La Abadia Again for One Drink on the Malecon
Havana is the most fascinating city we've ever come across. It'south vibrant, bustling, exotic and raw. Cuba as a whole is a fantastic state to independently travel, but with and then much to run across, do and feel in the uppercase, you lot may never want to leave…
Here is some essential information and communication (based on our experience) to brand your trip to Havana a memorable i.
Budget & Finance
Let'due south starting time with the money. If you don't have a firm grasp on the two currencies in Republic of cuba, yous tin easily be taken advantage of and end upward spending more than you need to.
CUC = Cuban Convertible Peso (pegged to the USD)
Cup = Cuban National Peso (1 USD = 25 Cup)
1 CUC = i USD
1 CUC = 25 CUP
1 Loving cup = 0.04 CUC
The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is the currency that you lot'll exist using for almost all of your purchases (adaptation, transportation, eatery meals, bus tickets, internet). The Cuban National Peso (CUP) is the currency that the locals are paid in, and the one that they most often spend. Street-food, small snacks, local buses and fruits & vegetables at the markets volition be charged in Cup.
Is Cuba expensive? No. Cuba can be travelled on a budget, especially if eating at the peso shops and taking local transportation.
It'due south a expert idea to have both CUC and CUP in your wallet. If you desire to buy an ice-cream, a glass of fresh guava juice, a pocket-sized pizza, or some popcorn (amid other things), yous'll need some CUP. It is possible to pay with CUC, simply it's difficult to figure out the conversion, and the person selling to y'all will have to come up up with a lot of change.
You can take your Cuban Convertibles (CUC) to a money changer chosen Cadeca, this is too the identify that yous will change your Euros, Pounds or Dollars. Make sure to bring your passport.
Note:CUC is non a "tourist currency". The locals take to spend it on the same items as you do. The just time that the CUC is actually more expensive for tourists is at museums and some historical sites when the cost is equal in CUC for tourists as it is in CUP for locals (ie: Foreigner pays x CUC ($10 USD) and locals pay x Loving cup (forty cents)).
For more data most the currency in Cuba, click here.
Drome Communication in Havana
Tourist Card:
Before arriving in Cuba, yous will demand to purchase a Tourist Card. This is similar to a visa, only it does non get placed in your passport, it'due south a carve up piece of newspaper. Sometimes the menu is included in your flight price, but by and large, you'll have to buy information technology at the airdrome before departing for Cuba. Sometimes there is a split booth for purchasing the carte du jour, while other times you can merely buy information technology right where y'all check-in for your flying.
Nosotros flew out of Guatemala City and were able to purchase the bill of fare at the Copa Airlines check-in counter. The cost of the card was (and always is) $xx USD.
On arrival at the Havana airport, the immigration officer will stamp the card, and requite you back half of it. You must keep this until you depart. Losing this part of the card will result in a whole bunch of unwanted bureaucracy when you attempt to get out. Bottom line… don't lose information technology.
Insurance:
Equally of May ane, 2010, it's obligatory to take insurance coverage to travel to Cuba and you must show proof of health/travel insurance upon arrival at immigration. This needn't be a big expense. Nosotros purchased our insurance for but $1.60 / 24-hour interval.
Equally of 2016, the popular Globe Nomads Insurance covers most travellers to Cuba – sorry fellow Canadians, we are not covered by them for visiting Cuba – still. Enter your details below to get a free quote:
For more on planning and preparing for a trip to Cuba (including purchasing travel insurance), click here to come across our updated article.
Getting into the City:
The Havana airport is nearly 30 – 40 minutes abroad from the center of town, depending on traffic. If y'all are travelling early on in the morning time, at that place will be no traffic and it volition only have yous 20 minutes.
The cost of a taxi is 25 CUC at most. Deal hard – nosotros got our taxi for 20 CUC into Centro Havana.
Other Notes & Tips:
The arrivals hall is quite hectic and hot, and it takes a long time for your luggage to arrive.
The line-ups for immigration/security are very long.
There are two money changers located merely outside of the airport, 1 to your left, and one to your correct. The line-ups for the changers are massive.
If you lot have a debit or credit bill of fare that will piece of work for yous in Cuba, we propose going upstairs to the 2nd level where there is an ATM machine. There are hardly any line-ups here and it can relieve you a lot of time.
