Holiday to Cuba, help needed.

[Nicholas_By_Oscar]

Hello all.
I would like to plan a 2 week holiday to Cuba. (Technically it will be our delayed honeymoon.) I have never been before and I would like your help with planning.

I need help with the following:

Hotels
Activities for me (cigar lover)
Activities for my wife and I (who has no interest in cigars)
Romantic activities would be good too.
Small home made food style restaurants are a plus if you know any.

Excluding flight there is about a 3k budget.
Heading off around March next year.

Thank you all in advance.




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[smokey joe]

I have no advice to offer but wish you a fantastic trip. I hope there’s contingency for a few boxes as well!

[BullittBoy]

Likewise unfortunately no advice to offer but this is the exact holiday I am planning to have the next few years (just add 2 kids!). Please let us know what you decide and how you get on.

Good luck - I am sure it will be amazing!


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[ShaazK]

Been there once only on a work trip.

Restaurant: La Guarida was really nice. Another place called Fabrica de Arte or something like that was also good for drinks if I remember.

Tips:
1. Only buy cigars from official channels - do not go to any “factories” or houses where my brothers cousins aunt works for Cohiba as a roller and sells the discarded stock. It’s fake. No matter how tempting.
2. There will be loads of guys and ladies approaching you that say they know you from the hotel because they work there as a cleaner, bartender, lifeguard etc and also do private tours when they’re not on duty so they’ll “help” you for free. Eventually they’ll scale something off you
3. Never ever let any “trustworthy” local do money exchange for you to get a better FX rate. It’s obviously a scam
4. Look for good quality custom rolls if you can find them. Rather this than some pseudo Trinidad fakery. You’ll find great tobacco with excellent rollers just doing their own thing. I didn’t do this and regret it. Also try and smoke a freshly rolled cigar. Apparently a fantastic experience


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[PeeJay]

Further to what Shaaz says make sure you keep all your receipts, if you get checked on the way out they will seize anything for which you don't have a receipt. I have also heard that although prices are controlled throughout the island they are not at the airport so only buy there as a last resort.

Take twice as many toiletries as you need and medicines like paracetamol and give away the excess as gifts, they are hard to come by for the locals. If you have any spare weight allowance pack clothing that you don't want anymore like tee shirts, tops etc, they will also be much appreciated as gifts for cleaners etc.

[Ryan]

Do a lot of research. Cuba has changed a lot in the last two years mainly due to currency reform and the ensuing chaos. I got back last week from my 20th trip.

Make sure your passports are in order and you have visas.
Download this app and the database so it works offline. It's very handy for addresses of bars/restaurants/nightclubs.

https://www.alamesacuba.com/en/la-habana/

By March you may still need to fill out this form. Only possible 2 days before travel. It's easy enough once you have your travel details.

https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio

Bring euros or USD, large and small undamaged notes. Damaged paper money or coins will not be accepted. Many/most taxi drivers and bars/restaurants will accept EUR/USD but you will save 10 - 30% if you get a good rate on local currency.

Currency: It's complicated now. There is only one currency now but many exchange rates. The official rate is 25:1 USD. At the airport exchange office last week they were giving 122:1 USD. From friends you would get about 175:1 USD.

Reference this site for current "unoffical" rates.

https://eltoque.com/tasas-de-cambio-de-moneda-en-cuba-hoy?fbclid=IwAR3PRE2Dj73hCwWyL6Cab9MtqGX8jTsJ2Gi1fihY0AxNpRRVbWVl22q3JOM

Do not stay in the Hotel Nacional but do visit it. The rooms are dank, they have let the standards drop, but there is a good new cigar lounge with a balcony on the first floor. Prices there are in local currency and the best prices for Habanos cigars now anywhere on the Island. You cannot buy boxes there though, only singles to smoke there. Your wife might even like that. Inside is very nice, good service and the balcony is very comfortable with a good view.

Cigars are priced in USD now in all of the shops/LCDH and you must use a credit card. Most UK credit cards should work fine. Make sure to ask for a factura on buying cigars (receipt for export), you may be asked for that at the airport. You will need your passport details for that, a photocopy is fine.

