Advice from recent travelers to Cuba?
 

Hi all -
We are planning a Spring visit to Havana and environs, and given all the flux in geopolitics, are hoping for tips from very recent travelers. We have our casa particular & local tours, but are seeking:
~ recommendations about small gifts and tipping
~ great restaurants in Havana
~ any safety issues (other than usual cautious smart travel)
~ anything else you think we should know
With thanks in advance!

Everyone lioves a gift but nobody appreciates cheapness. Keep that in mind.

Sooooo many restaurants in Havana! What part of town y’all staying at?

Havana is very safe unless you make blunders with your attitude and actions. Be cool and don’t talk to strangers, especially the ones that you can not understand what they’re saying!

Only drink bottled water and don’t go heavy on the hard stuff.. Enjoy!

This is C. Waters live from Havana.

Thank you so much! Appreciate the words of wisdom. We are staying in Vedado, close to the Old City.

Any thoughts on types of gifts, things needed?

Gifts for whom? How long are you in Havana for? Are you aware of the currency situation?

Bring anything you might need. Especially medication and over the counter drugs. A first aid kit is a must.

Currently in Vedado.
Restaurant Arpa I recommend. Across the street is Cafe Madrigal for a cool cocktail.
Both on 17 near avenue Paseo.
Stay away from El Balcon Bruno y Pilar on calle 21.

This is C. Waters live from Havana.

Thank you!

At the risk of sounding like an echo... who are you bringing gifts for?
Bring loads of cash. USD/EUR.
Restaurants may put a 10% service charge on. I wouldn't tip in addition to this, but I'm not North American. I would probably avoid the mandatory 10%ers if I could....
Usual safety precautions.

Thanks so much. I have given up on the gift idea. I had read in older blogs that local folks appreciated practical gifts of OTC meds, cosmetics etc. Will just stick standard tipping.

On my departure day I always leave my meds and many other items with my casa host. Tylenol and the like are very difficult to obtain in Cuba.

Sounds like a good idea, thanks!!

Tip like you would anywhere else. Tip good but don’t tip if you feel you’re being taken advantage of with 10 percentage extra charges or padded bills. In that case put up a fuss.

If you keep in the central areas Havana can seem quite safe. Don’t on purpose dress like you are made of money.

Old Havana is absolutely loaded with restaurants but it is up to you to determine if it will be a tourist trap experience. Compare menu prices.

Thanks so much.