9 Exciting Places To Visit In Cuba (& 1 To Avoid)

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Thinking of visiting Cuba and not sure where are the best spots to check out? Don’t worry, we know all the best places to visit in Cuba!

The country is small, but it makes up for its size with its big personality. With warm, charismatic locals, colonial architecture, and classic cars on every street – there really is nowhere else in the world like it.

view of a havana at sunset

The life, the colour, the music…it’s all here – a pulsing, heartbeat that sweeps you up and carries you off in its bohemian salsa tempo. The personality of this fascinating country is magnetic, infectious, and impossible to say no to.

This incredible vibrancy is everywhere you visit in Cuba.

But to make sure you visit the right places and avoid the bad ones, we’ve listed all the top destinations to visit in Cuba and one place to avoid for you below.

people at the Havana markets

What is Cuba Known For?

In every town, village, countryside, and city in Cuba, there is a certain vitality is woven into the very fabric of what makes Cuba. It’s vibrant and colorful, and not just in its architecture.

It’s known for its cigars, rum made from sugar cane, jazz bars with salsa dancing, 1950s classic American cars, Spanish colonial buildings, and a political history that’s both tumultuous and fascinating. You’ll see pictures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara all over the country.

It’s also known for being a little tricky to get around for travelers.

Public transport is virtually non-existent, hitching is not recommended and if you’ve only really driven in places like the UK, Australia, and North America, self-drive isn’t a great option either.

There are some amazing small-group tour companies like Cuban Adventures that really deliver and make sure you’re safe. And more importantly, you’re not wasting valuable travel time waiting for a bus that’s gone MIA.

 G Adventures also do tours to Cuba as does Globus Journeys

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people in the streets of havana

Is Cuba Safe?

Of course, there is crime in Cuba too, but most of the time the street scams you can see coming a mile off.

It’s really just people trying to get by, as poverty is still an issue in Cuba. Generally speaking, locals are incredibly friendly and will want to talk to you but keep your wits about you.

The Top Places to Visit in Cuba

Are you ready to see the top places to visit in Cuba? Here are all the destinations you should add to your itinerary, as well as tips for what to do in each place.

1. Havana

people walking on Old Havana street and its colonial buildings. Famous place and much visited by tourists
So much to see

If you don’t come to Havana when you visit Cuba, you’re doing this country an injustice.

Havana is one of the most wonderful cities we’ve ever visited. And by that, I don’t mean ‘oh isn’t this wonderful, darling’. Havana really is full of wonder and one of the best things to do in Cuba.

From the crumbling buildings to its curious narrow streets brimming with life and ingenuity, Havana is Cuba’s capital for a reason. Here you get the perfect screenshot of a culture the rest of the world has pretty much ignored for so many years.

Our best advice is to take a walking tour of Old Havana (Habana Vieja). You’ll hear some of the amazing history and culture that’s alive here and discover elements you’d miss if you weren’t told about them.

cathedral in the square havana

Things to Do in Havana, Cuba:

  • El Capitolio – National Capitol Building
  • Rooftop bar of Hotel Ambos Mundos
  • Drink mojitos in the storied bar of Bodeguita del Medio
  • The Malecón – esplanade and sea wall
  • Almacenes San Jose market
  • The Cathedral Havana (plus the square of the houses of the 4 richest families in Cuba)
  • Plus if you have time, visit the castle – Castillo el Morro – on the other side of the harbour. It’s full of history and a real icon of the city.
old blue car driving streets of havana

2. Viñales

Panoramic view over landscape with mogotes in Vinales Valley ,Cuba
Panoramic view over landscape with mogotes in Vinales Valley ,Cuba

A tiny town with a huge influence over the rest of the country, Vinales is where the very best tobacco is grown for the biggest cigar brands. Cohiba, Montecristo, Cuaba – they all use the leaves grown in this valley.