Electrical sockets are US style and 110V, some places have euro style sockets. Your phone laptop chargers will work fine (just about anything with a transformer is fine). Do not bring a UK hair-dryer. Hotels and B&Bs will have hair dryers.

There is some very good food in Havana now but you need to know where to go.
I can't recommend much in the way of small "home-made" style restaurants, maybe Dona Eutimia or Esto No Es Un Cafe beside it. Small places with traditional Cuban food.
The best food in Havana at the moment is

La Guarida
El Del Frente
Sensacioones
Costa Vino
Corte del Principe
Michifu
Santy Pescador (best fish in Havana and somewhat "home-madey")

All of these should be in the Alamesa app above. Some will need reservations.

Find a good, english-speaking taxi driver and get his phone number. That would be very handy.

Try to get a Cuban sim card. Not all UK carriers will work there and if they do will be very expensive, especially for data. Bring a cheap android phone, then you can put in a Cuban sim card in that and hotspot off it. 4G data works well in Havana now with a Cuban sim. A taxi driver might be able to help you with that. Again, bring a copy of your passport. Hotels and many B&Bs will have wifi.
I know an English-speaking couple who act as agents for many AirBnB places in Havana. They only get good places and would help you. A hotel can be easier, though more expensive, for first time travelers.

The new Partagas shop is nice for having a cigar. Ask for Heriberto, he has fluent English. There are still custom rolls there, rolled by La China (legendary Partagas in-store roller), though prices have gone up. Probably $10-$15 per cigar. Though cheaper than Habanos cigars, prices are very similar to Spain now.

As others have said, do not buy cigars on the street. All fake without exception. Some of those people will have good stories but all fake.

The cigar lounge in the Hotel Melia Cohiba has just reopened. Ask for Vivian the manager there, she also has fluent English, Vivian also runs her own shop selling fashion, art, souvenirs etc. Your wife could like that. Tell Vivian you got the recommendation from Andy in Ireland, she will take care of you. Juanita is the roller in the Melia Cohiba, good custom rolls. As it was just refurbished it could also be a good hotel to stay at. Good cigar facilities as well as a pool etc.
Prices will vary depending how you book.

"Romantic things". I don't really know. The beach at Tarará is nice, especially the little curved beach by Marina Marlin, about 20 mins by taxi east of Havana. Bring photocopies of the picture page of your passport. And your own snacks/water. There is a little beach cafe but quality varies.
The Napoleon museum is nice.
The Cabaret Tropicana is still good and a nice nostalgic thing to see, it hasn't changed much in 70 years. Expensive enough, about $100 per head.
The Salon Rojo club puts on a decent cabaret style show on Friday nights. I called in two weeks ago. Very cheap ($3 in) and cheap drinks. Don't eat there and $20 is a fun night, there are two decent restaurants within 100 yards, Cafe Laurent and Bone'Ma (very decent and cheap), both in the alamesa app above. Eat there first and then go see the show, show starts about 11 pm.
The Salon Rojo was once the casino for the Hotel Capri so there is historial interest too.
The Hemingway house is worth a visit and somewhat romantic maybe. Hemingway supposedly told his staff never to change the pool water after Ava Gardner swam naked in it (the pool is empty now).
Rent an old convertible car for a tour around Havana. That could be romantic I suppose. Prices vary, haggle. I used to know some owners of old cars in Havana but they all left Cuba. Still plenty around though. You might get a better deal with them with hard currency.

Water in hotels is fine, they get it delivered. Bottled water everywhere else. I've never had an issue with ice.

Do visit Fabrica de Arte (FAC), get there early (8pm). If there is a queue it moves quickly. Well worth a visit. Live music spaces, art gallery, food and bars all in a converted factory and cheap. Well worth a visit. 200 cup (local currency) entry and 400 cup beers.

Treat Cuba like a camping trip. Bring everything with you that you think you might need. Medications, paracetamol, tummy stuff, mosquito repellant, torch, toilet paper etc.

