The Ultimate Havana Travel Guide: Avoiding Tourist Mistakes & Living Like a Local
One of my absolute favorite things about Havana is how safe it is. You can walk around the city at any time of the day or night and feel more secure than in most places around the world (always with common sense, of course!). So lace up your comfiest shoes, grab a bottle of water, slap on some sunscreen, and explore to your heart’s content.
That being said, Cuba can be a tricky country to navigate—especially when it comes to money. So here are a few key tips to help you avoid common tourist mistakes and have the smoothest, most unforgettable trip.
Money Matters in Cuba: What You Need to Know
Budgeting for Cuba is no walk in the park. The country has two exchange rates:
The official rate: 120 CUP per 1 USD (set by the government).
The street rate: Up to 350 CUP per 1 USD (what locals actually trade at).
If you're coming from the U.S., withdrawing money from an ATM is not an option. So plan accordingly.
Pro tips:
Pre-pay for as many services as possible before arriving (hotels, Airbnb, tours, transportation, etc.).
Bring Euros instead of USD—locals prefer them, and they’ll get you further.
Budget around 100 Euros per day for a couple to have a comfortable, hassle-free experience in Havana.
Cuban Cigars: The Real Deal vs. Tourist Traps
You’re in Cuba, so of course, you want to bring home some world-famous cigars. But beware of street sellers, especially in touristy areas.
It’s tempting when a friendly local offers you a “great deal,” but let’s be real—if cigars were that easy to get, I’d be smoking Cohibas every morning with my coffee.
Cigar Rule #1: Only buy from official "Casa del Habano" stores if you want the real thing.
Buying off the street? You have a 50/50 chance of ending up with banana leaves in a fancy box. Not worth it.
Where to Eat in Havana: Avoiding Tourist Traps
Cuba’s food scene is booming, with chefs blending traditional flavors and modern international trends. But here’s the deal:
Great restaurants don’t need people dragging tourists off the street to fill their tables. If someone randomly recommends a place, chances are, they’re getting a cut of your bill—not directing you to the best food in town.
So, even if you love a spontaneous food adventure, do some research beforehand.
My Top 5 Restaurants in Havana:
RioMar (@riomarrestaurantbargrill) – Stunning seafood by the sea + the best pork ribs in town.
Al Carbón (@alcarbon.cuba) – Run by famous chef Iván Rodríguez. Their “Lechoncito Ahogado” is a must.
La Catedral (@lacatedralcuba) – Budget-friendly! $2 cocktails + tons of food options. My aunt’s fave spot—she’s been here over 100 times.
Jama Asian Food (@jama_asianfood) – Craving sushi in Old Havana? This is the place. Great cocktails, too.
La Guarida (@laguaridahavana) – The most famous restaurant in Cuba. It’s where every celebrity dines when in town. Make a reservation well in advance!
Havana Nightlife: Where to Go After Dark
Forget the outdated stereotypes—Havana’s nightlife has evolved into a vibrant, diverse scene that caters to every vibe. While Tropicana is legendary (and worth a visit), if you want a more authentic experience, check these out:
🌟 Yarini Habana (@yarinihabana) – Killer signature cocktails + live music.
🌟 PaZillo Bar (@pazillobar) – Best bartender in town + house-made rum.
🌟 Fábrica de Arte Cubano (@fabricadeartecubano) – A world-class cultural experience. Trust me, just go.
🌟 King Bar (@kingbarhavana) – My go-to dance spot!
🌟 Efe Bar (@efebar_cuba) – Havana’s best DJs keep the energy alive here.
Taxis & Transportation: Don’t Get Overcharged
Airport to Havana: Flat rate of $20 USD.
Getting around the city (Old Havana → Vedado): $5–$10 USD per ride.
Pro tip: Download “La Nave”—Cuba’s version of Uber. It even lets you pay by card!
Bici-taxis: Two-seater bike taxis are a fun way to get around Centro Habana. Expect to pay $5 USD per ride.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus: A cheap and scenic way to explore! The T1 and T3 routes take you around major Havana spots and even to the beach.
Day Trips from Havana: Where to Go
If I had to pick one must-see outside the city, it would be Varadero Beach—hands down the most stunning beach in the Caribbean. Even as a quick day trip, it’s worth the two-hour drive.
Other great options:
🏡 Viñales – Rolling tobacco fields, horseback riding, and jaw-dropping landscapes.
🏛️ Trinidad – A colonial town frozen in time. You’ll want to stay a night or two to soak it all in.
Internet in Cuba
Good news: WiFi has improved massively in recent years. Bad news: It’s still a bit of a hassle.
📲 Buy a Cubacel Tur SIM before your trip. It comes with 4G, 2.5GB of data, 20 mins of calls, and 20 texts. You can pick it up at the airport when you arrive.
🏠 Staying at an Airbnb with WiFi? You’ll still need to buy internet cards to use it. And don’t forget to log out when you’re done, or your minutes will keep running!
🔑 VPN Alert! Many U.S. banking and financial apps are blocked in Cuba. Download a paid VPN before your trip if you’ll need access to them.
Final Thoughts
Cuba is one of the most fascinating and unique places on Earth. Yes, it requires a bit more planning, but if you go in with the right mindset and some insider knowledge (like you have now!), you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
📸 Want to know the best photo spots in Havana? We’ve put together an exclusive Havana Instagram Guide with all the most photogenic locations, from hidden colonial courtyards to the most colorful vintage cars. Whether you’re after iconic cityscapes or secret photo ops, this guide has you covered!