Cuba

Cuba is a sensory explosion where time seems to have paused in a pastel-hued dreamscape of vintage cars and crumbling colonial facades. You will find a nation defined by rhythmic salsa, world-class cigars, and a resilient spirit that thrives despite modern hardships. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Atlantic to the limestone karsts of the rural west, the island offers an experience that is as complex as it is beautiful. While the reality includes navigating shortages and power outages, the warmth of the Cuban people and the raw authenticity of the culture create an unforgettable travel narrative. It is a place that challenges your expectations and rewards your curiosity with every cobblestone street and hidden jazz club.

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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

1 city

3 guides

$105 Daily Budget

Quick Facts

Capital

Havana

Languages

Spanish

Currency

Cuban Peso (CUP)

1 $ ≈ 24 CUP

Plug Type

Type A/B (common), plus C and L in some places; 110/220V, 60Hz

Driving Side

Right

Dial Code

+53

Entry Requirements

Check requirements →

Time Zone

CST (UTC-5); observes daylight saving time (CDT, UTC-4) seasonally

Emergency

106 (Police), 104 (Ambulance), 105 (Fire)

Why Visit Cuba

A Living Museum of Architecture

Walking through Old Havana feels like stepping back in time with its mix of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Deco buildings. You can explore grand plazas and narrow alleys that house centuries of history within their weathered walls.

The World's Finest Tobacco

The fertile red soil of the western plains produces the tobacco used for the planet's most prestigious cigars. You can visit local plantations to see the traditional drying process and learn the art of hand-rolling from master farmers.

Iconic Rhythms and Dance

Music is the heartbeat of the island, with live bands playing Son, Bolero, and Salsa in almost every corner. You will find it impossible not to move your feet as the infectious percussion spills out from local community centers and bars.

Pristine Caribbean Coastlines

With over 5,000km of coastline, the island boasts some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the world. Places like Varadero and the remote Cayo Largo offer crystal-clear turquoise waters and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling.

Resilient and Vibrant Culture

The true soul of the country lies in its people, who maintain a vibrant social life and creative spirit despite economic challenges. Engaging with locals in a private homestay provides a deep, authentic look into a way of life that values community and ingenuity.

Top Experiences

Top-rated tours and activities in Cuba

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Cities & Destinations

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Cuba

Havana

Warm

From $105 /day

Cost Guide Where to Stay

Regions

Havana

The bustling capital is a mix of revolutionary history, vibrant street life, and grand colonial squares. You can ride in a classic car along the Malecón seawall or get lost in the UNESCO-listed streets of Habana Vieja.

Viñales Valley

This lush landscape in the Pinar del Río province is famous for its unique limestone mountains called mogotes and traditional tobacco farming. It is a prime destination for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring massive underground cave systems.

Trinidad

This perfectly preserved colonial town is a maze of cobblestone streets and bright yellow buildings that look much as they did in the 1800s. It serves as a gateway to the Escambray Mountains and the nearby Caribbean shores of Playa Ancón.

Varadero

Located on the Hicacos Peninsula, this is the premier resort destination known for its 20km stretch of flawless sandy beach. It offers a more relaxed, all-inclusive environment with world-class golf courses and numerous water sports.

Santiago de Cuba

Known as the cradle of the Revolution, this eastern city is the center of Afro-Cuban culture and music. It has a distinct Caribbean energy and serves as the site of the massive Castillo del Morro, an imposing 17th-century fortress.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during the dry season from late November to mid-April, when the weather is pleasant and humidity is low. Travelers should be mindful of the hurricane season which typically runs from June through November.

Peak Season

Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

The high season features sunny, dry days with average temperatures between 21–27°C (70–81°F). Crowds are largest during the winter holidays and prices for accommodations often increase significantly.

Shoulder Season

Apr, May, Oct

These months offer a balance of warm weather and fewer tourists. April is considered a 'sweet spot' with clear skies before the humidity of the wet season begins to rise in May.

Off-Peak

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Characterized by high heat, intense humidity, and the highest risk of tropical storms. While rainfall is frequent, it often occurs in short afternoon bursts, and travel costs are generally lower.

Getting Around

Transport in Cuba is currently impacted by severe fuel shortages, leading to delays and cancellations. Tourists primarily rely on a dedicated bus network and various taxi services as public transit is limited.

