Where to Stay in Cuba 🇨🇺: 8 Best Places to Visit and Hotels

Planning a trip to Cuba can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out the perfect place to stay. I’ve explored every corner of this incredible island, from the cobblestone streets of Old Havana to the pristine beaches of Varadero, and I’m here to make your decision much easier.

Quick guide to the best places to stay: 📋

• 🏛️ First-Time Visitors: Old Havana
• 🏙️ Modern Comfort: Vedado
• 🏖️ Beach Holidays: Varadero
• 🏡 Authentic Experience: Casa Particulares
• 💼 Business Travel: Miramar
• 🏛️ Colonial Architecture: Trinidad
• 💰 Budget Travel: Centro Habana
• 🌿 Nature Lovers: Viñales

1. Old Havana – Where to Stay in Cuba for First-Time Visitors

Walking through cobblestone streets. Old Havana feels like stepping back in time. The colonial architecture surrounds you with colorful buildings and wrought-iron balconies. You’ll find this UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for first-time visitors to Cuba. The historic center offers authentic Cuban culture, vibrant street life, and easy access to major attractions.

Plaza de Armas buzz. This main square comes alive every morning with book vendors and local artists. Locals recommend visiting El Templete restaurant for traditional Cuban food around €12-15 per meal. The plaza stays busy until sunset, making it perfect for people-watching. You can find street musicians playing salsa and son cubano throughout the day.

Cathedral Square charm. The baroque cathedral dominates this intimate plaza where you’ll discover La Bodeguita del Medio. This famous bar serves mojitos for about 150 Cuban pesos (€5-6). The best time to visit is late afternoon when locals gather for drinks. Don’t miss the narrow streets around the cathedral filled with art galleries and souvenir shops.

Local shopping spots. Calle Obispo offers the best shopping experience in Old Havana. You can find Havana 1791 perfume shop selling unique Cuban scents made from local ingredients. The store opens daily from 9:00 to 19:00. Locals say this street has the most authentic Cuban crafts and artwork.

Authentic Cuban flavors. I always recommend trying ropa vieja at Doña Eutimia restaurant, where meals cost around €8-10. This place offers traditional Cuban cooking in a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant opens Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00. You’ll taste the real Cuba here, not tourist food.

Essential first-timer tips:

• Carry small Cuban peso bills for street vendors
• Most restaurants accept euros but give change in pesos
• Book dinner reservations early, especially on weekends
• Walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets

2. Vedado – Best Place to Stay Cuba, in Havana for Nightlife

Modern Havana vibes. Vedado represents the newer side of Havana with wide avenues and 1950s architecture. You’ll find this neighborhood perfect for nightlife lovers who want comfortable accommodations. The area offers upscale bars, live music venues, and late-night restaurants. Locals consider Vedado the entertainment heart of modern Havana.

La Rampa energy. This famous street comes alive after sunset with neon lights and bustling crowds. You can find Café Cantante at the National Theater hosting salsa nights every Friday for 200 Cuban pesos (€7). The venue opens at 22:00 and stays packed until dawn. Don’t miss the rooftop bars along this strip offering mojitos for around €6-8.

Malecón nightlife. The seaside promenade stretches for miles with locals gathering every evening. I always recommend watching sunset here before heading to nearby bars. You’ll discover small paladares serving late-night snacks for €5-10. The best time to walk the Malecón is between 20:00 and midnight when street musicians perform.

Coppelia ice cream culture. This iconic ice cream parlor attracts locals and tourists daily. You can enjoy Cuban ice cream for just 25 pesos (€1) while watching Havana life unfold. The place opens from 10:00 to 22:00 with longest queues on weekends. Locals say this spot offers the best people-watching in Vedado.

Revolutionary Square area. The massive plaza hosts occasional concerts and cultural events. You’ll find several government-run restaurants nearby serving traditional meals for €8-12. This area offers a different perspective on Cuban culture and history. The square stays illuminated until late, making evening walks pleasant and safe.

