🇨🇺 Havana, Cuba

Tips

Bring a ton of cash (American ATMs/credit cards do NOT work)
Bring toilet paper (better safe than sorry)
Always look down when you’re walking (crackling sidewalks and dog poop)

Where to stay

You can stay in a hotel or you can stay in a “Casa Particular”. Essentially Cuba created the original Air B&B where locals rent out their homes or spare rooms. Both have their pros and cons. Hotels are stupid expensive (think: $500/night) and overbook. But you have internet connection which is otherwise nonexistent and they typically have a hotel currency exchange which is also muy importante. On the other hand, when staying in a “casa” you can save a ton of cash (think: $30/night) and get a more authentic experience. The accommodations are very plain jane but I found them to be quite cozy. Our host made us coffee daily, came to clean, and gave us great advice on where to go. If I had to do it over again, I would stay at a casa that is a few blocks from a hotel so you can pay to use their services if need be.

*Inside our Casa Particular trying to figure out where to go next!*

There are two neighborhoods I would recommend. First is the Vedado Distrcit which is also considered the business district. It is a ride away from many of the sites, but is a more quiet, local feel to escape the bustling city. The second is right in Old Havana. You can walk to many of the sites so the location is ideal but be prepared for a nosier, more touristy experience.