One Week in Cuba: A Complete Itinerary

You probably found yourself here because you’ve considered traveling to Cuba. In that case - yay! I recently traveled there and had an amazing time. This complete itinerary will not only keep you busy, it will allow you to visit more than just Havana which is something I highly recommend. So.. here we go!

Day 1 - Arrive in Cuba & Explore Havana

Your first and last day of travel doesn't have to be a wash. Hopefully you will have booked a flight that arrives early or midday to Havana. If not, that's okay. You will still have time to make the most of the day. Once you arrive in Cuba, transfer to Havana, Then get settled into your hotel or casa particular.

Stay in La Habana Vieja. It is where all the action is, and it is easy to walk to everything. Another great thing about staying in an Airbnb in Cuba – most of the hosts offer a daily breakfast for 5 CUC a person. The breakfast we had in Havana was incredible.

After you get settled in, explore Havana by foot. Maybe walk along the water, maybe sit and listen to some live music and then have dinner at a paladar (a citizen-owned restaurant).

*TIP – Google Maps may not work unless you are able to score some WiFi, but if you know were your destination is, you can still follow your movements on the map to get there. You just won’t have the app telling you when to turn and such. Not sure if this will work for everyone, but it did for me!

Day 2 - Havana Day Tour

On your first full day in Havana, opt for a day-tour of the city by foot and, of course, by vintage car. I booked all my tours while in Cuba through Cuba Outings. They were phenomenal.

After the tour is over, ask your guide for a dinner recommendation. We chose to go with a light snack after our tour, followed by a stop at the famous Floridita – “Birthplace of the Daquiri.” There is also a local market for locally made souvenirs right down Obispo street (the street that Floridita is located on). We picked up some great goodies there.

Day 3 - Workshop

One of the best meals I had while in Cuba was the one that we made at our cooking workshop. I booked this experience through Airbnb. For a bit of added fun and adventure – take a Coco Taxi to get there. Make sure to have a printed copy of the address you’re going to to show the driver. Another workshop you may be interested in is a salsa dancing class.

If you are an Obama fan like me – spend the afternoon visiting the bench that Michelle Obama donated to Cuba and San Cristóbal Paladar – the paladar that the Obamas ate at.

You may also opt to sit by the water, window shop the art galleries and just relax this evening.

Day 4 - Viñales & Soroa

No visit to Cuba is complete without a day tour to Viñales. Most tour agencies will stop in Soroa on the way to visit the waterfall.

In Viñales you can visit a local tobacco farm and see how the famous Cuban cigars are made.

*Important Note: The Cuban government takes 90% of the cigars that the farms make. They slap a label on them and sell them in the stores. Purchase your cigars from the farm itself. This helps the farmers, and you will get the same quality of cigar. The only difference is that there is no label. As an American – Yes, you can bring back cigars into the states.

If you are with a guide, they may take you to a local restaurant for lunch. Beware – THEY GIVE YOU SO MUCH FOOD. For real! If they say it is $15 a person to try many different dishes – just get one and split it.

Another quick, cool stop you may choose to make before returning to Havana is at the Cueva del Indio.

Day 5 - Travel to Varadero

Spend the morning finishing up your souvenir shopping at the market on Obispo before taking a taxi to Varadero. Once you arrive in Varadero, get settled, go explore and maybe grab a bite to eat. I recommend an Airbnb in the main town part of the peninsula. It makes everything easier. The town is extremely walkable. Most of the hotels are at the very end of the peninsula and cannot be reached easily by foot.

*TIP – The calles or “streets” run vertically while the avenues run horizontally on the peninsula.

The beach is on the northern side of the peninsula. An easy walk to spend this evening watching the sunset on the beach. Stop by Doñaneli Bakery for a cheap, sweet treat ($0.65 for two). If you’re hungry enough – have dinner at La Casona del Arte.

Day 6 - Cienfuegos & Trinidad

Take a day trip from Varadero to Cienfuegos and Trinidad today. It is long drive, about 4 hours, from Varadero to Trinidad. It is worth it though. You’ll step back in time to the untouched colonial town. Learn a bit about the revolution and Cuban history and try the famous Canchanchara drink in Trinidad.

Stop for lunch on the way to Cienfuegos and visit a beautiful mansion by the water once you get there.

Day 7 - Beach Day or Bay of Pigs

Today you can take another day trip to the Bay of Pigs (about 2.5 hours by car) or choose to soak up some sun on the beautiful beach in Varadero on your last full day in Cuba. We opted for a beach day.

Have drinks at the famous Beatles Bar, followed by dinner at Varadero 60 or again, my favorite paladar on the peninsula – La Casona del Arte.

Day 8 - Sunrise in Varadero & Depart Cuba

Wake up early and catch the sunrise on the beach on your last morning in Cuba. I promise, you won’t regret it. Depending on what time of the year you visit (I went at the end of January), you may have the whole beach to yourself.

Take a taxi back to the airport and say goodbye to Cuba!

Final Advice

Book the taxis through your Airbnb hosts.
DO pay for the breakfast option at the Airbnbs (it might be the best food you have in Cuba).
DO read my What To Know Before You Go post for additional information.
DO keep an open mind and an open heart.

If you have any further questions – please leave them in the comments below!