Nightlife survival tips:

• Clubs typically open after 22:00 and peak around midnight
• Bring cash in small bills for cover charges and drinks
• Hotel bars stay open latest and accept credit cards
• Taxi back to accommodation is safest after 02:00

3. Varadero – Best Place to Stay in Cuba for Beach Holidays

Caribbean paradise found. Varadero boasts 20 kilometers of white sand beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters. You’ll find this resort town perfect for beach lovers seeking all-inclusive luxury. The peninsula offers Cuba’s most developed tourist infrastructure with international hotels and restaurants. Locals call this area Cuba’s answer to Caribbean resorts.

Playa Varadero magic. The main beach stretches endlessly with soft sand and gentle waves. You can rent beach chairs for 50 pesos (€2) per day or umbrellas for 30 pesos (€1). The beach stays busy from 9:00 to 18:00 with peak crowds around midday. I always recommend early morning walks when the sand feels cool and crowds are minimal.

Water sports paradise. Marina Gaviota offers catamaran trips to nearby cays for €45-60 per person. You’ll discover snorkeling spots with tropical fish and coral reefs. The marina operates daily from 8:00 to 17:00 with multiple departure times. Don’t miss the sunset sailing trips that include dinner and drinks.

Varadero town center. The small downtown area offers authentic Cuban restaurants away from resort food. You can find La Barbacoa serving grilled seafood for €15-20 per meal. This restaurant opens daily from 12:00 to 23:00 with fresh catch specials. Locals recommend trying the lobster when available.

Cueva de Ambrosio exploration. This ancient cave system features pre-Columbian paintings and underground chambers. You’ll pay 30 pesos (€1) entrance fee to explore the cool caverns. The site opens from 9:00 to 17:00 with guided tours every hour. The cave offers perfect escape from beach heat during midday hours.

Beach holiday essentials:

• All-inclusive resorts offer best value for families
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen (hard to find locally)
• Book water sports early during peak season
• Downtown restaurants offer cheaper alternatives to resort dining

4. Miramar – Where to Stay in Havana for Business Travel

Diplomatic district elegance. Miramar serves as Havana’s business and diplomatic quarter with modern infrastructure. You’ll find this area perfect for business travelers needing reliable internet and professional services. The neighborhood offers upscale restaurants, shopping centers, and conference facilities. Locals consider Miramar the most developed part of Havana.

Business infrastructure. The Miramar Trade Center houses international companies and conference rooms. You can rent meeting spaces for €50-100 per day with full technical support. The center operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:00. I always recommend booking conference facilities well in advance during peak business season.

Fifth Avenue sophistication. This tree-lined boulevard features elegant mansions converted into restaurants and offices. You’ll discover El Aljibe restaurant famous for roast chicken at €12-15 per meal. The restaurant opens daily from 12:00 to 24:00 with air conditioning and professional service. Don’t miss their signature garlic sauce that locals rave about.

Marina Hemingway proximity. The famous marina offers business dinners and yacht charters for corporate events. You can arrange client entertainment for €30-50 per person including drinks and appetizers. The marina restaurant opens from 12:00 to 22:00 with ocean views. Locals say this venue impresses international business partners.

Shopping and services. Miramar features several shopping centers with international brands and services. You’ll find everything from dry cleaning to electronics repair within walking distance. The area offers reliable banking services and currency exchange. Most shops open from 10:00 to 20:00 Monday through Saturday.

Business travel tips:

• Book accommodations with guaranteed WiFi and backup power
• Restaurants accept credit cards more readily than other areas
• Taxi services are reliable and professional
• Embassy district location provides additional security

5. Trinidad – Where to Stay in Cuba for Colonial Architecture

UNESCO World Heritage magic. Trinidad preserves Cuba’s colonial past with cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses. You’ll find this city perfect for architecture enthusiasts and history lovers. The town center remains frozen in time with 18th-century buildings and traditional crafts. Locals proudly maintain their colonial heritage through careful restoration.

