With tropical wheater, great food, great people, and unique culture, Cuba is an incredible holiday destination. From savoring the local cuisine to enjoying the lively music scene, exploring the vibrant cities, and relaxing on the stunning beaches, every moment was filled with excitement. In this post, we’ll summarize the key highlights from our two weeks in Cuba.
Make sure you don’t miss our blog post ‘How to plan your trip to Cuba’
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Havana's Top Highlights
Havana, Cuba’s capital, is a vibrant city full of color, music, and charm. From colonial buildings to lively bars, breathtaking sunsets to friendly locals, it’s a place you could explore for days without fully discovering all its wonders. Most visitors, however, only stay a few days before heading elsewhere. To make the most of your time, we’ve put together a shortlist of must-see spots in Havana.
Join a free walking tour
Free walking tours are a fantastic way to explore Havana on foot, especially if you’re short on time. Local guides offer endless insights into the city’s history, culture, and customs. You’ll also get valuable tips on the best spots for food, drinks, and currency exchange.
We recommend booking in advance both the Free Havana Tour and the Free Tour of Colonial Havana.
Enjoy the sunset at Malecon
The Malecon is Havana’s iconic 8km waterfront, perfect for a peaceful stroll by the sea. Both locals and tourists love to gather here. Despite the busy traffic, it’s an oasis ideal for a romantic walk, especially at sunset when the horizon is painted with color. It’s also a great spot to watch fishermen and chat with them. We visited on our first night in Havana, and it quickly became one of our favorite spots in the city. You’ll love it too.
Ride a vintage car
In Havana, you’ll spot many colorful vintage cars, mostly from the 50s. These iconic antiques are a symbol of Cuba and considered part of its national heritage. Most are taxis you can hire for the day, making it a unique way to explore the city. We highly recommend the Havana Classic Car Tour. If you make friends with the drivers, they might even let you take the wheel! We got a chance to drive in a quiet Vedado street, and it felt incredibly cool and authentic.
Head to Hemingway’s favourites
There are two Bars in Havana where Ernest Hemingway was a regular: La Bodeguita for a Mojito and El Floridita for a Daiquiri.
La Bodeguita del Medio
La Bodeguita del Medio is famous for its signature Mojitos, with some claiming it’s where the drink was invented. It’s a popular spot, so finding a table can take time. You might want to order a Mojito and enjoy it on the sidewalk outside. Keep in mind, the drinks are pricier than in other bars. If you don’t mind waiting, you can snap photos of the iconic venue and even add your name to the walls, alongside many celebrity signatures.
El Floridita
El Floridita is another popular spot, but definitely worth a visit. Known for its great Daiquiris and live music, it was a favorite of Hemingway, so much so that there’s a statue of him at his usual spot. One of the Daiquiris is even named after him. This Private Tour of Havana includes a stop at Floridita, offering a chance to learn more about this iconic venue.
Hotel Nacional
Hotel Nacional, another of Hemingway’s favorites, is a historic luxury hotel from the 1930s located in Vedado. Over the years, it has hosted celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, and John Wayne. It’s a great spot for a dinner and cabaret show, a traditional music concert, or simply enjoying an aperitif in the garden.
GOOD TO KNOW
For the greatest fans of Ernest Hemingway, there is the unique opportunity to join a tailor-made “Hemingway’s Cuba Guided Tour”. A 4-hour immersive tour will guide you through the places where Hemingway’s used to spend his time writing or simply getting some inspiration.
Learn about the Revolution
To learn more about the Cuban Revolution, start with the Museo de la Revolución, housed in the former presidential palace. It displays weaponry, photos, and documents from revolutionary times. Afterward, head to Plaza de la Revolución, where key government offices and historic decisions were made.
NOTE:
This Plaza is far from everything else. However, by joining this Revolution Walking Tour, you will get transport included and a professional guide that will tell all about the Cuban Revolution including the movement that led Fidel Castro to power.
Visit a tobacco factory
Cigars are one of Cuba’s most famous exports. To learn how they’re made, visit the Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, a cigar factory museum where the renowned Cuban Habanos are produced and sold. Even if you don’t smoke, they make great souvenirs. While you’ll find low-quality cigars sold on the streets, for premium cigars, head to La Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás or La Casa del Habano.
Trinidad, Cuba: A Town Frozen in Time
When planning our two weeks in Cuba, we knew we wanted to experience the local culture, with sightseeing and some beach relaxation. Looking back, including Trinidad was the best decision!
We highly recommend adding Trinidad to your itinerary, even for just a couple of nights. The sweet smell of sugar in the air, the cobblestone streets, the live music, and the incredible food will leave you with unforgettable memories.
How to get to Trinidad, Cuba
By bus
Reaching Trinidad is quite easy. There are regular buses that connect Trinidad to other Cuban cities. Viazul is an official bus company that provides affordable tickets to Trinidad and fairly good service. Although their reviews are not great, we did not face any problems and the buses were always punctual.
