Cuba insider tips

With its gorgeous white-sand beaches, vibrant city and fascinating culture, Cuba is an island of contrasts that has plenty to offer travellers of all ages and tastes. To make the most out of your holiday, check out lowcostholiday.com's top insider tips.

When is the best time to go?

• The busiest time of year is during the months of December to April. The weather is at its best during this season, but expect beaches and attractions to be crowded, particularly around Christmas and New Year. The low season is quieter and you can get some great deals on accommodation, but be prepared for hotter weather and occasional heavy rain.

Cuban nightlife

• Cuba is famous for its nightlife, and rightly so. The capital of Havana is the hub of the island's nightlife and boasts countless theatres, bars, discos and nightclubs all offering tourists the chance to experience a Cuban party. See live cabaret shows, work on your salsa dancing moves or just relax and sip rum cocktails while listening to live music. In the resorts, the nightlife is mostly more low-key, with chilled out beach bars and restaurants offering evening entertainment, although the larger resorts like Varadero boast plenty of places to party into the early hours.

Hidden beaches in Cuba

• See a side of Cuba apart from the lush beach resorts and the lively streets of Havana with a trek along the Zapata Peninsula, a wetland biosphere reserve that's home to countless rare flora and fauna and some great hiking trails.

How's the shopping in Cuba?

• For souvenirs, go shopping for locally made goods like arts, crafts, jewellery and ceramic, or famous Cuban products like cigars. There are also plenty of opportunities to pick up political memorabilia from the Revolution or buy CDs featuring authentic Cuban music.

Where can I get a burger?

• Although food in Cuba is not as diverse as in some other Caribbean countries, there are plenty of places where you can sample both local and international cuisine. Privately run restaurants tend to offer better quality and service than the government-run establishments, while paladares run from private homes offer a chance to sample some authentic Cuban hospitality.

Get in with the local Cubans

• The locals in Cuba for the most part are friendly, open and eager to share their knowledge. Try asking around for the best tips on where to go and what to do.

Can I drink the water?

• While some people do drink the water, we recommend sticking to bottled water to be on the safe side.

What's the 999 number?

• The emergency services number is 116.

Shall I pack the sunscreen/anorak?

• Cuba is hot and sunny all year round, but there is always a chance of showers. Pack a lightweight raincoat to make sure you stay dry.

How do I get around?

• Taxis, buses and trains are all easy ways to travel around the island. It is also a popular choice to hire a car, particularly if you want to explore beyond your resort.

Shall I learn the local lingo?

• While English is widely spoken in most of the tourist resorts and some areas of Havana, knowing a few words in Spanish will make your experience easier and more enjoyable.

Do I need to tip?

• While tipping is not compulsory, it is polite to leave 10-15% of a bill when the service has been good.