Leaving Havana:
The line-ups to check-in and drop off your bags tin be very long (nosotros waited 1.v hours in line). If you are able to, we highly recommend finding some wi-fi and doing a web check-in (the web cheque-in line was 5 times faster).
There is a money changer inside the airport at Departures. In theory, it is open 24 hours a twenty-four hour period, 7 days a week. If that one isn't open, there is another money changer afterward security.
There is but one small snack shop for food in the departures hall after you lot've checked-in.
As of May 1, 2015, in that location isno difference tax. Nobody will be charged to go out Republic of cuba from the Havana airport.
Areas of Havana
Downtown Havana tin can basically exist broken downwardly into 3 master areas:
Havana Vieja: Havana's colonial masterpiece. Located to the east of the center, a popular tourist area, many beautifully restored historic buildings, lots of sights, the well-nigh hassle from touts and lots of restaurants/bars.
Vedado:Located to the westward of the center, the business/financial commune, the most modern expanse, smashing nightlife, best live music, many restaurants and hotels.
Central Havana: Located between Havana Vieja and Vedado, the more "local" area, great location, many old buildings and homes, practically no hassle from touts, equal walking distance to Vieja and Vedado.
The seafront promenade (The Malecón) stretches for viii kms along the northern coast of Havana, from Havana Harbor in Havana Vieja, along Central Havana and catastrophe at the Vedado neighbourhood.
Where to Sleep in Havana
In our opinion, casas particulares(directly translated: Private Houses in Spanish) are the way to go! They are the popular accommodation option in Cuba, and are a huge part of what makes this country so unique to travel in. Casas are like homestays – you have your own private room, attached individual bath, air-conditioning, meals are available and you get to encounter families all around the country.
Yous take three options for booking hotels and casas (one in the same in Republic of cuba):
- Show upwardly unannounced and look around until you discover something that y'all like.
- Have your previous casa/hotel call ahead to your proposed next ane and reserve yous a room.
- Volume your casa/hostels online before you get, or during your stay.
Proceed in mind that finding and using internet and wi-fi in Cuba is a scrap of a hassle, it's all-time to book ahead if you lot can so you lot don't waste your time in the country looking for a wi-fi connection!
Where to Stay in Havana
There are countless casas particulares and guesthouses to choose from in Havana. The kickoff casa we stayed at in Cuba was "Casa Habana Blues 1940", and it was a keen introduction to casas particulares! The location was good, the hosts were excellent and our room was spacious and clean. Click Here to come across the latest cost on HostelWorld for that casa.
☞ Click Here to compare prices and see reviews on hotels and casas in Havana on Booking.com
☞ Click Here to compare prices and meet reviews for casas & guesthouses in Havana on HostelWorld
There are also numerous properties available on Airbnb. If you lot want to bring together Airbnb, click hither to sign up and receive $35 off of your first stay!
In Havana, we chose to stay in the Center, as we always prefer to be just outside of the main touristy areas, and walk at that place when nosotros feel like it. This casa was a 5 minute walk to the Malecón, the room was very clean with private bathroom and a/c. The nutrient cooked at that place was very delicious and the home was gorgeous. Daniel and Fina are very kind and welcoming.
For more than on Casa Daniel y Fina, click here to see our commodity.
Casa Daniel y Fina (also known as Casa Habana Blues 1940)
Calle Belascoain No. 360, Apartment i
Between San Rafael and San Jose
Centro Havana
Telephone: (53) vii-870-0945
Email: [email protected]
☞ Click here to see the latest price of Casa Habana Blues onHostelWorld
Where to Eat in Havana
Contrary to belief, the food in Cuba is actually quite good. Havana has some first-class eatery options and it'due south definitely fun to become out in the evenings for dinner. However, we suggest having at to the lowest degree one meal at your casa (the home cooked food is really good!)
Paladar Dona Eutimia
Located on a side-street only off of the Plaza de la Catedral in Havana Vieja.
The food hither is succulent and affordable (especially for Havana). There are many touts trying to prove you menus and steer you into other restaurants, simply simply ignore them and keep to the end of the road until yous observe Dona Eutimia. This identify is packed so call (or have yourcasaowner call) and book alee.