From the mountains surrounding it to the little dance club behind the main square, Viñales epitomizes regional Cuban life.

people working in the Vinales tobacco farms

Things to see in Viñales, Cuba:

  • Cuban dance club
  • Hike through tobacco plantations
  • Visit the organic farms
  • Lunch at El Olivo Restaurant
  • People-watching from anywhere you can!
ox and cart in the streets of havana

3. Cienfuegos

About an hour and a half west along the coast from the Bay of Pigs, this harbourside town is full of art, culture, and history. Cienfuegos is known as the Pearl of the South thanks to its beautiful bay – Bahia de Jagua.

There’s plenty to do here – even if it’s just strolling around the town’s streets.

The locals seem the most westernized and the city itself has a much more European feel to it. This is thanks to the strong French influence in the town’s customs and architecture.

Other Cubans say the people from Cienfuegos are the most beautiful and the most cultured.

 Cienfuegos monuments

Things to Do in Cienfuegos, Cuba:

  • Have dinner in El Tranvia
  • Plaza de Armas and the monument to the Cuban hero José Martí
  • The art galleries around the Plaza de Armas
  • The Arch de Triumph in Jose José Martí Park – the last remaining in the country
  • The Bahia de Jagua – the bay that makes Cienfuegos the Pearl of the South
red vintage car Cienfuegos square

4. Trinidad

Apart from Havana, Trinidad has to be the most historic city in Cuba.

Similar to Havana, the Old Town section here is UNESCO World Heritage Site (as a World Monument), but unlike Havana, this part of town is only accessible on foot or on horseback. Carts are also allowed and commonly seen.

The narrow cobbled streets and the low, leaning, brightly colored houses are iconic of this city. Trinidad is a place of unrivaled beauty in this country already well represented in the photogenic stakes.

man standing in front of blue facade of music club

Things to Do in Trinidad, Cuba:

  • Roam the cobbled streets of Old Town
  • Visit the Museo Romántico opposite the Plaza Mayor. The view out over the city is worth the entrance fee.
  • Visit the other important buildings like the Holy Trinity Church and Plaza de Santa Ana and the Royal Jail built in 1844.
  • Casa de la Musica – bar and square for drinks in the day and music and dancing at night
  • Stroll through the street markets
  • Visit Playa Ancon beach at sunset
  • Disco Ayalu – a nightclub in a huge cave!
  • Explore the hiking trails in El Cubano Natural Park and discover the waterfalls
Beautiful view of a sandy beach, Playa Ancon, on the
Playa Ancon, on the Caribbean Sea

5. Santiago de Cuba

The town of Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city in Cuba and offers amazing beaches, beautiful architecture, exciting adventures, and a path far less trodden.

It has a similar vibe to Havana but it’s a lot less touristy and more authentic.

It’s also located on the coast, with a bay off the Caribbean Sea right in the city center. It’s the perfect spot for those who love to enjoy vibrant cities, but be close enough to nature and solitude.

The city has a lot of Spanish colonial architecture since it was founded in 1515 by the Spanish. The city has a distinctive Afro-Cuban vibe. It’s most famous for its Carnaval, which is a festival with drum-beating, son dancing, and parades with colorful costumes and floats.

spanish architecture cuba

Things to Do in Santiago de Cuba

  • Visit the incredible fortress of Castillo de san Pedro de la Roca
  • Go hiking in The Sierra Maestra mountain range
  • Check out the nearby national parks of Turquino National Park and Desembarco del Granma
  • Go horseback riding at Rancho El Dajao
  • Stay in a colonial Casa Particulars
  • Attend Carnival in July

6. The Islands of Cayo Largo del Sur

For those looking to visit Cuba for its sun, sea, and tropical vibe, you’ll want to head to the small resort island of Cayo Largo del Sur.

The weather is known to be sunny all year round and this is where you’ll find some of the best beaches and resorts in Cuba.

