How many landmarks to visit: Plan on
six to eight landmark stops over two weeks, and no more than two paid sites in a day. Cuba’s heat, transport delays and short opening hours shrink what you can do. Past eight, sites blur and you spend most of the trip waiting for a bus.
What to prioritize: If you like architecture and street life, put
colonial centers first. They are free to walk, and the entry fees only apply to museums, towers and churches. If history and politics are your interest, choose
revolution sites and museums, which are inexpensive and well run, though the narrative is one-sided. Nature-minded travelers should treat the landmark list as secondary to the countryside. Skip anything that is a packaged coach stop with a mandatory lunch, as it is not worth the time and the price is …
read more 👉 How many landmarks to visit: Plan on
six to eight landmark stops over two weeks, and no more than two paid sites in a day. Cuba’s heat, transport delays and short opening hours shrink what you can do. Past eight, sites blur and you spend most of the trip waiting for a bus.
What to prioritize: If you like architecture and street life, put
colonial centers first. They are free to walk, and the entry fees only apply to museums, towers and churches. If history and politics are your interest, choose
revolution sites and museums, which are inexpensive and well run, though the narrative is one-sided. Nature-minded travelers should treat the landmark list as secondary to the countryside. Skip anything that is a packaged coach stop with a mandatory lunch, as it is not worth the time and the price is inflated. Where crowds are heavy, such as the main squares in Havana and Trinidad, go early, before 9 a.m., or after 5 p.m. when the day-trippers have left.
What it costs: A backpacker can manage on
US$40 to 70 a day including a casa particular room (US$20 to 35), meals (US$10 to 20) and sightseeing. Individual entry fees are usually US$1 to 10 for museums and forts, with extra for photography at some sites and US$2 to 5 for a bell tower climb. Guides run US$5 to 20 per person at the major sites, and are worth it at larger sites with little signage. Local transport is cheap, but shared taxis between towns cost US$10 to 30 a seat. Many places prefer cash, and card machines can fail, so carry more than you think you need, in euros or dollars to exchange at a good rate. Expect the official and informal exchange rates to differ widely, so check the current rate before you change money.
Safety and cultural considerations: Violent crime is low, but
petty theft and scams are common in Havana and Trinidad. Fake guides, “closed today” lies and cigar sellers steering you to a friend’s shop are the usual tricks. Keep your phone and camera out of sight on crowded streets. Dress modestly in churches. Taking photos of police, military buildings and ports is forbidden, so ask first. Do not climb on ruins, and leave memorials quiet. Locals often chat to foreigners, and a small tip of US$1 to 2 is appreciated for informal help. Power cuts can close museums without notice, so keep a backup for each day.