From Vintage Cars to Colonial Charms: Unveiling Cuba's Timeless Beauty
a destination that will leave you spellbound
From its rich history and culture to its stunning landscapes and lively music scene, Cuba is a destination that will leave you spellbound. Venturing into the heart of Havana, Cuba is similar to stepping into a time capsule where history, culture, and vivacious spirit intertwine. As I meandered through the cobblestone streets, I found myself immersed in a captivating journey through time, discovering the city's rich heritage and vibrant charm.
ACCOMODATION
We started our adventure in Old Havana, the country's capital and a city frozen in time. We used Airbnb to locate our condo-style apartment called The Gallery II. The place looked EXACTLY like the pics. Yaima the host is wonderful and will help plan and book your excursions before arrival. However, there are several Airbnb options in Old Havana. Varadero and Miramar are more for tourists and higher-end neighborhoods.
Giving back to the Cuban people was very personal to me. We did our research into Cuba but we also had local travel advisors from the country to help plan our trip and pick out some awesome excursions. They also helped us select our awesome driver, Lachey, who we used for just $90 per day from 9am to midnight. Lachey’s car was the classic Ford Model T that you have probably seen traveling in Cuba. He also served as our translator, personal taxi, of course, bodyguard and rule book. Lachey was born and raised on the island so he knew all the little hidden gems that only Cubans would know.
FOOD & CUISINE
No visit to Havana would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. I savored the flavors of traditional Cuban cuisine at a local paladar, relishing in the succulent aromas of ropa vieja and tostones. With a satisfied palate, I embarked on a journey to the Fabrica de Arte Cubano, a vibrant cultural hub housed in a former cooking oil factory. We washed it all down with a refreshing mojito or a glass of Cuba's famous rum and drink called the Cuba Libre.
But transparently, I made it my duty to go to all the places Obama and Michelle and Jay and Bey ate at like San Cristobal Paladar and Paladar Doña Carmela. Luckily, we had our reservations confirmed prior to arrival which our Airbnb helped with too.
We visited the iconic Plaza de la Catedral, where you'll find the stunning Havana Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. We got to truly step back in time as we wandered through the narrow streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We admired the beautifully restored colonial buildings, visited the fascinating museums, and sipped on a refreshing mojito at one of the charming rooftop bars.
Cuba is a country that will captivate you with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the lively streets of Havana to the tranquil beaches of Varadero, this Caribbean gem offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
WHAT TO DO IN CUBA
Explore Old Havana (Habana Vieja): Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, charming squares, and historic landmarks like Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja.
Visit El Malecón: Take a stroll along the iconic seafront promenade, El Malecón, especially during sunset when the views are stunning, and the atmosphere is lively with locals and music.
Discover Cuban History at Museums: Explore Havana's rich history at museums like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts), Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution), and Museo Nacional de Historia Natural (National Museum of Natural History).
Enjoy Cuban Music and Dance: Immerse yourself in Cuba's vibrant music scene by visiting live music venues, such as Casa de la Musica or La Zorra y el Cuervo, where you can dance to salsa, son, and other traditional rhythms.
Take a Classic Car Tour: Experience Havana in style by riding in a vintage car, which is a quintessential Cuban experience. You can hire a classic car and driver for a tour around the city, including stops at iconic landmarks.
EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Bring more cash than you think you need: Convert your USD to Euros at your bank at home. Once in Cuba, convert to CUC. You can convert at the airport or a local Cuban bank. Our Airbnb host offered to plan our airport taxi, so our taxi guy took us to a Cuban bank on our way to the Airbnb.
Bring donations: They have very little out there. Clothes, toiletries, and toys for kids are the best options
Never flush toilet paper in the toilet: You do not flush anything in the toilet that does not come out of you. Took some getting used to.
Travel with toilet paper or wipes: Not every place has them or may not have enough.
Smile: The Locals LOVE us, smile at them and you will be greeted with a return of the same.
Only drink from water bottles: Due to sanitation, you cannot drink the water – only drink from distilled water bottles.
Traveling: You must purchase a Cuban Visa at your departing airport on the same day of travel. The cost is typically $75 to $100.
Securing Accommodations: Make sure your Airbnb has the things you require, AC, Wi-Fi, water in the fridge, towels, bedding etc.
Cuban cigars: If you want authentic Cuban cigars with papers, only buy them from a Government-owned establishment. The high-end Hotel in town has nice official Cuban cigar stores.
Wi-Fi is restricted here and limited:You will need to purchase a Wi-Fi card from a store that sells them. After that, there are only a few places where you can use it – most of the places are public places like parks.
