A beautiful island country nestled where the Northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean meet, Cuba is not short of reasons to entice sun seekers and travellers alike to step foot on its white sandy shores and cobbly historical pavements.
With rum, revolutionaries and rich traditions, Cuba’s charm is irresistible, and it has become a popular travel destination over recent years. One of the oldest Caribbean islands, Cuba’s traditional culture was born through a revolutionary history offering a blend of diverse landscapes and cityscapes.
Iconic classic cars line cobbled streets between colonial mansions, and white sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters separate the patchwork of plantations, fields and jungles; there are many sides to Cuba’s beauty.
With so much on offer, Cuba can seem like a confusing jigsaw puzzle, making what to do and what not to do with your time complicated for those not familiar with the tropical island – but we’re here to help!
Here are some handy tips on the Do’s and Don’ts of Cuba, to ensure your exploration of this beautiful destination is as smooth sailing as can be.
Do’s
Get those steps in – The best way to get to know any city is by walking, and Havana, the capital of Cuba, is the ultimate city to do just that. Havana has some unbeatable walking routes, with new areas to see and explore every day. The beautiful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, vintage classic cars and friendly locals will ensure that every step taken under the warm tropical sun will be one towards new memories and discoveries – and possibly a cool, rum-based cocktail (or two!).
Take in the sites and the history – The charming and rich culture prevalent in Cuba today is the product of a stacked history, reflected almost everywhere you look, in the county’s food, language, art and music. There are many ways to take in the historical significance of times past, with many being popular travel destinations across the island;
Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crammed with stunning colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and a variety of museums. Take a look back through time simply by walking down the streets lined with classic cars and protected buildings, still wearing beautiful original architecture from years before. In Havana you will find the Museum of the Revolution, housed in the former Presidential Palace. Dedicated to the events of the Cuban Revolution, it features many exhibits and artefacts related to key figures in Cuba’s history, including Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos. Perfect for understanding the long journey towards the Cuba we know and love today.
Bay of Pigs marks the site of the failed 1961 exile invasion. The unsuccessful yet notable operation during the Cold War ended after just three days, Castro’s forces claiming victory. Museums and exhibits are open to the public at the site of the battle for those wanting to soak up the history, alongside the picturesque Playa Larga and Playa Giron, perfect for an afternoon of sun on the beach. Stacked with history as well as beachfront sights, Bay of Pigs is a sure thing for a great day out.
Trinidad, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautifully preserved colonial town known for its cobbled streets, colourful buildings, historic churches and slower pace of life. The town’s main square, Plaza Mayor, is located nearby to the Museo Histórico Municipal, showcasing the history of Trinidad and its surrounding region. The charming town is packed with history, allowing a step backwards in time, whilst remaining vibrant and exciting to old and new travellers alike.
Get to know the locals – The mixture of native, African and European influences in Cuba have given it a lively culture that is known worldwide. The laid-back lifestyle of the locals sets the friendly and welcoming tone, so why not stop to chat to some of them to learn more about their way of life?
Alternatively, you can learn what life is really like on the island from a local guide, who will help you immerse yourself in the history and culture with extra knowledge and tips. The local guides will also introduce you to locals to help you understand aspects of Cuban life which you may miss yourself. Another way to throw yourself into Cuban life and mix with locals is to take a class to learn new skills and meet new people. With an array of classes available for short term travellers, such as Spanish language, cooking and salsa classes, there’s no better way to get to know the local life than to try it yourself.
Sample the Cuban goods – There are endless places to visit when travelling Cuba, and sights that will last forever in your memory. It’s no surprise you’ll want to sample some of the country’s iconic goods during your time here. First on the list and crowned as Cuba’s most famous export, you don’t have to look far to come across a traditional Cuban Cigar when travelling the island.
Cuba takes their cigars very seriously, with each hand-rolled cigar a work of art, leading to Cuba producing some of the world’s most infamous brands such as Montecristo, Cohiba and Romeo y Julieta. Why not step into a traditional cigar store to take in the aromas and pick up some hand-crafted cigars to enjoy in the evenings?
Or, if cigars don’t take your fancy, explore the delights of the culinary scene on the island. Havana leads the culinary field in a number of various eating establishments which cater for all palates, from the freshest crab in Caibarién to irresistible chocolate in Baracoa. And wash it down with a splash of famous Havana Cuban rum to spice up your evening cocktail! You see, there’s a treat for all the senses.
