DLR13,

There's more to do in Varadero than other Cuban resorts, but it depends what you are in to. One thing you'll find with Cuba is it's a totally different world than the one we live in because of their history (it's a fascinating place). Varadero is more commercialised than the 'real' Cuba because it's the biggest tourist resort. There's plenty of markets selling the usual touristy memorabilia, but that's about all. There's a shopping centre in the middle of the resort 'Centro De Convenciones Plaza America' selling clothing and other things, but don't expect designer gear! There's a nightclub (can'tremember what that's called) and a few bars and restaurants towards the downtown area. My favourite was Bar 57 (from memory), they used to have a street party every night! As I mentioned on your other post, one advantage of staying at the Barcelo Solymar is you're close to the downtown area so places like Bar 57 are only 5 minutes walk from the hotel. Most of the other hotels, it's a bus ride away.

My main reason for staying in Varadero is the beaches, the diving (as I mentioned before) and it's proxminity to Havana. I think everyone on this forum will agree you need to spend at least a day to explore Havana, it's an amazing city. A daiquiri in Floridita (Hemmingways bar, although I believe it's changed names now) is a must, as are the Mojito's at the bar adjacent to Havana's cathedral! Club Tropicana is a good night if you're in to that sort of thing. Having seen the place they take you for swimming with Dolphins, I wouldn't bother. It's in part of the lagoon and didn't look too inviting to me, and I'm sure the Dolphins think that too. It's close to the marina for the dive centre so I passed if a few times, the Caribbean Sea was much more inviting!

Darren

Agree with Darren about Varadero, It also depends on how far down spit of land that makes up the resort as to how accessible the shopping plaza is.

To be honest the plaza is underwhelming , I went in 1999 and again in 2007 and it has not changed much. The supermarket there is odd mostly empty shelves ,very expensive and you have to leave bags etc at the door.

Varadero is what it is, a collection of hotels cutoff and guarded at its only access road. Once over the bridge tho you enter the real Cuba and 2 hours up the road is La Habana one of the most amazing cities in the world, a vast city that has a lot of people and hardly any shops . If you venture on foot slightly out off the touristy centre you will see the ration shops and see just how this odd country works day to day.

The words shopping and Cuba really don't go together, They use two forms of the same currency , The Pesso and the tourist Pesso. Talk to a friendly barman about how this works on about how little Cuban people can buy

Have a great time J...