As an American visiting Cuba on the “Support the Cuban People” visa, you should have a set itinerary before you go that includes interactions with locals and meals at local, privately-owned paladar restaurants. Use the following itinerary for one day of your trip: if you like what you see, contact me for a customized, full, multi-day itinerary!
7:00 AM: Breakfast
Begin your day early with breakfast at the Locos por Cuba restaurant. When you have finished eating, flag a taxi (or colectivo! See Adventures in Cuba post for details) and head to Ruta Bikes, where you have reserved a half-day tour that begins at 8 AM.
8:00 AM: Havana Bike Tour and Lunch
Your Classic City Tour with Ruta Bikes begins in the Vedado region of Havana. With a local, English-speaking tour guide, you will bike through the Forest of Havana, the Vedado region, Central Havana, and Old Havana. You may stop at the Plaza Vieja for lunch: check out the La Vitrola restaurant for a quick bite while sitting on the sidewalk people-watching. After leaving Old Havana you will bike back along the El Malecón boardwalk and stop for a fresh glass of juice before returning to Ruta Bikes headquarters.
1:00 PM: Old Havana
Spend your afternoon exploring Old Havana. If you did not get lunch on the bike tour, you may get to Old Havana a little earlier and will have time for lunch then. You can still make your way to La Vitrola, or perhaps instead check out Chanchullero, another great paladar. While wandering around Old Havana, you can visit El Capitolio, the Bella Artes Museum, the Museum of the Revolution, La Floridita (birthplace of the daiquiri and Ernest Hemingway haunt), La Bodeguita (birthplace of the mojito), or the Almacenes San Jose market. Including any and all of these locations in your itinerary should fullfil your visa requirements.
6:00 PM: Dinner
Tonight you have reservations at one of the best restaurants in Havana: La Guarida! Enjoy this fine dinner on the fifth floor of a former colonial mansion in the heart of Central Havana.
7:00 PM: Salsa Lessons and Nightlife
End your day with an AirBNB Experience that includes Cuban salsa lessons taught by locals, followed by a VIP experience at one of the hottest night clubs in Havana. At the open-air Club 1830 you can practice your skills or just enjoy your reserved table as you end your day exploring Cuba.
Tip: if you’re new to AirBNB, use my link to get a $40 credit!
*Like what you see here? Contact me for your own customized travel itinerary!
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