Souvenir shopping try the Almacenes de San Jose, by the harbour near the train station. Lots of vendors and some decent art there. Paco's Mar is a good restaurant very near. Though restaurant Yarini is also very close and that has a very nice ambience in the roof garden (could also be described as romantic).

Mind the pavements, watch where you're walking. Damaged ankles are a common tourist issue.

[Nicholas_By_Oscar]

Been there once only on a work trip.

Restaurant: La Guarida was really nice. Another place called Fabrica de Arte or something like that was also good for drinks if I remember.

Tips:
1. Only buy cigars from official channels - do not go to any “factories” or houses where my brothers cousins aunt works for Cohiba as a roller and sells the discarded stock. It’s fake. No matter how tempting.
2. There will be loads of guys and ladies approaching you that say they know you from the hotel because they work there as a cleaner, bartender, lifeguard etc and also do private tours when they’re not on duty so they’ll “help” you for free. Eventually they’ll scale something off you
3. Never ever let any “trustworthy” local do money exchange for you to get a better FX rate. It’s obviously a scam
4. Look for good quality custom rolls if you can find them. Rather this than some pseudo Trinidad fakery. You’ll find great tobacco with excellent rollers just doing their own thing. I didn’t do this and regret it. Also try and smoke a freshly rolled cigar. Apparently a fantastic experience


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Great tips, thanks you.

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[Nicholas_By_Oscar]

Further to what Shaaz says make sure you keep all your receipts, if you get checked on the way out they will seize anything for which you don't have a receipt. I have also heard that although prices are controlled throughout the island they are not at the airport so only buy there as a last resort.

Take twice as many toiletries as you need and medicines like paracetamol and give away the excess as gifts, they are hard to come by for the locals. If you have any spare weight allowance pack clothing that you don't want anymore like tee shirts, tops etc, they will also be much appreciated as gifts for cleaners etc.

Interesting. I will do, thank you.

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[Nicholas_By_Oscar]

Do a lot of research. Cuba has changed a lot in the last two years mainly due to currency reform and the ensuing chaos. I got back last week from my 20th trip.

Make sure your passports are in order and you have visas.
Download this app and the database so it works offline. It's very handy for addresses of bars/restaurants/nightclubs.

https://www.alamesacuba.com/en/la-habana/

By March you may still need to fill out this form. Only possible 2 days before travel. It's easy enough once you have your travel details.

https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio

Bring euros or USD, large and small undamaged notes. Damaged paper money or coins will not be accepted. Many/most taxi drivers and bars/restaurants will accept EUR/USD but you will save 10 - 30% if you get a good rate on local currency.

Currency: It's complicated now. There is only one currency now but many exchange rates. The official rate is 25:1 USD. At the airport exchange office last week they were giving 122:1 USD. From friends you would get about 175:1 USD.

Reference this site for current "unoffical" rates.

https://eltoque.com/tasas-de-cambio-de-moneda-en-cuba-hoy?fbclid=IwAR3PRE2Dj73hCwWyL6Cab9MtqGX8jTsJ2Gi1fihY0AxNpRRVbWVl22q3JOM

Do not stay in the Hotel Nacional but do visit it. The rooms are dank, they have let the standards drop, but there is a good new cigar lounge with a balcony on the first floor. Prices there are in local currency and the best prices for Habanos cigars now anywhere on the Island. You cannot buy boxes there though, only singles to smoke there. Your wife might even like that. Inside is very nice, good service and the balcony is very comfortable with a good view.

Cigars are priced in USD now in all of the shops/LCDH and you must use a credit card. Most UK credit cards should work fine. Make sure to ask for a factura on buying cigars (receipt for export), you may be asked for that at the airport. You will need your passport details for that, a photocopy is fine.

Electrical sockets are US style and 110V, some places have euro style sockets. Your phone laptop chargers will work fine (just about anything with a transformer is fine). Do not bring a UK hair-dryer. Hotels and B&Bs will have hair dryers.

