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May be planning a trip to Havana, Cuba and would appreciate any recommendations from those who have been.
I am from Havana. What do you want to know?
I'm just starting to plan (trip is still a few months off), so at this point I'm trying to determine whether there are any significant differences in staying closer to Plaza Vieja vs. Paseo Marti? We were leaning towards staying on/near Marti by the Capitol since we've read there are a lot of fun places near it and we like to stay in active areas, but we stumbled on a cool colonial casa particular nearer the plaza, so just wondering if the areas have different vibes or are pretty comparable.
Other than that, would just appreciate any local fare which you'd most recommend not missing. We're most looking forward to the food, music, cigars, and history and will obviously be doing lots of research, but there are always a few off-the-beaten-path places you can only find out about by asking. Thanks in advance!
I'm just starting to plan (trip is still a few months off), so at this point I'm trying to determine whether there are any significant differences in staying closer to Plaza Vieja vs. Paseo Marti? We were leaning towards staying on/near Marti by the Capitol since we've read there are a lot of fun places near it and we like to stay in active areas, but we stumbled on a cool colonial casa particular nearer the plaza, so just wondering if the areas have different vibes or are pretty comparable.
Other than that, would just appreciate any local fare which you'd most recommend not missing. We're most looking forward to the food, music, cigars, and history and will obviously be doing lots of research, but there are always a few off-the-beaten-path places you can only find out about by asking. Thanks in advance!
I'd definitely recommend staying near paseo del prado if you're looking to do history and culture during the day, and drinking and entertainment at night. Its close enough to Havana Vieja to in an afternoon and come back, but there's not all that much going there aside from the scenery of the architecture (which is pretty much just decrepit at this point outside of Plaza Vieja proper), and the historical landmarks. Definitely recommend taking a day or two to spend in Havana Vieja though, just for the visual shock of seeing a place almost exactly the way it was in 1959.
You're just going to have more options staying near downtown, and el malecon in particular. If staying at a hotel try not to stay within the bounds of what the hotels tell you to do too much. They are likely to steer you in the direction of a bar, restaurant, or activity that will upcharge tourists.
If possible, do not stay in a hotel at all. There are people from all over the world that (sorta) own property all over town, and rent it out much like airbnb. This will be, for the most part, cheaper to book, and depending on your travel savvy, cheaper when out and about.
In most of these places, since rented out directly by another person, you will have an easier time finding out information on local fare and festivities during that time of year, whatever it may be. You plan around a particular neighborhoods street carnival if you enjoy music, liquor, and especially dancing. They are always a heckin' good time. Basically a community block party.
I highly, highly, highly reccomend you ask about hiring a driver if you go the rental route. It will take an enourmous stress off your mind as different places around town are too far to be walking to and from, and public transportation is AWFUL. This will cost you about the cost of a car rental in the US. For basically a chauffeur (not on call that very second either), all costs included. There are people that do that "professionally". That is their bread and butter. They own (sorta) a running car, and because they are able to provide that service, they are the most wealthy common man in town.
Your money will get you very, very far there if you dont get tourist trapped. A tip of equiv. $5 for an absolute FEAST will have the service beaming with joy. As long as you tip a buck a drink you're guaranteed to get over the top, incredible service everywhere you go. Tip your driver, tip your waiter, tip your bartender, tip the guy that gives you a nice tip on a sweet spot, and they will be your best friend.
I also think Cuba, for any gender, is best experienced single (not solo, just single), but that's not something you can necessarily control.
Post by Jim the Luck DЯagon on Jan 17, 2018 19:00:53 GMT -5
If you visit only one beach, make it Varadero. Its a bit of a trek from Havana, but you can stay there a day or two. It is genuinely one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can go out half a mile off shore and the water is chest-deep the whole way, as well as warm and crystal clear year-round. It is a bit more expensive to stay there, and there is not much to do outside of going to the beach and a bar, so i wouldnt make ot the focal point of a trip though.
I'd definitely recommend staying near paseo del prado if you're looking to do history and culture during the day, and drinking and entertainment at night. Its close enough to Havana Vieja to in an afternoon and come back, but there's not all that much going there aside from the scenery of the architecture (which is pretty much just decrepit at this point outside of Plaza Vieja proper), and the historical landmarks. Definitely recommend taking a day or two to spend in Havana Vieja though, just for the visual shock of seeing a place almost exactly the way it was in 1959.
You're just going to have more options staying near downtown, and el malecon in particular. If staying at a hotel try not to stay within the bounds of what the hotels tell you to do too much. They are likely to steer you in the direction of a bar, restaurant, or activity that will upcharge tourists.
If possible, do not stay in a hotel at all. There are people from all over the world that (sorta) own property all over town, and rent it out much like airbnb. This will be, for the most part, cheaper to book, and depending on your travel savvy, cheaper when out and about.
In most of these places, since rented out directly by another person, you will have an easier time finding out information on local fare and festivities during that time of year, whatever it may be. You plan around a particular neighborhoods street carnival if you enjoy music, liquor, and especially dancing. They are always a heckin' good time. Basically a community block party.