Another popular island to visit in Cuba is Cayo Coco, but it’s much more isolated. It’s famous for being the island that starred in Ernest Hemingway’s novels, Islands in the Stream and The Old Man and the Sea.

white beach and palm trees of largo del sur

Things to Do on Cayo Largo del Sur

  • See the Sea Turtles lay their eggs on Playa Tortuga
  • Dive the barrier reefs less than a mile off the shore
  • Visit the stunning white sand beach, Playa Sirena
  • Check out the Playa Blanca Beach
  • Pay a visit to the Center of Turtle Protection

7. Santa Clara

Santa Clara is a city in the central province of Cuba and is famous for being the site of the last battle of the Cuban Revolution in 1958.

As such, the city has many revolutionary landmarks, such as the Che Guevara Mausoleum, which is the resting place of Che Guevara and other famous fighters.

If you’re interested in learning more about political history, then Santa Clara is the best place in Cuba to visit for history lovers.

view of santa clara town

Things to Do in Santa Clara

  • Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum
  • Visit the Museo Histórico de la Revolución
  • Visit the Taking of the Armored Train monument
  • Relax in Parque Leoncio Vidal
  • Explore the LGBT neighborhood of El Mejunje
  • Take a trip to Cayo Santa María
stone plaque with writing on it and sculpture of che guevara

8. Baracoa

Another one of the best places to visit in Cuba for history lovers is Baracoa, which is the oldest colonial city in Cuba. It’s considered the First City of Cuba, because of its colonial roots.

The city is surrounded by beautiful nature and beaches, and the inside of the city is full of historic landmarks.

Founded in 1511 by Diego Velázquez, under the name of “Our Lady of the Assumption of Baracoa,” the town quickly rose to wealth because of the connection between the Spanish and natives.

It’s a sleepy town with narrow, cobbled streets, old Spanish mansions, and fortresses.

building with white sculpture in front of it

Things to Do in Baracoa

  • Discover El Yunque, a 575-metre-high mountain outside the city center
  • Visit the Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt (Alejandro de Humboldt National Park)
  • Check out the city’s fortresses, Fuerte la Punta (Fort La Punta) and Fortaleza de Matachin (Matachín Fortress)
  • See the Castillo de Seboruco (Seboruco Castle)
  • Learn about Cuban history at Museo Municipal
  • Admire the views from Bahía de Baracoa

9. Cayo Guillermo, Jardines del Rey

Cayo Guillermo is a small, remote island off the northern coast of Cuba. It’s part of a group of islands called the “Jardines del Rey” (King’s Gardens) and is known for its idyllic, powdery white sand beaches and turquoise waters teaming with marine life.

Cayo Guillermo is uninhabited, so the only way to visit the island is to stay at the hotel.

Since it’s located just 27 km off the shore of Cuba, it’s easy to get to by boat from Morón, just outside Santa Clara.

The biggest attraction to Cayo Guillermo is the remote island life. Simply kick back, and enjoy the beach and the quietness.

beach hut and sailboat off the white sandy shore

Things to Do in Cayo Guillermo

  • Absolutely nothing. Enjoy it!
  • Go diving and see the thriving marine life
  • Swim with dolphins

Places to Avoid in Cuba

On your trip to Cuba, these are places I recommend avoiding. Not many places, but to make sure you have the best time in Cuba, make sure you avoid…

Varadero

resort pool

Historically interesting but unethical in its tourism, the Varadero peninsula stretches into the Caribbean at the northernmost point of Cuba. It’s about 2 hours east of Havana.

The American mafia wanted to build a stretch of casinos from this peninsula all the way to Havana – so naming it the Casino Coast.

However, when Castro took control of the corrupt Batista, he kicked the mafia out, who then started Las Vegas in Nevada.

This peninsula has some of the most stunning coastlines in the country, and ordinarily, we’d be voting for this one to be a priority to visit.

The problem is the resorts lining the beach here utterly spoil it. All-inclusive package deals keep unwitting and unwelcome tourists in their complexes where the beaches are guarded and locals are not allowed.

There is even a boom gate at the start of the peninsular stopping Cubans from entering.

white sandy beach

Interestingly, outside the confines of these huge resorts, Cuban life does carry on in Varadero with relative normality.

