Start your day with breakfast and coffee at El Caf in Old Havana its hands-down our favorite cafe in the entire city. This will be infinitely useful to you as you continue to explore the country on your Cuba itinerary. Its the perfect place to relax and unwind after a few days in the capital. El Caf offers a great range of coffee, with everything from traditional caf cubano to iced coffee. The local guides do a great job and really show their passion for the city. 18. The Russian navy's training class ship Perekop is seen in Havana, Cuba on July 11, 2023. This is easily the best way to enjoy an evening in Trinidad! You can find plenty of guides in Baracoa for a last-minute tour, or book ahead on Civitatis if youre already excited about this adventure. The building is Baroque in style and has been used as the governors house, a prison, a presidential palace and now a museum. With more time to spend in Topes de Collantes, visit other parts of the park, especially the stunning waterfalls of Salto de Caburn and Santo Vegas Grandes. The hikes to these waterfalls and their respective swimming holes are relatively easy and mostly shaded, making them a perfect escape from the hot Cuban sun. One of my favorite ways to welcome visitors to Havana is by giving them a great view of the city to get their bearings. Keep in mind that in Cuba, transportation can be hard to predict. Return to Santiago de Cuba and enjoy the city before departing for home after your 2 weeks in Cuba. Mar 12, . Customize 8 days / from 1585 USD Western Skyline Ride Saddle up and enjoy a week-long cycling holiday through Western Cuba. Havana travel - Lonely Planet | Cuba, Caribbean Just down the street, Balcon del Valle boasts the very best view of the mogotes, perfect for a lunch or even a sunset drink. This is a large square that regularly held political rallies and speeches given by Fidel Castro as well as masses held by Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. The Perfect 3 Days In Havana Itinerary - tosomeplacenew Read More: Best Cafes in Havana + Best Brunch Spots in Havana. Trace a path between Havanas four main plazas (Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco, Plaza Vieja) and youll see a good portion of the neighborhood, making this a great base for a self-guided walking tour. All taxis located within the airport rank have to be licensed so you wont have to worry about taking a legitimate ride. However, more flights are being added frequently at this major airport, so you might just be in luck. Pin it for later. The Perfect Itinerary for Four Days in Havana, Cuba Were here to share our top travel tips and destination guides to help you feel at home in travel, no matter where youre headed. Like La Recoleta in Buenos Aires and Pere Lachaise in Paris, its filled with incredible statues and ornate mausoleums, which make it like an outdoor gallery. Marvel at the colonial architecture in Havana, enjoy a ride in a Classic Car, explore the forests close to Trinidad, and relax on white sandy beaches of Cayo Levisa - this trip packs it all into one itinerary. We love La Rampa, which is a laid-back spot with the best seafood in town. You could hire bikes and cycle through tobacco plantations, learn how to roll your own cigars or go horseback riding. Neither do Uber or Lyft. Saenz was the editor-in-chief of Bohemia, a magazine credited with being a leader in . We then spend 2 nights in Cienfuegos, 2 nights in Trinidad, and take time out with a 3-night beach retreat at Varadero. Tourist cabs are the yellow and black taxis available and will cost around $30/30 CUC while the Almendron taxis (i.e. Read More: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travel in Cuba. This airport is also the main hub of Cuba's national carrier - Cubana de Aviacion. El Cuarto de Tula is one of a few cute cafes in this trendy residential neighborhood. For Jardines de la Reina, youll need to catch a boat from the port of Jucaro. Its easiest to visit from Havana, with Viazul bus options or options for private and shared taxis. This is the best way to begin your trip to Cuba, and if youre traveling independently, you can decide whether you want to come back to the capital to spend more time here at the end of your trip. If theres a group of you travelling together you could split the 90 CUC taxi fare (approx. Classic car tours of Havana can also be booked online through sites like Airbnb and Get Your Guide or ahead of time directly with drivers or through Airbnb hosts. Topes de Collantes is actually composed of five distinct parks, though they are all part of this beautiful natural reserve park. The 20th-century Hotel Ambos Mundos in Old Havana is famous not only for its pristine architecture but also because