Charming Havana|The Caribbean Pearl with Retro Style.
Here is a travel guide to Havana:
• Preparation:
• Visa: Chinese citizens need a visa to travel to Cuba. You can consult the Cuban Embassy or Consulate in China for specific visa requirements and application procedures.
• Flights: Book round-trip flights to Havana in advance for better prices and flight options.
• Accommodation: Choose suitable accommodation according to your budget and preferences. Havana offers a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts.
• Currency: The Cuban currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), but US dollars or euros can also be used in tourist areas. It is recommended to understand the local currency exchange situation in advance and prepare some cash.
• Vaccines and health: Consult a doctor about whether you need to be vaccinated or take other health precautions based on your health and travel plans.
• Learn some basic Spanish phrases: Although some people in tourist areas of Havana may speak English, learning some basic Spanish phrases can help you better communicate with locals.
• Itinerary:
• Day 1: Old Havana
• Morning: Arrive in Havana, check into your hotel, and take a short break.
• Noon: Enjoy Cuban cuisine at a restaurant near your hotel, such as roast pork, black bean rice, and fried bananas.
• Afternoon: Visit Old Havana, including the Old Square, St. Francis Square, and Arms Square.
• Evening: Enjoy nightlife in the old town's bars or restaurants, and try Cuban cocktails like Mojito and Daiquiri.
• Day 2: New Havana
• Morning: Visit the Havana Capitol Building, one of Cuba's iconic landmarks.
• Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant in the new town, and try some international cuisine.
• Afternoon: Visit Revolution Square, and see the José Martí Memorial and the Museum of the Revolution.
• Evening: Spend a relaxing evening at a shopping mall or cinema in the new town.
• Day 3: Havana Beach
• Morning: Head to Havana's beaches, and enjoy the sun and waves. You can choose to relax on the beach, swim, dive, or participate in other water activities.
• Noon: Enjoy seafood and other cuisine at a restaurant near the beach.
• Afternoon: Continue enjoying your time on the beach, or visit nearby attractions like the Havana Aquarium.
• Evening: Watch the sunset on the beach, and then return to your hotel.
• Day 4: Day Trip from Havana
• Morning: Choose a day trip or rent a car to visit attractions near Havana, such as Viñales Valley. This is a famous Cuban cigar-producing area where you can visit cigar plantations and factories, and learn about the cigar-making process.
• Noon: Enjoy Cuban countryside cuisine at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: Continue exploring nearby attractions like Trinidad, a well-preserved colonial city listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
• Evening: Return to Havana, and have dinner at a restaurant in the city.
• Day 5: Shopping and Leisure
• Morning: Shop for souvenirs at Havana's shopping malls or markets, such as Cuban cigars, handicrafts, and music CDs.
• Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant in the city.
• Afternoon: Relax in a park or café, and enjoy your leisure time.
• Evening: Pack your bags, and prepare to leave Havana.
• Transportation Guide:
• Plane: Havana has an international airport, and you can fly from China or other countries.
• Public transportation: Havana's public transportation system includes buses, taxis, and trains. Buses are the most common means of transportation, but they can be crowded. Taxis are divided into regular taxis and classic car taxis. Classic car taxis are one of Havana's specialties.
• Car rental: If you want to freely explore Havana and the surrounding areas, consider renting a car. Before renting a car, understand local traffic rules and driving habits, and make sure you have a valid international driver's license.
• Food recommendations:
• Roast pork: One of Cuba's traditional dishes, usually marinated with lemon juice, garlic, and spices, and then roasted.
• Black bean rice: Black beans and rice are cooked together, and served with roast pork or chicken.
• Fried bananas: Bananas are sliced, coated with flour or breadcrumbs, and fried until golden. They are served as a dessert or snack.
• Cuban sandwich: Made with roast pork, ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard, it is a Cuban specialty sandwich.
• Mojito: One of Cuba's most famous cocktails, made with rum, mint leaves, lemon juice, and soda water.
• Daiquiri: Another popular Cuban cocktail, made with rum, lemon juice, and sugar syrup.
• Shopping recommendations:
• Cuban cigars: Cuba is one of the world's famous cigar-producing countries, and you can buy authentic Cuban cigars at local cigar shops.
• Handicrafts: Cuban handicrafts include wood carvings, ceramics, textiles, and more, with a strong Cuban style.
• Music CDs: Cuban music is very distinctive, and you can buy Cuban music CDs as souvenirs.
• Souvenirs: At Havana's souvenir shops, you can buy various Cuban-related souvenirs like T-shirts, hats, and keychains.
• Precautions:
• Safety: When traveling in Havana, pay attention to your personal belongings, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuables in crowded places.
• Health: Cuba's climate is hot and humid, so pay attention to sun protection and hydration to avoid heatstroke and dehydration. Also, pay attention to food hygiene, and avoid eating unclean food and drinking raw water.
• Cultural differences: Cuba is a socialist country, and its culture and lifestyle are somewhat different from China's. Before traveling, understand local culture and customs, and respect local customs.
• Network and communication: Cuba's network and communication facilities are relatively backward, and you may encounter unstable network signals or be unable to use them. It is recommended to understand local network and communication conditions in advance, and make corresponding preparations.