With the hustle & bustle of Havana and Varadero just a taxi ride away! What city in Cuba could be more perfect than Cardenas? With its old world feel, relaxed pace of life, breathtaking architecture, fantastic gastronomy, and unbeatable climate, it really is the city that has everything. Hostal Angelo's travel guide will tell you everything you need to know about what to see, eat, and visit in the Cuban City, from the tried and tested favorites, to top secret spots, and the best new arrivals on the scene.
The city’s bustling business district designed for locals not for tourists make it the offbeat counterpart to the more classic Havana. The streets of Cardenas are lined with breathtaking works of architecture, from Gothic churches, Parque Colon to Plaza Molocoff. Famous for its name "La Ciudad del Cangrejos" (city of the crabs). Narrow streets full of horse-drawn carriages and bici-taxis. But somehow with all the action, life seems just a little slower here....maybe it's the word unstressed not slower we're looking for.
But don't despair if your here for the sand. Visit Varadero (just 15 minutes away) during the day for its gorgeous beaches and return to Cardenas for it's eclectic nightlife, plus it has some of the best food in all of Cuba.
Cardenas has a delightful Caribbean climate. Although winter is the most popular time to visit Summer is our favourite because the sun is at its brightest, the beaches are in top form and a little less crowded and outdoor events abound while the locals enjoy breaks from school and tourists alike. Hostal Angelo's has been chosen as #1 in Cardenas. With its resort like feel this Boutique Hotel will meet and exceed every expectation you have of Cuba. The grounds offer spectacular kept greenery and offer many spots to curl up with a mojito and read a book, while listening to the sounds of Cuba. When it's time to cool down the pool is the best in Cardenas with a cascading jacuzzi waterfall to help you relax. The complex consists of only 3 rooms (a few more in the planning stages). All rooms have a comfy double bed, large walk in 3 piece bathroom with ample hot water. T.V. (Although with all the scenery I don't recommend turning it on), air conditioning and privacy. Hostal Angelo's offers some of the best food in Cardenas, Mama oversees all activity in her kitchen and the tastes of cuba are delectable. We are located central Cardenas and are close to many restaurants, bars and cafeterias we will try our best to highlight all the big ones and point you in the direction of some of the little hidden gems!
Nightlife in Cardenas....where shall I start? First an foremost let me say that there must be something in the night air cause Cubans know how to party and they certainly know how to dance. Most evenings after the sun goes down the doors open up and the people spill out on the streets for friendly chatting, heated discussions of baseball, rival games of 
dominos and to feel the night air breeze. Music flows out of every house and the rhythm starts to roll throughout the narrow streets. The sounds of Gente De Zona and Marc Anthony are everywhere in Cardenas... The sight of seeing horse drawn coches full vibrant young Latinos heading out into the night to the bars and clubs, decked out in the newest and brightest fashion from the Island makes for a truly unique experience. The Cubans, irregardless of their economic conditions, have never lost their passion for partying. The happiness and kind of "I am right where I want to be" seems to be everywhere. It is amazing that in a town of 70+ thousand people, it seems everyone knows everyone. We will try and highlight a few of the best bars they do seem to cross over with our best food pics as most of the restaurants turn to the hotspots after dusk!
Our suggestion is to try them all...but if you want the real cuban experience don't be shy. Head on over to Oro Negro (the local 7/11 across the street) pick up a 6 pack of Cristal or Bucanero and find a friend. Cubans love to talk to tourists and even more would love to join you for a cool one! But beware you will soon become familia!
Studio 55
Location- Entertainment District across from Parque Jose Antonio Hecheveria Best Drink- Daiquiri
Best Server- Sonia.
Expect line up to get it on weekends. Great evening atmosphere with low music, lots of laughing & cuban culture.
They do do the odd DJ night, maybe you will be lucky!
Low to Mid on the craziness!
Hard Rock Dporti
Located on Spiru right across from Hostal Angelos
Best Drink- Piña Colada
Roof top patio gets hoping on Friday nights
Swimming pool if you dare!
Great Rock Music- you can expect music videos on large screen t.v.'s. Lots of variety between Spanish and English.
Perfect distance to stumble home....just watch those stairs!
Mid craziness
Plaza
Location Entertainment District- 2 doors down from Studio 55
Best Drink- Mojito
Best Bartender- Oscar....the mojito is even better when made by Oscar! Yummy...The drink too!
Expect line ups on weekends, second floor seating is the hot spot.
Low music with plenty of locals mingling.
Low to Mid Craziness
Cafe Cárdenas
The Disco spot of Cardenas
Best Drink- Cristal
Cover Charge will vary for tourists, roughly 5cuc. Bring your passport, tourists do need I.D. To get in.
Lots & Lots of Dancing
Loud music and bright lights
Opens at 11, be there on time to avoid line up.
There is always a good mix of young and not so young!
I always say that Cuba is the safest place on earth, but I must advise that the disco gets a little rocking! Stay safe....but don't worry too much, go out have fun, let loose and dance the night away. Just leave your thousands of dollars at the casa....trust me you can't spend more than 30cuc a person....if you do you are in trouble!
More to come....Infact we are out having a drink or 3 as you read.....when I sober up I will write more!
Cardenas Cuba...The Insiders List of Tasty Travels
The Insiders List of Tasty Travels
Until recent years, running a legal restaurant in Cuba wasn’t heard of. Since the 1960s, the only choice for eating out of the home was state-run restaurants. The kind that offered the same choices with the same ingredients. They were ran by the people for the people but they did as they were instructed by the state. They did not offer the innovation or the quality that the new generation lingered for. So underground restaurants started opening up in family homes, behind closed doors – and for those who knew where to look, these so-called hidden Paladars in Cuba were the place to grab a quick bite and enjoy a little taste of Cuban freedom.
These days things have started to change, the government rules surrounding business in general has relaxed in fact even encouraged and the Paladars that were hidden away are opening brick and mortar storefronts offering some of the finest food on the island. We have added below our top choices for Cardenas. The hardest thing is going to be how to decide where to start….Read More
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Let's talk about money. In fact let's talk about the face value of money. My first time visiting this Island a very smart cookie once told me
that face value is bad.....and this I have always remembered. You see there money is the same greenish bank note both labeled "Banco Central de Cuba". The 5 spots are both labelled Cinco Pesos, now one of them says pesos convertibles but how am I going to remember which is the good.....read more
Let's have a little chat about Organic, Farm Fresh or Environment Friendly.... There seems to be a lot of travel destinations boasting their 
location to the earth conscious (which we all should be!) traveler. You mention this to a Cuban and they say "What the heck you talking about....read more