(Calle San Miguel, esq. But it's perhaps most famous for a sculpture of the iconic photograph of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara, with the words "Hasta la Victoria, Siempre" (until victory, always) on one side of the Ministry of the Interior building. Best for Active Types: The most popular beach for tourists is Playa Santa Maria del Mar, with its pine- and palm-lined beaches, hotels, restaurants and water sports. It was one of the best experiences we had in Havana, she is very knowledgeable and personable. Varadero Day Trip from Havana - Book Online at Civitatis.com Cuba Havana Varadero Day Trip 9.20 / 10 156 reviews Free cancellation Hotel pick up US$ 65.30 See availability Bacunayagua Bridge viewpoint Saturno Cave Enjoying a dip in Saturno Cave Varadero Day Trip Views from Varadero coast Beach day in Varadero Bacunayagua Bridge viewpoint Most of the time they will simply tell you that the bus no longer comes to the airport, or that the last bus just left and you will have to wait hours for the next one. Havana Group Tour Experiences Explore Havana with like-minded travellers GROUP TOURS IN HAVANA The food is modern but also very Cuban. You could arrive to Havana in the morning, get to the casas, then relax, shower and eat, and then head off exploring. Cienega Zapata. You should stay at least 1 night. For the equivilant of 1$ you can get a reasonable meal. Share It! The Cuba Libre is basically rum and cola and is rumored to have been created by U.S. Not too far to walk but covered so many different areas and special places. So, for cheap hotels, the rooms and pool and lobby might not be as grand as with a more expensive hotel. Near the cathedral in Old Havana, La Bodeguita del Medio (Calle Empedrado 207; open 11 a.m. to midnight daily), another Hemingway haunt, is regarded as a temple to the mojito and is probably Havana's most famous restaurant. Are there bigger taxis ? (Calle L, no. (Concordia 418 e/ Gervasio y Escobar; open noon to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to midnight daily), El Templete: A few blocks from the cruise terminal, just off the Malecon, is El Templete, one of the oldest restaurants in the city. Our From Havana to Varadero you should absolutely book your ticket in advance. and does it go on all night until the next morning? , - . Which are the best cities in Cuba for tourists, and why? Some will advocate that you rent your own apartment in Havana. 103 . Planning on basing yourself in Havana, but want to see other parts of the country? Book a Day Trip from Havana Today! Maybe it has changed since, but I think it should still be ok. - Are you in a hurry? That would be able to accommodate more then 4 people? Perhaps somewhere close ish to town. Thanks for your help (Mercaderes 315 Teniente Rey and Vieja, Muralla), Waoo: If you fancy venturing further afield to the Vedado area, then you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat. If you were walking along the street in Montreal or New York or Toronto and some random guy started trying to make a conversation and then invites you to a bar, would you just go? I can see about getting a cheaper price. The cruise was booked in 2021 but was postponed until this year, so we were all ready and looking forward to a holiday of a lifetime. thankyou so much! The trip from the Varadero Airport to Havana takes about 2.5 hours. 7. And the bus goes to all the hotels and you just get off at your hotel. Visitors are only allowed to look through the windows (though a small tip to museum guards may help gain entrance). Children 3 to 12 years old: 25 % discount (0 - 2 years old FREE). They are usually better than hotel rooms and cost much less. I would not sacrifice a day in Havana to spend a day in Matanzas. You would also have to pay the minivan driver a bit extra for driving around Havana. Book your exclusive excursion to Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Cayo S. Maria, Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo up to Camaguey and Santiago de Cuba. Begin your trip to Viales with a walk through the town's main street to see its colorful home, before continuing into the captivating landscapes of the Viales Valley. You can opt for a brief 6 hour duration in Havana, a longer 11-hour trip, or go all day until midnight. It will cost more, but it can be more convenient. She might be interested in relaxing at a cafe while the group takes an hour to explore the older sections of the city. Nothing was too much trouble for them, and Xuri's knowledge of the city and the history was exceptional. It happens often enough. A large number of celebrities from North and Latin America have performed in this famous place. Mention ahead of time to the bus driver that you want to be let off in Old Havana. Most walking tours begin at the Plaza de la Revolucin, the centre of political life in Cuba. 11 Best Day Trips From Havana - My Adventures Across The World Multiple day tours really maximize your adventure in this region. The 7 Best Day Trips From Havana Cuba - Cubas Best My fiance and I had an incredible experience with Carlitan (Carlos) our tour guide, and everyone on the tour! Was This Article Helpful? You want to get a full, authentic Cuban experience. As well, where is some authentic but delicious must try restaurants that are not touristy? excellent treatment, a car in very good condition, all perfect. Its clean, new and comfortable. First day:-Pick-up in the hotels by air-conditioned bus according to the staggered schedule established for the excursion.