
Hi babes!!
Hope you all are getting adjusted after the holidays and new year!!
I’m back in LA, back to work and still wishing I could explore Cuba a bit longer (already planning my next trip)!! Cuba’s been on my bucket list for a long time..and it’s definitely not a regular tropical destination so I put a lot of research and planning into this trip! I wanted to share a round-up of my most memorable locations and travel tips for those of you who are interested in travelling to this incredible and charming place! I hope this post gives you guys some insight and motivation to visit soon!
Sites:
Parque Central + Paseo Del Prado
Paseo Del Prado is where I got some of my best photos! This area divides Old Havana and Central Havana. We took a long stroll along Paseo Del Prado on our second day in Havana and encountered some of the city’s most unique vintage cars, colonial buildings, and prestigious hotels.
Plaza De La Catedral
This is one of the main squares in Old Havana that houses the Catedral de la Habana and is one of the most beautiful sites I’ve seen throughout the city. Although the Catedral is the main attraction, the surrounding buildings in the square are fine examples of 18th-century aristocratic mansions..which all show a similar architectural design and are very photo worthy :)
Restaurants:
Atelier
Atelier was by far the best restaurant we visited on the entire trip! The ambiance, incredible views and tasty food made this a go-to spot in Havana. I would definitely recommend visiting this restaurant for a nice dinner on your last night in the city and sitting on the rooftop patio to take in the stellar views!
El Palio
If you’re looking for a more relaxed, casual and family style restaurant then El Palio is my best choice. First item we ordered off the menu? A couple plates of their signature shrimp..it speaks for itself!!
Bars/Nightlife:
La Bodeguita Del Medio
If you’re looking for a bar with history, great mojitos and music then this is the go-to spot! La Bodeguita is best known to have been one of Hemingway’s favorite hangout spots among other famous personalities who left their mark on the walls. Although I must warn that this place is very touristy and crowded, but also full of graffiti and memorabilia that is worth staying for after a mojito or two!
Hotel Nacional
Hotel Nacional is one of the most well-known hotels in Havana with a rich history, culture and a lot of must-see art deco!! This hotel is in a prime location..standing on top of a hill overlooking the ocean. After exploring the grounds, we went up to the ocean side bar to get a round of their famous mojitos. Seriously one of the best sites I’ve ever experienced at bar..overlooking the Havana Harbor, the seawall and the city!! Can’t get any better than that!
Casa de la Musica
One of the top venues in Havana for live salsa music and dancing! We went here Wednesday night after dinner and had the best time! It’s located in a gorgeous mansion in Miramar and hosts some of the best salsa groups and bands in the city. Such a great spot to unwind after dinner, take in the music, local culture and have some more mojitos (I stopped counting after Day 2..lol)!!
TIPS!!!
- Make sure you print ALL your travel documents (itinerary, hotel bookings, maps) before you leave for Cuba!! This is very important because wifi connection is very limited and the last thing you want to do is spend your vacation running around finding wifi hot spots or buying hourly cards.
- Bring enough cash to last you the entire trip!! Cuba is mostly a cash economy, and a lot of places do not accept credit or debit cards. Those that do, currently do not accept cards from US banks. We had to pay everything, including our hotel, in cash.
- Most of the vintage cars you see in photos are taxis that tourists can pay to ride in, but unfortunately are not allowed to drive. A majority of these taxis have set routes in Havana, so make sure you have a map with you at all times and know where you’re going!
What are some of the destinations on your bucket-list in 2017?! Let me know in the comments below :)
Xoxo, Jessi
Amy
BOOKMARKED!!! Really trying to visit Cuba sometime this year before it becomes too overrun with tourism… you went at the right time! Your recs and outfits are all on point, and your photos are gorgeous as always!!
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
Jessi Malay
YESSS girl!! You would love Havana!! And I really hope the city doesn’t become overwhelmed with tourists soon because I’m already planning my next trip LOL!! So glad you loved the post <3 Xoxo
Maria | Looking Glass
Thanks for the tips, Cuba looks amazing! I’m actually planning my next vacation right now and I’m thinking either Cuba or Mexico :)
Jessi Malay
Of course babe! So happy you enjoyed all the tips :) Let me know what decision you make (hopefully Cuba ;)!! Xx
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
Always looking amazing where ever you are … I would love to visit Cuba one of these days, I adore the old architecture buildings and the vintage cars on the road! Simply a fabulous post! :)
❤LA BIJOUX BELLA❤ | BY MIA | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
Jessi Malay
Aww thanks love <3 And yesss me too :) Such a magical and charming place..you would absolutely LOVE it Xx
Radi
I can’t get enough of this beautiful post. I’ve wanted to visit Cuba for a few years now and hopefully it’ll happen in the near future. Some of my top places to visit are Cancun, Spain, Acapulco and Hawaii.