Plaza Mayor grandeur. The main square showcases perfect colonial architecture with the Holy Trinity Church dominating the skyline. You can explore the Romantic Museum for 30 pesos (€1) to see period furniture and artifacts. The plaza stays lively from morning until evening with horse-drawn carriages and street vendors. I always recommend early morning photography when golden light hits the colonial facades.

Casa de la Música atmosphere. This outdoor venue on the cathedral steps hosts live music every evening from 22:00. You’ll pay 50 pesos (€2) to enjoy traditional Cuban music under the stars. The venue attracts both locals and tourists creating an authentic cultural experience. Don’t miss the salsa dancing that starts spontaneously around midnight.

Artisan workshops discovery. Trinidad maintains traditional crafts with pottery, weaving, and woodworking shops. You can visit Taller Alfarero pottery workshop where artisans create pieces using colonial techniques. The workshop opens Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 17:00. Locals recommend purchasing authentic pieces directly from craftsmen for best prices.

Valle de los Ingenios excursion. This nearby valley showcases sugar plantation ruins and colonial history. You’ll take a steam train ride for 150 pesos (€5) through scenic countryside. The train operates Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday departing at 9:30. The journey offers spectacular views of colonial architecture against mountain backdrops.

Colonial architecture highlights:

• Best preserved Spanish colonial city in the Americas
• Photography permitted in most historic buildings
• Guided tours available in multiple languages
• Evening lighting enhances architectural details

6. Centro Habana – Where to Stay in Cuba on a Budget

Authentic Cuban neighborhood. Centro Habana offers the real Havana experience without tourist prices. You’ll find this area perfect for budget travelers seeking authentic local culture. The neighborhood features crumbling colonial buildings, local markets, and family-run restaurants. Locals live their daily lives here away from tourist crowds.

Budget accommodation reality. Casa particulares in Centro Habana cost 600-900 pesos (€20-30) per night for private rooms. You can find basic hotels for even less but expect minimal amenities. The area offers numerous budget options within walking distance of major attractions. I always recommend checking room conditions before paying, as quality varies significantly.

Local market experience. Mercado de Cuatro Caminos provides authentic Cuban shopping with fresh produce and local goods. You’ll discover fruits, vegetables, and spices at local prices starting from 10 pesos (€0.30). The market operates daily from 6:00 to 18:00 with peak activity in mornings. Don’t miss trying tropical fruits that cost fraction of tourist area prices.

Barrio Chino exploration. Havana’s Chinatown offers budget-friendly Chinese-Cuban fusion restaurants. You can enjoy filling meals for 200-300 pesos (€7-10) at family-run establishments. The area features several small restaurants open from 11:00 to 22:00. Locals recommend trying chop suey cubano, a unique local adaptation.

Budget survival strategies. Shopping at local stores instead of tourist shops saves significant money. You’ll find basic necessities at peso prices rather than dollar prices. Local transportation costs 5 pesos (€0.20) compared to tourist taxis at €10-15. The key is eating where locals eat and shopping where locals shop.

Money-saving tips:

• Pay in Cuban pesos whenever possible
• Eat at paladares rather than hotel restaurants
• Use public transportation or walk between attractions
• Buy snacks and water from local stores, not tourist areas

7. Viñales – Perfect Area for Nature Lovers

Tobacco valley paradise. Viñales Valley showcases Cuba’s most dramatic landscape with limestone mogotes and tobacco farms. You’ll find this UNESCO site perfect for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The valley offers horseback riding, hiking trails, and cave exploration. Locals maintain traditional farming methods passed down through generations.

Mogote formations wonder. These ancient limestone hills create a unique landscape found nowhere else in Cuba. You can hike to Cueva del Indio for 30 pesos (€1) to explore underground rivers and rock formations. The cave opens daily from 9:00 to 17:00 with boat rides through flooded chambers. I always recommend bringing a light jacket as caves stay cool year-round.

