Visiting Cuba

Best Cuba Guidebooks

amazingview — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:38:21 +0000

The best Cuba guidebooks aren’t necessarily written by the big guidebook companies. The best guidebook for your trip to Cuba is the one that best fits your travel style and itinerary.

All of the big guidebook companies from Lonely Planet to Let’s Go make at least one Cuba guidebook.

Most guidebook companies make a book on Cuba as a country, but Cuba’s diverse territory makes for enough material for a full guidebook on specific places like Havana.

If you are only planning to visit one city in Cuba, getting a specific guidebook for that place is a good idea.

If you plan to visit a lot of places in Cuba, getting a larger guidebook like The Rough Guide to Cuba is a good idea.

When you have determined what size Cuba guidebook you need, shop around for a guidebook that fits your travel style. If you’re backpacking, Lonely Planet, Let’s Go, and the Rough Guide are some of the best Cuba guidebooks.

If you’re going high-end, consider guides like the Wallpaper Guide to Havana, which offers more upscale suggestions for Havana hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing.

If you are travelling to Cuba on a budget, deals on Cuba guidebooks can be found on websites where travelers have returned from Cuba and are selling their books.

One additional tip for finding the best Cuba guidebooks is to check the date the guidebook was published. If it is more than a year old, don’t buy it. Things change so quickly in Cuba that an old Cuba guidebook will be of little use to you now.

Best Clubs in Varadero Cuba

amazingview — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:24:25 +0000

Blau Resort in Varadero, Cuba

Some of the best clubs in Varadero, Cuba are also the best clubs in the entire country.

La Rumba is by far the best and most popular club in Varadero Beach.

It has a cover charge of US$10 for an open bar where all of the drinks are free.

On Friday nights, La Rumba is considered one of the best clubs in Cuba.

As such it is good to arrive as early as possible so that you don’t have to wait in line.

On other evenings during the week La Rumba it is less full.

On these nights the atmosphere at the club is not as vibrant.

It is still a good place to go, though.

Varadero is a relatively small town, so the cost of a taxi from your hotel or resort in Varadero to any of discos in Varadero should not exceed US$5.

Additionally, there are special buses that take visitors from the resorts in Varadero to the discos.

Hotel Saratoga in Havana

amazingview — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:50:34 +0000

Havana

Hotel Saratoga
Address: Paseo del Prado 603, La Habana, Cuba
Phone: (0)7 868 1000

Located in a neoclassical building on a bustling street in Havana, Hotel Saratoga is one of the best hotels in Havana.

Hotel Saratoga is decorated in a modern theme with bright colors and clean lines.

Recently restored, the hotel does not suffer from the same threadbare conditions that many other historic Havana hotels do.

The roof garden at Hotel Saratoga boasts of the Restaurant Mirador Saratoga, which is one of the best restaurants in Havana.

There is also the Anacaona Restaurant and Bar, and Mezzanine Bar for food and drinks.

The 96 guest rooms at Hotel Saratoga in Havana offer Internet access, satellite television, and 24 hour room service in addition to all standard amenities.

Hotel Saratoga also offers a rooftop swimming pool, a spa, and a business center.

Paladars (Restaurants) in Havana Cuba

amazingview — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:28:00 +0000

Below is a good article from the USAToday on the Paladar culture in Havana.

These little restaurants are great for dinner.

They are better than most official restaurants in Havana, and more authentic.

Article on Paladars in Havana, Cuba: USAToday

Bars and Clubs in Havana

amazingview — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:30:00 +0000

La Bodeguita del Medio

Havana is by far the most lively city in Cuba and there is no shortage of bars and clubs in Havana.

You’ll find a nice assortment of bars and clubs in the city, but there is quite a distinction between touristy spots and places where locals go.

The prices are the most visible difference.

Tourist Bars and Clubs in Havana

La Bodeguita del Medio

Hemmingway’s favorite bar in Havana, La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana is famous for its mojitos.

La Floridita

Hemmingway’s other favorite bar in Havana, La Floridita in Havana is famous for its daiquiris.

Salsa Dancing Bar at Hotel Florida in Havana

The tiny Salsa dancing bar at Hotel Florida in Havana is packed every night with locals that come to take part in serious Salsa dancing. Even if you don’t dance, it’s worth sitting at a table to watch.

Tropicana

The most famous club in Cuba is the Tropicana Club in Havana. A bit formal, the club puts on a decent show. However, for the money (from 60 CUC), the show is not necessarily worth it.

Kopa Room

Similar to the Tropicana, the Kopa Room in Havana is pricey.

Casa de la Musica
Address: Calle 20 esquina 35 Miramar / Playa Calle 20 esquina 35, Tel: (7) 8608296
Address: Calle Galiano between Concordia and Neptuno. Centro Habana, Tel: (7) 8608296

Casa de la Musica has two locations in Havana. One is in Miramar and the other is on the street in the center of Galliano. Both clubs are lots of fun, with dancing and live Cuban music. The cover charge is around 5 pesos. In the Galiano location, entrance is free.

