No denying that Cuba is changing, and Havana is at the heart of it. While Old Havana still seems to be frozen in time, the rest of Havana is moving. The vintage cars and old buildings are still there, but new cars and five star hotels are coming. For now, the past and present seem to be mixed together in a guarded freedom of forward movement. Internet is still a luxury though – slow, expensive and hard to come by. But the upside for tourists is a digital detox vacation. Because of this, you can’t just “wing it”, this is the one vacation you need to plan ahead. To help you do that, I have roundup my favorite moments and top tips (click here) – also more pictures 🙂
Stay:
Base yourself in Old Havana. Stay at casa particular and book via Airbnb (Click here to get $40 off your first stay at Airbnb). * Airbnb Rules apply
Top 5 things to do:
- Walking around Old Havana – wake up super early and walk towards the El Capitolio (Havana’s Capitol). You will see the Grand Theater and historic hotels. But the best way to the city is to just get lost in the smaller streets.
- Ride vintage car – We pre-booked our taxi ride to/from airport through our hosts (for ~ same CUC as regular taxi). The vintage cars were in beautiful condition inside and out. You can also do a city tour on one of these cars. You can book them by the hour/ whole day.
- Sip Cuban coffee – strong and yummy– and people watch at the Old Plaza (Plaza Vieja) then walk over to Church Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis. One of the prettiest & shortest walks.
- Listen to music and watch the sunset at El Malecon. Cubans and tourists filled up the wall/ barrier along El Malecon at sunset. Cubans played loud music through stereos, and tourists sat around soaking it all in. Plenty of carts sell fruit infused rum and Mojito here.
- Talk/ gesture with the locals – people in Cuba are so friendly. They are curious about your background and life outside the island. Keep it light and you will have a great time learning about their culture.
Food:
In general, it was hard to find healthy food or variety in Cuba. I only ate at busy establishments (so the food will be fresh). But even this didn’t guarantee it as we had an unpleasant episode.
Pro tip: smell the meat, if it smells iffy, don’t eat it.
I have heard that the best food is served in homes (home cooked), but unless the place you are staying at offers this, it will be hard to find it.
- La Guarida – First privately owned paladar set in a beautiful old mansion. The restaurant is on the third floor but the first floor has interesting writings and murals on the wall. The second floor has amazing indoor arches and chandeliers (but this floor is being used to dry linens (??). Reservations are a must (via email or call ahead). I ordered the fried plantains and Ropa Vieja.
Pro tip: ask for terrace or balcony seating with sweeping views of Havana rooftops.
- La Bodeguita del Medio – the liveliest bar/ resto in Old Havana. This place always has good live music by the bar and Cuban food upstairs. I ordered the stew, rice & beans, and fried cassava. Most people come for the Mojito and music. Rumor has it this place is the birthplace of Mojito. Not a rumor is the fact that lots of famous people had walked through its doors.
Pro tip: sit near a window, it gets hot in there.
- Any local Mercado: Fresh fruits at the local market. They had fresh mangoes as big as my head, fresh tiny pineapples, and huge sweet avocados. You can also getf ruits from sellers on wheels.
Pro Tip: bring your own bag and CUP (Cubano pesos) to pay
- Fresh from Street Cart Churros: I got churros from a street cart on Obispo street in Old Havana. I think they are always there. It was fresh, hot, and sweet – really hit the spot for me. We ended up sitting on a doorstep, sharing the churros while watching local kids roller blades.
- Cubano (ham & cheese) sandwich and mango juice (in a used water bottle container (??)) from a guy on a motorcycle. Looking back, it was gutsy of me to do this. But the taxi drivers got their breakfast from this guy, so I figured it was safe. Turns out it was delicious and refreshing.
