Visiting Cuba - Suggestions for holidays, trains, itineraries, day-trips, and sightseeing from someone who has lived and traveled extensively in Cuba
| Beaches of Cuba Varadero >The nicest beaches in Cuba are at Varadero, about a 2 hour drive/bus ride fro... Changing money in Cuba Havana >Currency exchange is a pain. You'll generally need to get convertible pesos (sa... | Transfers at Havana airport >Havana (Jose Marti International) is a regular first-world caliber airport. You s... Getting to Cuba from the US >It's pretty easy to get to Havana from the US, albeit indirectly. The best method for... |
Good article from the USAToday on the Paladar culture in Havana. These little restaurants are great for dinner – better than most restaurants you’ll find in Havana.
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Havana is by far the most lively city in Cuba. You’ll find a nice assortment of bars and clubs. However, there is quite a distinction between touristy spots and places where locals go. The prices are the most visible difference!
Tourist Spots
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* Tropicana
The most famous club in Cuba. A bit formal and a decent show, but their money (from 60 CUC), the show is probably not worth it.
* Kopa Room
Similar to the Tropicana – pricy!
* Casa de la Musica
They have two locations in Havana. One in Miramar, the other on the street in the center of Galliano. Lots of fun, with dancing and li;ve Cuban music. Entrance costs about 5 pesos, the night of 15-25 (depending on the group) in Miramar. In the Galiano location, entrance free,
Addresses:
* Calle 20 esquina 35 Miramar / Playa Calle 20 esquina 35
* Calle Galiano between Concordia and Neptuno. Centro Habana. Tel: (7) 8608296 (“Miramar”) Tel: (7) 8608296 ( “Galiano”)
Places for Locals
* Tropikal
Address: 41 y 46, Playa
Huge outdoor disco. Every weekend you’ll find a famous band. Entrance is much cheaper entrance than in the Casa de la Musica.
For Cubans – 5 CUC, for tourists, 20 CUC.
Thankfully, few tourists.
* El Chevere
Nice place. There is a swimming pool, small club, then discotheque. Entrance is 12 pesos: included an open bar and dinner. You have to come early to take a table.
* Almaneser
Located at the intersection at Malecon with Linea (near gas station). There, a small cabaret and disco stands. Entrance is 5 pesos: a cocktail included.
* Imahen
Located on the street Calsada between D and E. Small Karaoke bar.
* Cafe Kantante
Located near the Revolution Square.
* Casalta
Located right near the bridge Almendares (at the place where Linea passes 31 street). Dancing there is not very much, but it has a very cool vibe.
Entrance is 10 pesos with an open bar.
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Varadero is a stronghold of tourism in Cuba. Originally this was a private hideaway for American millionaires in the early 20th century. After the Cuban revolution in 1959 Varadero became the resort for the party elite, and only recently has Varadero has become open to the masses.
Varadero today holds some of the most popular resorts in Cuba, which focus on Europeans and Canadians and rarely Cubans.
Varadero is a relatively small town, so the cost of a taxi from the hotel to any of discotheques not exceed $5. In the evening, there are special buses on the route from the hotel to discos.
La Rumba is the most popular one in Varadero. It has a cover charge of $10 for open bar where all drinks are free.
On Friday nights, this is considered one of the best in Cuba. On Fridays, it’s better to come as early as possible since they tend to fill up and not allow more people in.
On other days in the club it is less ful, so the atmosphere is not quite as vibrant.
Cubans themselves are not very welcome in Cuba. Ask any Cuban of Varadero and they will say “Varadero is not Cuba. ”
Hotels range from at least $100/night to $300 a night at all inclusives.
If you are mainly interested in beach recreation and day trips, Varadero is an excellent option. If you are interested in something more, it is worth it to spend at least a few days in other towns like Havana or Santa Cruz.
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