5 Place You Must Visit in Cuba

Want to escape the Big Apple for a few days without breaking the bank? Go to CUBA! Starting Fall 2016, JetBlue will be the first airline to offer non-stop flights between JFK and La Havana. So get excited to start preparing for the road to Cuba by discovering a 5 destinations you must visit while you are there. Sit back, relax and enjoy the read! 

As an America citizen traveling to Cuba you will need:

1. An authorization form OFAC to travel to Cuba OR a Specific or General License to travel.
2. A U.S. Passport that is valid at least six months from the return date and at least 2 blank pages in the passport when boarding.
3. Health Insurance that covers you in Cuba (Jetblue includes this $25 surcharge in their fare)
4. A Visa (can be purchased at a U.S. airport for $50)
5. There are 2 Currencies in Cuba but they are in the process of unifying them. $1 = 1CUC

After you have these items, get ready for adventure with these 5 things you absolutely must do while you are in town.

1. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana

The National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana in Cuba is a museum of Fine Arts that exhibits Cuban Art collections from the colonial times up to the modern and contemporary generations. This museum has 3 floors full or international Art from 500 BC to the modern days with an extensive Spanish collection including a work from El Greco! They also have 2000-year-old Roman mosaics and Greek pots from the 5th century BC. Definitely a must see for the History Lovers! Start Planning here! 

2. Old Havana and its Fortification System

Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, Havana quickly became the centro for ship-building in the Caribbeans. It has the biggest density in the area with around 2 millions inhabitants. The most incredible thing is that Havana has preserved the pattern of the early urban setting with its 5 plazas, each with a specific architecture. Walking around Old Havana, you will step back in time, witnessing a mix of baroque and neoclassical style monuments along private and gated houses. Learn more here!

3. "Che" Guevara Mausoleum 

A huge part of the Cuban History, this museum ought to be visited to get a full understanding of the culture in Cuba. Experience this small museum located, actually, next to Che Guevara's mausoleum. Many of his artifacts are located inside and the museum embodies his teaching. This memorial is located in Santa Clara and it houses the remains of executed Marxist revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara along 29 of his fellow combatants killed in 1967. Start the visit here! 

4. Parque de Baconao

Located about 20km away from Santiago de Cuba, Baconao Park is what might be the strangest Park! It is supposed to reflect the history and culture of Cuba but you will strangely find 200 roaming dinosaurs. Strangely enough, these dinosaurs were built by inmates from a local prison! The park also holds around 2,500 miniature car models and a lake to refresh yourself, it is not dry! Start the Jurassic experience here! 

5. La Guarida

Mix your food and your history by eating at La Guarida. The restaurant is rated one of the best restaurants in La Havana. The restored old building entertains guests into this fancy restaurant. The world "fancy" should not turn you down as entrées vary from $15 to $25. The hours of this restaurant are a little odd (8am to 6pm) and you will need reservations (did you review your Spanish for that?)  but it is worth every challenge. You should try some "Arroz Con Pollo," "Boliche," or even some "Moros y Cristianos" Make your reservation here.

We hope you enjoyed these 5 Places You Must Visit in Cuba! While Cuba is still slowly becoming more available to the U.S. we are so excited to count on another country where New Yorkers can easily discover culture, great food and language without breaking the bank! We'd love to hear about your travels (especially your experiences in Cuba), so please leave a comment below. Looking to learn how to speak Spanish? Don't forget to check out our Spanish Group Classes & Private Lessons at JP Linguistics. Gracias!