There is some very good food in Havana now but you need to know where to go.
I can't recommend much in the way of small "home-made" style restaurants, maybe Dona Eutimia or Esto No Es Un Cafe beside it. Small places with traditional Cuban food.
The best food in Havana at the moment is

La Guarida
El Del Frente
Sensacioones
Costa Vino
Corte del Principe
Michifu
Santy Pescador (best fish in Havana and somewhat "home-madey")

All of these should be in the Alamesa app above. Some will need reservations.

Find a good, english-speaking taxi driver and get his phone number. That would be very handy.

Try to get a Cuban sim card. Not all UK carriers will work there and if they do will be very expensive, especially for data. Bring a cheap android phone, then you can put in a Cuban sim card in that and hotspot off it. 4G data works well in Havana now with a Cuban sim. A taxi driver might be able to help you with that. Again, bring a copy of your passport. Hotels and many B&Bs will have wifi.
I know an English-speaking couple who act as agents for many AirBnB places in Havana. They only get good places and would help you. A hotel can be easier, though more expensive, for first time travelers.

The new Partagas shop is nice for having a cigar. Ask for Heriberto, he has fluent English. There are still custom rolls there, rolled by La China (legendary Partagas in-store roller), though prices have gone up. Probably $10-$15 per cigar. Though cheaper than Habanos cigars, prices are very similar to Spain now.

As others have said, do not buy cigars on the street. All fake without exception. Some of those people will have good stories but all fake.

The cigar lounge in the Hotel Melia Cohiba has just reopened. Ask for Vivian the manager there, she also has fluent English, Vivian also runs her own shop selling fashion, art, souvenirs etc. Your wife could like that. Tell Vivian you got the recommendation from Andy in Ireland, she will take care of you. Juanita is the roller in the Melia Cohiba, good custom rolls. As it was just refurbished it could also be a good hotel to stay at. Good cigar facilities as well as a pool etc.
Prices will vary depending how you book.

"Romantic things". I don't really know. The beach at Tarará is nice, especially the little curved beach by Marina Marlin, about 20 mins by taxi east of Havana. Bring photocopies of the picture page of your passport. And your own snacks/water. There is a little beach cafe but quality varies.
The Napoleon museum is nice.
The Cabaret Tropicana is still good and a nice nostalgic thing to see, it hasn't changed much in 70 years. Expensive enough, about $100 per head.
The Salon Rojo club puts on a decent cabaret style show on Friday nights. I called in two weeks ago. Very cheap ($3 in) and cheap drinks. Don't eat there and $20 is a fun night, there are two decent restaurants within 100 yards, Cafe Laurent and Bone'Ma (very decent and cheap), both in the alamesa app above. Eat there first and then go see the show, show starts about 11 pm.
The Salon Rojo was once the casino for the Hotel Capri so there is historial interest too.
The Hemingway house is worth a visit and somewhat romantic maybe. Hemingway supposedly told his staff never to change the pool water after Ava Gardner swam naked in it (the pool is empty now).
Rent an old convertible car for a tour around Havana. That could be romantic I suppose. Prices vary, haggle. I used to know some owners of old cars in Havana but they all left Cuba. Still plenty around though. You might get a better deal with them with hard currency.

Water in hotels is fine, they get it delivered. Bottled water everywhere else. I've never had an issue with ice.

Do visit Fabrica de Arte (FAC), get there early (8pm). If there is a queue it moves quickly. Well worth a visit. Live music spaces, art gallery, food and bars all in a converted factory and cheap. Well worth a visit. 200 cup (local currency) entry and 400 cup beers.

Treat Cuba like a camping trip. Bring everything with you that you think you might need. Medications, paracetamol, tummy stuff, mosquito repellant, torch, toilet paper etc.

Souvenir shopping try the Almacenes de San Jose, by the harbour near the train station. Lots of vendors and some decent art there. Paco's Mar is a good restaurant very near. Though restaurant Yarini is also very close and that has a very nice ambience in the roof garden (could also be described as romantic).

Mind the pavements, watch where you're walking. Damaged ankles are a common tourist issue.

This is a wonderful post. Thank you for taking so much time. There are so many great points. I will start my planning now based on your recommendations.

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