-Departure to Cienfuegos.- Arrived at Cienfuegos. In Havana Jorneys we offer packages of multiple day tours to visit several destinations in Central Cuba such as Bay of Pigs, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Santa Clara. 10 Epic Day Trips From Havana You Will Never Forget Let us help you create memories in Cuba that will last a lifetime. You might exchange like 10 cuc into local pesos (240mn) and use it for buying street food. Its an unofficial stop that he would only make if somebody on the bus asks him and needs to get off there. Visit Havana aboard a classic car will b see more, Pick up at the hotel; The last Viazul bus from Havana to Varadero leaves the station at 5pm and gets to Varadero at 7:50pm. I suggest you book your Havana casa in advance. Should we still buy the bus tickets a head of time? This particular bus will likely be filled with other tourists going to Havana. The older ones are often quirky in terms of hours and service (they are often family run, with older members cooking and waiting tables). There are always tons of people looking to ride share. It features his 9,000-book library, hunting trophies, photos, artwork and even his fishing boat, the Pilar. Snorkeling see more, Nature excursion that invites adventure, includes: Jeep transfer to Florence through typical safari trails, horseback riding through the Pen area, stay at the lookout to observe the beauty of the country see more, Star excursion that enjoys the acceptance of all visitors, includes: Pick up by air-conditioned bus to "Aguas Calientes", in Cayo Coco, to board the Catamaran. You pay the driver 10cuc and they will put your bags in the bus and you just hop on. We took a trip to Playa Santa Maria del Mar. Private tours can also be arranged locally with English-speaking guides. Always arrive to the bus station 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to check in. Our tour giude throughout, Xuri, was charming and very knowledgable. Technically Cuba is one of the safest countries in the world. An excursion with our catamarans will offer you a lasting holiday experience that you will remember for a long time. Top. Also we dont speak any spanish and its our first time going. Havana city tours operate daily, most are subject to a minimum number of people. Once upon a time, this hotel overlooking the Malecn was a major mobster hangout (it was built by infamous mafia kingpin Meyer Lansky) and everything from the retro, low-slung couches in the lobby to the legendary shows at The Copa Room cabaret throw back to that bygone era. They are more expensive but you can negotiate the price. Went from Vinales to Trinidad and Cienfuegos and spent two days there with some side trips. We give you the lowdown using our extensive local knowledge Read More. Our Havana Travel Blog contains a wealth of information to help you plan your travel to Havana. Or you can book a guide online. The venue is lovely: a wooden house with shuttered windows and a large L-shaped bar. I can take care of getting you a cheap accommodation in Havana if you want to stay a night in Havana, it is no problem. Cesar with Cuba 360 helped my friend and I design our own personalized. Walk the streets of Old Havana, cruise the Malecon in a Convertible Classic Car and learn how to make the perfect mojito on a roof . You can spend hours just walking around Vedado, admiring the sights and architecture. | Just tell the driver you want to go to old Havana and he will stop the bus when you are close-by and let you off. The 5 Best Day Trips from Havana. 1. The first stop occurs in Downtown, Old Havana. Experience Cubas Fascinating Culture, Rich History and Charming People with Locally Sourced Havana Tours. Havana is only about 130kms away from Varadero and there are many buses and taxis which travel between the two cities. Updated every day by a dedicated global editorial team, the portal logs 1 million+ unique users monthly. Generally if you are only in Havana for 1 day, then 99% of people will stay in Old Havana. , Historic visit: Pope Francis visited Cuba, Our website also available for you in English, Our website also available for you in Spanish, Welcoming of the first English speaking individual tourist group, Welcoming of the first Spanish speaking individual tourist group. You will see many guides offering tours and