Bus

Viazul is the primary bus service for foreigners, connecting major cities like Havana, Viñales, and Varadero. Tickets should be booked online in advance, and travelers should be prepared for potential delays due to fuel scarcity.

Taxi

Taxis are ubiquitous in Havana, including classic American cars and yellow state taxis; always agree on the price before getting in (airport to city center fares vary by negotiation and current conditions). For longer distances, 'colectivos' (shared taxis) are a popular and faster alternative to the bus.

Train

The rail network is extremely limited and unreliable, with trains subject to delays and cancellations due to fuel shortages. It is generally not recommended for tourists with tight schedules.

Food & Drink

Cuban cuisine is a hearty blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, typically revolving around rice, beans, and slow-cooked meats. While ingredient shortages are a reality, the local food culture remains inventive, focusing on fresh, seasonal produce and traditional family recipes.

Must Try

Ropa Vieja

The national dish consisting of shredded beef slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce with bell peppers and onions until it is tender enough to melt in your mouth.

Moros y Cristianos

A staple side dish of black beans and white rice cooked together with garlic, bay leaves, and cumin, representing a fundamental part of every meal.

Tostones

Green plantains that are sliced, fried, flattened, and then fried again to create a crunchy, savory snack often served with a garlic dipping sauce.

Lechón Asado

Succulent roast pig marinated in a citrusy mojo sauce made of sour orange, garlic, and oregano, typically served during festive gatherings.

Mojito

A world-famous refreshing cocktail made with white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and fresh mint leaves muddled to release their aroma.

Daiquiri

A classic blend of rum, lime, and sugar, famously perfected at the Floridita bar in Havana where it is often served frozen.

Money & Costs

With an average daily budget of ~$105 / CUP 2,515, Cuba offers unique value but requires careful cash management. Due to the complex economic situation, visitors should bring sufficient cash in Euros or US Dollars as local currency cannot be obtained outside the country.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and highly appreciated, with 10% being the standard for restaurant service and small amounts expected for hotel staff or musicians.

Cards

Cash is king; cards issued by U.S. financial institutions do not work, and other foreign cards are only sporadically accepted in major hotels or state-run shops.

ATMs

ATMs are available in major cities but are frequently out of cash or out of order. When they do work, they dispense local pesos at the official government exchange rate.

Culture & Etiquette

Cuban society is warm, social, and expressive, with a culture that deeply values music, family, and intellectual discussion. Visitors should approach the country with patience and an open mind, as the pace of life and availability of services differ from many Western nations.

✓

Tip generously, as a standard 10% in restaurants or a few coins for hotel staff is highly appreciated and supports local livelihoods.

✓

Bring small gifts like toiletries, over-the-counter medicines, or school supplies, which are often in short supply for locals.

Do not take photographs of military personnel, police officers, or government installations, as this is strictly prohibited.

✓

Dress modestly when visiting churches, and opt for smart-casual attire for dinner, as many locals take pride in dressing up for the evening.

Avoid participating in or filming public demonstrations, as these are illegal and can lead to immediate detention or deportation.

✓

Always carry some cash in small denominations, as many smaller businesses and markets do not have the infrastructure to accept cards.

Do not expect a fast-paced service in restaurants or shops; embrace the slower 'island time' and remain patient with delays.

✓

Ask for permission before taking portraits of locals, especially if they are dressed in traditional costumes for photographs.

Safety & Health

Cuba is generally safe regarding violent crime, but travelers must exercise increased caution due to frequent nationwide power outages and critical shortages of food and medicine. Demonstrations should be avoided as they are illegal and can lead to detention.

Tap Water

Not safe to drink

Vaccinations

Hepatitis A is recommended for unvaccinated travellers; typhoid may be considered depending on risk. Mosquito-borne risks (e.g., chikungunya/dengue) may warrant additional precautions and, for some travellers, vaccination.

Common Scams

⚠ Jineteros: Street hustlers who offer to lead tourists to 'the best' bars or cigar shops to earn commissions.
⚠ Fake Cigars: Counterfeit cigars sold on the street that are often made of banana leaves instead of tobacco.
⚠ The 'Festival' Scam: Being told a special one-day music or cigar festival is happening to lure you into an expensive bar.
⚠ Short-changing: Scammers using sleight-of-hand or taking advantage of currency confusion to return less change than owed.