I highly, highly, highly reccomend you ask about hiring a driver if you go the rental route. It will take an enourmous stress off your mind as different places around town are too far to be walking to and from, and public transportation is AWFUL. This will cost you about the cost of a car rental in the US. For basically a chauffeur (not on call that very second either), all costs included. There are people that do that "professionally". That is their bread and butter. They own (sorta) a running car, and because they are able to provide that service, they are the most wealthy common man in town.
Your money will get you very, very far there if you dont get tourist trapped. A tip of equiv. $5 for an absolute FEAST will have the service beaming with joy. As long as you tip a buck a drink you're guaranteed to get over the top, incredible service everywhere you go. Tip your driver, tip your waiter, tip your bartender, tip the guy that gives you a nice tip on a sweet spot, and they will be your best friend.
I also think Cuba, for any gender, is best experienced single (not solo, just single), but that's not something you can necessarily control.
Thanks so much for all of this. Will definitely look to stay near paseo del prado, then, and yeah we're scouring airbnb both to have a more local experience and especially since they're a tiny fraction of the cost of the hotels (which do look impressive, though, especially the Saratoga and Nacional).
Good to know about tipping and hiring a driver. Will the airbnb owner be the best contact to get that arranged, or...? And do they typically drive you as far as Varadero, which does sound great but also looks like a long way to go for a day at the beach.
A street carnival sounds fantastic, so here's hoping there's one going on somewhere while we're there. Speaking of streets, while I've read about parts being decrepit as you mentioned, I've also read that the city is largely safe to stroll day and night, although I'm sure there are pockets to avoid as with any city (which our lodging owner can probably point out, if necessary).
I'd definitely recommend staying near paseo del prado if you're looking to do history and culture during the day, and drinking and entertainment at night. Its close enough to Havana Vieja to in an afternoon and come back, but there's not all that much going there aside from the scenery of the architecture (which is pretty much just decrepit at this point outside of Plaza Vieja proper), and the historical landmarks. Definitely recommend taking a day or two to spend in Havana Vieja though, just for the visual shock of seeing a place almost exactly the way it was in 1959.
You're just going to have more options staying near downtown, and el malecon in particular. If staying at a hotel try not to stay within the bounds of what the hotels tell you to do too much. They are likely to steer you in the direction of a bar, restaurant, or activity that will upcharge tourists.
If possible, do not stay in a hotel at all. There are people from all over the world that (sorta) own property all over town, and rent it out much like airbnb. This will be, for the most part, cheaper to book, and depending on your travel savvy, cheaper when out and about.
In most of these places, since rented out directly by another person, you will have an easier time finding out information on local fare and festivities during that time of year, whatever it may be. You plan around a particular neighborhoods street carnival if you enjoy music, liquor, and especially dancing. They are always a heckin' good time. Basically a community block party.
I highly, highly, highly reccomend you ask about hiring a driver if you go the rental route. It will take an enourmous stress off your mind as different places around town are too far to be walking to and from, and public transportation is AWFUL. This will cost you about the cost of a car rental in the US. For basically a chauffeur (not on call that very second either), all costs included. There are people that do that "professionally". That is their bread and butter. They own (sorta) a running car, and because they are able to provide that service, they are the most wealthy common man in town.
Your money will get you very, very far there if you dont get tourist trapped. A tip of equiv. $5 for an absolute FEAST will have the service beaming with joy. As long as you tip a buck a drink you're guaranteed to get over the top, incredible service everywhere you go. Tip your driver, tip your waiter, tip your bartender, tip the guy that gives you a nice tip on a sweet spot, and they will be your best friend.
I also think Cuba, for any gender, is best experienced single (not solo, just single), but that's not something you can necessarily control.
Thanks so much for all of this. Will definitely look to stay near paseo del prado, then, and yeah we're scouring airbnb both to have a more local experience and especially since they're a tiny fraction of the cost of the hotels (which do look impressive, though, especially the Saratoga and Nacional).
Good to know about tipping and hiring a driver. Will the airbnb owner be the best contact to get that arranged, or...? And do they typically drive you as far as Varadero, which does sound great but also looks like a long way to go for a day at the beach.
A street carnival sounds fantastic, so here's hoping there's one going on somewhere while we're there. Speaking of streets, while I've read about parts being decrepit as you mentioned, I've also read that the city is largely safe to stroll day and night, although I'm sure there are pockets to avoid as with any city (which our lodging owner can probably point out, if necessary).
You will be able to hire a driver to take you to and fro, i just dont recommend doing Varadero in one day, as it takes 2-3 hours to get there from Havana. Your best bet is to stay at least one night. There are also intermunicipal buses that will take you there and bring you back for much cheaper (virtually free actually) , but they take a bit longer, and are just flat out awful (No A/C, very crowded).
Cuba is mostly safe from violent crime. You will be far more likely to be coerced into buying someone something as opposed to outright robbed. Still, practice safe travel. Dont take all your stuff with you when you go out. Just your passport, and money that won't hamper your trip if you lose it. You will not be kidnapped, murdered, beaten, or raped. The absolute last thing the Cuban government needs is a news story about an American being (any of the above) while on vacation. Locals that violently assault tourists get some of the harshest, and swiftest legal penalties available in the country.
Another small tidbit, although im sure you will be told several times once there, is to keep your distance from structures in Havana Vieja. They are old, and can, may, and will crumble at any given moment. It is a very regular occurence in that part of town.
