🌴 HAVANA, CUBA – The
Ultimate Local's Guide for US Travelers
¡Hola, asere! I'm your Havana-born guide, here to show you why Cuba's capital is the most vibrant
time capsule in the Caribbean. As a US traveler, you'll discover 1950s
classics, Afro-Cuban beats, and mojitos that ruin all others – all
while navigating Cuba's unique travel rules. Here's how to experience Havana
like a true habanero!
📅 3-Day Havana Itinerary
(Like a Local)
🌞 DAY 1: Old Havana &
Malecón Magic
☕ Morning – Cuban Breakfast
Café El Escorial (Plaza
Vieja) – Café cubano with tostada (buttered
toast)
Local Tip: Order "un
poco de azúcar" – Cubans take coffee SWEET
🏰 Midday – Step Back in
Time
Plaza de Armas – Book
market & 18th-century architecture
Catedral de San Cristóbal –
Asymmetrical Baroque beauty
Local Secret: Find Callejón
de Hamel – Afro-Cuban art alley
🚗 Afternoon – Classic Car
Tour
$50/hour for a
convertible (negotiate at Parque Central)
Drive to Fábrica de Arte Cubano –
Stop at Coppelia for ice cream
🎺 Night – Music &
Mojitos
La Bodeguita del Medio –
Hemingway’s mojito spot (touristy but essential)
Casa de la Música –
Salsa till 3AM
🎨 DAY 2: Arts & Local
Life
🌅 Morning – Beyond the
Tourist Zone
Fusterlandia – Mosaic
wonderland (free, take bus P15)
Callejón de los Peluqueros –
Barber shop turned cultural hub
🍽️ Afternoon – Paladar
Feast
San Cristóbal Paladar –
Obama’s favorite (ropa vieja)
Local Tip: Bring CUCs
– most paladares don’t take cards
🎭 Evening – Cuban
Spectacle
Caboaret Tropicana –
$75 show (worth it!)
Alternative: Callejón
de Hamel rumba (Sundays at noon)
🌊 DAY 3: Beach &
Farewell Fiesta
🏖️ Morning – Caribbean
Escape
Playas del Este –
30-min taxi ($25)
Local Transport: Camello bus
(1 CUC) if adventurous
🛍️ Afternoon – Souvenir
Hunt
Almacenes San José –
Best artisan market
Casa del Habano –
Authentic cigars (look for Habanos S.A. seal)
🎉 Night – Ultimate Salsa
Night
1830 Club – Outdoor
dancing by the sea
Local Secret: Café
Cantante for pro dancers
🍴 MUST-TRY CUBAN FOODS
Ropa Vieja – Shredded
beef in tomato sauce
Tostones – Twice-fried
plantains
Cubano Sandwich – Best
at El Chanchullero
Flan de Café – Coffee
custard
🍹 Drink This:
Mojito (Always
with hierbabuena, not mint!)
Cuba Libre –
With real Cuban rum
🎉 FESTIVALS TO PLAN FOR
July: Carnaval de
La Habana
December: Festival
Jazz Plaza
April: International
Ballet Festival
⚠️ LOCAL TIPS
✅ Visa: US travelers need "pink card" ($50–$85).
💵 Money: Bring EUR/CAD (better rates than USD) + cash only.
📶 WiFi: Buy $1/hr ETECSA cards at hotels.
🌟 FINAL LOCAL'S ADVICE
"Havana runs on rum, resilience, and inventar. Dance badly but with joy, haggle gently, and remember – the best parts are where the tourists aren't. ¡Dale, mi vida!" – Cheap Trips Guide
Need a casa particular rec or
vintage photo op spots? ¡Dímelo! 📸
🗣️ ESSENTIAL CUBAN SLANG
"Asere" =
Buddy
"Qué bola?" =
What’s up?
"No es fácil" =
Life’s hard (but we smile)
Want a custom itinerary for vintage lovers, cigar aficionados or families? Just ask! 👨👩👧👦
