Cuba

Cuba is a living time capsule: pastel colonial streets, 1950s American cars, sea walls and music spilling from every doorway. Havana is faded and magnetic, while Viñales offers limestone mounds, red soil and family tobacco farms. Travel here is rewarding and rarely smooth, so patience matters.

Why it is on my list

Havana and the tobacco fields of Viñales. I want to see Havana before it changes, then spend a slow morning in a drying shed watching someone roll a cigar by hand.

Best time to go

• Nov to Apr: Dry and warm, the best weather and the high season.

• Dec to Feb: Cooler evenings and the heart of the tobacco growing and harvest period around Viñales.

• May to Oct: Hot, humid and rainy. Hurricane season peaks from August to October.

• Crowds: Busiest in December and January, then around Easter.

Where to stay

• Casas particulares: Licensed private rooms are the best way to stay, and for US travelers they directly support Cuban families.

• Habana Vieja: Walkable and central, with the most atmosphere.

• Vedado: Leafy, residential and nightlife-friendly.

• Viñales: A small town of casas with views over the valley.

• Hotel Nacional de Cuba: An iconic 1930s landmark in Vedado. US travelers should check the Cuba Restricted List first.

Getting there and around

• Flights: Direct flights run from Miami and Fort Lauderdale and other US cities. Havana (HAV) is the main airport.

• Entry: US citizens must travel under one of the authorized categories, such as support for the Cuban people or educational activities. Check current rules.

• Viñales: About two and a half hours from Havana by shared taxi, bus or private driver.

• Havana: Walk, take a coco-taxi or ride in a classic car.

• Reality check: Power cuts and fuel shortages are common. Build slack into plans.

What to eat

• Ropa vieja: Shredded beef in tomato sauce.

• Moros y cristianos: Black beans and rice.

• Lechón asado: Slow roast pork.

• Vaca frita and picadillo: Everyday beef dishes served at paladares.

• Fresh seafood: Spiny lobster and grilled fish, when available.

What to drink

• Mojito: Born at La Bodeguita del Medio, a tourist classic.

• Daiquirí: El Floridita is the famous bar.

• Rum: Havana Club and Santiago de Cuba, best neat or in a cuba libre.

• Cafecito: Small, strong and sweet.

• Cristal and Bucanero: The main beers.

Don't miss

• Habana Vieja: Plazas, fortresses and the Cathedral.

• Malecón: The sea wall, best at sunset.

• Fábrica de Arte Cubano: Art, music and dining in a former factory.

• Classic car ride: A convertible tour along the Malecón.

• Viñales Valley: Limestone mogotes and tobacco fields.

• Tobacco farm visit: Watch the curing and rolling process.

• Plaza de la Revolución: Monuments and big murals.

Day trips and side trips

• Las Terrazas: A mountain eco-community.

• Trinidad: A preserved colonial town on the south coast.

• Cienfuegos: A French-founded bay city.

• Playas del Este: Beaches near Havana.

Festivals and events

• Havana Jazz Plaza: Usually January.

• Havana Film Festival: Usually December.

• Santiago Carnival: Usually July, with big parades.

• Havana Biennial: Held every few years.

Music and dance

• Son and trova: The roots of Cuban music, heard in small bars.

• Rumba: Percussion and dance in the streets, especially on Sundays.

• Salsa and timba: Dance clubs and casas de la música.

Nightlife

Havana nights run on live music. Many places are open air, mixing local and tourist crowds.

• When people go out: After 10 pm, with dancing until the early hours.

• Where the action is: Fábrica de Arte Cubano, Casa de la Música and Vedado jazz clubs.

• Good to know: Pay cover charges in advance and keep cash handy.

Photography spots

• Malecón at golden hour: Waves and silhouettes.

• Habana Vieja alleys: Pastel color and laundry lines.

• El Capitolio: Strong morning light.

• Viñales viewpoints: Mogotes at sunrise.

• Drones: Generally prohibited without government permission, and often confiscated. Leave them behind.

Cost of living

• Overall: $$ compared with New York, though prices are rising.

• Coffee: $1 to $2.

• Local lunch: $5 to $12.

• Dinner for two: $30 to $60.

• Beer: $2 to $4.

• Mid-range stay: $40 to $80 at a casa.

• Daily budget: $80 to $150.

Cuba is cheaper than most Caribbean destinations, but tourist prices keep rising.

Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.

Working remotely

• Wi-Fi: Slow and expensive. Access is through ETECSA cards at public hotspots.

• Coworking: Essentially none.

• Time zone: Same as US Eastern.

• Visas: A tourist card is needed. Longer stays require other visas.

• Nomad rating: 1/5.

Good to know

• Language: Spanish. English is spoken in tourist hotels and by some hosts.

• Currency: The Cuban peso, but cash in euros or US dollars is usually preferred. US bank cards do not work.

• Plugs: Types A, B, C and L, 110 V and 220 V.

• Entry for US citizens: Check current rules for authorized categories and the restricted list.

• Getting around: Taxis, shared cars and walking. Ride apps do not work.

• Tipping: 10 percent and a few dollars for musicians and guides.

• Water: Drink bottled water.

• SIM/eSIM: Tourist SIMs are available at the airport, with limited data.

Useful phrases

• Hola, ¿qué bolá?: Hello, what's up in Cuban slang.

• Gracias: Thank you.

• ¿Cuánto cuesta?: How much?

• Una cerveza, por favor: A beer, please.

• Salud: Cheers.

Meeting people

• Social scene: Warm and curious. Hosts are the best source of local tips.

• Apps: Few. Rely on in-person introductions.

• Etiquette: Ask before photographing people and tip performers.

• Stay smart: Jineteros will offer tours and cigars. Decline politely if unsure.

Staying safe

• Petty theft: Keep bags zipped in crowds.

• Cigar scams: Buy from official shops or farms with receipts.

• Blackouts: Carry a flashlight and power bank.

• Insurance: Cuba requires medical insurance, often included in flights.