Cuba: Rum, Revolution, and the World's Most Beautiful Time Warp
Classic cars, colonial streets, white-sand beaches, and rhythms that get under your skin. Here’s everything you need.
Cuba doesn’t do subtle. It’s a country that hits you immediately — the colours, the music spilling from every doorway, the smell of cigar smoke and saltwater, the surreal sight of a 1957 Chevrolet rolling past crumbling colonial grandeur. It’s like nowhere else on Earth, and that’s not a cliché. It’s just a fact. There’s no fast food chains, no global hotel brands, no Instagram-optimised tourist districts. What there is: chaotic, beautiful, complicated, deeply rewarding travel that gets under your skin in a way that polished destinations simply don’t. This guide covers all of it — honestly.
10-11 hrs
From the UK
Nov – Apr
Best time
Spanish
Main language
CUP
Currency
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Best Time To Visit
It’s pretty much summer all year long in Cuba, but some months are hotter, stickier, and more uncomfortable than others. The best time to visit Cuba is between November and April. These are not only Cuba’s driest months but also good bets for 70 degree (21c) blue sky days made for exploring cobblestone streets and lounging on secluded postcard-perfect beaches.
While December through February are Cuba’s coldest months, temperatures are usually in the 70s (21c). Lows might dip into the 60s (15c), but you’ll never need a coat, hat or gloves. Winter days are long, with nearly 11 hours of daylight even in December, and there are few better places to escape the winter back home than a Caribbean island nation where summer lasts all year long.
For a month by month look click here
What To Expect
24°C
- Temperature
Capital: Havana
Language: The official language of Cuba is Spanish. ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Spanish: “Hola” and “Gracias”
Currency: The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP) . £1 GBP is equivalent to 29.95 CUP. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: At the moment, no US credit or debit card can be used in Cuba. This also includes using a US debit card to try to get cash out of a Cuban ATM. However, if you are using a card from somewhere else, like Canada or Europe, it’s likely your card will work, but you will run into a 3% charge for every payment. Any other country-issued card will work just fine but again, expect a small fee.
Plugs: In Cuba, the power plugs are type A, B, C, and L, the standard voltage is 110 / 220 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Cuba is generally safer than many other countries, with violent attacks being rare. Petty theft, especially at the beach or in hotel rooms, can be common. The same goes for pickpocketing. Just keep your wits about you!
Random useful tip: Bring Print outs of your documents! With internet roaming charges being high you will need to show them at the airport: boarding passes, vaccination certificates, visas, accommodation bookings, health insurance, and an onward flight booking. Keep these documents safe in case you need them during your stay and you can’t get to them online!
Dont’s: Do not drink tap water though it is drinkable. Drink bottled water to avoid tropical illnesses. Do not carry excessive amounts of cash. Bag snatching and pickpockets are common, especially in the area of Old Havana.
Explore Cuba
Old Havana to Viñales, classic cars to coral reefs — everything you need to plan your Cuba trip.
City Guides
Itineraries + Maps (coming soon)
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Cuba Cost?
Cuba is surprisingly affordable — if you know where to spend and where to save. Here’s the honest breakdown.”
🎒
Backpacker
£48–£80 / $60–$100 / €55–€92 per day
- Casa Particulares from £16/$20/€18 per night
- Street food & peso cafeterias
- Viazul buses & shared colectivos
- Free beaches, walking & salsa sessions
🍜
Mid-Range
£112–£192 / $140–$240 / €130–€220 per day
- Private casa rooms & budget hotels
- Local paladares & restaurant meals
- Viazul buses + occasional classic car
- Guided tours, museums, rum bars
🏨
Upscale
£256+ / $320+ / €295+ per day
- Luxury hotels & Varadero resorts
- Fine dining & cocktail bars
- Private guides & vintage car tours
- Catamaran trips to Cayo Largo
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Budget
- Hostel dorm: £16–£48 / $20–$60 / €18–€55
- Casa Particular: £48–£96 / $60–$120 / €55–€110
- Budget hotel: £96–£192 / $120–$240 / €110–€220
Mid–Luxury
- Mid-range hotel: £192–£384 / $240–$480 / €220–€440
- Luxury resort: £384+ / $480+ / €440+
City Travel
- Local guagua bus: £0.15 / $0.20 / €0.18
- Coco taxi (short ride): £8–£16 / $10–$20 / €9–€18
- Classic car tour (1hr): £80–£160 / $100–$200 / €92–€185
Long Distance
- Viazul Havana → Viñales: £13 / $16 / €15
- Viazul Havana → Trinidad: £16 / $20 / €18
- Car rental per day: £160–£256 / $200–$320 / €185–€295
Eat Cheap
- Street food (pizza/sandwich): £3–£9 / $4–$12 / €3.50–€11
- Supermarket/cook yourself: £2–£5 / $3–$6 / €2.50–€5.50
- Espresso or cortadito: £3–£6.50 / $4–$8 / €3.50–€7.50
Eating Out
- Local paladar meal: £16–£48 / $20–$60 / €18–€55
- Mid-range restaurant: £48–£112 / $60–$140 / €55–€130
- Local beer (Cristal/Bucanero): £8–£16 / $10–$20 / €9–€18
Budget Fun
- Museum entry: £8–£16 / $10–$20 / €9–€18
- Salsa lesson (1hr): £16–£32 / $20–$40 / €18–€37
- Free walking tours: Free (tip your guide)
Big Experiences
- Tobacco farm tour (Viñales): £48–£96 / $60–$120 / €55–€110
- Diving/snorkelling (Varadero): £96–£192 / $120–$240 / €110–€220
- Classic car tour (1hr, Havana): £80–£160 / $100–$200 / €92–€185
10 Ways to Save Money in Cuba
💧 1. Bring a filtered water bottle (LifeStraw/Grayl) — tap water isn’t safe but buying bottled adds up fast
💱 2. Use CUP not USD — USD transactions carry a 10% fee
🏠 3. Stay in Casa Particulares — cheaper, more authentic, often includes breakfast
🍽️ 4. Eat at paladares & peso cafeterias — half the price of tourist restaurants
🚌 5. Use Viazul buses & colectivos — tourist taxis are overpriced, full stop
🤝 6. Haggle — it’s expected for taxis, tours, and markets
🎒 7. Bring your own supplies — sunscreen, toiletries, medicine are scarce and expensive
📴 8. Download offline maps before you go — Wi-Fi is limited and pricey
🚶 9. Take free walking tours — Havana and Trinidad both have great ones. Tip your guide
📅 10. Visit in low season — May to November means cheaper accommodation and quieter beaches
Getting Around Cuba
Cuba’s transport situation is… unique. Here’s how to navigate it without losing your mind or your budget.