I hope you’re having a great day, Jessi! ❤ Radi
http://www.fashionradi.com
Jessi Malay
Yayyy so glad you loved the post Radi :) Hopefully you visit soon babe!! And when you do I would highly recommend adding some of these spots to your itinerary!! Xo
Carmen
I really hope I am gonna make it to Cuba one day! Those places all sound amazing and the pictures are fantastic <3
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
Jessi Malay
Yesss girl!! You should definitely visit soon :) Glad you enjoyed the guide and photos Xx
Ewa Macherowska
Love this post ;)
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Jessi Malay
Thanks babe!! So glad you loved the post! Hope you visit Cuba soon xoxo
Rose Wang
Great post girl! Such beautiful photos..I really wanna visit soon and these spots are on the top of my list!! xo
Jessi Malay
Thanks Rose!! Yesss you need to visit soon..such a magical place you will absolutely LOVE IT!! Xx
Millie | Queenmillie
Well, this sounds like an all round amazing trip, I especially love the sounds of the vintage cars being taxis! El Palio sounds like my kind of restaurant, as I always opt for the more casual vibes! Also totally obsessed with your outfit with the Gucci belt!! Amazing post and great tips Jessi!! I really need to go to Cuba just after reading this!!x
Millie x
http://queenmillie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/what-university-has-taught-me-letter-to.html
Millie | Queenmillie
Also just a mini congrats to your relationship too hehe!! <3 x
Jasmine K
Your outfits are way too cute! I would love to visit Cuba someday because of all the history that still remains. Hope you had a blast!
PS. What do you use to whiten your teeth?
– Jasmine K
http://www.myeunoia.com
Jessi Malay
Aww I’m so glad you liked all the looks! Yess you definitely need to visit Cuba… its absolutely amazing! :)
Face to Curls
Hubby wants to visit Cuba so maybe we’ll visit one day. Love all your outfits, so cute! xx
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Jessi Malay
Thanks so much girl! You definitely need to take a trip there! I’m sure you’ll love it :) Have an amazing day! Xx
Miki
Loved your photos. They take me back. I’ve been to Cuba 3 times since Canadians have always been able to fly over there freely. It’s one of our cheapest destinations. :) The first time was over 10 years ago. I wish I had a good camera then to take good pictures of all these spots, but I can’t wait to go back with my husband. These tips are spot on, and I haven’t been to that restaurant yet, so I definitely have to take you up on your recommendation! Visiting Cuba really is like a true getaway. There really is very little wifi, and in a way, that’s the perfect vacation. :) I hope you end up going back for another visit again soon. Such a beautiful place. My brother is actually there right now in Veradero for a week’s vacation as I’m writing this! lol
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Jessi Malay
You are so lucky girl! Cuba is definitely somewhere I want to revisit in the future, and I totally agree with you in that Cuba really is the perfect location for a getaway vacation :) I hope your next trip to Cuba is as amazing as your past trips and I also hope your brother is having a great time there! Have an amazing day hun! Xoxo
Sabina
Wow! It looks absolutely stunning! I almost went there this December but had to change the plans… Still on the list for traveling in the next few months, so this guide and tips are very helpful! Also, you look stunning, as usual! <3
Sabina | I’ve Got Sunshine
Jessi Malay
Aww thanks so much for stopping by hun :) I’m sure you’ll have a blast in Cuba when you do visit… I’m so excited for you! Xx
Caitlin
Love the photos! Did you notice a lot of Americans there now that the embargo is over?
Caitlin, Beauty & Colour
Jessi Malay
Thank you so much girl! There was honestly such a great diversity of travellers from all over! I loved how international it was :) Hope you have an amazing day! Xx
Hadasah Love (Style to Love)
Ahh these photos are amazing
Much love, Hadasah
http://www.styletolove.com
Jessi Malay
Yayy I’m so glad you like the photos! Hope you had a great week :) Xoxo
Taylor
LOVED this travel post!
Sounds and looks like such an amazing place to visit, if I ever get the chance to go I will definitely take your recommendations and advice!
Gorgeous photos and looks as always!
xo.
Taylor
http://www.itswhatsin.com
Jessi Malay
Yess girl you need to visit there sometime! I’m sure you will absolutely love it there! I’m so excited to see your gorgeous photos if you end up going! <3 Xx
Mackenzie
Hi doll. Loved the tips and the outfits. always on point. i wanted to know if they asked you why you were going to cuba? because i know Americans are only allow to travel to Cuba if they go for business, family visits and 10 other rules.
Jessi Malay
Hey girl!! Thanks for stopping in :) And yes, we went for Journalistic purposes..it wasn’t too difficult. Just make sure to have a written letter for the airport + a detailed itinerary and health insurance!! Let me know if you have any more questions!
Sharon Wu
These tips are so useful! Cuba is on my wishlist of places to visit so hopefully I can cross it off soon and put your tips to use ;) Your outfits are super cute as always :) Hope the new year is treating you well Jessi! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/lifestyle/sweetspot-labs-freshening-up-2017/
Jessi Malay
Yayyy so happy to hear that babe!! I hope you visit really soon..you will absolutely LOVE it!! Such a magical place :) Xx
Laurence
Stunning pictures Jessi!
Would love to visit Cuba one day. xx Laurence
http://www.laurencemagaly.com
Jessi Malay
Thank you so much hun! I’m so glad you liked all the picture :) Xoxo
Renia Jaz
Ypur phots are unbelievable!!And you have an amazing style!I LOVE IT!!!
All of your looks are amazing :)
http://venswifestyle.wordpress.com
Jessi Malay
Aww thank you so much love! You’re too sweet :) So glad you liked the post! Xx
Deal Man Unhappy Customers
This is an absolute DREAM! The weather looks absolutely beautiful and you couldn’t have chosen a prettier outfit for the day trip. Great tip to wear comfortable footwear too – this place is on my travel wishlist, for sure!
Jessi Malay
Thank you so much! Yess the weather was amazing, and I’m so glad you liked the outfits! Have a great week! <3
Vrithi Pushkar
Thank you for the info! We are visiting Cuba next month and we are super excited! Will check out your restaurant recommendations.
Thanks again
Vrithi Pushkar
http://www.epicuriouspassport.com
bealls in store coupons
Lovely site! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also