To avoid disappointment, make sure you book your seat in advance especially during high season, as tickets tend to sell out fast. We experienced people showing up at the bus station looking to buy a ticket but they were all sold out. Another bus company is Conectando, however, they have a limited online presence.
By taxi colectivo
Another way to get to Trinidad is by taxi colectivo, a shared ride where you travel with other passengers. These are a popular way to get around in Cuba, though be aware that many don’t have a valid license and the price may be inflated, so be prepared to haggle. While we took a bus from Havana to Trinidad, we met others who paid 30 USD per person for the taxi colectivo, which seems fair considering the distance.
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Best Things to do in Trinidad, Cuba
Although Trinidad is a small town, it offers plenty to explore and keeps visitors entertained. If you’re coming from Havana, you’ll quickly notice it’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital. With few cars around, most locals get around on foot—or even by horse! How cool is that?
Here is our list of top things to do in Trinidad
Join a walking tour
Joining a walking tour is the best way to visit Trinidad. We chose the Free Walking Tour in Trinidad and were thrilled with our experience. We were the only ones that day, so we ended up with a private tour. Our guide, Andy, was incredibly friendly and took us to all the highlights of Trinidad. As a tourism professional, Andy also educates locals on running businesses. You’ll often find him behind the counter, meeting with staff, serving, or welcoming customers in various establishments around town.
Wander around Plaza Mayor
If you missed Andy’s tour you simply can’t miss Plaza Mayor as you wander around Trinidad. The palm tree-lined Plaza Mayor is the main square in Trinidad featuring Brunet Palace and the Church of the Holy Trinity.
Brunet Palace is a large yellow Mudejar and Neoclassic building once a manor house today a museum displaying a valuable collection of 19th-century objects. The pastel-yellow Church of the Holy Trinity is a Cuban religious icon, as it is home to The Lord of the True Cross, an 18th-century wooden sculpture. The Church can be visited for free, although difficult to catch open.
Dance Salsa at Casa de la Musica
Casa de la Musica is probably the most popular attraction at nightfall. Locals and tourists join together on the steps or at seated tables of this Trinidad institution. You won’t be missing this club as it is located just beside Plaza Mayor. They predominately play live Cuban music, the bands playing are really good, and the atmosphere becomes energetic after a few mojitos! It was honestly fun and even if you do not know how to dance, you’ll feel like you’d want to give it a go. This is also one of the few places in town where you can get a wi-fi hotspot.
Taste local drinks
Cuba is home to many world-famous cocktails, so why not try a few? While cocktails can be pricey at restaurants or clubs, you can easily find stalls selling them for just 1 USD. For a local twist, don’t miss the Canchanchara—Cuba’s own cocktail made with rum, honey, lime, and aguardiente, served in a ceramic cup. The Canchanchara Mansion House, where the drink is said to have been invented, is a great spot to relax outdoors and enjoy a refreshing drink after a walk in the heat.
Take a Day Trip
Valle de Los Ingenios
Just outside Trinidad lies Valle de los Ingenios, a group of three valleys where thousands of slaves once worked on sugar plantations. It’s a must-visit for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature and local history. One of the top attractions is Manaca Iznaga, a manor house with a tall tower where guards once watched over the workers. For just 1 USD, you can climb the tower and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.
Topes de Collantes National Park
Topes de Collantes is a beautiful, natural reserve located in the Sierra del Escambray, the second-largest mountain range of Cuba. The reserve features several hiking trails and waterfalls. The most famous hike is certainly Salto del Caburni, which leads to a spectacular 62 meters tall waterfall. You will have the opportunity to swim into a freezing, crystal-clear natural pool at the waterfall.
Parque El Cubano
The half-day Horse Riding at The Parque El Cubano Natural Park will bring you through this beautiful park, where it is possible to witness the typical Cuban wildlife. However, the highlight of this tour is the spectacular Javira waterfall. Take your time to relax and enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pool beneath the falls.
Hoyo del Pilón
For a simpler tour, consider a half-day horseback ride to Hoyo del Pilón. This tour takes you along an ancient trail, offering views of sugar mill ruins, slave barracks, and typical bohíos—rustic homes built with boards and guano. You’ll also get to sample guarapo, fresh sugar cane juice made using traditional methods.
The tour concludes at Hoyo del Pilón, a serene natural spot with two crystal-clear pools and waterfalls flowing from the Escambray Mountains. After a hot ride, it’s hard not to dive in!
This tour is less popular, so we had the waterfall all to ourselves, making for a truly peaceful and relaxing experience.
