Visiting Cuba in 2025: A Complete Travel Guide for Americans
TL;DR: Americans can safely and legally travel to Cuba in 2025. Life has gotten harder for Cubans, especially since the pandemic, and poverty is more visible. However, Cuba remains a unique Caribbean destination with culture, history, and adventure — especially for intrepid travelers. Scroll down for my Cuba travel tips, Havana restaurant recommendations, and the best things to do.
Information about American travel to Cuba is often confusing (some of it seemingly by design), with U.S. travelers unsure whether they can legally visit the Caribbean’s largest island, just over an hour’s flight from Miami.
Good news: Americans can travel to Cuba in 2025 either directly or via a third country such as Mexico. I have a deep love for Cuba, especially Havana, which easily ranks among my top five favorite cities in the world. It’s a fascinating country with a complex U.S.–Cuba history, dating back long before the Cold War and Bay of Pigs. Understanding this past is key to grasping the ongoing tensions between the two governments.
Recommended reading: The Pulitzer Prize-winning Cuba: An American History by Ada Ferrer. I learned so much.
In Havana, many things are true at the same time.
It’s the capital of a communist country where state-employed nurses earn roughly $13 a month, basic services like trash collection and electricity often falter, and poverty and desperation are glaringly — uncomfortably — evident. You’ll still see people lining up for groceries outside sparsely stocked government-run stores using paper ration books.
And yes, the current government isn’t exactly known for a strong human rights record, and some might wonder — is it ethical to travel to Cuba? (This, of course, is a personal question, and my personal opinion is that the benefits of responsible tourism in Cuba outweigh the concern that you are inadvertently supporting an oppressive regime.)
It’s a city that still carries a theme park–esque charm, transporting visitors to a bygone era. Cliché? Maybe. But true! Streets are filled with gleaming, haven’t-aged-a-day classic American cars from the ’50s and rusted Soviet-era Ladas, set against a backdrop of stunning — if crumbling — colonial buildings. Add in the famous Cuban cigar culture, strong mojitos (shortages be damned — fresh mint and rum are always in endless supply), a constant soundtrack of live rumba, and a pulsating energy, and it’s no wonder that, before the revolution, the American mafia had plans to turn Havana into another Las Vegas — and maintained a significant presence in the city.
It’s shrinking. Cuba has historically seen waves of emigration, and during post-COVID hardships, more than 1 million people — roughly 10% of the population, many of them young — left the island, driven by economic collapse and political uncertainty. Havana feels emptier and less hopeful than it did when I visited pre-pandemic. It was darker at night too, probably a result of the ongoing energy crisis. Just one day after my last visit, the entire city was hit by as days-long blackout.
All of that said, there is a thriving arts and food scene. Over the past few decades, the Cuban government has been increasingly legalizing private businesses — in large part because they serve as a much-needed financial lifeline to the cash-strapped state. The result is a growing entrepreneurial class opening high-quality, innovative bars and restaurants, a wide range of Airbnb stays in Havana, and arts and culture hubs like Fábrica de Arte Cubano — one of the best things to do in Havana. Tourist dollars are both wanted and needed — though it’s an undeniable fact that some of them will circulate back to the government
Hardships aside, the Cuban spirit is one of resilience and a zest for life — they know how to have fun — giving the city a vibrant, unstoppable energy that I find really inspiring. As one local told me, “we’re like cockroaches, nothing kills us.”
GETTING IN
The process is simple. Cuba requires all visitors to apply for an e-visa. This can be done directly through the Cuban government but its easier to use a third party — I went with Visa Cuba. The price of the visa depends on where you are flying from, not your nationality. From the U.S. a standard visa through Visa Cuba costs $50. If you’re flying from Mexico, it drops to $25. Visas are typically processed in less than 24 hours, but if you pay a $7 priority fee your visa will be processed in less than 15 minutes.
Select your purpose. Before you board your flight to Cuba, your airline will provide you with a declaration to sign confirming that you will engage in activities that comply with the U.S. government’s guidelines, as tourism is technically prohibited. Here you will select the category of “Support for the Cuban People” — which is as vague as it seems. Staying in an Airbnb? Supporting the Cuban people. Staying in a hotel — all of which are at least partially government-owned? Technically illegal. Would you be prosecuted? Unlikely, but with this administration, never say never.
Flights to Cuba: Currently (as of August 2025), there are nonstop flights to Havana from Tampa, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, as well as from Mexico City and Cancun.
