Best Things You Can Only Do in Cuba

After the doors to Cuba were flung wide open in 2014, Americans traveling through the streets of Havana, Cienfuegos, and beyond were stunned to discover that the entire country has been cruising ‘round town in some seriously mint classics. You’ll be able to spot--and ride in--everything from a vintage Ford Fairlane or a beautiful ‘59 Caddy Convertible, to a completely restored 50’s Chevy Bel Air. Many of these automotive beauties are actually cabs, so hail one to get you from the hotel down to the beach, or else hire a professional tour guide and local to drive you around town and explain the sights.  

When exploring the island, one thing you’ll have to indulge in is the national drink -- the mojito! You can find this excellent rum-based cocktail in virtually every restaurant, cafe, bar, and bodega across the nation of Cuba. When you’re in Havana, drop in at Bodeguita del Medio, where they’ve been serving locals for over 80 years.

Rumors has it that Ernest Hemingway would indulge in his evening mojito right here at Bodeguita De Medio, but alas, this is likely just a rumor.

Maybe Hemingway didn't hang outh at Bodeguita, but lots of other writers and artists have popped in for their own Cuban rum cocktails over the decades, including Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Marlene Dietrich, Francis Ford Coppola, among others. 

Some savvy travelers believe that seeing the sights on the back of a bike is the way to go, and Cuba might be a perfect spot for a motorcycle tour. Pack light and roar off toward Playa Ancon in Trinidad (a UNESCO World Heritage City), then ride into the resort town of Varadero in time for dinner under the Caribbean stars...and you’ll only just be completing day 3 of your 9 day journey with tour company La Poderosa!

The company is run by Ernesto Guevara, the youngest son of the original motorcycle revolutionary, Che Guevara. Each bike holds two travelers, so bring a friend that knows how to drive while you sit back, relax, and let the warm tropical breezes romance you along the way.

Seriously, who goes to Cuba and doesn’t dance! No one, that’s who.

Like Cuban-American superstar Gloria Estefan sings, “Get on your feet... get up and make it happen! Get on your feet... Stand up and take some action!”

Most evenings, Cubans can be found out and about at any local restaurant or bar, swinging their hips to some serious salsa or mambo tunes. Don’t know how to get down like a local? Head to Salsabor A Cuba, a local dance school in Central Havana. When you’re ready to hit the floor, Cha-Cha-Cha your way to the Vedado neighborhood, a central business district not far from the Plaza de Revolucion where you’ll find plenty of bars and cafes with live music.

Street food vendors are ubiquitous all over the globe -- you can eat just about any meal from a cart, anywhere you go! In Cuba, you’ll be delighted with the ever-popular little coconut pastries, offered from local's food carts, for just a few moneda nacional (usually under 25 cents.) 

Called pie de coco, these super sugary treats are perfect for a light breakfast on the go, or a mid-afternoon snack to pair with your cafecito. They can be found pretty much anywhere on the island, so you can always count on these treats as your go-to snack when traveling throughout the Pearl of the Antilles.