Things To Do
in Florida

A classic Cuban dish featuring shredded beef stewed in a tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions, and aromatic spices. It is often served with rice and plantains. One can savor an authentic version at La Guarida, a renowned paladar (privately-owned restaurant) in Havana.

Must-Try!

This iconic sandwich consists of Cuban bread filled with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. It's pressed and grilled to perfection, resulting in a mouthwatering combination of flavors. For an unforgettable experience, visit Versailles Restaurant in Miami, where you can taste a quintessential Cubano.

A traditional dish of black beans and rice cooked together with a variety of spices, creating a flavorful and wholesome dish. For a taste of this Cuban staple, head to Dona Eutimia in Old Havana, where they serve an exemplary version of this dish.

Twice-fried plantains that are flattened into crispy, savory bites. They are often served as a side dish or appetizer and can be found at local eateries and food stalls throughout Cuba.

Located in Old Havana, this bustling market offers a wide array of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Visitors can also relish authentic street food such as empanadas, tamales, and tropical fruit juices, embracing the diverse flavors of Cuban street fare.

The Malecón is not only a picturesque esplanade but also a popular spot for sampling street food. Here, you can find vendors selling a variety of snacks like chicharrones (pork rinds), mariquitas (plantain chips), and roasted corn, allowing you to indulge in the flavors of Cuba.

In Florida, it is customary to tip 15-20% at restaurants, bars, and for other services such as taxi rides, hotel staff, and tour guides. In Cuba, tipping is also commonly practiced, and it is customary to tip for good service in restaurants, hotels, and for other services.

In Florida, payment for goods and services is commonly made using credit/debit cards, cash, and mobile payment apps. In Cuba, cash is the most widely accepted form of payment, and credit/debit cards issued by non-U.S. banks may have limited acceptance. It is advisable to carry enough cash for transactions in Cuba.

Best time to visit Florida when the weather is warm, and there are fewer tourists. In Cuba, spring is also a good time to visit as it offers comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.

Florida experiences mild winters, making it an ideal time to visit for those looking to escape colder climates. In Cuba, winter is the tourist high season with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall.

In Florida, summer brings hot and humid weather with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. It's a popular time for families to visit due to school vacations. In Cuba, summer can be hot and humid, with a higher chance of rain. It's also the hurricane season.

Fall in Florida offers warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates. In Cuba, fall can also be a good time to visit as the weather begins to cool down and the hurricane season winds down.

While traditional Cuban cuisine heavily features meats, many restaurants and paladares offer vegetarian and vegan variations of classic dishes, such as Yuca con Mojo (cassava with garlic sauce) and Vegetarian Picadillo. Additionally, modern eateries in urban areas are increasingly catering to these dietary preferences, providing diverse and flavorful options for non-meat eaters.

Travelers with gluten intolerance can enjoy dishes like Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken), Tostones, and fresh seafood, which are naturally gluten-free. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly, and many restaurants will readily accommodate by tailoring dishes to suit gluten-free requirements.