Location and Contact Information
Address: Callejon del Chorro # 60-C | Plaza de la Catedral, Habana Vieja, Havana 30600, Cuba
Location: Caribbean area > Cuba > Havana
Telephone Number: +53 7 8611332
2 must-try dishes at Dona Eutimia:
Enchilado de la Casa: This delicious snapper fish was sautéed in white wine and a spicy red sauce. The repast was accompanied by a salad, black beans and rice, every bit well equally the fried plantain chips on the plate. At the end of our trip, this was still my favourite meal during our travels in Republic of cuba!
This meal toll nine CUC.
Ropa Vieja: A very pop meal in Republic of cuba, this dish of shredded beef or lamb is fantastic. The meat is stewed in a love apple sauce with green peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro and cumin and is typically served with rice.
This meal cost 8 CUC, but can be found elsewhere in the country for much less.
La Abadia Restaurant
Located right on the Malecón, this lilliputian outdoor eatery is a great identify to sentry the sun prepare while enjoying fresh seafood and a mojito!
Arroz La Abadia (rice with shrimp, lobster and fish) is a fantastic meal and well worth the 20 minutes information technology takes to bake.
The toll is just v CUC.
Filete de Pescado (fish fillet). The fish on offer when we were in that location was snapper, and the meal was very good.
The cost of fish with rice and salad was four.50 CUC.
Bar Cafeteria Lluvia de Oro (located in Havana Vieja)
This bar/eating place has been in operation since 1920 and is very popular. While we only stopped in for a beer, many others were enjoying meals. Main dishes of chicken, pork or beefiness.
Meals start at 3.50 CUC.
Sloppy Joe's Bar (Located just off of Parque Cardinal)
Did y'all know that the sloppy Joe sandwich originated in Havana? Come here to effort the famous sandwich, or but to enjoy a drink. The food is good, the actual bar itself is beautiful, but be warned, the staff and service are awful.
Meals are 5 CUC and upwards.
Peso Shops
Yous can as well find manypesonutrient spots around the metropolis where you can enjoy inexpensive pizza, sandwiches and fresh juices. We highly recommend eating at peso shops, as information technology'll definitely help your upkeep as all purchases are charged in the very cheap National Peso (pizzas are 10 Cup – 25 Loving cup and fresh juice is ane CUP).
*Note: If you are backpacking Cuba on a tight budget, you can eat for very, very inexpensive in Havana past enjoying the peso food. Nevertheless, in our opinion, if you lot simply consume this type of food, you'll be missing out on some of the country's delicious local cuisine. The seafood meals are of bang-up value and the home-cooked nutrient at the casas is amazing.
For more, check out our commodity:
vii Dishes That Will Shatter Your Misconceptions Virtually the Food in Cuba
What to See and Do
The list of attractions, tours and activities in Havana is endless. There are over 900 buildings of historical importance in this city lonely! With amazing nightlife, wonderful museums and a gorgeous beach nearby, you lot'll never be bored here.
Here are a few of the Must-See'south:
- El Capitolio Building
- Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution) – 8 CUC entrance fee
- Grand Theater
- National Hotel
- Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña (Fort of Saint Charles) – 7 CUC entrance fee ten minutes from Centro.
- Museo de Bellas Artes – 5 CUC archway fee
- Plaza Vieja
- Basilica and the Monastery of San Francisco de Asis
- The Cathedral of The Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Formulation (Havana Cathedral)
- Plaza de Armas, the oldest square in Havana.
- Playas Del Este
There are many more things that yous tin come across while in Havana, those listed above are just our elevation picks.
Hither are a few of the Must-Do's:
- Walk the Malecon in the late evening when all of the locals are out. Friends, families and couples hangout along the cement wall, music is played, people sing and dance and the atmosphere is very lively and fun.
- Ride in a archetype car down the Malecon at sunset: 15 – 25 CUC depending on your bargaining skills.
- Explore the back streets of Central Havana.
- Listen to live music at ane of the many night clubs and bars.
- Visit the nearby beaches of Playas del Este on a busy weekend (but 20 minutes away by bus).
- Ride in a coco-taxi and cyclo taxi.
- Drink mojitos.
- Conversation with the local people about their country and way of life.
- Try salsa dancing.
…and the list goes on. This is 1 of the most lively cities in the world, y'all'll e'er find something to see and exercise, at all hours of the day.
Scams, Hassle and Annoyances
There are scams in nearly every urban center, and Havana is no exception. The people here are fantastic if you actually become to know them and you'll bask it more than if yous larn to laugh off the hassle.
