The Best Airbnb Cuba Destinations: From Modern Apartments To Colonial Homes

Airbnb announced its expansion to Cuba Thursday and the listings are as vibrant and varied as the island's history. There will be 1,000 hosts in Cuba, which means finding a place won't be too difficult. Here's a look at some of the best destinations.

"Hospitality isn’t a commodity in Havana—it’s a way of life. Cubans have been welcoming visitors into their homes for decades. Casas particulares—a network of private homestays -- have been a popular choice for visitors, as well as an important source of income for thousands of Cuban families," Airbnb explained in a blog post. The hosting site notes its guests will be a boon to neighborhoods and local businesses.

It's likely that first-time visitors of Cuba will want to stay in Havana. Before booking a room, get to know the neighborhoods of Havana and see what best fits your needs. You can read Trip Advisor's neighborhood descriptions or check out the New York Times' travel guide to Cuba.

The Most Expensive Airbnb In Cuba

At $370 a night, renting a gigantic house in the neighborhood of Miramar is a steal. There are hundreds of listings for rooms and apartments in major cities that are double the price, but chances are you won't be getting 6 king-size bedrooms and a rooftop terrace. Host Gertrudis Margarita has furnished each of the rooms with art and plenty of amenities.

If you're worried about the price of rooms in Cuba, the majority of Airbnb listings are under $100 a night. There are hundreds of option between $15 to $50 a night.

Central Havana For Cheap

The average price for Central Havana is $39 and features plenty of retail stores and Barrio Chino, or Havana's chinatown. The neighborhood is bordered by Old Havana and Verdado.

Old Havana

Habana Vieja is a major tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Listings are $38 a night. "Within the historical centre of the city are many buildings of outstanding architectural merit, especially surrounding its plazas, which are set off by houses and residential buildings in a more popular or traditional style that, when considered as a whole, provide an overall sense of architectural, historical and environmental continuity that makes Old Havana the most impressive historical city centre in the Caribbean and one of the most notable in the American continent as a whole," UNESCO said of Old Havana.

Venturing Out

There's more to Cuba than just Havana. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city and features several Airbnb listings around $30 a night. Other options include Cienfuegos and Camagüey.