Your Complete Guide to the Pearl of the Caribbean
Havana hits you like a jazz riff — unexpected, intoxicating, impossible to forget.
Must-Do in Cuba
Cuba rewards the curious. From the rumble of a '57 Chevy on cobblestone to the hush of a tobacco field at dawn — every moment is a postcard you didn't know you needed.
Cruise Havana in a candy-colored '55 Bel Air. These rolling time capsules are still the best way to see the city.
Watch the sky melt into the Florida Straits from Havana's iconic seafront boulevard as the city serenades you.
Watch master torcedores hand-roll the world's finest cigars while a reader recites novels aloud from a raised platform.
Duck into a Casa de la Música on a Tuesday night. Strangers will teach you to move. You will never forget it.
Havana's legendary open-air cabaret has dazzled audiences since 1939. Sequins, feathers, and pure Cuban soul.
Ancient limestone mogotes rise from tobacco fields in Cuba's most otherworldly landscape. Rent a horse. Go slow.
Before You Go
Cuba is wonderfully different from any destination you've visited. A little preparation goes a long way toward an extraordinary trip.
Americans can visit Cuba legally under 12 authorized categories — the most common being "Support for the Cuban People." You'll need a Cuban Tourist Card (visa) from your airline or a third country. Processing is straightforward and typically takes 24–48 hours.
Learn MoreCuba runs on cash — cards rarely work, ATMs are scarce, and US bank cards are largely blocked. Bring enough USD or EUR to cover your whole trip. Budget $80–$150/day for mid-range travel including casas particulares, paladares, and taxis.
Learn MoreNovember through April is Cuba's golden season — dry, warm, and perfect. High season peaks in December–January when Havana hums with festivals and jazz. Summer (June–August) brings heat and hurricane risk but far fewer tourists and lower prices.
Learn MoreExplore Cuba
From the crumbling grandeur of Havana to the turquoise calm of Varadero, Cuba's destinations each have their own irresistible personality.
Know Before You Go
Cuba operates by its own rules. These honest, practical tips will save you time, money, and frustration — and help you travel smarter and deeper.
Cuba is one of the safest countries in Latin America for tourists. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft can happen in crowded markets — keep your phone in your pocket and your bag close. Trust your instincts, be friendly, and you'll be fine.
Read Safety GuideSince 2021, Cuba uses a single currency — the Cuban Peso (CUP). Exchange USD or EUR at official CADECA exchange houses. Avoid exchanging on the street. US credit cards don't work. Bring all the cash you need for your entire trip.
Read Money GuideCuba's internet is real but limited. ETECSA WiFi cards ($1–2/hour) work at hotspots in parks and hotel lobbies. Download offline maps (Maps.me), save your hotel addresses, and embrace the digital detox. You'll live more presently.
Read Internet GuideStay in casas particulares (Cuban B&Bs) for $25–50/night — far better than state hotels. Eat at paladares (private restaurants) for authentic food at fair prices. Take shared taxis (colectivos) between cities for a fraction of tourist prices.
Read Budget Guide✦ Your Adventure Awaits ✦
Cuba is fading and flourishing simultaneously — changing faster now than at any point in the last 60 years. There has never been a better, more important time to visit. Let us help you plan the trip of a lifetime.