There are classic American cars, casa particular, little shops and bars. It’s just tainted by the legacy the Cosa Nostra left behind.

But it’s a matter of yet then never!

Before You Go

- old cars in cuba

So there you have it, those are the best places to visit in Cuba and as you can see, there are a lot of cool destinations to add to your itinerary!

Before you go, make sure you go prepared with everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Many people don’t know this, but you need to have travel insurance to enter Cuba.

If you haven’t sorted your insurance out yet, check out Visitors Coverage or SafetyWing

cuban beach and ox and cart

Are you going to Cuba? Share your tips in the comments below on what you think are the best places to visit in Cuba!

59 thoughts on “9 Exciting Places To Visit In Cuba (& 1 To Avoid)”

  1. Cuba sounds amazing, I really want to check it out soon, before things change too much! Interesting about Varadero, I hear so much about it but I never knew about the downsides of it. I get bored of resorts after one or two days, so don’t think I’d be stopping too long (if at all) anyways.

    1. We definitely got bored in the first day or so, Claus – and because we’d never stayed anywhere else like that before, we just felt really out of place and a bit lost! I hope Cuba doesn’t change too much – Cubans are pretty resilient as far as holding onto their culture goes. Let’s hope it stays that way! J

  2. I would agree that varadero can be skipped as I just returned from there and wasn’t a fan. Sticking to areas like cayo coco, guardalavaca and holguin are gorgeous with lots to do and amazing snorkeling. Note that your comment on the beaches is not what we found. Beaches are open to everyone aka public, regardless if they are near a resort or not. We had many locals on the beach in front of our resort.

    1. Hi Chris. Varadero’s a funny place, isn’t it? We’ll definitely add Cayo Coco and Guardalavaca to the list for our return visit. Holguin is already on the list though – our guide was from that part of Cuba and couldn’t say enough good things about it. Can’t wait to return. As far as the beaches go, perhaps it was just the for resort we were in that it applied – other than the resort staff we couldn’t see any other Cubans. J

      1. Hey Jim, I born in Cuba, I was an entertainer and I wanted to advise you to travel up to Topes de Collantes if you like the nature and also very close to Trinidad, one of the most historical places in Cuba aside with other ones, amazing natures views, cascades, you name it. Cuba has nany options, of course forbidden on the past to tourists but lately the government its getting a change of mind. Send me an email with further questions about my country and I will be happy to assist you.

        1. Kenia Delgado

          Hi Jim, I go for my 40th birthday with friends. Where can we party during the day (maybe all inclusive beach) and at night (dinner and dancing). We are staying in Havana. Any recommendations for us in November. I hear its quiet so maybe we can get a good deal.

  3. Ohh man, I love how you can look at photos of Cuba from last week and from 40 years ago and basically have no idea it wasn’t taken the same week.
    When I tell people about Cuba, I say imagine that someone closed the doors in the 50’s and not a single thing has changed since then!
    It’s changed a little, thou not much.
    If your a baby boomer this will likely make you feel like a kid again.
    Go fast thou, it’s gona change soon.
    Coming from Canada, i’d recommend booking into Varadero, it was cheaper then todo 10days all inclusive then just flying to Havana. We got to the resort, unpacked and hit the road!
    Go To Cuba, we also took a bunch of kids baseball gear and drove out into the country side giving it away. It likely looked bizarre seeing to white kids roll in on a scooter opening up a backpack and giving your kids brand new baseball gloves, thou the kids smiles overcame the awkwardness fast.
    I’ve got more, maybe i’ll write a Cuba blog to.
    Great read, thanks!

