Havana is unlike any place I have ever been. For some people, this could be a great thing, but I will be honest in saying I do not feel it is for everyone. I wanted to see the authenticity of this country before it becomes commercialized and taken over by tourists and let me tell you..authenticity is definitely what we got! During my trip, I fell in love with the locals, tried to learn a thing or two about salsa dancing, tested my dependency on WiFi, slept with a few cockroaches, had some pretty terrible food (honesty is the best policy), but drank some of the best coffee (lots & lots of coffee)!  While there were ups and downs to our trip, Havana will always have a special place in my heart and I hope to return someday.

WHERE TO STAY: 

Because we were looking for a more authentic experience and an escape from the crowds in Old Havana, we chose to stay in an Airbnb in Vedado. We enjoyed the neighborhood, but if you are looking to be right in the center of it all, Old Havana is where you will want to be. If you are not comfortable living like a local (boiling your water for sterilization/sanitation purposes before use, dealing with a few cockroaches here or there, sleeping with no AC, poor access to running water/a shower etc.), a hotel may be a better option. To really get a feel of what it is like to live like a local, I would look into staying at a Casa Particular where you can rent a room in a local Cuban home.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO: 

1. Car Tour- a must do! (be sure to ask your driver to visit Calle Jon de Hamel and Old Havana. Both stops you will want to hop out and explore a bit).

2.  Beach Day (there are different beaches to choose from, Playa del Este, Playa Bacurano, and Mar Azul).

3.  Visit the Malecon for sunset, bring some drinks along with you!

4.  Visit Revolution Square

5.  Go Salsa Dancing at Casa de la Musica!

WHERE TO EAT: 

As mentioned above, in all honesty,  the food in Havana is EXTREMELY underwhelming. I would pack a few snacks, protein bars, etc from home to have for snacking.  That being said, we did find some decent food at the restaurants below.

1.  Cafe Laurent

2. La Moraleja

3.  La Cocina de Esteban

WHERE TO DRINK:

1.  Shangri La

2. Tropi

3. Fabrica De Arte

4. Cabaret Parisian –(National Hotel)

5. Casa de la Musica  –(live music & salsa dancing)

6.Hemingway Bars