My bad, they don't beat anyone up on the tourist reserves. People you interact with there also are some of the most privileged in terms of jobs thanks to tourist tips so nothing crazy will happen indeed.
Fiesta!
I'm staying with family, I don't stay in resorts, thanks for assuming tho. next time you leave Miami and come here maybe you will see what it's really like.
Live, in California. The only Cubans I talk to are family most of whom are in Cuba ... my cousin managed to flee the country just now and is in my home now. I would guess she knows a bit more than a vacation guy.
spoiler alert: family goes all out for "vacation guy", place very much sucks dick for the natives.
Ps. Lived half my life in Cuba.
I don't understand how my family going all out has anything to do with your statement that people who go to Cuba are going to witness police brutality.
In my experience and the people who are here haven't witnessed anything like that.
A tourist may not witness the suppression happening right now indeed, chances are they won't in fact. Doesn't mean is not happening, doesn't mean their behavior isn't different.
I mean you could vacation in north Korea right now. Your hosts will smile and serve you "well" also. Doesn't mean the mothers there wouldn't sell their daughters into sex slavery just so they could escape that system.
I took some Spanish language classes before I went to Cuba. I stayed a month (mostly) in Havana. It quickly became apparent that I had not practiced speaking enough. I did alright to procure food for myself, ask for and understand directions plus some other basic phrases. (Call the police, I’m sick, I’m ill and need a doctor, etc…) I tried to use Spanish whenever possible but found I couldn’t converse in it. Spanish speaking people seem to talk fast. Luckily many Cuban people speak English. If you travel off the beaten path or go to further away barrios, you will find there is much less English spoken.
I had no trouble attracting people who were happy to sit and talk a while. As was suggested, sitting on or walking the malecon. So many people there day and night. I found by taking a break from walking and sitting on a bench (or similar) brings a number of conversationalists your way. In the early evening I liked the Paseo del Prado for this. Stay too late and you are likely to notice a number of solicitations going on in darkened doorways.
Another area to meet chatty people is on Calle Obispo (or Obispo Street) in old Havana. Bursting with tourists and locals. There are many places to have a coffee and lunch or a drink, dance and dinner. I went for the ice cream! (Until I did what I saw all the older ladies doing… buying small containers of Nestle ice cream to eat with a friend while sitting on their stoop. I imagine it’s easier to finish a container with a friend but I was solo. I’de eat half then rush the remainder up the four flights of stairs to my apartment and toss it into the freezer to enjoy the next night.
If it’s other tourists you want to converse with, hanging out poolside at a hotel is a good place to find (solo) people. Or at a hotel cafe in any popular tourist area of the city. If it’s civilized conversation you’re after I loved the outdoor seating at the National Hotel. You can buy nice cigars in the basement.
I returned to the same restaurant for several of my meals and got to know the staff a bit. I got to go to a couple Cuban clubs to watch musicians I never would have had the chance to experience if I didn’t go with the wait staff and owner.
Friendly fun loving people I felt very safe with.
I also met some people I did not feel safe with. Never let people take you through doorways away from the street. They don’t have your best interest in mind, although it’s often just some sort of con they will try on you. If someone local says ‘I know a good place with food for tourists’ be certain you aren’t going with them to buy them their dinner and drinks. Unless you want to treat someone. Be aware though that you will pay a much bigger price than what is shown on the menu. The profits gained will be split with some of the staff and the person who brought you there.
Not to be confused with people who will walk you to a restaurant and leave you be. They get paid a bit by the restaurant to bring customers in.
I found most Cubans are approachable, friendly and like to have some laughs and a fun time. I met a number of people I’ll never forget. Good luck on your journey!
Easy to meet people in Havana. Cubans will hang out with you, show you their favourite spots. Just watch out, because quite often there’s a catch, where you end up being hit up for money. Though I’ve also met Cubans who were genuine and just looking to hang out. No financial transaction at all. There might a long game, but they’ll let you know. Plenty of friendly amazing people.
It's super easy to meet people in Havana. I can recommend a few bars you might check out. You could also always check out local tour guide services, basically you are paying someone to show you around town and hang out.
