The Ultimate Cuba Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip in 2025
Welcome to our Cuba travel guide, your ultimate resource for exploring this vibrant Caribbean island. From the colorful streets of Havana to the lush valleys of Viñales, Cuba offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty to offer travelers.
Whether you’re wandering through colonial towns, sipping cocktails in a classic Cuban bar, or exploring tobacco valleys, there’s something here for everyone. This guide will help you uncover the best attractions, experiences, and local secrets.
Planning your trip is easier with our tips on transportation, safety, local cuisine, and the best times to visit. Follow this Cuba travel guide to make the most of your unforgettable Caribbean adventure.
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Cuba Travel Guide: An Intro to Visiting
Welcome to our Cuba travel guide 2025 edition! Before diving into all the details, let’s go over some of the basics to introduce you to this vibrant Caribbean island.
What is Cuba Known For?
Cuba is famous for its rich culture, colorful colonial cities, classic cars, beautiful beaches, and lively music and dance. Travelers come here to experience Havana’s historic streets, Viñales’ lush tobacco valleys, Trinidad’s cobblestone charm, and Varadero’s pristine beaches.
A Cuba travel guide wouldn’t be complete without highlighting its UNESCO World Heritage sites, its role in Latin American history, and the warmth of the Cuban people.
Why Visit Cuba?
Cuba offers a unique mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. From exploring vibrant colonial streets and museums to relaxing on white-sand beaches and learning about cigar and rum production, there is truly something for every traveler.
Cuba isn't necessarily for everyone, but is great for those looking for a completely unique travel experience, and for those that don't mind a bit of curveballs thrown into their adventures.
Our Cuba travel guide will help you with all the info you need for having a safe and enjoyable trip, with more detailed guides linked throughout.
Where is Cuba?
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, located south of the United States and east of Mexico. Major tourist hubs include Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Viñales, and Varadero.
Cuba Travel Guide: Getting There
Now that you know why people visit Cuba and where it's located, it's time to use our Cuba travel to help you get there without any issues!
How Do You Get to Cuba?
There are various options for getting to Cuba, and the option you take will primarily depend on whether you are visiting from another Caribbean destination, or if you are looking to visit from another region of the world.
Here are the different options for visiting Cuba:
- Fly to Cuba: There are direct flights from all over the Americas, several cities in Europe, and even a few others from around the world.
- Take a cruise to Cuba: Right now cruise ship sailings have been suspended, but maybe in the future they will start back up!
- Hire a private boat to Cuba: As long as you have the proper paperwork, you can hire a boat to sail to Cuba, as long as they aren't sailing from the US or with a US vessel.
Cuba Travel Guide: Entry Requirements
Now you know how to get to Cuba, but let’s make sure you can also enter the country without any issues!
Do You Need a Visa for Cuba?
Travelers visiting Cuba need a visa to enter the country. Most nationalities can simply purchase e-visas online.
The Visa is known as the "Cuban Tourist Card" and each airline handles the process a little differently, so make sure to check how to move forward after booking your flight (chances are airlines will send you an email, but at the end of the day, the responsibility is yours.
Traveling to Cuba as an American
If you're from the US, you'll need a valid reason to be able to travel to Cuba, and you should have supporting evidence. We recommend reading our guide to visit Cuba as an American so that you are properly prepared.
Vaccines and Health Requirements
No special vaccines are required for Cuba, are recommended. Travel Insurance is really difficult to get for Cuba, so you should be extra careful while there, and bring your own mini medical kit since resources are limited.
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Cuba Travel Guide: Local Adjustments
Here’s what you should know about adapting to life in Cuba.
Language in Cuba
The official language is Spanish, and you'll notice that Cubans speak very fast and unclear, making it a bit more difficult to understand if you're not a native Spanish speaker.
In tourist areas like Havana, Varadero, and Trinidad, many locals speak basic English, but learning a few Spanish phrases will make your experience much easier.
What is the Best Currency to Take to Cuba?
Cuba uses the Cuban Peso (CUP) and, for tourists sometimes USD/euros for transportation and tours are necessary. Credit card acceptance is very limited (Americans are unable to use their cards at all), so cash is essential for most transactions, especially in smaller towns or local markets.
The currency situation in Cuba is tricky and unlike any other country! That's why we've written an entire guide about using your money there.
Electrical Plugs in Cuba
Cuba mainly uses the same plug types as the US, which are A, B, and C with a voltage of 110V. Bring a travel adapter if your devices use European or other plug types.
Is the Water in Cuba Safe to Drink?
Tap water is generally safe in hotels, but bottled water is mostly recommended to tourists visiting Cuba.
Tipping Culture in Cuba
Tipping is customary in Cuba, especially in tourism. For restaurants, 10% of the bill is standard. It's also nice to tip drivers, tour guides, and hotel staff, as wages are incredibly low in Cuba and every dollar helps.
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Cuba Travel Guide: Where to Visit
Now you know all of the basics of visiting Cuba, and it's time for the fun stuff! The next part of our Cuba travel guide goes over the top places to visit in the country, and fun things to do.
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The Best Places to Visit in Cuba
- Havana: the capital of Cuba, known for its live music, colorful streets, and rich history.
- Santiago de Cuba: the heart and soul of Cuba - perfect for those looking for a truly authentic experience
- Trinidad: a colorful town known for its cobblestone streets and vibrant facades.
