Havana

[FlagRunner77]

I'm flying in to Varadero on December 24. I want to get to Havana that day, and I'm not sure how to handle or organize a bus trip.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a taxi / driver for that trip that is, hopefully, relatively inexpensive? I'd also need a return trip early on the morning of January 1, which I appreciate may be a little more difficult to swing!

[Chris H]

Great report, but I'm going to have to push back a little on this. Havana looks like a shithole from the street, but there are countless cool bars and restaurants that are cool inside (Travel Advisor is a good resource to look for highly rated restaurants and bars) and some of the hotels are really *much* better than 20 years ago. The Parque Central is lovely (no hint that you are in the Third World in the lobby, bar, or the epic cigar lounge) and the Grand Packard is just gorgeous even by First World standards. Same with the Manzana Kempinsky. All have great rooftop bars that are safe. They aren't great for pickup since mostly tourists there (although typically staffed by hotties so don't rule it out), but great to take an adventurous Cubana for a drink and cool vibe (and always taxis out front so you don't stumble out into the night and get bushwhacked looking for a way home). Obviously I am not talking about staying in the hotels since you can't bring guests, but they are a great resource for fun safe rooftop bars, restaurants, and cigar lounges. Lots of Spanish dollars invested in those hotels.

I will reiterate from a previous post, consider the Parque Central Hotel for a great place to chill and eat some safe food. The Spanish have invested a fortune in these hotels and any reports of food poisoning in their hotels on Trip Advisor would have Iberostar investors apoplectic. Parque Central Hotel is a great place to grab breakfast to start your day. Also the best cigar lounge if that matters to you and you can bring your own cigars. And it is indeed central, as in the middle of Old Havana and within eyeshot of el Capitolo (If you can see the ocean or the Capital you are never lost in Havana). I will definitely utilize the hotels more for eating and evening bar frequenting going forward.

OK, you got me on the noise and smog, but in terms of chicas, Havana wins just on population numbers and places to go and do things the 22 hours a day I have my pants on jajajaja.

I'm going back in January, frens, and hopefully the cooler weather will allow me to explore more during the daytime and see how the pickup action is (although frankly I have more chicas in the bullpen than I have days in Havana jajaja). Bottom line, anyone who says Cuba is dead isn't doing it right. And frankly, I am fine with that, as I prefer it all to myself jajaja. I just wish I lived in Florida so I could get there quicker and easier. Os deseo a todos muchos tremendos mangos.

Another Great report! And I agree, the less mongers that come to Havana and think it is so bad, the better!

[Chris H]

Hi all.

I'm close to booking a trip to Havana (via Varadero due to flight prices). I've held off for years due to fear of using visa waiver privileges to the US but, frankly, I'm now resenting missing out on a return trip to a country that I love.

I would only be travelling for a week between December 23 and January 1. I would be booking salsa / son classes for the duration but I'd also love to meet up with a contact on the ground to show me the other sights and be a wingman of sorts for chicas. I had a contact previously but he is unresponsive.

Can anyone recommend a local guide to help me out, for appropriate remuneration, in terms of sights, nightlife and ladies?

Thank you.

I have a great connect for you, shoot me a message, and I will get his info to you.

[JinaWrangler]

Havana in general is a shithole but it has its good spots and places too, not too many though. I prefer other parts of Cuba, Vinales, Varadero, Cienfuegos and so on. More quiet, chill vibe, and you're able to find girls there too if you look a little harder.

Great report, but I'm going to have to push back a little on this. Havana looks like a shithole from the street, but there are countless cool bars and restaurants that are cool inside (Travel Advisor is a good resource to look for highly rated restaurants and bars) and some of the hotels are really *much* better than 20 years ago. The Parque Central is lovely (no hint that you are in the Third World in the lobby, bar, or the epic cigar lounge) and the Grand Packard is just gorgeous even by First World standards. Same with the Manzana Kempinsky. All have great rooftop bars that are safe. They aren't great for pickup since mostly tourists there (although typically staffed by hotties so don't rule it out), but great to take an adventurous Cubana for a drink and cool vibe (and always taxis out front so you don't stumble out into the night and get bushwhacked looking for a way home). Obviously I am not talking about staying in the hotels since you can't bring guests, but they are a great resource for fun safe rooftop bars, restaurants, and cigar lounges. Lots of Spanish dollars invested in those hotels.