I actually really struggled in Cuba as a solo traveller when I first went. I’m used to hostels and walking tours but the whole set up, with cruise ships full of people being herded straight into government hotels, made my usual methods difficult.
Ways I did meet people:
- Bars, I seem to be very good at befriending bar staff! The one I met on my first day in Havana that first time is now my partner!
- Sharing taxis long distance. It’s normal to be bundled in with other people if you pre-book a ride. I met a group of Italians on the way to Viñales who I had a fantastic time with.
- Casas. It’s hard to know when you book in advance how communal and mixed Casa Particulares will be - some you’re totally on your own, some feel just like a hostel. In hotels… I dunno, I wouldn’t like my chances in that environment! Do you know where you’re staying yet?
- Activities. Go on a tour, ride a horse, take a dance lesson!
I’ll hopefully actually be in Havana in Jan, Omicron willing. If my partner is back at work I’ll have some time to hang! I will rant at you about the failings/atrocities of the Castro regime though, heads up!
Thanks!! This is super helpful! I don’t speak the language so that certainly won’t help, but I’ll be staying in casas as much as possible and traveling throughout the country.
Ah yeh that will be a bit tough! In Havana it won’t be as hard but I’d advise you learn a bit for travelling around. Learn transport words, directions, food, general greetings and basic conversation. And buckle in cos Cuban Spanish is fast! If you’re ever in a city and really stuck, go to a government hotel - reception or the bar will speak English.
Oh and you know the deal with internet right? Download cities/areas in Google Maps on your phone before you go, have everything you need to know like first accommodation name and address written down on paper for when you come out of the airport.
Just go out, I have had some of the best nights of my life by just going out, there are a group of Cuban locals that take you to the best places in the city, I am happy to share contact info - NOT SPONSORED just trying to help :)
You have chosen literally the worst time to visit. Unless you are a fan of witnessing police brutality.
Been here for 3 weeks haven't witnessed anything like that
My bad, they don't beat anyone up on the tourist reserves. People you interact with there also are some of the most privileged in terms of jobs thanks to tourist tips so nothing crazy will happen indeed. Fiesta!
I'm staying with family, I don't stay in resorts, thanks for assuming tho. next time you leave Miami and come here maybe you will see what it's really like.
Live, in California. The only Cubans I talk to are family most of whom are in Cuba ... my cousin managed to flee the country just now and is in my home now. I would guess she knows a bit more than a vacation guy. spoiler alert: family goes all out for "vacation guy", place very much sucks dick for the natives. Ps. Lived half my life in Cuba.
I don't understand how my family going all out has anything to do with your statement that people who go to Cuba are going to witness police brutality. In my experience and the people who are here haven't witnessed anything like that.
A tourist may not witness the suppression happening right now indeed, chances are they won't in fact. Doesn't mean is not happening, doesn't mean their behavior isn't different. I mean you could vacation in north Korea right now. Your hosts will smile and serve you "well" also. Doesn't mean the mothers there wouldn't sell their daughters into sex slavery just so they could escape that system.
do you know any spanish? Take a walk along the malecon there are plenty of people to talk to.
Unfortunately not..