many people huddled around guides during the tours. We had a tour to Havana with Cuban Landscape Tour, it was amazing, trip was very well organized and easy going. Hi, all inclusive means that once you pay the nightly rate, you can basically use anything you want in the hotel and get all the food and drinks for free (you pay for it all in your nightly rate). Duration: 10 hours Highly recommended for great and reliable service with a smile. When the bus comes, simply ask the driver if you can buy a ticket to ride to Havana. Best of all. Casas only take cuc. For details. &nb see more, Tropicana Cabaret Show, "Tropicana, Oh La Habana""A paradise under the stars" as it is known to this famous cabaret, since 1939 offers the most spectacular show, a magazine of Cuban rhythms and Afro-Cuban dances in a space see more, Tropicana: the most spectacular open air cabaret, a unique site in the world to enjoy the music and folkor of Cuba and the Caribbean in all its rhythm and colors. ! #travelcuba #localguide, Who doesnt love a boat ride? Hi, the ones closer to town are older and usually they are the Cuban hotels, meaning that they are not so good. 12 hours English Day trip US$ 72.80 Varadero Day Trip The local pesos are useful but they are mostly used for buying street food and produce. Most restaurants were state run (and were generally pretty awful both in terms of food and service). You will be charmed by this colourful city, rich in history and culture. A lot of the big parties and discos are filled with tourists who have money to burn. Best Excursions in Cuba : Cayo Largo, Varadero, Trinidad, Vinales. Talk with the guides or drivers (they usually speak ok English) and tell them where you need to go. We can arrange a variety of private day tours to unique and interesting destinations such as Las Terrazas, Soroa, Vinales, Varadero and the Zapata Peninsula/Bay of Pigs. The following day I had organised a two hour driving tour followed by lunch and a waking tour. 2-Day Trip Cienfuegos, Trinidad & Santa Clara Guided Round Trips In Cuba! Private Tours In Havana | Locally Sourced Havana Tours One of the city's most striking examples of Moorish architecture (the faade and lobby, anyway), this historic hotel is a feast for the eyes, from the exotically tiled lobby to the sweeping city views from the Roof Garden Restaurant. Discover the city's beautiful colonial architecture with an expert guide. You can easily get 2 separate bedrooms for about 25 to 30cuc each. Is the the same hotel? (It would be the same price for the return trip). Getting a good taxi rate may require you tonegotiate prices and talk with taxi drivers, but its all part of the fun and adventure of being in Cuba. Since these cities are too distant from Havana and Varadero, it is not worth it to drive many hours to simply spend there an hour or two. This is relatively simply and my team can handle it. 3. Havana is undoubtedly the tourist destination of the Greater Antilles. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There are plenty of exciting day trip opportunities available from Havana - here are the very best. The seawater pool here and lobby bar are attractions in themselves. Explore the beautiful landscapes of Viales Travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes Viales Valley, peppered with rare pin-cushion hills, is spectacular enough to warrant longer than a day trip if you have the time. (pre-arranged in advance departure time) In Havana, have a panoramic tour of the Malecon, the Havana bay, view the colossal white stone Christ across the bay and the Castle of El Morro. The cost was very reasonable. Can you recommend a hotel in varadero? Her number is +5353 895036. The Viazul bus makes 3 stops in Havana. Most night it costs only about$34 CAD. Enjoy a tour of Havana city in a classic convertible car. There are always dozens waiting around there. Classic Cars, Cigars, Old Havana and Mojitos are all yours for the taking. Considering all the costs, it is usually cheaper to stay at an all inclusive hotel rather than a casa in Varadero. Thanks for the tips! You want to explore the city like a local. I really can not thank you enough for all of your help, tips and advice!!!! This area is lined with monumental 19th- and 20th-century buildings, including the Hotel Inglaterra, Havana's oldest hotel and a classic spot to have a drink on the terrace and watch the world go by. I love the beaches in Veradero but I really want my daughter to see Havana and the night life. Panoramic tour of the city with a short see more, Departure days: Hi, the Viazul is every day, including Saturday and Sunday. Anything below 25CUC for this trip is a great price. On the upside, even standard rooms are giant, each has city or sea views (go for one on the upper floors, with a balcony), and the windows actually open. Excursions in Havana - AnconTur I dont know exactly how much this would be, but probably around $25 per hour. 8 hours private tour to get around the city with a tour guide and driver. Santeria is a widely-spread cult and its followers come from diverse social backgrounds. First day:-Pick-up in the hotels by air-conditioned bus according to the staggered schedule established for the excursion.