I will reiterate from a previous post, consider the Parque Central Hotel for a great place to chill and eat some safe food. The Spanish have invested a fortune in these hotels and any reports of food poisoning in their hotels on Trip Advisor would have Iberostar investors apoplectic. Parque Central Hotel is a great place to grab breakfast to start your day. Also the best cigar lounge if that matters to you and you can bring your own cigars. And it is indeed central, as in the middle of Old Havana and within eyeshot of el Capitolo (If you can see the ocean or the Capital you are never lost in Havana). I will definitely utilize the hotels more for eating and evening bar frequenting going forward.

OK, you got me on the noise and smog, but in terms of chicas, Havana wins just on population numbers and places to go and do things the 22 hours a day I have my pants on jajajaja.

I'm going back in January, frens, and hopefully the cooler weather will allow me to explore more during the daytime and see how the pickup action is (although frankly I have more chicas in the bullpen than I have days in Havana jajaja). Bottom line, anyone who says Cuba is dead isn't doing it right. And frankly, I am fine with that, as I prefer it all to myself jajaja. I just wish I lived in Florida so I could get there quicker and easier. Os deseo a todos muchos tremendos mangos.

[FlagRunner77]

Hi all.

I'm close to booking a trip to Havana (via Varadero due to flight prices). I've held off for years due to fear of using visa waiver privileges to the US but, frankly, I'm now resenting missing out on a return trip to a country that I love.

I would only be travelling for a week between December 23 and January 1. I would be booking salsa / son classes for the duration but I'd also love to meet up with a contact on the ground to show me the other sights and be a wingman of sorts for chicas. I had a contact previously but he is unresponsive.

Can anyone recommend a local guide to help me out, for appropriate remuneration, in terms of sights, nightlife and ladies?

Thank you.

[ChuchoLoco]

Best and easiest way is to book accomodations through Airbnb. Sure it's a little more expensive but Jesus, maybe 30 usd a night instead of 20 in person. Also it's muuuch easier to compare places and pay by card not wasting cash on that. Much easier to find a private apartment by reading descriptions and previous reviews, literally takes a few minutes. Once you've been here you have WhatsApp numbers to the hosts and can contact them directly for discounted price next time you come.

Good advice, thanks!

[MrJibb]

Not questioning you, but at least before global warming, during "tropical" season between middle of June and December can be irregular and variable. In the Northern Caribbean, the most strong, consistent winds were from end of February to end of May. The easterly trade winds move north with the declination of the sun. Maybe there is a thermal, land breeze that is sailable in the afternoons, but, IMO, you were lucky to have sailable easterlies--I think it's just as likely that the easterlies could completely disappear for a week or more.

I was born in the Eastern Caribbean and spent a good percentage of my youth driving sailboats to and from there. Are you on a surfboard or a twintip? (pay for a membership so I can DM you and not "waste" the forum's time on kiting).

I ride a twintip with boots always my 12. Sure the wind is light now 4-5-6 days, which is excellent time to heal wounds (I ride for HOURS when I kite), explore other parts of Cuba, hike, bicycle and so on. Thinking you will kite every day for 2 months is not realistic, we need a break too. I was here a month last year, all of November and conditions were excellent. Been excellent this year too for 3 weeks.

[MrJibb]

Sounds awesome and I am now seriously thinking about Cuba again. Do you need reservations in hand when you get there? If so, how did you find a place and make the reservation? If no, how did you go about finding one once there? Thanks for a great report and in advance for any advice.

Best and easiest way is to book accomodations through Airbnb. Sure it's a little more expensive but Jesus, maybe 30 usd a night instead of 20 in person. Also it's muuuch easier to compare places and pay by card not wasting cash on that. Much easier to find a private apartment by reading descriptions and previous reviews, literally takes a few minutes. Once you've been here you have WhatsApp numbers to the hosts and can contact them directly for discounted price next time you come.

[MrJibb]

MRJibb. Alot of Cuban families in Havana have government permission to use their homes as restaurants.