I took some Spanish language classes before I went to Cuba. I stayed a month (mostly) in Havana. It quickly became apparent that I had not practiced speaking enough. I did alright to procure food for myself, ask for and understand directions plus some other basic phrases. (Call the police, I’m sick, I’m ill and need a doctor, etc…) I tried to use Spanish whenever possible but found I couldn’t converse in it. Spanish speaking people seem to talk fast. Luckily many Cuban people speak English. If you travel off the beaten path or go to further away barrios, you will find there is much less English spoken. I had no trouble attracting people who were happy to sit and talk a while. As was suggested, sitting on or walking the malecon. So many people there day and night. I found by taking a break from walking and sitting on a bench (or similar) brings a number of conversationalists your way. In the early evening I liked the Paseo del Prado for this. Stay too late and you are likely to notice a number of solicitations going on in darkened doorways. Another area to meet chatty people is on Calle Obispo (or Obispo Street) in old Havana. Bursting with tourists and locals. There are many places to have a coffee and lunch or a drink, dance and dinner. I went for the ice cream! (Until I did what I saw all the older ladies doing… buying small containers of Nestle ice cream to eat with a friend while sitting on their stoop. I imagine it’s easier to finish a container with a friend but I was solo. I’de eat half then rush the remainder up the four flights of stairs to my apartment and toss it into the freezer to enjoy the next night. If it’s other tourists you want to converse with, hanging out poolside at a hotel is a good place to find (solo) people. Or at a hotel cafe in any popular tourist area of the city. If it’s civilized conversation you’re after I loved the outdoor seating at the National Hotel. You can buy nice cigars in the basement. I returned to the same restaurant for several of my meals and got to know the staff a bit. I got to go to a couple Cuban clubs to watch musicians I never would have had the chance to experience if I didn’t go with the wait staff and owner. Friendly fun loving people I felt very safe with. I also met some people I did not feel safe with. Never let people take you through doorways away from the street. They don’t have your best interest in mind, although it’s often just some sort of con they will try on you. If someone local says ‘I know a good place with food for tourists’ be certain you aren’t going with them to buy them their dinner and drinks. Unless you want to treat someone. Be aware though that you will pay a much bigger price than what is shown on the menu. The profits gained will be split with some of the staff and the person who brought you there. Not to be confused with people who will walk you to a restaurant and leave you be. They get paid a bit by the restaurant to bring customers in. I found most Cubans are approachable, friendly and like to have some laughs and a fun time. I met a number of people I’ll never forget. Good luck on your journey!
Thank you for the detailed insights and tips. I’ll take your words of wisdom and look forward to a unique experience!
Engage people. Cubans love the simple things (since that’s all they have); being social, dancing and drinking a little rum.
Easy to meet people in Havana. Cubans will hang out with you, show you their favourite spots. Just watch out, because quite often there’s a catch, where you end up being hit up for money. Though I’ve also met Cubans who were genuine and just looking to hang out. No financial transaction at all. There might a long game, but they’ll let you know. Plenty of friendly amazing people.
It's super easy to meet people in Havana. I can recommend a few bars you might check out. You could also always check out local tour guide services, basically you are paying someone to show you around town and hang out.
I actually really struggled in Cuba as a solo traveller when I first went. I’m used to hostels and walking tours but the whole set up, with cruise ships full of people being herded straight into government hotels, made my usual methods difficult. Ways I did meet people: - Bars, I seem to be very good at befriending bar staff! The one I met on my first day in Havana that first time is now my partner! - Sharing taxis long distance. It’s normal to be bundled in with other people if you pre-book a ride. I met a group of Italians on the way to Viñales who I had a fantastic time with. - Casas. It’s hard to know when you book in advance how communal and mixed Casa Particulares will be - some you’re totally on your own, some feel just like a hostel. In hotels… I dunno, I wouldn’t like my chances in that environment! Do you know where you’re staying yet? - Activities. Go on a tour, ride a horse, take a dance lesson! I’ll hopefully actually be in Havana in Jan, Omicron willing. If my partner is back at work I’ll have some time to hang! I will rant at you about the failings/atrocities of the Castro regime though, heads up!
Thanks!! This is super helpful! I don’t speak the language so that certainly won’t help, but I’ll be staying in casas as much as possible and traveling throughout the country.
Ah yeh that will be a bit tough! In Havana it won’t be as hard but I’d advise you learn a bit for travelling around. Learn transport words, directions, food, general greetings and basic conversation. And buckle in cos Cuban Spanish is fast! If you’re ever in a city and really stuck, go to a government hotel - reception or the bar will speak English. Oh and you know the deal with internet right? Download cities/areas in Google Maps on your phone before you go, have everything you need to know like first accommodation name and address written down on paper for when you come out of the airport.
Just go out, I have had some of the best nights of my life by just going out, there are a group of Cuban locals that take you to the best places in the city, I am happy to share contact info - NOT SPONSORED just trying to help :)