Unsplash Cuba
“One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”— Henry Miller
Planning notes — I haven't been here yet. This page is my personal research for a future trip.
Cuba is a time capsule — a place where vintage American cars cruise past colorful colonial facades, live salsa music fills the streets, and the rhythm of life moves at its own unique pace. It’s unlike anywhere else in the world.
Why I Want to Visit
Cuba’s frozen-in-time charm is irresistible — the pastel buildings, the 1950s cars, the cigar culture, the incredible live music scene. It’s a place where you disconnect from the digital world and connect with people and culture.
Draft itinerary
- Havana (3 days) — Old Havana, Malecón, classic car rides, live jazz and salsa clubs
- Viñales Valley (2 days) — Tobacco farms, limestone mogotes, horseback riding
- Trinidad (2 days) — Cobblestone colonial town, Playa Ancón, live music
- Cienfuegos (1 day) — French-influenced architecture, bay views
What I’m Most Excited About
- Riding in a classic 1950s convertible along the Malecón at sunset
- Listening to live salsa music in a Havana jazz club
- Visiting a tobacco farm and learning about cigar making in Viñales
- Dancing in the cobblestone streets of Trinidad at night
Food spots on my radar
- La Guarida (Havana) — Cuba’s most famous paladar in a Baroque mansion with rooftop dining. 📍 Maps
- Dona Eutimia (Havana) — Beloved paladar on Plaza de la Catedral with home-style cooking. 📍 Maps
- El Del Frente (Havana) — Trendy rooftop bar with craft cocktails and Old Havana views. 📍 Maps
- San Cristobal (Havana) — Memorabilia-filled paladar where Obama dined in 2016. 📍 Maps
Hotels I’ve shortlisted
- Hotel Nacional de Cuba ★★★★★ (Havana) — Iconic 1930s Art Deco hotel above the Malecon with ocean views. View →
- Iberostar Grand Packard ★★★★★ (Havana) — Grand Prado hotel with rooftop infinity pool overlooking the sea. View →
- Casa Particular Vieja Linda ★★★ (Havana) — Authentic Old Havana homestay with home-cooked breakfasts. View →
- Hostal Lola ★★★ (Trinidad) — Colonial casa in Trinidad’s old town with rooftop terrace. View →
Experiences I’m considering
- Havana Classic Car Tour — 1950s convertible ride past the Malecon, Revolution Square, and Vedado. 2h. View →
- Old Havana Walking Tour — UNESCO historic center with plazas. 3h. View →
- Vinales Valley Tour — Tobacco farm, cave, horseback riding through mogotes. 10h. View →
- Trinidad Day Trip from Havana — Colonial cobblestone town, sugar mill ruins, and live music. 12h. View →
- Cienfuegos & Bay Tour — French-influenced Pearl of the South with Palacio de Valle. 10h. View →
Getting Around & Where to Stay
Airports, transport, taxis, hotels & useful apps for Cuba
Places on my radar
Some links on this page are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unforgettable experiences await in Cuba
Local guides, skip-the-line tickets, and unique adventures you won't find on your own.
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