In the Vieja surface area, you will run across the most annoyances, as this is the primary tourist hang-out. Walking away from this part of boondocks and into cardinal Havana will feel like a breath of fresh air – no ane volition bother yous.
Hustlers in Cuba are and then common that they have their own Spanish name (Jineteros) and when you feel like someone is being overly friendly… beware.
Things to watch out for in Havana:
- People befriending you on the street. Although you lot may want to be friends with people, ofttimes (ever?) if they approach you lot on the street, they want something other than chat. Many times they will propose a nearby bar or a fantastic restaurant that you should "join them at". This will inevitably atomic number 82 to yous paying the bill. You'll see unsuspecting tourists being suckered in to this little scam at almost every local restaurant in Havana. Beware.
- Check your bill and check your change. At every unmarried eatery in Havana (except for one), nosotros were short-changed, or there were random additions on our bill. Make certain yous remember the price of your meal, or ask to see the menu again when it'due south time to pay the check. Look out for "revenue enhancement" and other random items added to the beak. Service fees are often already included in the price, then make sure before paying that they haven't charged you two times for this. When you get your change back, count it. Nearly e'er, yous will accept been short-changed. Sad to say, only very true.
- Cheque the currency. Every bit listed in a higher place, at that place are two currencies in Cuba. If you're new to Cuba (and the hustlers can sense information technology!), they volition often try to rip you off by giving you modify back in CUP, rather than CUC. Another scam is when the price is listed in CUP, merely they charge you in CUC.
- Make sure of the cost. If you lot've agreed on a taxi ride for 2 CUC, make certain it'south not 2 CUC/person, and that it'due south 2 CUC for the whole vehicle, otherwise when you become dropped off, expect to pay 2 CUC a head. If you lot agree on a toll before mitt, don't pay a cent more when you arrive (no need to tip).
- Paying commission. If someone recommends that you endeavour out the nearby eating house, have a drink in a bar, or stay at a particular hotel/casa (and they lead y'all at that place), you'll end up paying more than for your meal, your drinks or your room – as the restaurant/hotel volition be expected to pay the hustler a commission, which will be tacked on to your beak.
- Bottled h2o. This isn't really a scam per se, just information technology is a way to overcharge tourists. Generally foreigners buy bottled h2o and it's the ane item that oft won't accept a price written on information technology. In the touristy areas, shop owners volition try to charge you 1.50 or 2 CUC per 1.5L canteen. In reality, the toll is 0.lxx CUC or less. It'southward so hot and humid in Havana, so if you lot're spending 2 CUC every time yous're buying water, you'll be spending a fortune each day.
- Catcalling. Ladies, be prepared to be whistled at, stared at, and shouted at. The men in Republic of cuba are relentless! "Hey mama, how you doin'?" "Hey baby, what's upward?" "Oh mommy, yous're so fine", "Wow, beautiful lady" etc. etc. Women who travel alone will receive much more attention than those who are travelling with male friends or their spouse. It'south harmless, just tin be annoying (or perhaps flattering?!)
- Horrible service. A couple of the restaurants that nosotros ate at had pretty adept service and we were happy to pay the service fee. Other staff at restaurants, confined, museums and the store owners, bus drivers, etc. were all pretty rude. Don't have loftier expectations for friendly staff (except for the families at the casas) while you're in Havana.
Transportation in Havana
In Havana, walking is the best way to experience the city. However, since it's quite a big, spread-out place, yous'll desire to take send one time in a while (specially on those days when it'south 36 degrees.)
Taxis:
Yous can find yellow, regular looking taxis all over the metropolis. They have meters, only they don't use them. Adapt a price earlier you get in. From Vieja to the Viazul double-decker station outside of town, the cost is 5-x CUC depending on your bargaining skills.
Collectivos:
There are classic cars (very old-looking ones) that sew and downwardly sure streets in Havana. They pick upward passengers on the side of the street when flagged down. The cost is 10 Cup / person (0.l CUC). This is how many of the locals go around. This time, don't concur on a price before getting in, or they will treat you as a tourist and charge y'all more! Just ask "collectivo?",and when they dropp yous off paw them no more than 10 CUP.
Click here for some keen information on using Taxi Collectivos in Havana.
