Cuba has it’s own special kind of beauty. The crumbling architecture, bright colors, cobbled plazas, colonial mansions, and vintage cars immediately draw you in. It’s hard not to fall in love with this charming, culturally rich, and mysterious country. I put this travel guide together because I got a lot of messages from family and friends on where to eat, what to see, and what to do. I hope it’s helpful when planning your trip to Cuba! 

SEE:Mueseo Nacional de Bellas Artes- this museum is where you’ll find the largest art collection in the country. The collections are divided between two separate buildings, Palacio de Bellas Artes and Centro Asturiano. If you want to see exclusive Cuban art and sculptures I recommend you check out Palacio de Bellas Artes.Plaza de Armas and Plaza de La Cathedral – you can find both of these in the Historic District, the Plaza de Armas is the oldest of Old Havana square’s. 

El Malecon – this famous, stonewall is where families, couples, and friends gather to talk, drink, and dance the night away. Locals usually socialize here because it’s cheaper than going out to a bar or nightclub. You can also catch a beautiful sunset here.  Gran Teatro de La Habana- is ideally located in the heart of Old Havana, which houses the world-famous ballet company (Ballet Nacional de Cuba). The theater reopened in 2016, following a restoration process.  

Explore the City in a 50’s car- your trip would be incomplete without cruising along El Malecon and exploring Havana in an open top 50’s car. You have the option of renting a driver for one to two hours, it run between 30-45 CUC or you can drive the car yourself. Cigar Factory Tour- You’ll get to watch the masters at work rolling every single cigar by hand, adding the color, labels, putting them in boxes and testing them for quality. If you want to bring some home to family you can buy them there.

Varadero Beach- Welcome to paradise, you will fall in love with the turquoise water, amazing white sand, and great staff.  DANCE:Fabrica de Arte Cuabano- this is a MUST see, it’s an art gallery/nightclub that was built inside of an old olive oil factory. It’s three floors of contemporary artwork, live music, bars, coffee shops, and an outdoor theater found on the third floor playing hip-hop videos. On the lower level you will find their “food trucks” and the food doesn’t disappoint! ​

Casa de La Musica – this is where the locals go to dance and listen to live salsa music. You can get bottle service or get a drink at the bar and dance the night away on the dance floor. 1830- put on you dancing shoes and get ready to salsa the night away under the stars. Listen to live salsa and when they take a break the DJ takes over and plays the hottest songs of the moment.    

DRINK & EAT:Hotel Nacional – This iconic hotel has a beautiful garden where you can sit at a table, enjoy a Mojito, and listen to live Cuban music.La Bodeguita de Medio- this is the place where the mojito was invented! Ernest Hemingway & James Bond enjoyed one and they do not disappoint! They are delicious. Parque Central- The food here is delicious; enjoy lunch or dinner in the lobby or head up to the terrace

Hotel Inglaterra- it’s right in the center of the city, you can sit on he ground floor or head up to the rooftop bar it offers a stunning view of Old Havana.Helad’oro- who doesn’t love gelato? Havana is an active city, vibrant music fills the streets, even at midnight people are seen walking along El Malecon and socializing in the parks. They are very proud of its arts and Cubans love to invite you out to the dance floor and teach you their dance moves. Get ready to walk a lot, mingle with the locals, and dive into their culture. I can’t wait to return to Cuba!