
6 destinations
Havana Vieja puts you in the heart of the action. Stay near Plaza de Armas and you're walking distance from the Malecón seawall and the best paladares. Casa particulares here run $30-50 per night and your host becomes your unofficial tour guide.
Vedado offers a different vibe – think 1950s hotels and tree-lined streets. The Nacional Hotel costs $200+ but smaller casas around Calle 23 give you the neighborhood feel for $25-40 nightly.
Trinidad is your colonial base camp. The historic center gets crowded with day-trippers, but stay on the outskirts near the Casa de la Música and you'll have authentic Cuba right outside your door. Expect $20-35 per night.
Viñales works for tobacco country exploration. Casa particulares here often include breakfast and dinner – crucial since restaurant options are limited. Budget $25-40 nightly.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1.Bring cash – credit cards from US banks still don't work reliably
- 2.Exchange money at official CADECA locations, not on the street
- 3.Negotiate taxi fares before getting in – they always start high
- 4.Casa particulares often include breakfast and dinner – take advantage
- 5.Buy rum and cigars at government stores to avoid fakes
- 6.Tip in CUC or USD – locals prefer hard currency
- 7.Stock up on toiletries and medications – they're expensive or unavailable
- 8.Budget extra for 'tourist price' vs 'local price' on many services
Travel Tips
- •Learn basic Spanish – English isn't widely spoken outside tourist areas
- •Pack toilet paper and hand sanitizer – public restrooms often lack both
- •Bring a universal adapter – outlets vary and power outages happen
- •Download offline maps – internet access is limited and expensive
- •Book casa particulares in advance during peak season
- •Carry small bills – making change can be challenging
- •Pack light – laundry services are limited
- •Respect photography rules – some areas prohibit cameras
Frequently Asked Questions
US citizens need a tourist card (visa) which costs $50-85 depending on where you buy it. Most airlines sell them at check-in. Other nationalities should check current requirements as they change frequently.
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