  4. Love love love Cuba. I am so glad we got to go there before they opened it up again, and yes I remember the locals lamenting what had been done to their beloved Varadero. Love your article Jim – it brought back many memories of playing bongos on the roof of a pub after too many mojitos, dancing salsa in an out of the way bar with only locals in sight, walking the back streets of Havana and finding all the little one-only-not-here-tomorrow-no-matter-how-good-it-tasted hole in the wall eateries that the locals started through their kitchen window, and the best part… sitting on a couch with an ageing gentleman telling me about his time in the Buena Vista Social Club while a Grammy Award sat humbly on the wall above my head. His name was Amadito Valdes and as a fan of the movie and the soundtrack, and a drummer myself (nowhere near as good as this man) I can safely say that I never wished my fading Spanish would come back than that afternoon with a beer in hand wishing we didn’t need a local friend we had met to interpret for us. Surreal just the same. Would love to go back and take our kids. And the cars… those cars!

  5. Very relevant post especially with Cuba opening up now. I have to agree about Varadero – I spent two days there but felt it was a typical tourist place, of the kind where visitors don’t really leave their hotel or resort. Other places see tourists as well of course, but they also show more of the real Cuba. Great guide!

  6. Cuba has always been a destination I’ve wanted to go. Now that we Americans can visit safely, I’m looking forward to ticking it off my travel bucket list. Once I finish my escapades in Southeast Asia, it will be one of my first stops since it’s a mere 90 miles from my home state!

    Great post guys, thanks for the inspiration!

    1. marie,
      go to Cuba and visit Varadero

      the person who posted here to avoid it does not really know what he is talking about.

      I have been in Cuba many times and can assure all travelers Varadero is a must see

  7. Hi Jim,

    Cuba was definitely one of the highlights of my travels. We went there about 6 years. Hired a car to drive around, so saw a good mix of quiet spots and the tourist hot spots. Cienfuegos was great, but I have to disagree with you on Varadero. Yes, while I was there I complained about the tourists that were flying in only for Varadero, not for Cuba, I complained about the prices, I complained about the lack of authentic cuban culture, I complained about the resorts. But when I got home, the photos showed a beach that must be one of the most beautiful in the world with crystal clear water.

  8. We visited all the cities you recommended and went to Varadero, I didn’t think Varadero was that bad. We stayed in a Casa a block from the beach only $30, we were on the beach end far away from the all-inclusives. I too am nervous what will happen to the beach as tourism increases.

    1. Velia Valencia

      Hi Sarah,
      I will traveling to Cuba in the near future. Did you visit Vinales? Did you go on your own or with a tour company? We would like to do a day trip. Any information is greatly appreciated.
      Thanks..

    2. Beth Abramson Beck

      Thank you for your post! I was wondering if you could please tell me the name/contact info for where you stayed in Varadero?
      Thank you!

  9. Velia Valencia

    Hi Jim,
    A group of us will be traveling in late June. My question, is it fairly easy to find an independent travel guide? During our stay we would like to travel to Vinales for the day and will need a guide and transportation. Would like to have lunch and a tour of the tobacco farm.

    1. Dear Velia, I just had the most amazing personal tour of Cuba thanks to Royal Cuba Trip and I am now helping out to advertise their tailored made tours.
      Have a chat (E/Sp) on whatsup with the Boss, Bladimir Bell (+506 870 73810), a pure cuban based in Costa Rica.

  10. Remembering if you go to Cuba go to spend the weekend if the weather is hot you will want to take an ice cream or an ice cream soda you will find on Sundays along with kilometricas queues because the Cuban government says the ice cream and capitalist invention and not to encourage capitalism can only be consumed on Sundays and soda I no longer guarantee you if you will find. anyway the beaches are beautiful

  11. That article gives me the idea to visit Cuba soon.
    Is it good to visit Cuba in December? How will be the weather there? We ares baby boomers from Canada and want to plan the trip ourselves. Is it doable travelling inCuba? We want to see diffrents places: LaHavane and others, and stay sometime near a beache. I readed below someone suggested to book a package 10 days into Varedero. From there, how we could go around and visit differents places that need more time?
    What are your recommandations? Thanks

    1. Hi Thi. Yes, December is a great time of year to go – it’s when we went actually! It’s not too humid and not rainy either. If I were you, I would avoid Varedero as much as you can. The beaches there are stunning, but it’s all just package holidays and big gated resorts. It’s not the real Cuba. It’s better to fly into Havana and start exploring from there. If you want a tour guide recommendation, this is the company we went with (they also have offices in the States now too), and they were brilliant. https://cubagrouptour.com/ Hope you have an amazing time in this beautiful country.

