5 Nights in Cuba: City, Valley and Beach

• Visit El Floridita in Havana for a cocktail at Hemingway's favorite bar. Yes, its touristy, but worth stop.

• Do a vintage car tour. No need to pre-book unless you're specific - you can walk up to tour guides on the street and hop in!

• Stroll through old town Havana.

• Catch the sunset outside the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. *There is a bar on the ground floor with a patio and also a rooftop bar. We sat outside at table in the grass close to the ocean.

• Learn about the revolution. We mostly learned from our vintage car tour guide and didn't feel the need to explore museums after our time with him, but there are plenty to explore.

• Go inside a grocery store. This is an odd suggestion - just do it. We still talk about the grocery stores and it's a small glimpse into everyday life there

• Spend a couple of days in Varadero to relax and recharge at the end of the trip!

Day Trip

Vinales Valley - Ride horses through tobacco fields, stroll the market, eat a farm to table lunch, visit a cigar factory, learn to roll a cigar at a local farm and spend time with family running that farm. Stunning landscape and so much to do - NOT to be missed!

Where to Stay

When looking for lodging in Cuba, keep in mind that Casa Particulares are run by locals and thus a more sustainable way to travel. For hotels, the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana, which opened in 2017, is a nice choice. Varadero is about 2 hour by car from Havana and we loved ending our trip here for a couple of nights. Many of the hotels are owned by international brands and many are all-inclusive. There's something for everyone there and the beaches and water are stunning! We spent 3 nights in Havana with a day trip to Vinales Valley and 2 nights in Varadero to make up our 5 night trip to Cuba.

As a general rule, try to eat and/or drink at "paladares," which are privately owned restaurants, rather than government-owned. You'll find vast menus posted outside many government-owned restaurants, but often there are only a few things available. Do your research before you go for the best dining experiences.

• El Cocinero - Hip and lively with a beautiful rooftop terrace. Go at night for the best vibe.

• La Guarida - One of the most iconic paladares in Havana. Go for the food and drinks and head upstairs to the rooftop for after-dinner fun!

• Jibaro - An unassuming hidden gem in Old Havana with traditional Cuban food in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

• El Cafe - Old Havana cafe serving juices and an American-style breakfast.

• Finca Agroecológica El Paraiso - Vinales Valley farm to table at a family's farm. A wonderful experience!