MONEY
Planning your spending beforehand is crucial, as the economy is almost entirely cash-based and you will not be able to withdraw money. That means you must arrive with enough money to cover your entire trip. U.S. dollars are best for Cuba travel and Euros are accepted by money exchangers as well. In Cuba there is an official exchange rate which is low and irrelevant. The economy operates around the black market exchange rate which is constantly in flux; the latest information can be found on the El Toque website. Subtract about 10 pesos from the current exchange rate and that is the best rate you will be able to get from a money changer. So if the El Toque rate is 350 Cuban pesos to the dollar, you should try to get ~340. However, you need to go to a trusted money exchanger — typically your Airbnb host can recommend one. They may also be willing to exchange your money for you, though often at a slightly lower rate. Try not to exchange more money than you need (you can exchange more than once) because you can’t exchange it back and Cuban pesos are essentially worthless outside of the country.
Note: The streets are full of people offering to exchange money. Lots of bad stories, I wouldn’t risk it.
GETTING AROUND
Taxis from the Havana airport cost $25-30 USD. Outside of the airport, taxis quote high and you should be prepared to bargain. Bicycle taxis, or bicitaxis, are a more affordable option for shorter distances. Old Havana is very walkable, but leaving the city to visit popular destinations like Viñales or Varadero is difficult, with public transport not really a viable option. You will have to hire a driver for ~$100-200, so factor that into your budgeting.
Recommended driver: I use a man named Israel who drives an impeccable white and green 1950s Buick. An airport pickup costs ~$40 to cover the wait time, but starting your trip in a classic car? A worthy expense. You can contact Israel on Whatsapp — +5352487066. Tell him you got his number from Pavel’s American friend Danielle.
WHERE TO STAY
Airbnbs, or casa particulares, as they’re known locally, are the way to go in Cuba. There are hotels but they’re government-owned, more expensive, and will rarely meet typical Western hotel standards. Airbnbs are unique, more affordable (starting around $15/night for a room), and allow you to directly support Cubans.
Note: Havana is divided into three main neighborhoods: Old Havana, where much of the tourism action takes place, Central Havana, which has the same vibe as Old Havana but fewer tourists, and Vedado, which has a more residential, modern feel and is also home to Havana’s nightlife scene. I prefer to stay in Old Havana or Central Havana near the border with Old Havana.
INTERNET
Don’t expect much. The Cuban government is the sole cell service and wifi provider. If your phone takes a physical sim you can purchase one at the airport or ask your Airbnb host to help. High-speed internet in Cuba does not exist — treat it as a break from being online.
SCAMS
The hustle is real in Havana and even an experienced traveler can slip up and… buy a nice bottle of rum that has been opened and replaced with something cheap (me, it happened to me). There are plenty of nice people with good intentions … but it’s important to stay on top of your game. Don’t buy brand name cigars on the street for a “good price” or go to a “cigar fair,” don’t let yourself be hustled into a bar or restaurant where someone is trying to make a commission, always ensure menus have prices listed and if they don’t, confirm what they are before purchasing. You know, the same rules that apply all over the world: nothing is free, if something seems too good to be true it probably is.
Note: I want to add that it’s common for people, both children and adults, to approach tourists and ask for money. Given the current economic situation and lack of opportunities, it’s a place I personally feel OK giving money (sometimes, not all the time!) when asked. Likewise, you can buy people food, bring granola bars etc. There is also a dire need for OTC medications (among many other things).
SAFETY
I find Havana, and Cuba as a whole, to be very safe. Both guns and drugs are highly regulated, with heavy penalties — smoking a joint can get you thrown in prison for years. Like anywhere, be aware of your surroundings at night, and if it’s late or you’ve been drinking, grab a taxi or bici home.
SEX TOURISM
This section is for awareness only. There is a lot of sex tourism in Havana, and it’s quite normal to see older, mainly European men, with their (much) younger Cuban “girlfriends.” It’s not uncommon for single men, or groups of men, to be approached and propositioned by women during their visit. Give a firm no gracias and walk away.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
Activities
You don’t need a strict itinerary to enjoy Havana — in fact, quite the opposite. One of the most enjoyable things to do is get lost, admire the architecture and rhythm of daily life, take a mojito break, rinse, repeat.
Free walking tours in Havana: These are a great way to get a foundational understanding of Havana attractions and history during your first days, while meeting locals and gaining an insider’s perspective. I did two tours with Jorge and can’t recommend him enough. (Remember, free walking tour guides live off tips. Try to tip in USD.) These tours are among the best things to do in Havana for first-time visitors.
Antique market: Officially known as the feria de publicaciones y curiosidades (off Obispo Street), you’ll find a great selection of vintage Cuban antiques and collectibles, from century-old National Geographic magazines to pocket watches and propaganda materials from the Castro era. Most vendors work every other day, so visiting on different days shows new items. A must-visit market for collectors and unique Havana souvenirs
Mercado Artesania: Havana’s largest handicraft market and Cuban artisan hub, near the Malecón. Stalls sell hand-carved wood, leather goods, paintings, jewelry, and textiles. Some items are touristy and repetitive — paintings of classic cars and weathered old women smoking cigars — but you can find authentic Cuban crafts and souvenirs. If buying Cuban art is a priority for you, there are many independent galleries throughout Havana that you will stumble upon while exploring.