Playa Ancon
Playa Ancon is one of Cuba’s best beaches, and we can confirm it lives up to the hype. With white sand and turquoise waters, it’s a perfect spot to relax, plus there’s a large beach bar. Renting a bike for the day costs about 5 USD, so cycling there is a great option, but be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen due to the heat. Alternatively, you can take a classic car (taxi compartido), which is what we chose.
Cuban Cayos: True Caribbean Treasures
Now, let’s leave the cities behind and head to something more exotic: the Cuban Cayos. Cuba is home to some stunning beaches, and the best ones are found at the Cayos. Imagine lounging on a paradise beach, sipping a cocktail under a coconut tree—sounds perfect, right?
What are Los Cayos?
The Cayos are small islands scattered off the main island of Cuba, some easily accessible and others more remote. Most feature pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich wildlife. But here’s a harsh truth: staying at the Cayos can be expensive. Only a few hotels, often just one per island, are available.
The Best Cuban Cayos
- Cayo Santa Maria: Perhaps the most famous of the Cayos, located off Santa Clara and easily accessible via a bridge from the town of Caibarién. Whether on a day tour from Santa Clara or exploring independently, you can expect pristine, paradise-like beaches. The island is famously known as “La Rosa Blanca de los Jardines del Rey” (The White Rose of the King’s Gardens).
- Cayo Coco: Part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago, this Cayo is popular alongside its neighbor, Cayo Guillermo. Known for its stunning beaches, it’s also one of Cuba’s top destinations for water sports, especially diving.
- Cayo Blanco: Known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water, Cayo Blanco has no hotels. We visited it on a Catamaran tour from Varadero, which included lunch and drinks. The crew was friendly, and the boat ride was simply stunning.
Cayo Largo
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Cayo Largo del Sur: Getting to this paradise in the Islas de la Juventud was challenging, but worth it. To reach the island, you’ll need to take an Aerogaviota flight from Havana’s Playa Baracoa terminal, as there are no boat connections. Flights and excursions are only confirmed if enough seats are booked.
You have two options: book in advance through an online operator or arrange everything in Havana. We chose the first option. However, once in Havana, we had to visit their office to confirm our booking. We were then told to call the day before departure to check if the flight was going ahead!
Thankfully, the flight was on, but the uncertainty up until the last minute was a bit nerve-wracking.
The same happened on our return to Havana—the hotel receptionist called the agency to confirm the flight time. Transfers to and from the resort are usually included in the hotel price (but always confirm with the hotel).
Cayo Largo del Sur = Paradise
Cayo Largo is a true paradise, with long fine white sand beaches and turquoise water. No words can do justice to this place so we are going to show you a photo here 😊
We spent our 2017 Christmas in Cayo Largo, a unique tropical getaway where we enjoyed mojitos and lobsters. Who wouldn’t want to do that once in a lifetime?
The island has a resort zone where all the hotels are located. A shuttle train runs regularly, picking up guests and taking them to the port. The beaches are a short boat ride away from the hotels, providing stunning views along the way.
As we mentioned, the resorts can be pricey. We paid around 100€ per person per night, which wasn’t too bad considering it was high season and all-inclusive. We decided to treat ourselves for once.
Varadero, Cuba: White Sand Beaches on the West Coast
As we wrap up our two weeks in Cuba, our final stop was Varadero. During the planning stage, we debated adding more cities like Santiago de Cuba and Santa Clara, but with limited time, we decided to slow down and enjoy some relaxation at the beach. Varadero ended up being the perfect place to unwind after a packed itinerary.
If you are planning your trip to Cuba, you are probably asking yourself if you should include Varadero or not in your trip. This will most likely be dependent on what you want to do and see. If time is short, you could still visit Varadero on a day tour from Havana.
We do recommend Varadero
Varadero offers much more than just luxury beachfront resorts.
By walking away from the seafront, you’ll get a glimpse of local life. You’ll see locals chatting on their doorsteps or a farmer hauling hay on his cart after a long day’s work. The people are incredibly friendly, so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation.
Varadero Beach itself is a long stretch of stunning white sand and warm, inviting water. With so much space, you’ll easily find quieter spots to relax, making it the perfect place to unwind after two weeks of exploring Cuba.
Two Weeks in Cuba
Time for conclusions...
This unforgettable experience marks the end of our two weeks in Cuba.
We’ll always remember the wonderful people we met, the laughter we shared, and the magical places we visited.
What we loved most about Cuba was the atmosphere. Despite the modest living conditions, the locals were always smiling and welcoming. They truly know how to enjoy life and keep a positive mindset! Music and dancing in the streets are a regular sight, and the laid-back mood makes everything feel slow and easygoing. It’s a stark contrast to the fast-paced lifestyle in big cities of developed countries, and we appreciated it. Cuba will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and we can’t wait to visit again soon.
We hope you enjoyed reading about our journey and that it inspires your own amazing trip to Cuba.
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