New to Cuba? A lot of things in Cuba are very different from most other countries in the world. It can be highly paradoxical: rum is cheaper than bottled water, there are two currencies, cows are considered “sacred”, Soviet style buildings can be found next to Spanish colonial palaces and glamorous American style Art Deco residences…

Moreover, things can change quickly, but the information on the internet doesn’t keep up. Hence many people doing research before travelling will read everything and the opposite. For example, some sites say that MasterCards do not work at ATMs (they have worked for a while) or that carrying CUP is illegal for foreigners (it isn’t).

What to do in Havana?

Here we keep all our resources practical for travellers visiting Cuba for the first time. We will aim to keep it as up to date as possible.

Basics

You might want to know a short history of Cuba to impress your new Cuban friends.  If you are American, check out this updated guide on how to travel to Cuba legally. If you are a girl you might want to check our article on visiting Cuba as a solo female traveller.

Best time to visit Cuba

The best time to visit Cuba is during the dry season between November and April. During this period the weather is mostly sunny with very little rainfall and average daytime temperatures around 27 degrees celsius. The peak tourist season runs between November to mid-March, and prices tend to be the highest during the holidays in December.

The annual hurricane season is officially between June 1 and November 30, but in reality most of them occur between August and early October.

Getting around

Once you arrive in Cuba, there are many options to get around the island. If you are flying to Cuba, you might want to read how to get to the city from Havana Airport. Travellers can chose from several options to get around Havana, including the famous American vintage cars which are used as taxis. Generally the best maintained classics are used for tours and to transport tourists. From city to city you can go via Viazul, or via private companies such as these Cuban taxi companies.  We try to find solutions for every budget. Check out our guide to Cuban transportation to figure out what best fits your needs.

Accommodation in Cuba

Looking for a wallet friendly place to meet fellow travellers, or would you like to stay in a historic mansion formerly owned by a sugar baron? Figure out where to stay in Havana, and the different types of accommodation in Cuba and all sorts of other practical matters, like knowing that Airbnb & Booking.com won’t actually let you book if you are already in Cuba (you’ll have to use a VPN).

Cuban Money

Money in Cuba can be confusing, and some tourists arrive only to realise their cards don’t work and their cash cannot be exchanged. We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide with all you need to know about money in Cuba.

You might also want to know why Cuba can be expensive for tourists, as well as what the fair prices are so that you avoid getting ripped off by tours, hustlers and jineteros. Perhaps you want to know the secret to travelling to Cuba on a budget.

Internet

Getting online in Cuba is very different to getting online in the rest of the world. It is also no secret that Cuba doesn’t have the best internet connection. Chances are you will appreciate the digital detox and might be surprised by how little you actually need a constant internet connection. Read our guides on how to survive Cuba without internet and on how to get internet in Cuba.

Cuban Food and Drinks

Hungry? The food in Cuba often suffers from a bad reputation by people who spend too much time eating peso pizzas and not enough home made traditional Cuban meals.

You should try the typical restaurants that serve criolla food such as roast pork, moros y cristianos (rice with beans) and tostones (smashed fried plantain). Eating at casas particulares is your cheapest and most authentic way of experiencing Cuban food.

You could also take a cooking class in Havana.

Of course, when in Cuba you must have Cuban coffee. The cafecito is an integral part of Cuban culture.

One thing you absolutely have to do is eat as much tropical fruit as possible. Its the sweetest in the world! For food, be sure to check out A La Mesa, a Cuban restaurant app (that works online).

In terms of drinks, make sure you try these classic Cuban cocktails and check out this comprehensive list of Vedado nightclubs and bars.

Cuban Cigars

So you want to buy a Cuban cigar? If you do not want to get scammed then read what our friend Tino has to say about buying cigars in Cuba.

Things to do in Cuba

There is always something to do in Cuba. It is a great destination whether you want to immerse yourself in its vibrant and eclectic culture, or looking to spend a day relaxing on the beach. If you’re visiting Havana, check out our list of 20 things to do. If you are a beach creature, check out our list of best beaches near Havana. Stay tuned for more articles on things to do and see!