Tobacco farm visits. Local farmers welcome visitors to learn about traditional tobacco cultivation and cigar rolling. You’ll pay 150-300 pesos (€5-10) for farm tours including demonstrations. Most farms operate tours from 9:00 to 16:00 with lunch options available. Don’t miss watching master cigar rollers create perfect cigars by hand.

Mural de la Prehistoria spectacle. This massive rock painting depicts evolution on a mogote face. You can view the mural for free from the valley floor or pay 20 pesos (€0.70) to climb closer. The site offers restaurant facilities and souvenir shops. Locals consider this artwork controversial but admit it attracts many visitors.

Casa particular charm. Viñales offers some of Cuba’s best casa particular experiences with farm-to-table meals. You’ll enjoy fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown on the property. Most hosts provide horseback riding and hiking arrangements. The personal attention and home-cooked meals create unforgettable experiences.

Nature lover essentials:

• Bring sturdy hiking shoes for rocky terrain
• Pack insect repellent for outdoor activities
• Early morning offers best wildlife viewing
• Local guides provide valuable plant and animal knowledge

8. Santiago de Cuba – Where to Stay in Eastern Cuba

Afro-Cuban cultural capital. Santiago de Cuba pulses with music, dance, and revolutionary history. You’ll find this eastern city perfect for cultural immersion and musical experiences. The city offers steamy Caribbean atmosphere with strong African influences. Locals consider Santiago the birthplace of Cuban music genres including son and bolero.

Casa de la Trova legend. This legendary music venue hosts live performances every night from 21:00 to 02:00. You’ll pay 100 pesos (€3) to experience authentic Cuban music in its birthplace. The venue attracts both local musicians and international visitors. I always recommend arriving early to secure good seats for the evening show.

Revolutionary history sites. Moncada Barracks marks the beginning of the Cuban Revolution with museum exhibits and bullet holes preserved. You can explore the museum for 30 pesos (€1) to learn about July 26, 1953 attack. The site opens Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00. Don’t miss the detailed exhibits explaining revolutionary events.

Carnival traditions. Santiago hosts Cuba’s famous carnival most every July with street parades and competitions. You’ll experience authentic Caribbean carnival atmosphere with elaborate costumes and music. The celebration transforms the entire city into a dancing festival. Locals prepare all year for this week-long cultural explosion.

El Cobre pilgrimage. The Basilica of Our Lady of Charity attracts pilgrims from across Cuba and beyond. You can visit this important religious site 20 kilometers from Santiago for free. The basilica opens daily from 6:00 to 18:00 with special masses on Sundays. The mountain location offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Eastern Cuba highlights:

• Hottest and most humid region of Cuba
• Strongest African cultural influences
• Live music available every night
• Revolutionary history sites throughout the city

FAQ

Which Cuban hotel offers the best luxury experience?

Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Vedado stands out as Cuba’s most iconic luxury property with historic significance and ocean views. Hotel Saratoga in Old Havana also provides five-star accommodations with a rooftop pool and spa facilities.

What’s included at Cuban all-inclusive beach resorts?

Cuban beach resorts typically include all meals, drinks, entertainment, and beach access in their rates. Most international chains like Melia and Iberostar operate these properties in destinations like Varadero.

Can you book Hotel Nacional de Cuba online?

Yes, Hotel Nacional accepts online reservations through their official website with advance payment required. The hotel offers free WiFi, multiple restaurants, and historic gardens overlooking the Malecón.

Are casa particulares safer than Cuban hotels?

Casa particulares often provide better security and personalized attention since owners depend on positive reviews. Cuban state hotels maintain basic security but may lack the personal touch of private accommodations.

Which Cuban city offers the best hotel options?

Havana provides the widest variety of accommodation from luxury hotels to budget casa particulares. Cienfuegos and Trinidad also offer excellent colonial-era casa particulares with authentic Cuban charm.

Do hotels in Cuba accept international credit cards?

Most major Cuban hotels accept international credit cards, though casa particulares typically require cash payments. It’s recommended to bring sufficient cash as backup since card processing can be unreliable.