Boxing: The sport is huge in Cuba, and I was lucky to catch a youth match between boxers from China, Serbia, and Cuba at the Rafael Trejo Boxing Gym, with former champions watching from the bleachers (!). It was an incredible experience — definitely worth checking if any matches are happening during your visit.
Local beaches: Head to the quintessential Caribbean-blue beaches just east of Havana with T3 tourist bus ($10 roundtrip, about 40 minutes drive), which leaves from Parque Central, opposite Hotel Inglaterra every 40 minutes. It stops at three beaches and the third is the nicest, with a small restaurant, a piña colada stand, and a bathroom. Double check what time the last bus departs back to Havana from the beach, it’s usually around 5 p.m.
Restaurants:
Havana has its fair share of tourist traps (Paladar Doña Eutimia, El del Frente, to name a few that have personally offended me), but in all fairness, these places occupy prime locations, have ample outdoor seating + ambiance, and are still incredibly affordable coming from the U.S. or Europe. The best restaurants, however, are often less obvious:
Jibaro (69 Merced) Hands-down my favorite restaurant in Havana. Expect an innovative rotating menu of fusion dishes, from falafel to pelmeni to ceviche (random, yes, but it works). The lobster entree, sauteed octopus over sweet potato (jibano a la faira) and yuca crackers with pork and beans (montadito guanijo) are incredible and I ordered them on multiple occasions. Food and cocktails are wildly affordable + well executed. I want a Jibaro in every city.
Habana 61 (Habana 61) Amazing, amazing service, food, and stunning presentation — still thinking about the fish croquettes and the coconut pudding.
Los Marinos (Avenida Del Puerto 352) This no-frills, low-cost restaurant — there were just two dishes on the menu — is a great spot to relax on the terrace, enjoy the sun, and sip a cold beer while overlooking the water with a plate of fresh fish.
Pizzeria El Italiano (Calle Aguilla) Fast, cheap pizza is one of the most ubiquitous ‘street foods’ in Havana, and while the ingredients aren’t going to impress Italians, when it’s fresh out of the oven — and this is how it should be eaten — it’s 10/10 (especially after a few mojitos). El Italiano is among the most popular, and there’s always a line of locals outside waiting for their orders.
El Café (Amargura 358) A great breakfast and lunch spot, especially those looking for something familiar like… avocado toast and an iced latte.
Michifú (Calle Concordia + Escobar) I accidentally stumbled across this hidden gem in Central Havana with great art and live music. It’s owned by a Frenchman, meaning that in addition to classics like langosta enchilada, you’ll find dishes like foie gras and duck rillettes.
El Chanchullero (Bernaza + El Cristo, 457) A popular spot for both tourists and locals known for its fair prices + central location overlooking Plaza del Cristo.
Bars
Bar Melodrama (Obrapía 511) Great cocktails (try the ginger mojito — wow, and the Bloody Mary — they make their own Worcestershire sauce), great bartenders, great vibe. Bar Melodrama would be successful in any city.
La Dichosa (Obispo + Compostela) The kind of place you can easily have too much fun: $1 mojitos, live music all day, a nice mix of tourists and locals, and one of the best bartenders around — if you see Felix, say hi!
Fábrica de Arte Cubano (Calle 26 in between 11 + 13, Vedado) A must-visit multidisciplinary arts space and popular nightclub housed in a former cooking oil factory.
Cervecería Antiguo Almacén de la Madera y El Tabaco (Avenida Puerto y San Pedro) An old wood and tobacco warehouse turned microbrewery — very fittingly for Cuba, you have two options of beer: dark or light.
Hotel Nacional (Calle 21 + O) This was THE place to be in its heyday, with Frank Sinatra, Ernest Hemingway, the United States Mafia, and Winston Churchill among those who stayed there. It’s worth stopping by the hotel’s terrace, which overlooks the sea and still holds a semblance of its former glamor, for a drink.
La Zorra y El Cuervo (between N + O, Ave. 23) A legendary — if not slightly bare-boned in that probably-government-run way — jazz bar in Havana. Some performers are better than others — nominal cover charge.
There are dozens of well-known places I haven’t included that you will surely come across in your research. This is just a short selection of my absolute favorites — enjoy!
Final word: Cuba in 2025 remains one of the most unique travel destinations in the Caribbean. Visiting responsibly means supporting locals, embracing the culture, and experiencing Havana’s unforgettable spirit.
Need help planning your trip to Cuba? Contact me here.