-Departure to Cienfuegos.- Arrived at Cienfuegos. Cuba. Her name is Claudia and she speaks perfect English. (Calle Refugio 1, e Avenida de las Misones y Zulueta; open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily), Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: The national fine arts museum is contained in two buildings. Which places provide the best hidden gems for tours in Havana? have fun! Are there any interesting areas to stop by on the road between varadero and Havana? I have been looking on the viazul site. Basically, the first step is to get you a taxi (a minivan) to bring you from Varadero to Havana. How many seats are on this bus? Thank you, Ruta Bikes! Catamaran Tours from Varadero and Diving Book excursions departing from Havana choosing between an unforgettable city tour in vintage cars or an excursion to the tobacco plantations of Vinales or a flight that takes you to the white beach of Cayo Largo. Most night it costs only about$34 CAD. It will be a lot of fun and a lot more relaxing. They picked my friends and I up at two different, but close, locations. You can get to Havana with the bus too, if you like. Approximately three quarters of the Cuban population follows African religions. In 1939, Ernest Hemingway bought this farmhouse 15km (9 miles) east of Havana in San Francisco de Paula. Tuxpan is an older hotel (so the price is low) but the food and alcohol are good. It's known for the freshest seafood and shellfish in the city and offers an impressive array of appetizers, as well as a wide variety of main dishes, but it's not cheap. Cayo Blanco Catamaran Trip from Varadero with Lobster Lunch. The excursion can last anywhere from an afternoon to a few days. Havana Beaches Source: Tupungato / shutterstock Playa Megano, Cuba He was very knowledgeable about the history of all of the sites we went to and showed us the best local places in all cities to eat, go dancing and do whatever activities we were interested in. Anyway, I hope this helps you and if you have more questions, please just ask me. If were only going to Havana for the day is it Old Havana that we see and walk around.??? If we do decide to stay over a night.anything in particular should we visit?in the larger city? At least with a hotel, you know that the service will be good and there will be very few surprises. You might be able to strike a deal and join in with the other passenger for a relatively low rate. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/americas-cuba/cuba/walking-tours-in-havana?page=1#post_20897799, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWlDdCwEc6Y, https://bestcubaguide.com/havana-taxi-tours-cuba-excursions/havana-taxi-guided-tour/, https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g147271-d6979715-Reviews-Fabrica_de_Arte_Cubano-Havana_Ciudad_de_la_Habana_Province_Cuba.html, https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g147271-d8607677-Reviews-Al_Carbon-Havana_Ciudad_de_la_Habana_Province_Cuba.html, List of CADECA Locations in Havana and Cuba, Tour Guides and Organizers in Vinales Cuba. Plaza de la Revolucion: Also in El Vedado, the vast expanse of the Plaza de la Revolucion has been the heart of the Cuban government and politics since 1959. Thanks! Havana tours and excursions - World Travel Guide 12 BEST Havana Shore Excursions: Things to Do, Cruise Day Tour The return trip would cost the same. Our driver was excellent and our tour guide Jorge truly went above and beyond to provide a fun, informative, and unique experience. The Best Day Trips from Havana - TripSavvy Visit a tobacco plantation with explanation of the Tobacco's process You will be standing in front of the Departures terminal. Price per adults. Most people suggest not using a guide and just discovering Havana on your own https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/americas-cuba/cuba/walking-tours-in-havana?page=1#post_20897799. The cost would be $35 per hour, and if you want to tour for longer, you just tell the guide and he can stay for longer. Check out the Salon de Espejos (Hall of Mirrors), which was meant to resemble the room of the same name at the Palace of Versailles. Others will tell you to get a nice hotel room in the middle of the Old Havana tourist action. Sometimes you might happen upon a driver who is planning a trip to Varadero anyway, so he might offer to take you along at a discount rate. Plus, since you wont have as much choice as just browsing on the internet and choosing a place you like. Not much English for any of the drivers so a working knowledge of Spanish is a big plus as a passenger. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Known as the Havana Riviera, Playas del Este are located at just 30 minutes drive from Cuba. You will receive an email with a summary of your bookings. Which places provide the most romantic tours in Havana? We walked the streets sometimes till late and always felt welcomed. She taught us a lot about the culture and showed us many great places, some we even visited again in the following days! And always remember,your money goes pretty far in Cuba. The bus stops directly in front of the departures area of the airport. The second stop will occur about 5 minutes later, when the bus enters the Vedado neighborhood. Touts, beggars and more gather in this atmospheric and shady plaza, which is flanked by historic buildings and museums. P, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolucin, La Habana. Viales is three hours from Havana by car. Pick up at the hotel and departure towards Pinar del Ro; Havana Cruise Port | Tourist information about Havana - Cuba But you should know that since cuba is very poor, most locals do not have much money to party. You can look up the lowest rates at http://www.sunwing.ca. 2) The other option is to take the Viazul and then stay a night in Havana. We are planing to sight see around there. City tour around Havana (Car tour, 6 hours), Havanas, 100 faces. See more tours for kids in Havana on Tripadvisor, See more tours for couples in Havana on Tripadvisor, See more tours for groups in Havana on Tripadvisor, See more budget-friendly tours in Havana on Tripadvisor, See more romantic tours in Havana on Tripadvisor, See more hidden gem tours in Havana on Tripadvisor, See more adventurous tours in Havana on Tripadvisor, See more tours for adrenaline seekers in Havana on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Jose Marti Intl Airport (HAV), Motels near Jose Marti Intl Airport (HAV), Things to do near Old Square (Plaza Vieja), Things to do near Parque de la Fraternidad, Things to do near Convento e Iglesia de Nuestra Seora de Belen, Things to do near Jose Marti Intl Airport (HAV), Things to do near Mystique Habana by Royalton, Things to do near Hotel Grand Aston la Habana, Things to do near Iberostar Parque Central, Things to do near Casa Cuarteles B&B Boutique, Things to do near Boutique Hotel Vapor 156, Dyker Heights Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour, Haleakala Sunrise Best Self-Guided Bike Tour with Bike Maui, New Years 2023 Eve Party At Dubai Canal Cruise - See the Burj Khalifa Fireworks, Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour, 2 Hours Private UTV Can-am Adventure Tour in San Juan Puerto Rico, El Quetzal Birdwatching Tour from Cobn - Guatemalas National Bird. On every trip, the bus stops to pick up and drop off passengers at the Varadero airport. So in total, the trip to go and come back would be 190cuc. The few privately run restaurants (known as paladars) were subject to a slew of red tape that made them almost as bad as the state-run ones. I suggest that you book your seat a day or two in advance. 3. THE 10 BEST Varadero Tours & Excursions - Tripadvisor This site is reCAPTCHA protected and Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply. 145 . You should go to http://www.Viazul.com and try to buy your tickets there. 2. Hotel Nacional: Overlooking the malecon, one of history's most important hotels sits atop a cliff. Have fun! Tour around the house with a specialized guide; Double checking all inclusive in Cuba does that mean food drink and hotel tax? Highly recommended. Private classic car tours are bookable directly with a tour operator. . We offer a number of unique experiential activities that allow you to get a real taste for Havana. Lastly, should we exchange both the convertible pesos and the regular cuban pesos so we dont get our convertible pesos ripped off when buying things in havana? Another option is to take a taxi from Varadero to Havana. (by car, 2.5 hours), Cabaret Tropicana + mini tour Nighttime in Havana (by car), "Buena Vista Social Club" Show+ mini tour "Nightlife in Havana" (Car tour), Cannon shot + Cabaret Tropicana + mini-tour around nighttime Havana (Auto excursion), . Connected to the original building (with 277 rooms), La Torre is more low-key and the rooms fresher. Visit to Viale see more, Pick up at the hotels according to the staggered schedule established for the excursion Transfer Hotel-Marina Gaviota. Crossing enjoying the charms of our seas. Recorded music and OPEN BAR with beers, see more, During your vacation on the beautiful Varadero beach, don't miss the opportunity to spend a day sailing on a comfortable and spacious catamaran that will reach the desert island of Cayo Blanco, stopping offshore for a see more, Air-conditioned bus pick-up Arrival to Cayo Las Brujas, to sail aboard a catamaran on a trip bordering small cays. Interactive contact and show with dolphins. Snorkelling session in warm and transpa see more, EXCURSION IN CATAMARAN IN CAYO GUILLERMO