Holguin City Guide

Local food centers on dishes like Ropa Vieja and Lechón Asado. International options are limited. Vegetarian and vegan options are minimal. Most restaurants close by 10-11 PM.

Modest nightlife with traditional music spots, local bars, and some discos. Mostly local crowds and low variety.

Coffee is strong and common but specialty coffee is rare.

Tipping is common especially in tourist areas. 10% in restaurants if service isn't included. Taxi tips are small, around 1-2 CUC.

Cubacel SIM cards are available at ETECSA offices, including the airport. ID registration is required. eSIMs are mostly not available.

Cleanliness varies; main areas are decent but side streets less so.

Very few places open late. Pharmacies, food, and clinics rarely operate 24/7.

State stores have limited stock and open mainly 9 AM to 5 PM with breaks and closed Sundays. Fresh markets offer better produce and close once sold out. Bargaining works at markets but not in state stores.

Cash is king here. Credit/debit cards work only in some hotels and big restaurants. US-issued cards usually don’t work.

ATMs exist but are often empty or unreliable. Bring enough cash to exchange at CADECA or banks. Withdrawal fees and exchange commissions are common.

No known international schools or English instruction. Local schools teach in Spanish. Information is limited.

No established nomad community or meetups. Remote work spaces are minimal.

Many parks with green space and shade. Suitable for walks and light exercise.

Parks offer space for running. Streets may be uneven. Best to run during the day.

Gyms are basic with older equipment. No well-known commercial gyms.

Tennis courts mostly at hotels or clubs; public access limited.

Padel not common here.

Yoga studios are rare or nonexistent.

Local boxing and karate clubs exist but are basic. English instruction is rare.

No skiing in Cuba.

Water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding available mainly at resort beaches.

Surfing is basically unavailable due to reef coasts.

Good diving spots off Guardalavaca with clear water and coral reefs. Equipment and certification available at resorts.

Hospitals and clinics exist but are basic and often under-resourced. English speakers are rare outside tourist clinics. Bring essential medicines as pharmacies can be poorly stocked.

Don’t drink tap water. Bottled water is widely available and safer.

Several parks are good for kids, but baby supplies are hard to find. Family-oriented cafes are rare. Attractions include parks and Loma de la Cruz.

Some acceptance; fewer safe spaces outside Havana. Discretion advised.

Pet-friendly options are limited. Strict import rules and limited supplies for pets.