I used to get great home cooked meals at these places back in 2017 - just ask any local if they know a location and they will point you in the right direction.

Yeah well. Times have changed amigo. NOTHING here is like 2017, or even 2020. It's an absolute tragedy here now. Comparing present to 2017 is like western society before the industrial revolution, unfortunately.

[John Clayton]

Dubious? Just look at the forecast! It's evident.

I only brought my 12 but I've used it every day since I got to Varadero. 10 days now it's been windy enough for 9/10-12 m kites. Before that, it was stronger for a week. Now less next 4-5 days but it's incredible conditions here. And no one here, I'm almost alone on the water.

Not questioning you, but at least before global warming, during "tropical" season between middle of June and December can be irregular and variable. In the Northern Caribbean, the most strong, consistent winds were from end of February to end of May. The easterly trade winds move north with the declination of the sun. Maybe there is a thermal, land breeze that is sailable in the afternoons, but, IMO, you were lucky to have sailable easterlies--I think it's just as likely that the easterlies could completely disappear for a week or more.

I was born in the Eastern Caribbean and spent a good percentage of my youth driving sailboats to and from there. Are you on a surfboard or a twintip? (pay for a membership so I can DM you and not "waste" the forum's time on kiting).

[ChuchoLoco]

So I just arrive in Cuba again this year, this time staying 2 months mostly in Varadero to kitesurf and relax. I went 1 month last year so I'm not a newbie and well prepared this time. Thought I'd give some intel how the situation is right now.

Land at the airport and getting through customs was nothing. Showed them the QR code for health check you need to fill in before, my tourist card and I was on my way. Turkish lost my luggage in Istanbul and spent a LONG time waiting, reporting it (again waiting, es Cuba) and then off. There's an outdoor restaurant to the left as you come out the arrivals on the street under the roadbridge that serve surprisingly VERY good food. They had a a daily special when I was there, had it again since I came back, 1000 CUP for a meal (very tasty pizza, or some rice thingie) plus a beer. That's dirt cheap! When I landed on October 19 the exchange rate in the street was 250 per USD / EUR, could well be 260 now. To my great surprise even this restaurant accepted foreign currency and changed for 250! Obviously not too much, but the meal 1000 peso comes to 4 USD, 1 USD tip, you give them 20 USD they give you 15 x250 in return 3750 CUP (which for many is a month's salary) which is a good start to buy little things your first day before you can change more in the street. Taxi to Havana cantral is about 30 EUR. As I visited last year I had already agreed with a contact to meet me for my keys to an apartment near capitolio. The apartment is private and nice and clean. The hosts and their family live on the same floor but brought girls there before, never any issue, they also don't mention anything about not having visitors neither do they check my passport. They're chill. I went back a few weeks ago too for 2 months in Havana and rented another place through Airbnb in another area. Also super private and clean and nice. It's easy to find on airbnb private apartments where you can do what you like. Just read the descriptions and reviews on airbnb.

Food is "easy to get" because we have money. Finding a really good restaurant is more difficult. Google maps is not always up to date, for example I went to a cafe for a date which had great reviews only 3 months ago only to find out they closed like 2 weeks ago to flee to the US as they got their papers. Things move fast here. Also many restaurants have a full menu but only limited items available depending on stock. Water, beer, sodas, things in general are easy to come by and you can get it anywhere in little windows on the street, people selling all sorts of rubbish they find / import. Half used batteries, 3 cigarettes, a random drive belt for some car, you name it. You need to walk around and look. Old Havana will get your constantly harrassed by people wanting to change money, sell cigars (DON'T EVER IN HAVANA), chicas selling themselves, taking you to music shows, wanting to practice english. It's quite frustrating really, hence I try to avoid it. As you venture further our west it's more chill, not people harrassing you constantly but the selection of places to go is less. Havana is a bit of a dump really, very hectic, dirty, crowded. Exchange money from USD / EUR to CUP and use that. Now it's probably 260-270 in the street, bring small bills too, 10's, 20's, 50's. Don't pay in restaurants with USD as you'll probably get way worse rate back, just exchange for a high rate and use CUP during your stay. Chicas want foreign money, so carry small bills if you decide to give that. You won't get change back from them.

