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Travelling to Cuba

Your guide to where to go and what to see in Cuba.

Visiting Cuba

Caribbean soul steeped with a drenching of American history, there’s nowhere quite like Cuba. Here’s our handy guide to everything you need to know.

Explore Havana

Every trip to Cuba should include a visit to Havana, the lively and cosmopolitan capital that has to be seen to be believed. Almost unchanged since its 1950s heyday, to stroll around Havana is like entering a time warp. Visit the iconic Plaza de la Revolución square or take a walk along the Malecón sea wall and look out over the bay. Soak up the glory of La Habana Vieja, the UNESCO World Heritage listed old town or watch the locals going about their lives in the Prado.

Enjoy beautiful beaches and islands

If you’re looking for a slice of Caribbean bliss, head straight to the beaches of Cuba. Here you’ll find all the sun-bleached sands and turquoise waters that you’ve ever dreamed of. Enjoy salsa music in the sun in Trinidad or the rugged jungle charm of Baracoa, the undiscovered beauty of the tiny island of Cayo Largo del Sur just off of the coast, and the popular resort heaven of Varadero.

Soak up the culture and history

Whether you’re a fan of delving into history or dancing in the streets until dawn, Cuba has plenty of culture on offer. Santiago de Cuba is the country’s second city, home to Revolution Square and a thriving party spirit. The Callejon de Hemel has been the hot spot for Cuba’s musicians since the 1940s and the streets of Santa Clara stand as a shrine to the revolutionary Che Guevara.

Money

There official currency in Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP). Until 2021, Cuba operated on two currencies, the CUP (Cuban Peso) and the CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso).

One pound is currently worth Cuban pesos.

Here’s a rough guide to what you can expect to spend in Cuba, with prices in British pounds:

Inexpensive meal for one – £3.00-£6.00	Bottle of water – £0.80-£1.20	0.5 litre beer – £1.50-£3.00
Mid-range restaurant meal for one – £8.00-£12.00	Cappuccino – £1.20-£2.00	Local bus ticket – £0.10-£0.30

Travelling around Cuba

By bus

Buses are generally considered the best way to get around Cuba, and they’re incredibly cheap too (around $0.10!). There probably won’t be a timetable at the bus stop, so you’ll need to look out for your bus with a keen eye – or you could ask your hotel for help before you set off.

By taxi

Taxis are a common way to get around the cities of Cuba. The official metered taxis are known as tourist taxis (turistaxis) and cost around $1/km – they’ll be the modern Japanese or American cars. Private taxis known as máquinas will be the classic American cars, and you’ll need to agree a price for your journey before you leave. Communal taxis known as colectivos or almendrones are like small buses that run along a set route. They’ll cost you $10 a ride.

By bicitaxi

Bicitaxis are three-wheeled bikes that have room for two passengers. They’re a quick and easy way to weave yourself around the towns and they’ll only set you back around $1/km.

Order your currency

Since Cuban currency isn’t available outside of the country, you won’t be able to pick up any before you head off.

You may find locals will exchange British pounds, US dollars or euros.

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