How Many Cities: Plan on
three to five cities in a 10 to 14 day trip. Cuban transport is slow and unpredictable, so each extra stop costs a half to a full day in transit, and the second half of a rushed route turns into blurred arrival after arrival. Fewer, longer stays also let you use the casa particular system properly, where hosts become your best source of local advice, meals and onward taxis.
Choosing the Kind: Pick by travel style. If you want
energy, nightlife and architecture, the capital is unmatched, but accept the crowds and the constant sales pitches. If you want
calm, walkability and value, favor the smaller colonial towns of the center. If you want
music, history and fewer tourists, commit the extra travel time to the east. A first-timer should anchor the trip in one big city …
read more 👉 How Many Cities: Plan on
three to five cities in a 10 to 14 day trip. Cuban transport is slow and unpredictable, so each extra stop costs a half to a full day in transit, and the second half of a rushed route turns into blurred arrival after arrival. Fewer, longer stays also let you use the casa particular system properly, where hosts become your best source of local advice, meals and onward taxis.
Choosing the Kind: Pick by travel style. If you want
energy, nightlife and architecture, the capital is unmatched, but accept the crowds and the constant sales pitches. If you want
calm, walkability and value, favor the smaller colonial towns of the center. If you want
music, history and fewer tourists, commit the extra travel time to the east. A first-timer should anchor the trip in one big city and one smaller one. A repeat visitor can skip the capital’s headline sights and head east.
What It Costs: Budget about
US$45 to 80 a day per person for a comfortable independent trip, higher than many expect for the Caribbean. Casa particular rooms run roughly US$20 to 40 a night for a double in most places and more in the capital in peak season. Breakfast at the casa costs US$3 to 6, and dinner at a private restaurant US$8 to 20. Viazul buses between regions cost roughly US$10 to 50 depending on distance, and shared taxis cost more. Museum entries are usually US$1 to 10 a visit, while a local walking guide runs about US$10 to 30 for a few hours. Bring more cash than seems necessary, since cards often fail and withdrawals are unreliable. Euros and US dollars are the most useful to carry, and you should exchange at the informal rate rather than at a bank, which is widely done and tolerated.
Safety and Culture: Violent crime against visitors is rare, but
petty theft and scams are common in the busiest areas. Expect touts offering cigars, taxis or restaurant tips, and decline politely, because commission inflates your bill. Agree taxi fares before getting in. Keep valuables out of sight, and carry copies of documents. Power cuts happen, so carry a headlamp, a power bank and offline maps. Stay in licensed casas, which are required to register guests, and carry your passport when asked. Political conversation is best left to when locals raise it. Tip musicians and restaurant staff in small amounts, as wages are low and even a small tip makes a real difference. Bringing small useful items such as soap, medicine or toiletries for hosts is welcomed, because shortages are real.