it was home to American writer Ernest Hemmingway during the 1930s. Just walk along the beachfront road, Varaderos main thoroughfare, and youll find a beach access point every few blocks. Youll pass by the La Cabaa fortress on the way there but save your visit for later in the evening (I explain why below). There are truly dozens of museums just in Old Havana, to choose from. Youll also see a number of Soviet-era vehicles and even some newer cars In Cuba, though you wont find any electric vehicles and there are certainly no hotels with EV charging in Cuba! Officially speaking, there isnt an airport shuttle service that you can book upon arrival in Cuba, but there is the option to book an airport shuttle into the center of Havana before you arrive. While you wont find much here, its undeniably gorgeous. If youre heading to Havana, make sure you read my guide to spending24 Hours In Havana, Cuba. If youre able to fly home out of Santiago de Cuba rather than having to take a bus back to Havana, youll save yourself a long day of travel. At the door, youll get a card to track your food and drink purchases. Interested in sticking around for more than just a drink? This is our ultimate guide to the best itinerary for Cuba travel in two weeks. After wandering the museum for an hour or two, take a stroll down Paseo del Prado. Read More: Havana to Viales Day Trip Guide. Its somewhere you can spend your days drinking daiquiris, spotting dolphins, hiking through rainforests, visiting historic museums or salsa dancing with the locals. If youre staying in Old Havana then youll need to stay on the bus until the last stop (near Capitol) and walk or take a cycle taxi from there to your Casa or Hotel. Plaza de la Catedral. Day 1: Morning. Vedado means closed-off or forbidden, as in colonial times this entire area used to be a military buffer zone. An airport pick-up will be arranged for you making the transition from the airport to the guesthouse hassle-free and at no extra cost. If youre looking for dramatic scenery, then add Vinales to your Cuba itinerary. If youre organizing private transport to return to Havana, it may make sense to depart directly from Topes de Collantes. The beating heart of the city is Parque Cespedes, a tree-lined main square and popular meeting spot. It serves traditional Cuban dishes but is best known for its international menu and seafood selection. Plaza de Armas, Havana, Cuba. These casas are fairly basic but often include breakfast and also give you the chance to practice your Spanish and get to know more about local life. Topes de Collantes (Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes) is a stunning nature reserve nestled among the Escambray Mountains just a short drive outside of Trinidad. Art and Culture. So much, in fact, that it can be quite a challenge to add it all to just one Cuba itinerary. If youre not up for hiking El Yunque, consider taking a day trip to the nearby Alejandro de Humboldt National Park instead. Its THE people watching spot, so grab a coffee, enjoy some live music or, if youve not got two left feet like me, you could even get up and have a dance! Coppelia was envisioned as an ice cream parlor on par with the worlds finest. Dont write off Fbrica de Arte Cubano if you dont fancy yourself a nightlife person this place is so much more than that. However, Cuba is quite a large country, especially compared it its Caribbean island neighbors. An absolute highlight of a visit to historic Trinidad is climbing the bell tower of the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco de Asisfor a gorgeous view of the city with its red-tiled rooftops. Our Cuba itinerary starts with 3 nights in Havana, then heads out to cigar country in Viales for a 3-night stay. The Almacenes San Jos Artisans Market is a large marketplace located in the Port of Havana that not only features souvenir stalls selling Cuban handicrafts but also puts on cultural performances and art exhibitions. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Consider taking a free walking tour of historic Trinidad despite being free, these tours are incredibly well done, with local guides who really know their stuff. Yoeztudioz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. Its always best to visit La Cabaa in the evening, as the 9PM caonazo cannon shot is a Havana tradition that I consider among the best things to do in Havana for visitors. The Castillo de la Real Fuerza (not to be confused with Morro Castle), situated on the western side of the harbour of Havana, is thought to be the oldest stone fort in the Americas and is now home to the citys Maritime Museum. Youll pay as you exit. American credit and ATM cards dont work. Cuba: A Russian navy ship docks in Havana as tough times bring the old The picture-postcard idyll of the Caribbean vacation is often . Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana, 15. The Cristo de la Habana is just uphill from where the ferry will leave you, but its worth the steps. For Cayo Coco, theres a causeway, so taxis can reach the island. You may also be asked for proof of return travel to your home country or onward destination, proof of medical insurance, proof of financial solvency (usually at least US$50 per day), and possibly also at least two months validity on your passport from your date of arrival. Cuba Itinerary: Ultimate Guide To The Top Destinations (2023) Once you arrive at the bus stop theres no telling exactly when the bus will arrive, and its worth mentioning that it is likely to be extremely crowded and hot (which is what you would expect for a journey that costs $0.05/0.05 CUC). Its much easier to depart for Varadero in the mornings, so enjoy a last evening in Havana before getting to the next part of your Cuba itinerary. However, by the mid 1800s, wealthy Havana families began moving here and building impressive mansions, which give the neighborhood its storied beauty today. Free WiFi in Cuba just isnt really a thing, so its definitely not a destination you should choose if youre a digital nomad hoping to work on the road. Read More: Havana to Varadero: 5 Easy Travel Options. Theres no easy transport to get to either of these archipelago, so youll need to research routes using taxis and boats. The architecture is like nothing that you've ever seen, and there's always something happening, be it day or night. Most people who travel to Cuba want to visit the Havana Club museum, the city center distillery that gives visitors an insight into the process of making one of the worlds most famous drinks! Take a Revolution Focused Walking Tour of Havana Take a Classic Car Tour of Havana Head to the Hotel Nacional Taste Freedom in Old Havana - Cuba Libre Revolutionary Cuba Day 2 of 7 day Cuba Itinerary: Havana + Bus to Santiago de Cuba Explore the Museum of the Revolution Explore how the Cuban Revolution Affected Food and the Cuisine of Cuba If you want to relax in your room after a busy day, the bathroom with 24-hour hot water and toiletries (6 or more) is a good choice. They have excursions to several impressive sites within just minutes of Varadero, making it easy to enjoy one of the best things to do in Cuba. Since this is on the way back to Havana, you might be able to work out an agreement with a driver who would be willing to hang out for a few hours there while you explore the park before continuing on to Havana. While Habana Vieja is the main hub for tourists in the city, Modern Havana also has its own collection of attractions that are well worth visiting. The Malecn in Havana is the sweeping esplanade that stretches for 8km along the Cuban coastline, all the way from Habana Vieja through the modern Centro Habana and Vedado districts up to the Almendares River. Feel free to email me with any questions at chrissy@travelpassionate.com, How To Get To And From The Airport In Havana, You must get a visa or tourist card before you arrive, 3 days in Havana: Day One & Day Two Explore Havana Vieja, 11. Read More: 5 Best Hiking Destinations in Cuba. Dinner and show at Buena Vista Social Club, 3 days in Havana: Day Three Modern Havana, 2. If you really want to get the bus but dont want to walk, you could try to bargain with a waiting driver to take you to the bus stop (should be around $1/1 CUC per person). While these excursions are popular, theyre not so common that youll find an abundance of options for travelers, so I definitely recommend booking in advance. Drink mojitos and daiquiris in bars once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, take a Havana vintage car tour along the Malecn (the citys seafront promenade) and enjoy a meal in Habana Vieja (the citys old town). Finally, its also worth remembering that Cuba is very much still a communist country which means that almost all businesses are government-owned, most people rely on rations to get by, there arent regular supermarkets or stores and there is plenty of propaganda still displayed throughout the country. If you dont travel from Havana to Varadero in the evening, wake bright and early to get to Cubas favorite beach resort town in the morning. 