Medical insurance is mandatory for entry. Healthcare facilities often lack basic supplies, so travelers should bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and all necessary prescription medications.

Language

Spanish is the official language and is spoken with a distinct Caribbean accent. While English is widely understood by staff in hotels and major tourist areas, basic Spanish is essential for navigating local transport and private homestays.

English Spoken: Moderately spoken

Key Phrases

Key Phrases
Meaning	Local	Pronunciation
Hello	Hola	oh-lah
Thank you	Gracias	grah-syas
Please	Por favor	por fah-bohr
How much does it cost?	¿Cuánto cuesta?	kwan-toh kwes-tah
The bill, please	La cuenta, por favor	lah kwen-tah por fah-bohr
Where is the bathroom?	¿Dónde está el baño?	dohn-deh es-tah el ban-yoh
Bottled water	Agua embotellada	ah-gwah em-boh-teh-yah-dah
I don't understand	No entiendo	noh en-tyen-doh

Visa & Entry

Tourist visa required (issued as an eVisa code or traditional tourist card; the eVisa system is replacing the paper card). Valid for 90 days and can be extended once for an additional 90 days. Complete the D'Viajeros form within 72 hours before entry to generate the required QR code.

Max Stay

90 days (extendable once for 90 additional days)

Passport Validity

Passport valid at least 6 months from date of entry (some governments/airlines may require more)

Visa-free for

Varies by nationality; check official Cuban consular guidance (e.g., Chinese citizens are exempt).

Check requirements →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cuba safe for travelers?

Cuba is generally safe regarding violent crime, though you should exercise increased caution due to critical shortages of food, fuel, and medicine. Frequent nationwide power outages can affect services, and it is essential to avoid all public demonstrations as they are illegal for visitors and can result in detention by local authorities.

How much money should I bring to Cuba?

A typical daily budget for a comfortable trip is approximately $105 / CUP 2,515, which covers your meals, local transport, and basic entertainment. It is highly recommended to bring sufficient cash in Euros, as international credit cards are often not accepted, and local ATMs may be out of service or lack funds during economic shifts.

When is the best time to visit Cuba?

The peak season to visit occurs between November and March, when the weather is pleasantly dry and temperatures range from 21–27°C (70–81°F). This period avoids the humid heat of the summer months and the Atlantic hurricane season, which typically runs from June through October and can disrupt travel plans significantly.

Do I need a visa for Cuba?

Most travelers require a Tourist Card/tourist visa, which allows for a maximum stay of 90 days. The eVisa system is replacing traditional paper tourist cards; obtain your eVisa code online or through airlines/tour operators before travel. This permit can be extended for an additional 90 days once you are in the country. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.

Is English widely spoken in Cuba?

English is spoken with moderate proficiency in major tourist hubs like Havana and Varadero, particularly by hotel staff and tour guides. However, in more rural areas or when interacting with local vendors, having a basic grasp of Spanish phrases will greatly enhance your experience and help you navigate daily interactions more effectively.

What is the food like in Cuba?

Cuban cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean traditions, often centered around staples like rice, black beans, and slow-cooked meats. You must try the national dish, Ropa Vieja, but be aware that menu availability can sometimes be limited due to current nationwide supply chain challenges and food shortages.

How do I get around Cuba?

Getting around is currently impacted by severe fuel shortages, so tourists primarily rely on the Viazul bus network or private taxi services known as Almendrones. While public transit is limited and often delayed, hiring a classic car with a driver for the day is a popular and relatively reliable way to see specific sights.

Can I drink the tap water in Cuba?

You should never drink the tap water in Cuba as it is not treated to international safety standards and may contain bacteria that cause illness. Always purchase bottled water, which is generally available in hotels and tourist shops, or bring a high-quality water purification system or tablets if you plan to visit remote rural regions.

How is the internet access in Cuba?

Internet access is available through Etecsa, the state telecommunications provider, which sells scratch-off Nauta cards for hourly Wi-Fi access in designated public parks and hotels. While connectivity has improved, it remains slower and less reliable than in many other countries, and frequent power outages can temporarily disable local Wi-Fi hotspots without warning.

Why you can trust this guide

Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

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