  12. Hi… I’m a new travel blogger and enthusiastic lifelong traveler. As an American, I’m still a little intrepid about traveling to Cuba. Southwest Airlines is starting flights there in December of 2016. I’m finding plenty of places to stay on Airbnb and booking.com, and I’ve found a tour guide that has arrange a pretty aggressive itinerary for my husband and I for our 5 days in Havana. My question is, can I trust an independent tour guide that isn’t charging an arm and a leg for his guided tour? Do I need to have every minute booked and accounted for to meet USA regulations? Thank you for any help! Kim

    1. Kim, I am also looking into exactly which “option” of the 12 to go with. I would love to start a travel blog of some sort. So of the 12, support for the Cuban People, People to People or Journalistic Activity are options. My brother and I will be leaving in six weeks so I need to figure this out as the tickets are bought. What have you found? I’m pretty excited about going as I love to budget travel. Cuba will be country #30 for me. Some help from everyone would be appreciated or Kim, let’s keep each other informed on what we find. Thanks!

  13. My husband and I visited Cuba last Christmas. We just booked flights and our first nights accommodation, figured we’d play it by ear from then. We had a fantastic time – this really is a place where you have to just go with the flow. You won’t ever be stuck for a bed, you will never go hungry and the rocking chairs are amazing. It’s not perfect – you are guaranteed a major stomach upset and some nasty insect bites. The local (and very cheap) rum does cure all ills but do bring loads of Imodium (or whatever works for you) and plenty of antihistamines.

  14. Cuba is one of the most impressive destinations I have ever seen. Havana is particularly beautiful. The Malecon, Havana’s promenade not only belongs to the tourists, but the hell is going on at Carnival time (June). The Cayo Coco is known for its paradise beaches …

  15. Don’t agree about Varedero I thought it was absolutely beautiful and our hotel & area we were in seemed very welcome to locals ! There was Cuban locals on the beach and we didn’t see any gates on the beach…. We had an amazing time in Varedero and I thought the place while there was toursists was full of culture and we anyway had plenty of interaction with the locals !! If anywhere to avoid I’d say Havana ?But I think if your going to Cuba you have to see it…

  16. You may want to edit your description of Varadero to inform your readers the peninsula juts into the Florida Straits, not the Caribbean. But hey – you’re the writer.

  17. Hi There, Im planning a trip to Cuba and I have 1 question.

    Did you guys stayed in different hotels every time you went out of La Havana or did you travel and came back to havana every day? Thank youuu

  18. I would honestly avoid Cienfeugos over Varadero (but that depends on what you’re looking for). There’s nothing exciting in Cienfeugos, the same can be said for Varadero but I had more fun in the all inclusive resorts and walking the city around Varadero than I did in Cienfeugoes. Another that can probably be avoided is Santa Clara. I want to go back and see different areas, just hard to guage how much time is really needed in each area. I got bored quick in Santa Clara and Cienfeugos. Also, Trinidad and Vinales are a must.

    1. Casey, I’ll be leaving in 12 days to visit Havana, Trindad and Cienfieugo and we will try to fit in Vinales. Do you have anything else we need to know about our trip, there will be 6 people in my group. we will be staying in AIRBNB’s and we will be there for 7 days. Spending 2 days in each place. thanks for the info

  19. fantastic ????
    This article reminds me of my best moments in my visit to Cuba.

    But I must say, I would recommend Havana, of course, the infrastructure is below the great destinations of the Caribbean, but the low price and receptivity of the people make this part of Cuba a good experience, in my opinion.

