Havana Top Tips
Here are some of my top tips for exploring Havana like a pro:
- Exchange your currency on arrival at Havana airport - I was advised to do mine there - not all the hotels do this and the rate generally isn’t as good.
- Always agree taxi prices before you jump in, and don’t be afraid to haggle. The same goes for collectivos if you are travelling the cheap way across Cuba like we did. It’s a bumpy ride but pretty fun and a great way to meet other travellers.
- Staying in a casa or a homestay is a must in Cuba. For a homestay (which for the most part is a great experience) again, agree the cost before committing. Its a great way of talking to the locals and finding out their insider tips too.
- Take a ride in a Coco Taxi - the little round tuk tuk-like vehicles. They’re so much fun and a great way to see the island at a slower speed than a cab. The drivers are also super knowledgeable and will tell you anything you want to know about the local sights.
- Seems like an obvious one - but take a salsa class. EVERYONE salsas in Cuba and they take it pretty seriously - though it’s a lot of fun too. Lots of places do free lessons. We downed a few Mojitos and tried it at bar Tropicana in the old town. Tricky to do but so. much. fun.
- If you really want to use the internet while you’re away, you’ll either need to get a data plan beforehand, buy a local sim, or go to one of the major hotels/wifi zones and purchase a 1 hour internet card. Otherwise, it’s very hard to come by.
- Don’t bother with your AMEX or debit cards. It’s largely a cash economy so they won’t be accepted in many places here.
- Walk everywhere and get lost! It’s a small city and easy to get around. It took me literally a day to familiarise myself with Old Havana but there’s lots to be discovered further out too. A walk along Malecon (the seafront) at sunset is also really nice.
- Best drinks? The local beer and Pina Coladas (in my personal opinion). Obviously the Mojito and a Cuba Libre are the most popular Cuban drink choices but depending on where you go the taste really varies.
- Talk to the locals. Whenever you get chance - they’ll always have the best recommendations for places to eat and such like, better than the guidebooks.