Travel
A Taste of Cuba
Here’s a snapshot of my 5 days in Cuba, with highlights of what you can experience on this controversial island.
Visit the Capital – Havana – and Drink Like Hemingway
Varadero is only a couple of hours from the Cuban capital of Havana. This is where you’ll find the iconic historic buildings in old Havana, with cobble-stoned streets full of classic 1940’s and 50’s cars. Some Varadero resorts will arrange to have a classic car pick you up for a private tour of Havana. History buffs will enjoy museums like the National Museum of Fine Arts that will give you a glimpse of Cuba’s story via art.
Havana is a vibrant, picturesque city
As a die-hard shopper, I suggest the Almacenes de San José, an open-air market where you’ll find colorful handicrafts like wooden classic cars, shell jewelry, linens and cotton clothes. Every item is unique, nothing comes from a factory and the money your spend supports local artisans.
Find a one-of-a-kind treasure at the Almacenes de San José Market
Make you last stop one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bars, the El Floridita. This birthplace of the daiquiri (legend has it that Hemingway downed 16 in one sitting here!) can be a bit crowded but the chance to sip a cool drink where the famed author once sat, is too satisfying to pass.
Spend an afternoon drinking like Hemingway at El Floridita
Take in a Cuban Musical
Music is at the heart of Cuban life. So much so that, during the mourning period for Fidel Castro, no music was allowed. I arrived during this period and immediately noticed that the city seemed oddly silent. When the mourning period ended, I got a real sense of what music means to Cubans. The wait staff hum songs while they serve, the bartenders will routinely break into ballads, and loud dance beats compete with the breaking waves.
Havana’s Tropicana cabaret show is a classic
This musical spirit translates into nightly entertainment at the biggest show on the island – Tropicana. The cabaret is a Vegas-style show featuring local sounds and dancers. If you like a classic, sexy cabaret, then you’ll love the performance. There’s no Cirque du Soleil spectacle here, just show girls in colorful costumes showcasing a bit of old-world Cuban nightlife. All the same, I just can’t get enough.
ariel myers
it’s like a country untouched by time, the classic cars and buildings. the great beaches and sights. just wow. will definitely go there int he future.
joseph pilar
WOW!!! really great article. you captured the beauty of cube yet left out bits and pieces for us to explore for our selves Cuba. now i want to pack my bags and just get lost there. thanks for opening the gates 😀
Jamie Wurst
Great article! Thanks for sharing your experience! Hoping to head that way soon!
Alta Johnson
I’ve read about Cuba’s dual currency system, any thoughts on this?! I’m afraid I might be confused and cause me trouble ??
Laverne Pollard
Cuba is among the most poorly connected countries in the world, so forget about the Internet!
Hope Lee
I’m sure there’s a lot of cell sites who can offer roaming numbers and internet bundles wherever you are. Don’t be so sure. Its hard to be in a place without connections to the world.
Deanna Hurt
I believe Cuba is a fascinating country and a bit different from most places I’ve traveled to!
Mary Fisher
I’ve been to Cuba and my advice to those who’d like to travel is this: Bring cash for the entire trip because it is mostly a cash-only economy.
Sarah Chipps
I think it’s better if I leave my tablet at home… I believe Cuba lacks Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Mandy Jordan
I think you had a different but exciting vacation 😉
LUSI
Your pictures are amazing. You convinced me to visit Cuba.