City Bus:
There are local buses in the city, going on various routes. Your best bet is to tell your casa or hotel where you want to go and they'll point you in the direction of which bus to have, and where to take hold of information technology. These buses are jam-packed, shoulder-to-shoulder and they can be very hot. Watch-out for pickpockets on the bus as well. The good news? Information technology's ane Loving cup for a ride (0.04 CUC).
Viazul Coach:
This is the 1st class, air-conditioned passenger vehicle that most tourists accept effectually Republic of cuba. The merely annoying thing about it in Havana is that the station is located outside of the centre, and y'all tin't purchase tickets in town. A taxi out to the Viazul station is betwixt 5 – 8 CUC.
Nevertheless, if yous program to travel from Havana to Vinales or Havana to Trinidad, you can take a shared car, which is the aforementioned price as the double-decker.
This is a much better deal as you don't take to spend coin getting to the Viazul Station to purchase tickets one mean solar day, and get back to take the bus the next. Yous will besides exist picked up at your hotel/casa and dropped off at your next adaptation (door-to-door service). Plus, you will get in much sooner than if yous took the charabanc.
You tin purchase these tickets at an Infotur role. Ask your hotel/casa for directions (in that location is ane at the airport and i near Cafe Paris in Havana Vieja).
If you're travelling from Havana to Vinales, or from Havana to Trinidad, taking a shared motorcar is a no-brainer in my stance!
Cyclo-Taxi:
Apart from walking and taking the local bus, this is the cheapest way to get effectually. The toll of a journeying from Centro to Parque Cardinal, or Parque Fundamental to Vieja is officially 1 CUC, only the cheapest we constitute was 2 CUC. We ever experience bad for the guy who has to cycle our large butts around in xxx+ degree rut, and we end upwards tipping!
Bus to Playas del Este & Fort:
In that location is a bus that volition take you for 5 CUC from Parque Central to Playas del Este, via the Fort, and back to Parque Central. These buses run every 40 minutes from 9:00am to vi:00pm. Yous tin become off at the fort if you desire, and so get back on some other bus later you're done, and make your way to the beach.
To exist articulate, this isn't the hop-on-hop-off motorcoach with open-air seating on the roof, this is a airtight in bus with ac. There is a number in the front window, look for T3.
This is actually a very expert deal as a taxi to the fort volition cost you around 5 CUC each way and more for wait time.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Bout:
This is probably the most touristy thing you could exercise in Havana! But many people choose to ride this bus to get themselves orientated around the city before exploring on foot. At that place are 60 stops on the route, and the cost is 5 CUC. The omnibus runs from ix:00am to nine:00pm.
Click here for more than information.
Coco-Taxi:
These yellow, one-half-beat out, iii wheelers are basically a novelty for tourists, but they are a fun manner to get around. The cost from Parque Key to Fundamental Havana is 4 CUC. This is definitely not the cheapest fashion to become around, so bargain hard with these coco drivers, this is known to be a tourist experience (and thus charged accordingly).
Havana is for Everyone
No affair your historic period, your nationality or what things yous're interested in seeing and doing, yous'll notice something you bask in Havana. Aside from those who are hustling to brand a cadet, the people are very friendly and will help yous out with directions or anything else if they tin. The sites are incredible and the buildings are beautiful. The live salsa and rumba music is intoxicating, and subsequently a few mojitos you'll probably find yourself upwards and dancing, even though you may not know the steps.
Havana is a very safe place to travel – although at times it may notfeelsafety. There's inappreciably whatever crime. Cubans are very proud of how prophylactic their country is for tourists, and they want to keep information technology that fashion. The best part well-nigh the urban center is just but walking effectually and getting lost in the many narrow back streets. Bring your photographic camera, your Spanish phrasebook, your walking shoes and an open up-mind and you'll have an excellent time in this bright city.
For more than about Havana, check out:
Havana, Republic of cuba: Could This Exist Our New Favourite City?
Too, have a look at this exciting video of our time spent exploring Havana!
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Written by
Dariece is a co-founder of Goats On The Road, and an expert in saving money, finance management, edifice an online business and of form… travel. She loves meeting new people, trying new cuisines, and learning nearly the unique cultures of our world. She has over 10 years of experience helping others to realize their travel dreams and has worked in numerous jobs all over the globe to assist pay for travel. Her advice virtually long-term travel, remote piece of work, and location independence has been featured on the Lonely Planet, CNN Money, Business concern Insider and Forbes.
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