Colectivos (Shared Taxis)
Best for flexible intercity travel on a budget. Faster than Viazul, cheaper than private taxis.
✅ Quick and affordable
✅ More flexible than buses
❌ Depart when full — can involve waiting
Car & Campervan
Best for exploring the countryside and national parks. Expensive, complicated, and worth it if you plan properly.
✅ Total freedom around the island
✅ Access to remote beaches and Viñales
❌ Expensive from £160 / $200 / €185/day + fuel shortages
Viazul Bus
Best for intercity travel. Air-conditioned, reliable, and tourist-friendly. Book ahead.
✅ Cheapest intercity option
✅ Fixed routes covering main destinations
❌ Needs advance booking — fills up fast
Classic Cars
Best for short city hops and iconic Havana experiences. Negotiate the fare before you get in.
✅ An unmissable Cuba experience
✅ Widely available in Havana
❌ Tourist rates vs local rates — always agree price first
Cycling
Best for Viñales, Cienfuegos, and rural areas. Cities are doable but Havana traffic is chaotic.
✅ From £8 / $10 / €9 per day
✅ Perfect for Viñales valley trails
❌ Bumpy roads and zero bike lanes in cities
Which Is Right For You?
Exploring one city
Walk + local peso buses or coco taxi
Getting between cities
Viazul bus or colectivo
Freedom to explore the countryside
Rent a car (book early)
Tight budget, long distance
Colectivo or overnight Viazul
Quick Tips
💸
Always Pay in Cash
Cards are rarely accepted on public transport, in taxis, or at bus stations
⏰
Book Viazul Early
Buses fill fast — book at least a few days ahead in peak season
🤝
Always Agree the Fare First
With any taxi or classic car, negotiate before you get in
🗺️
Bring Offline Maps
Wi-Fi is scarce outside hotels. Download Maps.me or Google Maps before you leave
Travel Resources
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here’s how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Theft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won’t see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to avoid every single one.
Travel Insurance
Don’t skip this one. Especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain exactly what you actually need.
FAQs
Can Americans visit Cuba?
Technically yes — but with restrictions. Americans can’t visit Cuba purely for tourism. Travel must fall under one of 12 authorised categories, the most commonly used being “support for the Cuban people” (which in practice covers most independent travel). US citizens typically fly via Mexico, the Bahamas, or Canada. There’s no direct flight route between the US and Cuba for leisure travellers. Check the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for current requirements before booking.
Do I need a visa to visit Cuba?
Most visitors need a Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) rather than a full visa. UK, EU, and Canadian passport holders can get one — it’s typically included when you buy your flight, or purchased at the airport. It costs around £25 / $30 / €28 and is valid for 30 days, extendable once in-country. Check requirements for your specific nationality before you travel.
Do US credit cards or debit cards work in Cuba?
No. Full stop. US-issued cards — including Visa and Mastercard — cannot be used anywhere in Cuba, including ATMs. Americans must bring enough cash for their entire trip. Even non-US travellers should note that many Cuban ATMs are unreliable. Bring more cash than you think you’ll need, in Euros or Canadian Dollars for the best exchange rates.
What currency should I use in Cuba?
The Cuban Peso (CUP) is the currency you’ll be using day-to-day. Avoid bringing USD if you can — there’s a 10% surcharge on all USD exchanges in Cuba. Euros and Canadian Dollars exchange much better. Exchange money at official CADECA exchange offices or banks rather than hotels, where rates are worse.
Is Cuba safe for tourists?
Generally yes. Cuba has a low rate of violent crime against tourists, and solo travel is relatively safe. The main issues are petty theft — pickpocketing in crowded areas and bag snatching near beaches — and occasional scams targeting tourists in Havana. Keep your wits about you in Old Havana, especially around the Malecón at night, and use common sense with valuables.
Is travel insurance mandatory in Cuba?
Yes. Cuba legally requires all visitors to have valid travel insurance that covers medical costs. Some airlines and tour operators include it — check before you buy separately. Medical treatment in Cuba can be expensive for tourists, so this is one case where you really don’t want to cut corners.
What's the internet situation like?
Patchy. Limited. Often frustrating. Cuba’s internet access is government-controlled and available mainly through Wi-Fi hotspots at hotels, parks, and main plazas. You buy ETECSA Wi-Fi cards (around £2 / $2.50 / €2.30 for one hour) and connect at designated spots. Mobile data roaming works for some international visitors but is expensive. Download offline maps, guides, and everything you need before you arrive.
When is the best time to visit Cuba?
November to April is the sweet spot. Dry season, blue skies, temperatures in the comfortable 21–26°C range. December to February are the coolest months — never cold, but a lovely break if you’re escaping a UK winter. May to October is hurricane season, with higher humidity and rainfall. That said, the rainy season is shorter bursts rather than all-day rain, and prices drop significantly.
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