Airbnb recently arrived in Cuba … and who better to give local tips than the owners of the homes where photographer Matt Humphrey and writer Ben Gallacher stayed?
Cubans have long been in the habit of welcoming guests into their homes, and since 1997 one of the successes of the Revolución has been the casa particular (the equivalent of the B&B). As relations with the US continue to thaw (embassies reopened in the respective capitals last month after 50 years), Airbnb launched in Cuba in April, becoming one of the first US businesses to do so. It already has over 2,000 listings – though a continuing trade embargo means you can only book in advance from the US. Staying with a private host is a great way to get beneath a country’s skin and find out about where locals eat, drink and have fun. On a recent trip, with stays at five people’s homes, we asked our hosts for the lowdown on their neighbourhoods.
Related: Havana city guide: what to see plus the best new bars, restaurants and hotels
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