HAVANA & NORTHERN COAST
This region is the pulsating heart of the island, where urban grit meets Caribbean glamour. From the colonial plazas of Havana to the turquoise horizons of Varadero, this guide helps you navigate Cuba’s cultural epicenter and its most iconic beaches.
Why Visit Havana & The Northern Coast?
Living History: Walk through centuries of architecture in Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site frozen in time.
World-Class Beaches: Relax on the powdery white sands of Varadero, consistently ranked among the best beaches globally.
Nightlife & Jazz: Experience the island’s soul through legendary jazz clubs and the avant-garde Fábrica de Arte Cubano.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April–May, October–November): The sweet spot for travel. You’ll find fewer crowds in Old Havana and pleasant temperatures before the summer humidity or winter cold fronts arrive.
Deep Off-Season (June–September): Characterized by high heat and the hurricane season. While prices are at their lowest, be prepared for intense afternoon rain and high humidity.
Peak Season (December–March): The most popular time due to dry, sunny weather (avg. 21°C–26°C / 70°F–79°F). Book casas particulares months in advance, especially in Havana.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
The Spirit of Havana (Old Havana, Vedado & Miramar)
The capital is a sprawling museum of styles. Old Havana offers narrow cobblestone streets and colonial plazas, while Vedado and Miramar showcase 1950s “modern” Cuba, featuring iconic jazz clubs and the vibrant Fábrica de Arte Cubano.
Your Smart Tip: To experience both worlds, spend your mornings exploring the history of the Old Town on foot, but head to Vedado in the evening for the best private restaurants (paladares) and nightlife.
Varadero & The Hicacos Peninsula
Located two hours east of Havana, this is Cuba’s premier resort destination. It offers 20km of uninterrupted shoreline with turquoise waters and a wide range of all-inclusive and private rental options.
Your Smart Tip: Skip the massive all-inclusive resorts at the end of the peninsula and stay in a casa particular in Varadero town. You’ll have better food access and a more local vibe for a fraction of the cost.
Matanzas City
Known as the “Athens of Cuba” for its poetic and musical heritage, this city is a cultural bridge between Havana and Varadero. It features beautiful neoclassical architecture and the impressive Bellamar Caves nearby.
Your Smart Tip: If you are a fan of Afro-Cuban culture, visit on a Sunday to catch a Rumba performance. It is far more raw and authentic here than the staged shows in Havana.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The region has a tropical climate. Summer (May–October) is hot and humid with occasional tropical storms. Winter (November–April) is the dry season, with warm days and cool evenings (rarely dropping below 16°C / 60°F).
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: Spanish is the official language. While resort staff speak English, learning basic Spanish phrases is highly respected and helpful in Havana’s backstreets.
The “Hustle”: You may encounter jineteros (street hustlers) offering cigars or tours. A polite but firm “No, gracias” is usually enough to be left alone.
The Dual Economy: Cuba’s currency situation is fluid. Always carry small denominations of USD or EUR cash, as many private businesses prefer them over the local Peso (CUP).
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Casas Particulares ($25–$50), mid-range hotels ($80–$140), luxury resorts ($200+).
Food: Street food/pizza ($2–$5), paladar (private restaurant) dinner ($15–$30), high-end dining ($50+).
Transport: Classic car city tour ($30–$50/hour), Viazul bus to Varadero ($10–$15), private taxi ($80–$100).
Activities: Museum entry ($2–$8), FAC entry ($2), Tropicana Cabaret ($75+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $40–$60 (casas, street food, local buses).
- Mid-range: $80–$130 (paladares, taxis, guided tours).
- Luxury: $200+ (luxury hotels, private drivers, fine dining).
Getting Around
Classic Cars: Iconic but expensive; always negotiate the price before getting in.
Colectivos: Shared long-distance taxis are the most efficient way to travel between Havana and Varadero.
Walking: Havana’s historic center is best explored entirely on foot.
Must-Try Food
Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef slow-cooked in a savory tomato and pepper sauce; the national dish.
Lechón Asado: Succulent roast pork marinated in mojo (garlic, citrus, and oil).
Picadillo a la Habanera: Ground beef hash with raisins and olives, providing a perfect sweet-salty balance.
Arroz con Pollo: A classic one-pot chicken and yellow rice dish.
Tostones: Thick, double-fried green plantain slices served salty and hot.
Yuca con Mojo: Boiled cassava root topped with a pungent garlic and lime sauce.
Cuban Sandwich: Crusty bread layered with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles.
Flan Cubano: A rich, creamy caramel custard made with condensed milk.
Arroz con Leche: Traditional sweet rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest.
Guava Pastelitos: Flaky puff pastries filled with sweet guava paste and sometimes cream cheese.
Must-Try Drinks
Mojito: The quintessential Cuban cocktail: white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and fresh mint.
Daiquirí: A frozen or shaken blend of rum, lime, and sugar; famously perfected at El Floridita.
Cuba Libre: Rum and cola (locally TuKola) with a generous squeeze of fresh lime.
Piña Colada: Creamy coconut and pineapple juice blended with rum, often served in a pineapple.
Cerveza Cristal: The most popular light, crisp Cuban lager—perfect for the heat.
Cafecito (Cuban Espresso): Strong, dark espresso whipped with sugar to create a thick “crema.”
Guarapo: Freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, often served over ice.
Batido de Mamey: A thick, creamy milkshake made from the unique, salmon-colored mamey fruit.
Malta: A sweet, carbonated, non-alcoholic malt beverage.
Limonada Frapée: Fresh lime juice blended with ice and sugar—the ultimate non-alcoholic refresher.