Visit the beaches – If there’s one thing Cuba is not short of, it’s postcard-worthy beaches. You’ll be spoilt for choice on where to lay your towel down on this island, with endless stretches of coral-white sand, translucent waters and tropical skies. Cuba’s famous (and arguably most popular) Varadero shoreline spans over 20km making it one of the most sought-after holiday spots. And if Sealife exploring is on your list, then spots such as Cayo Coco in the north of Cuba offer crystal waters decorated with an abundance of coral reef and fish, perfect for popping on your snorkel and diving in.
If you prefer to escape the crowds and fly under-the-radar, then places like Cayo Levisa offer a truly stunning beach, with natural beauty and charm and less tourists. It’s one of Cuba’s best-kept secrets and perfect for more relaxed beach trips, as well as calm waters for sailing.
A trip to the beach really is a non-negotiable when visiting this stunning island, and no matter where you travel, Cuba will have a spot made for you.
Learn a little Spanish – Although it’s not essential for your trip, Spanish is the principal language of Cuba and is spoken throughout the island. The majority of travel and tour staff are likely to know some English, but it’s always helpful to know some common phrases for when you’re out exploring and mixing with the locals – even if it’s just to ask for another beer! Gracias!
Don’ts:
Miss out on the music scene – If there’s one thing you don’t want to slip you by, it’s the vibrant music scene in Cuba. Music beats at the very heart of Cuba, through sounds of rumba, casino, son, jazz and reggaeton. There’s an abundance of variety and magnificent Cuban musicians everywhere you look, from street corners and community centres to bars, restaurants and people’s homes. One of the best spots to soak up the sounds of Cuba is at the famous Buena Vista Social Club in Old Havana. Throughout the city there are various music venues to visit, dance classes to try, festivals to enjoy and street performances to stop and listen to. Don’t miss out on one of the main cultural gems of this beautiful country. Get your dancing shoes on!
Pack your entire wardrobe – No matter where you visit, from the capital of Havana in the west, to Santiago in the east, and the quaint towns of Trinidad in central Cuba, ultimately Cuba is a casual country. You won’t stand out for dressing casually in Cuba, so maybe leave the high heels at home, and you will be more comfortable in doing so.
Cuba is a consistently warm country, with even the off season from May through October hitting temperatures of 28-32 degrees, so ensuring you pack cool clothes is a must. Don’t forget comfortable shoes too, as places like Havana are best explored on foot, meaning time to get those steps under the tropical sun. However, do remember, some nightclubs, restaurants and theatres do require men to wear trousers and sleeved shirts, so don’t forget to check for any dress codes when booking.
Avoid street cigars – So, you’re eager to experience the renowned craftsmanship of Cuba’s iconic cigars firsthand. There are many places to buy cigars, but those you should avoid are the ones sold on the street. These can often seem tempting with good deals and competitive prices, however are likely a scam and you’ll be left with a fake cigar for your money. It’s best to support local business and buy only from licensed cigar stores. That way you’re guaranteed to experience the delights of a true Cuban cigar, with the added experiences of browsing one of Cuba’s many authentic cigar stores.
Take pictures of military, or police – A more serious ‘don’t’ to add to the list, but a worthy mention. With the stunning beaches, architecture, landscapes and views, it goes without saying your camera will be working overtime during your trip. With this in mind, one thing to avoid taking photos of is any military and police in the country. Travellers may not know this is against the law and can cause some unwanted bother during your stay! Best keep the camera pointed to the sunset instead…
Book anywhere else! – Cuba remains as energetic, charming and vibrant as ever with its colourful houses, stunning colonial architecture, classic cars, cobbled streets, beautiful beaches, luxury cigars, outgoing music and friendly locals, all wrapped up in a warm tropical climate. Just this short list of tips is merely the tip of the iceberg on what Cuba has to offer, so you’re guaranteed an unforgettable trip with memories to last a lifetime when you travel to this stunning island, all that’s left to do is book!
Love Cuba is the UK’s leading Cuba holiday specialist. Click here for more information on Cuba holidays, Multi Centre Cuba Holidays or Tailor Made Cuba Holidays – please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba holiday specialists on 0207 071 3636 or email: enquiries@lovecuba.com today.
