I'm going to Havana, Cuba for 5 days tomorrow

Be sure to bring plenty of aspirin in case you get havana syndrome.

Beware of people trying to get you tonpart ways with your money.

Vedado is nice to visit, there’s a cool art exhibit there that doubles as a place where young people hang out and drink at night. Veradero where they make the cigars is cool.

hanging out at the Malecón at night to people watch to beat the heat is the move.

if you are a Cuba Libre type drinker, try the cobatta. it's a dark rum based thing.

the artisans market (Almacenes San José Artisans' Market) is legit. I got a giant Cuban flag there. the joint is huge and full of awesome stuff.

Museo de la Revolución

Try the Santiago de Cuba rum, I heard its better than Havana Club.

Watch the cannon firing at the fort.

I hope you'll be Havana good time

Try to see if they'll zap you with the invisible beam that gives CIA agents a headache

Don't buy cigars from the guy who has a cousin who works at the cigar factory and will sell them cheaper to you. It's possible that some people have connections, but you're unlikely to find a legit one.

If you're going to buy cigars, buy them from La Casa del Habano directly. They will still sell "fake" Cubans in Cuba. Meaning, there are cigars that might have some Cuban tobacco but aren't made or planned by the Habanos companies. I've bought fake cigars and they had long leaf tobacco, like normal, and were smoked but probably weren't actually Cuban in origin—although, others have bought fakes with floor debris, trash, dirt, wood shavings, and other things you do not want to smoke in them so be careful.

Have a great trip!

Some suggestions:

1. People WILL try to scam you. Beware of randoms approaching you on the street with "Hello friend! Where you from?" etc etc.
2. Tropicana was one of the most amazing shows I've ever seen. It's a bit expensive and touristy but it's one of the few pre-revolution entertainment venues still around today. The dancing, the costumes, everything about it just blew me away. Best bass player I think I have ever heard, just fuckin outstanding. Make a point of going if you can.
3. Veradero is not worth going to IMO, don't bother it's just a bunch of boomer Canadians.

I think you'll have plenty to keep you occupied in Havana. Since the economic "liberalisation" a few years back there's now plenty of really good restaurants catering to tourists, if that's your jam, otherwise I'm sure you can find plenty to eat with the locals.

Bon voyage!

the ice cream thing whatever it's called
also get Havana syndrome

Hava nice week.