12 p.m.: Walk off your ice cream with a short trek to the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a glamorous Art Deco highrise that was a favorite of Al Capone and mid-century Hollywood. With a trip longer than two weeks, you can plan to visit both sides of the island. You might not see blue skies every single day, but areas like Vinales and Topes de Collantes are lush when its rainy, plus you could enjoy the carnivals in Santiago de Cuba and Havana too. Coppelia is designed to resemble a massive spaceship or UFO. With its gorgeous architecture, great shops and restaurants, and plenty of museums and attractions, there enough to keep you busy here for most of the day. Let me know what you thought about it in the comments below! Here's our 3-day Havana itinerary. While the hike through the forest is mostly flat, shaded, and relatively easy, the final portion of the journey getting up the side of the mountain is quite challenging and only recommended for those of at least moderate fitness. If youre a film buff, take in a movie at the Cine Yara, Havanas most famous movie theater, facing Coppelia. This is a great way to see the valley on your own time, though I recommend downloading AllTrails before you leave for the trek to help you guide your way through the valley paths generally arent well marked. While Balcon del Valle is relatively close to town, its kindof on a hill, so its best to take a taxi from the center of town unless youre feeling particularly ambitious. Keep in mind that most exhibits are labeled in Spanish, so if youre not proficient I recommend downloading Google Translate and using the photo translation feature. The current neo-classical university buildings are located on a site in the Vedado district and while some of the buildings are in desperate need of repair, visitors can still admire the art deco library along with other beautiful campus buildings. Once youre able to devote two weeks or more to your trip to Cuba, it becomes more feasible to cross greater stretches of land on the island without feeling like youre sacrificing too much time to transit. The Plaza Vieja, or Old Square, in Havana, is a large, open plaza surrounded by colonial houses in various states of restoration or disrepair. Some days youd almost swear you can see all the way to Florida (almost). Its also relatively cheap to travel from Havana to Vinales by bus (around 9 / $12 USD), plus guest houses cater to budget travellers, so youll have no trouble if you cant afford the more expensive touristy regions of Cuba. Youll find drinks and dancing, but youll also find beautiful art exhibits, handicrafts from local artists, and some of the most forward-thinking artists and thought leaders in Cuba. Make sure you go on a vintage car tour in Havana at the beginning of your time in Havana, as it will help you get a feel for the layout of the city while visiting some of its biggest attractions: its a tour and experience all in one. Plan for a guided excursion to the park (you can even book ahead on Civitatis)for the most complete experience with a reliable guide. Cafe Bohemia is an homage to Cuban journalist Ricardo Saenz, the owner's father. So it looks like Cuba is well and truly open to to the world! Beware of sidewalk obstacles . To head to Viales the next day, its easiest to make this stop in Havana overnight if youll be using the bus from the city. TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove. Take your time and pop into the shops and galleries along the way. La Guarida is the indisputable favorite among restaurants in Havana, welcoming everyone from President Obama and Usher to Anthony Bourdain and the Kardashians. If you want warm days, sunshine and blue skies, then the best time to visit Cuba is between December and May. The Best Cuba Itinerary - Sightseeing, Activities And More Just make sure to leave a tip for the guide! Make sure to explore the extensive cave systems in Viales youll love this part of your visit! 2023 Home to Havana Generally, we recommend that travelers stick to the western side of the island if they have less than 10 days to spend in Cuba. Cuba is surprisingly quite large, and traveling overland is time-consuming, with trips between popular tourist destinations sometimes taking a number of hours. After breakfast, explore this UNESCO World Heritage neighborhood. Read on to find out my top tips about visiting Cuba and what I think makes the perfect three-day Havana itinerary. You can ask your hotel or casa particular host to do so if need be! Dont let a long line deter you. However, theres a lot to see and plenty of things to do in Viales, making it a much better choice for at least one overnight while in Cuba. For more information, please read ourdisclosure policy. Traveling to Baracoa might not be right for you if the bus ride sounds daunting or you cant find a convenient flight interprovincial flights in Cuba are less frequent than you might expect. The Universidad de Havana is the oldest of Cubas universities, founded in 1721 by Pope Innocent XIII and King Philip V of Spain. Spend an afternoon exploring