When it comes to chicas they are incredibly easy to get / approach / find or they will find you. Badoo there are hundreds you can contact and get with, as well as in the street. In Badoo you can find anywhere from 18-40 year olds of all shapes and sizes willing. They do trios, one on one, anything really. Some cocky young ones, 18-22 request 150 USD and would NEVER go below 100 USD they say they usually get, which is ridiculous if some schmuck is paying that. Many just as nice, possibly more inexperienced or desperate will happily meet for 10000 CUP (40 USD) and I had a special girl have her brother drive her an hour to my apartment for 5000 (20 USD). Stayed an hour then left with her brother again. I guess it depends on how desperate they are. Funny story is that the brother then sent me a text asking if "I wanted to be with him too", hahahaha. Appartently he was gay but his sister didn't know and couldn't find out. What a surprise. No thanks though.

I sat in a restaurant and made eye contact with a girl walking by with some guy. She stopped and stared at me, I smiled at her, as that's what I do when a woman looks at me, it's a nice thing. 30 minutes later when I left she was waiting for me around the corner asking if I wanted a massage, suck, fuck, whatever I wanted. I asked how much, she said I just need some food for me and my kid so maybe 5000 CUP? Might I add she was 7 months pregnant. I turned her down as I had plans that day already. But it goes to show how easy it is here, and how desperate they are, unfortunately I guess. Also it's extremelt safe here. No maffia, no cartels running girls, no brother or cousins protecting their sister, no switches being made, no pimps, none of that shit to worry about.

Havana is easy to get chicas anywhere. Badoo is SUUUUPER easy, in the street easy too, easy to approach anyone you want. You probably need to speak a little Spanish as most don't know a word of English. Some do, but 1 in every 100 probably. Some you can take out to dinner and drinks, give them some extra cash and they're happy. Some will just want the action and the cash straight up. All ages, types, shapes and sizes are available, it's very easy here and fun. Havana in general is a shithole but it has its good spots and places too, not too many though. I prefer other parts of Cuba, Vinales, Varadero, Cienfuegos and so on. More quiet, chill vibe, and you're able to find girls there too if you look a little harder.

Sounds awesome and I am now seriously thinking about Cuba again. Do you need reservations in hand when you get there? If so, how did you find a place and make the reservation? If no, how did you go about finding one once there? Thanks for a great report and in advance for any advice.

[Adinga]

MRJibb. Alot of Cuban families in Havana have government permission to use their homes as restaurants.

I used to get great home cooked meals at these places back in 2017 - just ask any local if they know a location and they will point you in the right direction.

[MrJibb]

Wind for kiting? (I am dubious about the wind this time of year) what size kites did you bring?

Dubious? Just look at the forecast! It's evident.

I only brought my 12 but I've used it every day since I got to Varadero. 10 days now it's been windy enough for 9/10-12 m kites. Before that, it was stronger for a week. Now less next 4-5 days but it's incredible conditions here. And no one here, I'm almost alone on the water.

[John Clayton]

So I just arrive in Cuba again this year, this time staying 2 months mostly in Varadero to kitesurf and relax...

Wind for kiting? (I am dubious about the wind this time of year) what size kites did you bring?

[MrJibb]

So I just arrive in Cuba again this year, this time staying 2 months mostly in Varadero to kitesurf and relax. I went 1 month last year so I'm not a newbie and well prepared this time. Thought I'd give some intel how the situation is right now.