Locals Bars and Clubs in Havana

Tropikal
Address: 41 y 46, Playa

Tropikal is a large outdoor disco in Havana. Every weekend you’ll find a famous band playing there. Cover charges are much cheaper than at the tourist-oriented Casa de la Musica in Havana. The cover charge for Cubans is 5 CUC and the cover charge for tourists is 20 CUC. There are few tourists at Tropikal.

El Chevere

El Chevere is a nice lounge club in Havana. It has a swimming pool, a small club, and a disco. The cover charge is 12 pesos, which includes an open bar and dinner. Get there early if you want a table.

Almaneser

Almaneser in Havana is located at the intersection at Malecon and Linea (near a gas station). There is a small cabaret and disco there. The cover is 5 pesos, which includes a drink.

Imahen

Imahen is located on Calsada Street between D and E. It is a small Karaoke bar, and is a lot of fun.

Cafe Kantante

Cafe Kantante is located near the Revolution Square, and is a good bar in Havana.

Casalta

Casalta is located near the Almendares Bridge at the place where Linea passes 31st Street. The place has a good vibe, but not much dancing. Cover is 10 pesos and there is an open bar.

Varadero Beach Cuba

amazingview — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:20:00 +0000

Varadero Beach in Cuba

Varadero Beach in Cuba is a stronghold of tourism.

Originally Varadero Beach was a private hideaway for American millionaires in the early 20th century.

After the Cuban revolution in 1959 Varadero Beach became the resort for the party elite, and only recently has Varadero has become open to visitors.

Varadero Beach today holds some of the most popular resorts in Cuba, which focus on European and Canadian tourism.

Cubans themselves are not very welcome in Cuba. Ask any Cuban of Varadero and they will say “Varadero is not Cuba. ”

Hotels in Varadero Beach in Cuba range from at least US$100 per night to US$300 a night at all inclusive resorts in Varadero.

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.

Google Maps Cuba

amazingview — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 00:41:00 +0000

Havana

Google Maps is available for Cuba.

Google Maps Cuba shows road and street maps of major and minor cities and towns in Cuba.

Beaches of Cuba in Varadero

amazingview — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 07:15:00 +0000

Varadero Beach in Cuba

The nicest beaches in Cuba are in Varadero, about a 2 hour drive or bus ride from Havana.

These are beautiful clearwater beaches with perfect sand and blue water.

Varadero is pretty quiet otherwise. Ther’s not a ton of nightlife except at each hotel. Each hotel however has a bar and some have clubs as well. Since almost every hotel in Varadero is an all-inclusive resort, you’ll find the open bars quite attractive.

Booking a stay in Varadero is best done on the web. Look for consolidators offering discount packages on just the all-inclusive hotels and resorts in Varadero. You’ll find many in the UK and Canada offering deals on flights. Call and look for savings on just the accomodation.

You will end up paying 150-250/night per person for the all-inclusive resorts if you shop around to find the best deal.

Returning from Cuba to the US Safely

amazingview — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 07:10:00 +0000

Cardenas, Cuba

Returning from Cuba to the US safely is an important part of your trip to Cuba.

Getting back into the US after a Cuba trip is an easy process. You should prepare well to make it easier on yourself.

First, it’s good to plan a 24-hour layover in a Mexico gateway city.

This will ensure that you don’t miss your connecting flight back to the US, and will allow you a safe connection if your flight from Cuba arrives late and you are flying to the US on a different airline.

Second, get rid of all Cuban purchases in your luggage.

Don’t even think of bringing Havana Club rum or Cuban cigars back to the US, as they will be confiscated at customs when you arrive in the US.

Great NY Times Article on Cuba

amazingview — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 06:58:00 +0000

Cardenas, Cuba

Below is a great NYTimes article on Cuba. It is a little dated, but contains some great information about Cuba.

It’s all true still, except now the Cubans never stamp your passport.

NY Times Cuba

November 14, 2003
JOURNEYS; Cuba: You Can’t Get There From Here . . .
By SETH KUGEL
FOR a 52-year-old Manhattan lawyer, there is a lot about Cuba that is alluring, from the beaches to the architecture to the music straight out of ”Buena Vista Social Club.” But the real draw of traveling to Cuba: it is illegal. ”There’s certainly an excitement to going somewhere that’s off limits,” the man said, speaking on condition of anonymity. He said he had been to Cuba three times, most recently for a weekend trip in late 2001.

Indeed, he is only one of a select group of travelers who have made going to Cuba for a weekend — and doing it illegally by traveling through Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas or some other third country — a notch on the belt for the American tourist eager to say he has traveled to a forbidden land.

Over the last months, American travel to Cuba has been caught in a tug of war between President Bush and Congress. In September, the House voted to end enforcement of the longstanding travel ban, followed by the Senate last month, but this week a joint committee stripped the provision from an appropriations bill.

