Location: Varadero
Top Things to do in Varadero
Top 5 Shopping in Varadero, Matanzas Province
The powdery sands of Varadero are as seductive as the soft lapping of the Kawama Channel waves. Famed gangster Al Capone used to frequent the shoreline resorts, and the city still maintains that glamorous luster that’s been historically appealing to high rollers. Mansions-turned-museums are favorite destinations for curious Cuban history buffs. Nature lovers can embark upon a day of adventure, exploring the area’s caves, keys, and virgin forests.
Restaurants in Varadero
1. Artecru
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
2. Varadero Street Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 564 reviews
Reviewed By BabsHubby - Ontario, Canada
Very neat market at the far end of Varadero. There are various things to buy, from hand-crafted goods (which many merchants will engrave if you like), shirts, hats, leather goods, typical tourist stuff, and some unique Varadero fair like '50s cars made out of recycled aluminum cans. There are also vendors selling food, drink, ice cream, etc. A Buccanero or Sprite helps shop when it's 49 degrees C - the market is closed-roofed, which also helps. :-) Vendors will generally negotiate a price if you ask, but I wouldn't try for more than 15-20% or so - there are lots of tourists and people can wait but if you want that specific hat, just buy it before someone else does (personal experience). They are also very helpful in finding that certain thing for you and are very friendly to boot. Protip: a taxi can bring you directly there, and you can walk in the opposite direction to visit the whole main strip in Varadero; if you take the bus, which is cheaper, you may have a bit of difficulty figuring out where to stop like we did - just stay on the bus until the last stop, or until it's about to turn right towards the Al Capone House. If you go to Varadero on your Cuba trip (and you should), this is a place that you should definitely try out.
3. Taller de Ceramica Artistica
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By Paulshappy - Courtenay, Canada
Beautiful Art is what you'll find here, and all lovingly made by hand. Colleen bought an amazing 'rooster' in a detail we've never seen. The service was remarkable and you can hear stories about the pottery or artists or artwork, or even take a tour. Totally worthwhile.