- Cienfuegos: a colonial town on the southern coast with various beaches and nature reserves nearby
- Viñales: a large valley in the west of Cuba with lush valleys and the home of tobacco production
- Varadero: a top tourist destination famous for its white sand beaches
- Guardalavaca: a more laid-back beach destination
- Camagüey: a vibrant maze-like city that is off-the-beaten-path.
- Holguin: a local gem with great nearby beaches and villages to discover
- Isla de la Juventud: a remote island with some of the most stunning beaches and marine life.
Fun Things to Do in Cuba
Here are some bucket-list items for your Cuba itinerary:
- Indulge in the world's best daiquiris
- Explore the colorful cities
- Go on a walking tour to learn about the complex history
- Enjoy a classic car ride
- Experience the vibrant nightlife
- Take a salsa dancing class
- Relax at one of the incredible beaches
- Go snorkeling or scuba diving
- Shop for handmade gifts like crochet dresses and bags
- Dine somewhere with live music
- Rent a scooter and explore natural wonders
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Cuba Travel Guide: Getting Around
Now that you know all of the things to do and Places to see across the island, let's get back to some of the more practical information of our Cuba travel guide - helping you navigate the country in the best way possible.
How to Get Around Cuba
Here are the different options you can look at for moving around the country:
- Rent a car: This is an easy option, but can be really pricey.
- Rent a scooter: Best for shorter distances and not too expensive.
- Take public transportation: There are government-run buses connecting major cities around the country.
- Use private transportation: You can use colectivos or private drivers for bigger groups.
- Take a classic car ride: These are a fun option for a few specific routes
- Hire a guide or join a group trip: This is an easy and fun way to experience the best of the island.
Figuring out how to get around Cuba can feel confusing, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Transportation here works a little differently than in many other countries, and knowing your options will help you avoid surprises or frustration. (We had our fair share).From classic cars to local buses and
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Cuba Travel Guide: Local Food & Drink
Cuba is not particularly the top destination for foodies, and this is due to a lack of resources. They do have fresh seafood and the best drinks in the world though!
We lived off their cocktails. They're simple, affordable, and as fresh as can be making them the perfect addition to any meal or activity really!
Cuba is known for their daiquiris, mojitos, Cuba Libre, and Canchanchara, the island's oldest cocktail. Drink up friends!
Signature Foods to Try in Cuba
While we really appreciated the drinks in Cuba, there are certainly a few dishes and snacks worth trying while on the island:
- Ropa Vieja: the national dish of shredded beef served with rice,
- Croquetas: crispy fritters with a creamy bechamel sauce
- Tostones: fried plantains which are then stuffed (we recommend the crab ones!)
- Frituras de Malanga: fried dough street snack topped with powdered sugar
- Lobster: for as cheap as $7/plate it's a no-brainer!
- Fresh Fish: ask restaurants about their local fresh catches
- Lechon Asada: slow-roasted pork
- Mamey: a creamy tropical fruit that we couldn't get enough of
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Cuba Travel Guide: Safety
Now that you know all of the fun stuff, and most of the logistics, it's time to get back to one of our most important topics of our Cuba travel guide - staying safe as a tourist!
Is Cuba Safe to Travel to?
Despite its many issues, Cuba is certainly a safe destination to travel to. People are friendly, and while many are desperately in need for help, there is not a lot of crime out there.
At times it can feel a bit uncomfortable, and there are a few tourist scame to look out for though, which we go over more thoroughly in our Cuba travel tips guide.
Cuba Travel Guide: Other Things to Know About Visiting
You're almost finished with our ultimate Cuba travel guide! But before you go, we have a few more bits of information to share with you about visiting.
Weather in Cuba
Cuba is located in the Caribbean and has tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season runs from November to April, while May to October is much hotter and more humid, with hurricanes being quite common (mostly in September and October).
When is the Best Time to Visit Cuba?
The ideal time to visit Cuba is late November to April, when the weather is dry and comfortable. Summer months can be unbearably hot with frequent storms, while winters are perfect for a tropical escape and more mild humidity.
Packing for Cuba
Here are a few things we recommend bringing with you on your trip to Cuba:
- Comfortable shoes and sandals (we use Havaiana flip flops)
- Bathing suits (no matter when you visit)
- Beach Towel
- Snorkeling gear (to avoid expensive rental fees)
- Bag/ Backpack for day trips and tours (check out our list of favorite backpacks for travelers!)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because you can use it with an extra long selfie stick to mimic a drone, which are banned in Cuba)
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks as they are super long lasting and durable)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
- Light clothing for hot weather
- Light sweater for cooler evenings in the winter
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel adapter (if you are from outside the US)
- Passport
- Cuba Tourist Card (the mandatory visa)
- Driver's license (to rent a scooter)
- Cash for tipping and local purchases
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Is Cuba Worth Visiting?
Cuba is worth it for SOME travelers. It certainly requires a level of patience and time that not every tourist has, but can be really rewarding for those up for some adventure and cultural understanding.
While our Cuba travel guide goes over information you need for your trip, we'd also recommend reading our guide about the pros and cons of visiting Cuba, so you can see if it's the right destination for you.
How Many Days Are Enough in Cuba?
Most travelers spend 7–10 days to explore the highlights. With more time, you can venture off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems and enjoy Cuba at a relaxed pace. We'd recommend two weeks for exploring the western half of the island, and another week or so to experience the eastern half.
Travel Planning Tools
Here are some useful tools that you can use for planning your upcoming trip!
We hope our ultimate Cuba travel guide has helped answer any questions you may have had about visiting. Still have questions or concerns? Feel free to drop them in the comments below!
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