While other Americans eager to experience the country of Fidel Castro and Cohiba cigars may have been disappointed by the committee’s move, some Havana travelers are just as happy with the status quo. ”The fact of the illegality makes it appealing,” said an Atlanta entrepreneur in his 30′s who said he had been there seven times alone this year. ”The fact that there’s a place on earth that our government does not want us to see is itself an attraction.”

Best Hotels in Havana

amazingview — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 06:50:00 +0000

Hotel Florida in Havana

The best hotels in Havana are scattered throughout the ctiy.

If you’re staying in Havana, you’ll probably want to stay in Old Havana.

It’s by far the nicest and cleanest part of Havana, and most of the sights to see are there.

Everywhere else in Havana is sadly crumbling and poorly maintained but Old Havana is nice and well-preserved thanks to UNESCO’s funding of the restoration of historic buildings in Havana.

Habaguanex has a monopoly on all hotels in Old Havana.

You must go through them one way or another to book a hotel in Havana.

Note that you should call ahead and ensure a reservation before your trip, as the best hotels in Havana fill up early in high season.

Particularly recommended is the Hotel Florida, which is a nice old colonial mansion restored to be a hotel.

The rooms are nice and very large, and the hotel is better than other similar hotels like the Hotel Ambos Mundos.

Cuban Currency – CUP vs CUC

amazingview — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 06:45:00 +0000

Havana

There are two tiers of money in Cuba, convertible pesos (CUC) and national pesos (CUP).

Things used by locals are priced in CUP. Things for tourists are priced in CUC.

It’s a much better deal to buy something in CUP if possible.

This goes for snacks, food, drinks and things in local stores as well as all tips.

The rate for CUP is about 32:1, so you can easily give 10 peso tips to those who serve you. This is a great value.

When exchanging money, get about 10 dollars or 10 euro worth of CUP.

It is invaluable in saving money on small things and getting good deals.

Changing Money in Havana, Cuba

amazingview — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 06:43:00 +0000

Havana

Changing money in Havana, Cuba is a bit complicated.

You’ll generally need to get convertible pesos (say “pesos” or CUC).

If you have USD, you’ll wind up paying .80 USD = 1 CUC, which is pretty high.

The better deal is to have either CAD, GBP or EUR.

Euros are most favorable, so if at all possible plan on buying euros ahead of your trip.

Unfortunately if you’re currently in the US, it’s not very easy.

There’s a money exchange (“Cadeca”) in the airport that charges the same as everywhere else, so feel free to change a lot of money when you step off the plane at the airport in Cuba.

Transfers at Havana Airport

amazingview — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 06:40:00 +0000

Havana

Transfers at Havana Airport are common for people traveling to Cuba.

Havana Airport is called Jose Marti International Airport.

It is a regular first-world caliber airport.

You should have no problems getting through Havana Airport, and you’ll find English-speaking staff in most places.

Note that there will be aggressive taxi pushers outside. Don’t get taken.

Negotiate upfront, and for trips to downtown Havana, pay no more than 15 CUP (say “keen-say”).

Remeber, you’ll need to transfer money first to get 15 pesos. Taxis in Cuba are modern and safe.

Booking Flights to Havana

amazingview — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 06:37:00 +0000

Havana

Booking flights to Havana is a little more complicated than booking a regular flight.

A lot of the hassle of booking flights to Havana and other cities in Cuba comes if you have to fly through the US to get there.

If you are flying from the US, you need to be on an entirely separate itinerary than your US segments.

This is because American carriers are not allowed to fly to Cuba.

The best way book flights to Havana do this is to simply call and make a reservation directly in the airline’s Mexico call center.

Look on Mexicana’s website and find the phone line for the Mexico City office.

They speak good English and can make your reservation.

You can pay for your flight to Havana in person at the airport of departure or you can pay by credit card over the phone.

Flights to Havana

amazingview — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 06:34:00 +0000

Havana

Flights to Havana are operated by several different airlines.

If you’re going through Mexico City or Cancun to Havana, you can usually find good flights on Mexicana and Cubana.

Cubana is not the best of these, but they have a pretty good safety record for the volume of flights they do.

Typically you’ll pay US$300-500 for roundtrip flights from Havana to Mexico City.

Flights to Havana cost a little less if you take a flight from Cancun.

You can see and price flights to Havana online.

There is little competition on these routes, so don’t expect fares to go on sale much or at all.

Getting to Cuba from the US

amazingview — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 06:32:00 +0000

Havana

Getting to Cuba from the US is best done if you’re not a US citizen, or if you have dual citizenship.

If you only have US citizenship, getting to Cuba from the US is best done as part of an organized group that is sanctioned to travel to Cuba from the US for cultural exchange purposes.

Regardless of your status, it is not hard to get to Cuba from the US, you just have to go indirectly.

The best method for most US citizens is via Mexico or the Caribbean.

Mexico City is a top choice, as well as Cancun, depending on which is cheaper.

Bienvenidos a Cuba

amazingview — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 01:52:00 +0000

Bienvenidos!