Land at the airport and getting through customs was nothing. Showed them the QR code for health check you need to fill in before, my tourist card and I was on my way. Turkish lost my luggage in Istanbul and spent a LONG time waiting, reporting it (again waiting, es Cuba) and then off. There's an outdoor restaurant to the left as you come out the arrivals on the street under the roadbridge that serve surprisingly VERY good food. They had a a daily special when I was there, had it again since I came back, 1000 CUP for a meal (very tasty pizza, or some rice thingie) plus a beer. That's dirt cheap! When I landed on October 19 the exchange rate in the street was 250 per USD / EUR, could well be 260 now. To my great surprise even this restaurant accepted foreign currency and changed for 250! Obviously not too much, but the meal 1000 peso comes to 4 USD, 1 USD tip, you give them 20 USD they give you 15 x250 in return 3750 CUP (which for many is a month's salary) which is a good start to buy little things your first day before you can change more in the street. Taxi to Havana cantral is about 30 EUR. As I visited last year I had already agreed with a contact to meet me for my keys to an apartment near capitolio. The apartment is private and nice and clean. The hosts and their family live on the same floor but brought girls there before, never any issue, they also don't mention anything about not having visitors neither do they check my passport. They're chill. I went back a few weeks ago too for 2 months in Havana and rented another place through Airbnb in another area. Also super private and clean and nice. It's easy to find on airbnb private apartments where you can do what you like. Just read the descriptions and reviews on airbnb.

Food is "easy to get" because we have money. Finding a really good restaurant is more difficult. Google maps is not always up to date, for example I went to a cafe for a date which had great reviews only 3 months ago only to find out they closed like 2 weeks ago to flee to the US as they got their papers. Things move fast here. Also many restaurants have a full menu but only limited items available depending on stock. Water, beer, sodas, things in general are easy to come by and you can get it anywhere in little windows on the street, people selling all sorts of rubbish they find / import. Half used batteries, 3 cigarettes, a random drive belt for some car, you name it. You need to walk around and look. Old Havana will get your constantly harrassed by people wanting to change money, sell cigars (DON'T EVER IN HAVANA), chicas selling themselves, taking you to music shows, wanting to practice english. It's quite frustrating really, hence I try to avoid it. As you venture further our west it's more chill, not people harrassing you constantly but the selection of places to go is less. Havana is a bit of a dump really, very hectic, dirty, crowded. Exchange money from USD / EUR to CUP and use that. Now it's probably 260-270 in the street, bring small bills too, 10's, 20's, 50's. Don't pay in restaurants with USD as you'll probably get way worse rate back, just exchange for a high rate and use CUP during your stay. Chicas want foreign money, so carry small bills if you decide to give that. You won't get change back from them.

When it comes to chicas they are incredibly easy to get / approach / find or they will find you. Badoo there are hundreds you can contact and get with, as well as in the street. In Badoo you can find anywhere from 18-40 year olds of all shapes and sizes willing. They do trios, one on one, anything really. Some cocky young ones, 18-22 request 150 USD and would NEVER go below 100 USD they say they usually get, which is ridiculous if some schmuck is paying that. Many just as nice, possibly more inexperienced or desperate will happily meet for 10000 CUP (40 USD) and I had a special girl have her brother drive her an hour to my apartment for 5000 (20 USD). Stayed an hour then left with her brother again. I guess it depends on how desperate they are. Funny story is that the brother then sent me a text asking if "I wanted to be with him too", hahahaha. Appartently he was gay but his sister didn't know and couldn't find out. What a surprise. No thanks though.

I sat in a restaurant and made eye contact with a girl walking by with some guy. She stopped and stared at me, I smiled at her, as that's what I do when a woman looks at me, it's a nice thing. 30 minutes later when I left she was waiting for me around the corner asking if I wanted a massage, suck, fuck, whatever I wanted. I asked how much, she said I just need some food for me and my kid so maybe 5000 CUP? Might I add she was 7 months pregnant. I turned her down as I had plans that day already. But it goes to show how easy it is here, and how desperate they are, unfortunately I guess. Also it's extremelt safe here. No maffia, no cartels running girls, no brother or cousins protecting their sister, no switches being made, no pimps, none of that shit to worry about.

Havana is easy to get chicas anywhere. Badoo is SUUUUPER easy, in the street easy too, easy to approach anyone you want. You probably need to speak a little Spanish as most don't know a word of English. Some do, but 1 in every 100 probably. Some you can take out to dinner and drinks, give them some extra cash and they're happy. Some will just want the action and the cash straight up. All ages, types, shapes and sizes are available, it's very easy here and fun. Havana in general is a shithole but it has its good spots and places too, not too many though. I prefer other parts of Cuba, Vinales, Varadero, Cienfuegos and so on. More quiet, chill vibe, and you're able to find girls there too if you look a little harder.