Have you been to Cuba, or plan to go there? Discuss your experiences or plans in our forum!

Many people get many different images of Cuba when they picture this exotic location. It is sometimes the beaches, it is sometimes pictures from history, such as a time when America invaded this land in the Bay of Pigs, and other pictures still include some of the finest cigars in the world - which of course, due to the Cuban Missile Crisis, are still illegal to enter the United States. So there should be no getting any ideas of bringing back Cuban cigars if you want to avoid legal penalties. Whatever images come to mind when mentioning Cuba, there’s no doubt that this is a beautiful country rich in history and culture and is sure to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!

For those who love the night-life, and social mingling with other cultures, or just going out with friends, there's plenty of opportunities for fun in Cuba. There are many pubs and bars that are worth visiting while in Cuba, and not just for the assortment of beverages that you can cool down with. Castillo de Farnes in Havana is a bar that Fidel Castro himself celebrated the success of the Revolution and Ernest Hemingway used to be a frequent visitor of La Bodeguita del Medio. Sitting in these places is truly being in the presence of greatness. And if you want a different taste of just what Cuban life is like, spend some time rolling cigars in one of Cuba’s famous tobacco factories such as Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagas. This is a major source of income for Cuba’s economy and very interesting to see how it all works.

Taking a trip to the museum at Playa Giron is something that should be done but should not be taken lightly. This museum pays tribute to the sad events surrounding and leading up to the Bay of Pigs and tells the story of those who were killed during the invasion and you can also view personal effects that are now artifacts of decades ago and you can also take a look at CIA plans that were never carried out and some that were and then foiled! This is a very emotional trip and one must be prepared before heading out to spend the day at the museum!

Along with all of these very unique ways to spend a vacation are the endless beaches in Cuba, where you can snorkel, deep-sea dive, fish, or just spend some time soaking up the sun!

Quick Facts

Capital:
Havana
Government:
Socialist republic, or communist state
Nationality:
Cuban
Population:
11,394,043
Currency:
Peso (CUP) or Convertible Peso (CUC)
Time Zone:
UTC-5
Cuba Flag
Language: Spanish

Religion: Christianity; mainly the Catholic and Protestant denominations

Destinations

Varadero

Varadero

Varadero, Cuba is a popular vacation spot not only for international visitors but also among Cubans themselves! Offering Cubans some of the best entertainment and nightlife that can't be found anywhere else in the country and offering tourists from other countries complexes and resorts that offer ev...

Learn more

Discussion

Related Destinations

Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Dominican Republic
Jamaica