the downtown center, strolling through plazas, and popping into the citys historic landmarks. Including the Short Walking Tour Havana, Fertours 2 Havana and Sloppy Joes, the hotel guests will be able to explore the area at a short distance. Hemmingway resided in a room on the 5th floor (which he rented for $1.50/night) and it was here that he began his famous work For Whom The Bell Tolls. It occupies an entire city block in the La Rambla section of Vedado and can hold up to 1,000 guests at a time. An alternative itinerary for those who would prefer to visit the eastern half of the country might be: Day 1: Arrive in Havana. A ticket costs around 8 or $10 USD. Why? Read More: 10 Best Places To Stay in Vedado, Havana. Ultimate Havana Itinerary: 3 Days in Havana, Cuba August 8, 2022 There is nowhere like Havana, and if you're planning to travel to Cuba, you're sure to want to add some time in Havana to your Cuba itinerary. Travelers who spend time exploring beyond the most obvious highlights are always amazed to discover all the incredible things Cuba has to offer. Despite its big-name fans, La Guarida feels cozy and intimate, with this historic building providing a romantic atmosphere its hard not to fall in love with. So, whether you fancy a laid-back beach break or want to explore some lively cities, youll find it all in Cuba. Although not as culturally rich as some Cuban towns and cities, its a great spot if you want to kick back and enjoy some beach time, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of Cubas larger resorts. Catamarans take visitors out to the almost-deserted white-sand island of Playa Blanca, a favorite excursion, or head to nearby Playa La Batea for incredible scuba diving in an off-the-beaten-path spot. Its a must when in Viales, even if youre not a cigar smoker. Read More: Varadero to Havana: 5 Easy Travel Options. Read More: Currency in Cuba: Ultimate Traveler Guide. Despite Baracoas small size, youll find a number of options to choose from. This ice creamand experienceis worth the wait. I personally recommend that travelers add the Museo de la Revolucin to their Cuba itinerary, as theres really a lot to see here, all of which will give you a good background about the revolutionary history of Cuba. It is, however, a fantastic location if you want to have a digital detox for a few weeks! From snorkelling and sailing, to kite surfing and jet skiing, theres plenty to keep you busy. Havana, Cuba CNN . If this doesnt appeal to you, consider striking it from your excursions and just enjoy the easier hiking areas theyre just as impressive. Buildings of prior colonial masters crumble into varying states of decay. Considered one of the best beaches in Cuba and the number one beach on the islands southern coast, its a beautiful spot with white sand and few to no waves. After a long lazy lunch, do a little souvenir shopping and head to a salsa class. Its bargain breakfast special comes with eggs, toast, fresh fruit, pancakes, juice, and coffee. However, bear in mind theyre a little harder to reach than the other options so far! Looking for a quick overview of our ideal Cuba itinerary for two weeks in Cuba? If its lively nightlife youre after, Varadero is a really fun town. Youll get a chance to see the fields, the houses where tobacco leaves dry, and learn from farmers all about the process of growing and harvesting tobacco. If youre not into flying, the alternative is to take a bus directly from Havana, which takes around 18 hours its a doozy. This charming town was once famous for its sugar cane mills and has some of the most beautiful colonial architecture on the island. For many years, the country was inaccessible to many, but things are changing and fast! Known as the birthplace of the Cuban Revolution its a popular stop for history lovers, as there are plenty of museums and fortresses to check out. Or, just explore on your own! This will be one of the best travel apps for Cuba youll have if you plan to do any hiking while here. 48 Hours in Havana: The Ultimate Itinerary - TripSavvy Havana, Cuba Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel 7.2 Day Two. The city itself is a mishmash of old and new, with decaying buildings and vintage cars sitting alongside well-kept art deco structures and a handful of Western restaurants. Visas are tourist cards that are required for all travelers (unless you are a citizen of one of the few exempt countries), regardless of age. I remember drinking, dancing and enjoying live music while I was there. Havana Vieja is Old Town Havana and is the main, central area of the city that is home to beautiful buildings, old cars, museums, markets, parks, and plazas.
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