    1. I have gone to cuba a few times it is fantastic.I have stayed a hotel and have learned that it is awesome to rent a whole house for 20 bucks a day and get great food too.I love santa fe that was a great place and people were very friendly I usually stay for 30 days at a time and enjoy the time there we have made many friends.I have visited there about 4 ir 5 times. Sun and bugs go hand in hand so bring hat and sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

      1. Kenia Delgado

        what is the best way to exchange money. I’m in USA so American dollars. I hear its better for me to change here to Euro and change there to Cuban?

  20. I want to visit Cuba see the best of it in 5 days and to stay in resorts beach side
    Can you recommend best cities to see and beach to rest enjoy to sand and sun. Thank you.

  21. Great tips guys! I travelled to Cuba back in 2014 and it changed the way I think! I also started a travel blog to document my experience in Latin America

  22. I agree with the Varadero miss. We were curious, so we stayed in a small village half way between Varadero and Matanzas in an amazing Casa Particular (the owner was a chef, and I swear we must have rolled out of there!) we took the bus for a day trip to Varadero, had a look around some of the “swanky” resort areas and retreated back to our Casa with the beach just opposite it and Emilio making us mojitos.

  23. We are looking at a visit to Cuba and wondering how yo go about it as we are not resort type people and like like to explore. Should we book a few days in Havann and get yours once we are there or book before we arrive. We’d like to see ad much as we can.

  24. Kenia Delgado

    I plan to visit Cuba in November with 8 people to celebrate my 40th birthday. We will stay in Havana. CAn you recommend a beach resort/hotel I can visit for the day only where I can do a “beach party” for my group. Also looking for a club to celebrate as well. Were we can eat and drink and dance. First timers here.

    1. My mother was born in Cuba but left for college before the revolution to attend Magill University in Canada. It was somewhere I had always wanted to go so when Obama loosened things up and made it possible for us to go I was over the moon! I have been there 7 or 8 times now and find myself going around every 7 or 8 months. I absolutely love it there! I have made so many friends that I make a point of seeing every time I visit my beloved island. I say my beloved island because I was raised “Cuban” and even though I was born in Brooklyn I identify with my Cuban heritage most of all. Cuba has it’s good points and bad points like every place does but I truly love it there! I am in the process of getting my Cuban citizenship (I qualify as the daughter of a Cuban national) and plan to buy a condo or apt there as soon as it’s possible. I recommend it as a place everybody should visit. It’s my yearly little bit of heaven.

  25. Going there in the Fall. Remember to bring gifts for the Cuban people. I’ve already begun gathering items to help. In individual Dollar Store sling bags, I’m taking aspirins, soap, wipes, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene items, etc. #HappyTraveling

  26. Jennifer Whitfield

    Hi! My husband and I decided 5 minutes ago to go to Cuba in early December. 7-10 days or so. Is this at all possible without a specific purpose? Our purpose with all travel is to meet as many locals as possible, see everything we can in a short amount if time, eat in every restaurant, visit every museum, see every live band and avoid other tourists. I have written to your suggested hero site, but I don’t want to waste their time if this is an impossibility in the next few weeks. Not sure where to start, but everything in this article is exactky what we’d be doing, so thank you! I really hope I can make this work. Cuba looks amazing and we’ve ajways wanted to go.

    1. I don’t know the ins and the outs of the visa but I think it’s just a name formality. I don’t think you’ll have a problem getting it if you can show you are engaging with the locals. But you’re best to look deeper into the visa conditions for it as I can’t say for sure

  27. I know this is an old post, but one correction: Las Vegas was already very established by the time of the Cuban revolution. It had nothing to do with mobsters being kicked out of Cuba.

  28. Hey jim!

    Great article. let met tell you that I’ve visited Cuba before but nothing compares with before of my last visit than the one I went after checking in your blog, It was so helpful and I was able to see Cuba with a different perspective, no doubt my it was a completely experience. Hope you can keep doing the same with other places. Way to go man!

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