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5 Jan

A Guide To Cuba’s Best Attractions + Travel Tips

img_7721Hi 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:Paseo Del Prado, Havana, Cuba

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, Havana Cuba

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 Restaurant, Cuba img_7738

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 Restaurant, CubaEl 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, Havana CubaLa 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, Havana, CubaHotel 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, Cuba

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!!!

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

42 Comments
  • 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

    January 5, 2017 at 1:44 pm Reply
  • 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 :)

    January 5, 2017 at 4:37 pm Reply
  • 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

    January 5, 2017 at 4:54 pm Reply
  • 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

    January 5, 2017 at 5:03 pm Reply
  • 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

    January 6, 2017 at 2:04 am Reply
  • Ewa Macherowska
    January 6, 2017 at 7:30 am Reply
  • Rose Wang

    Great post girl! Such beautiful photos..I really wanna visit soon and these spots are on the top of my list!! xo

    January 6, 2017 at 9:27 am Reply
  • 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

    January 6, 2017 at 10:10 am Reply
  • 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

    January 6, 2017 at 10:57 am Reply
  • 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

    January 6, 2017 at 2:03 pm Reply
  • 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

    January 6, 2017 at 5:31 pm Reply
  • 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

    January 6, 2017 at 7:23 pm Reply
  • Caitlin

    Love the photos! Did you notice a lot of Americans there now that the embargo is over?

    Caitlin, Beauty & Colour

    January 7, 2017 at 2:20 pm Reply
  • Hadasah Love (Style to Love)

    Ahh these photos are amazing
    Much love, Hadasah
    http://www.styletolove.com

    January 7, 2017 at 3:10 pm Reply
  • 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

    January 7, 2017 at 8:50 pm Reply
  • 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.

    January 8, 2017 at 6:29 pm Reply
  • 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/

    January 9, 2017 at 8:50 pm Reply
  • Laurence

    Stunning pictures Jessi!
    Would love to visit Cuba one day. xx Laurence
    http://www.laurencemagaly.com

    January 11, 2017 at 2:10 am Reply
  • 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

    January 12, 2017 at 11:46 am Reply
  • 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!

    January 21, 2017 at 10:17 pm Reply
  • 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

    February 21, 2017 at 8:37 am Reply
  • bealls in store coupons

    Lovely site! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also

    March 10, 2017 at 6:39 am Reply

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