Cuba Linda

GET HOOKED ON A 14-DAY HOLIDAY IN CUBA

Check out TCB’s guideline on how to spend two-weeks in this untouched paradise.

Go back to the 50s in Old Havana

The beauty of Cuba doesn’t rely on what to see but rather on the people and their lifestyle. Relaxed and content, the Cubans are known for their happy take on life. I am sure many of them would like things to run differently, but at least they try to stay positive, and I could not relate more to that.

You can see Havana in very little time, but you won’t FEEL Havana unless you spend 3-5 days in it. The rhythm of the city is something that you need to get used to it, and we loved it.

Walking through the Capitol and immersing ourselves into the streets of Old Havana was extremely fun. We stopped at many key spots along the way, including El Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio, bars frequently visited by Hemingway in his visits to Cuba, as well as other lesser known spots. Beware, these places (like Tropicana and Buena Vista Social Club) are nice, but are also extremely touristy and therefore you’ll have to cue to stay in a very small bar when there’s plenty others lesser known and as good. Pick your choices wisely!

Of course, there are a few museums you can visit and that are worth visiting: Museo de la Revolucion gives you a great overview of Cuba’s history (though most of it it’s in Spanish so make sure you get a guide) and the Museum of Fine Arts is also worth checking out. Just make sure you check opening times as we missed a few museums because of this!

Food-wise, there are two musts in Old Havana: La Guarida and Michifu. Both in the same street! The first one is in an old colonial house and has kept its appearance to make it look more decadent. The second is much more contemporary and hosts la creme de la creme of the city. A restaurant for every vibe.

Another fun thing to do whilst in the city is renting a 50s car. Surprisingly to most, you’ll see these cars all over Cuba. One would have thought that such gas-heavy cars would be extinguished by now but they are all there! Expensive and probably terrible for the planet but damn we loved riding on it.

Now, if you like dancing and/ or cuban music (probably one of the reasons why you are visiting the country?) then you need to visit Club 1830 by the Malecon. This is a restaurant during the day but at night it becomes THE place to be for cuban salsa lovers. Even if you are a beginner, you’ll have fun people watching.

Immerse yourself in the tobacco fields of Vinales

Viñales is quite a touristy town (most locals live of tourism here) but you can’t leave the country without stopping here.

Viñales serves as a gateway to the Sierra de los Organos mountains and the Viñales Valley. The valley is known for its steep-sided limestone hills, known as mogotes, and the infamous tobacco fields where Cuban cigars are made.

The most fun you’ll have here is by hiking the valley and visiting the tobacco fields. You’ll need a guide to get to these places and you’ll probably have to haggle, but it will be worth it. Just make sure they are up for a good walk!

We had to persuade our guide A LOT but in the end we had an amazing time and we ended up engaging with Cubans living up in the hills. Sipping coffee and talking tales with them was certainly a highlight.

Go fully isolated into Playa Larga and Playa Giron

I must warn you: I don’t think we would rush to go back to Playa Larga. It was extremely secluded, difficult to get to, and the promised beautiful turquoise beaches without the fuss of tourists were not a reality. Not only because the beaches did not look like in the pictures but also because the customer service there (at least in the casa were we stayed) was below average.

However, if you like to get yourself immerse into true Cuban life, this is certainly your spot. There are few tourists in town, all restaurants are extremely local and you get fresh fish from the sea and live music at the main square almost every night. Why would you need more? Sun, Food and relaxing time. No stress to be found here!

Side-note: Los Cayos is where the most beautiful beaches are in Cuba, but unfortunately due to international tourism, Cubans are not allowed in, which is extremely sad and why we recommend visiting other parts of the country (unless this is the only purpose of your holiday).

Cienfuegos, home of Son Cubano

Translated to “100 fires”, Cienfuegos is a lovely city to visit on your way to Trinidad. Many argued you can skip it but we in fact had a great time there.

Cienfuegos is very cultural. Cafes and live music are bursting at every corner and one of the key figures of Son Cubano, Benny More, was born here.

More over, the city’s architecture is worth admiring, rich and colonial with grand promenades.

Hot spots in town include The Yatch Club where you’ll have amazing live music and dance whilst seeing the sunset and Jose Marti Park, where you will find most of the museums and theatres. Worth a visit is the Museo de las Artes Palacio Ferrer (which has a stunning rooftop overlooking the city) and the Teatro Tomas Terry.

Stay at The Heart of Cuban Music and Dance, Trinidad

This city has so much to offer. We absolutely loved it and were gutted to stay only for two nights. If you can, we recommend you to stay for at least 3-5 days.

During the day, Trinidad seems sleepy; but that is only on the surface. Only 15minutes away (by taxi drive) you have great beaches to spend the day on or if you are more into adventures, 15 minutes away you can also access to beautiful waterfalls at Parque El Cubano.

One thing is key: when the sun sets, be sure to be back in city, as Trinidad is at its best when the sun goes down. Music bursts everywhere, especially in the main square where lots of live musicians will fight for your attention. People salsa dancing everywhere and generally a super fun atmosphere. We. Loved. It

And if you don’t want the night to finish, you can head to the super discoteque inside the caves uphill, Disco Ayala. Definitely on the commercial and taky side, but worth the hike as its quite unique.

Lastly, taste Havana with a twist

To finish up your trip, head to the newest part of Havana, where hip Fabrica del Arte hosts the funkiest art and cultural events in town. Next to it there is the restaurant El Cocinero, the place to be for dinner. Make a reservation in advance or prepare for queuing, it is a hot spot!

TCB xx