Going to Cuba.. Need recommendations

[Lordofrolex]

Hi,

So me and my girlfriend are going with another couple to Cuba July 2nd for 6 days. We are staying at the sagarato hotel in old Havana.

I would love some recommendation of restaurants, excursions and other activities that we shouldn't miss while we are there.

Excited to see what all of you have to recommend.

[RobearH]

You can stage an impromptu Havana Club Rum challenge.

[GerardoG]

Cabaret Tropicana show. Visit Partagas cigar factory. Floridita (daiquiri and a picture next to Hemingway) and La Bodeguita for mojitos. Lunch at Hotel El Nacional....sooo many things to do!

[AzPaul]

Recent thread on visiting Cuba

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...highlight=cuba

[Cerachrom12]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Cabaret Tropicana show. Visit Partagas cigar factory. Floridita (daiquiri and a picture next to Hemingway) and La Bodeguita for mojitos. Lunch at Hotel El Nacional....sooo many things to do!

Partagas factory is closed. Cigars no longer rolled there. Not sure about the cigar store itself located there.

[Lordofrolex]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Cabaret Tropicana show. Visit Partagas cigar factory. Floridita (daiquiri and a picture next to Hemingway) and La Bodeguita for mojitos. Lunch at Hotel El Nacional....sooo many things to do!

Thanks. I know of these things. Def going to look into them now.

[Chewbacca]

honestly, hire a private russian, german, french, english speaking guide (because they'll be the better ones) to take you to the Rum factory, Cohiba factory and the Hemingway experience spots. they also know the best spots and You'll skip lines, get good seating, vip tours and you'll feel like a boss. expect to pay $100 - $150 US$ per 8 hrs but pay AFTER, not before and let the guide eat with you if you make a lunch stop. its cheap and goes a long way.

also, leave the rolex, jewels, at home and leave nothing in the car or bus if on tours. also, never buy tobacco or booze on the street. its all banana leaves and colored rubbing alcohol with genuine labels and seals. buy from gov run stores. oh, and always carry matches and bubble gum for the street kids or they'll mark you. bring lots (LOTS) of 1's and 5's and don't bring $50's or 100's because they can't break them and they think they're fakes.

other than that, the people are very friendly but stoic, its relatively safe but crimes of opportunity are expected.

have fun.

[Lordofrolex]

Originally Posted by AzPaul

Recent thread on visiting Cuba

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...highlight=cuba

That thread only talked about why not to go there. We already booked hotel and bought fights.

[Lordofrolex]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

honestly, hire a private russian, german, french, english speaking guide (because they'll be the better ones) to take you to the Rum factory, Cohiba factory and the Hemingway experience spots. they also know the best spots and You'll skip lines, get good seating, vip tours and you'll feel like a boss. expect to pay $100 - $150 US$ per 8 hrs but pay AFTER, not before and let the guide eat with you if you make a lunch stop. its cheap and goes a long way.

also, leave the rolex, jewels, at home and leave nothing in the car or bus if on tours. also, never buy tobacco or booze on the street. its all banana leaves and colored rubbing alcohol with genuine labels and seals. buy from gov run stores. oh, and always carry matches and bubble gum for the street kids or they'll mark you. bring lots (LOTS) of 1's and 5's and don't bring $50's or 100's because they can't break them and they think they're fakes.

other than that, the people are very friendly but stoic, its relatively safe but crimes of opportunity are expected.

have fun.

Thanks for the advice. How should i go about finding a private guide?

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Lordofrolex

Thanks for the advice. How should i go about finding a private guide?

they'll spot you but ask the german/UK tour desks in the better hotels.

[Chewbacca]

and wear something Blue Jays or Canadian maple leaf or whatever. a hat or tee works.

they like baseball and canadians; you'll think every tourist is a jays fan or canadian, but they're not.

[Lordofrolex]

Anyone have any cigar factory tour recommendations?

[texex91]

Last place I'd choose to travel...but let us know your thoughts when you return.

Don't count on much internet service either (may not be a bad thing).

Stay safe enjoy the travels.

[nick c]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

honestly, hire a private russian, german, french, english speaking guide (because they'll be the better ones) to take you to the Rum factory, Cohiba factory and the Hemingway experience spots. they also know the best spots and You'll skip lines, get good seating, vip tours and you'll feel like a boss. expect to pay $100 - $150 US$ per 8 hrs but pay AFTER, not before and let the guide eat with you if you make a lunch stop. its cheap and goes a long way.

also, leave the rolex, jewels, at home and leave nothing in the car or bus if on tours. also, never buy tobacco or booze on the street. its all banana leaves and colored rubbing alcohol with genuine labels and seals. buy from gov run stores. oh, and always carry matches and bubble gum for the street kids or they'll mark you. bring lots (LOTS) of 1's and 5's and don't bring $50's or 100's because they can't break them and they think they're fakes.

other than that, the people are very friendly but stoic, its relatively safe but crimes of opportunity are expected.

have fun.

Great advice but you can wear Rolex or Panerai no problems

[GB-man]

Just curious but what happens with the street kids? They surround you and demand bubble gum and matches?

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Just curious but what happens with the street kids? They surround you and demand bubble gum and matches?

yes.

they resell the gum to nonsmokers and the matches to cigar tourists. its easier than showing cash because they'll follow you all day. its more annoying than a safety issue.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Lordofrolex

Anyone have any cigar factory tour recommendations?

Habanos SA handles all national brands. its run by the gov. there's only one in havana for tourist access.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

yes.

they resell the gum to nonsmokers and the matches to cigar tourists. its easier than showing cash because they'll follow you all day. its more annoying than a safety issue.

Hustlers!

[Lordofrolex]

Any recommendation for food? Best Cuban sandwich? Etc..

[Lordofrolex]

Originally Posted by nick c

Great advice but you can wear Rolex or Panerai no problems

I was planning on wearing my Panerai. You think that would be safe?

[2th_doc]

They wear 2 rolexes at a time in cuba.....so when in cuba.......




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[Hooper]

Cayo Coco area/ Cayo Guillermo, specifically Melia Cayo Guillermo

[nick c]

Originally Posted by Lordofrolex

I was planning on wearing my Panerai. You think that would be safe?

Yes I been in Cuba more then 10 times always wearing watches

[Lordofrolex]

Originally Posted by 2th_doc

They wear 2 rolexes at a time in cuba.....so when in cuba.......




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lol

Originally Posted by nick c

Yes I been in Cuba more then 10 times always wearing watches

Any recommendation on what to do and where to eat?