tripadvisor travel to cuba

10 of the very best places to visit in Cuba

Jan 9, 2024 • 6 min read

Experience the very best of Cuba with these top places to visit, starting with Havana Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

From gorgeous cities swaying to the beat of tropical rhythms to unspoiled, lush forests,  Cuba delights travelers with a wide variety of contrasting places.

Travelers will find eclectic architecture, white-sand beaches and prime wildlife-watching spots across the country. Here are 10 places worth adding to your Cuba itinerary to truly experience the Caribbean’s biggest and most fascinating island.

Best city for art and architecture

The Cuban capital of  Havana is packed with vintage cars, embellished with old-world cobblestone plazas and silhouetted on the north by a 5-mile sea drive known as the Malecón.

Make sure you visit  Habana Vieja ’s old squares for a glimpse of the colonial architecture that shaped the city in the 1700s and 1800s, where you can admire the palatial mansions that now operate as museums and hotels.

A walk along pedestrianized Calle Obispo  offers art galleries, shops, music venues and incredible architecture, with buildings spanning periods from the 1700s to the late 1900s in just a mile.

Planning tip:  Art is everywhere in Havana, with plenty of galleries and artsy outdoor areas such as San Isidro Art District and  Fusterlandia . For an in-depth session on Cuba’s artistic history, spend a day at the  Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes – Arte Cubano .

2. Valle de Viñales

Best for tobacco plantations

About 180km (100 miles) west of Havana,  Viñales is one of the most beautiful places in Cuba. It was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List because of its dramatic landscapes of red soils and distinctive limestone outcrops called mogotes. 

Viñales has the best casas particulares (private homestays) in Cuba and some of the friendliest and most helpful casa owners, who are the go-to coordinators for local activities. Choose from cycling, horseback riding or hiking to  Los Acuáticos and Valle del Palmarito, or drive to the  Gran Caverna Santo Tomás , Cuba’s largest cave system. 

Planning tip:  Touted as the growing spot of the world’s best tobacco, Viñales isn’t fully experienced unless you book an expert-guided tour inside the triangle-roofed drying houses scattered on local tobacco plantations.

3. Varadero

Best Cuban beach resort

Even if every tourist in Cuba decided to meet in  Varadero , there’s still room for more. Varadero is Cuba’s best beach resort, with 20km (12 miles) of white, powdery sand and impossibly crystalline waters.

You can stay in all types of accommodations, from top-end all-inclusive resorts to beautiful casas particulares . Families enjoy Varadero’s safe, shallow shores while revelers dance the night away at Casa de la Música or themed party nights at hotels.

Planning tip:  When you tire of the beach (if that is possible), while away an afternoon sipping rum-infused cocktails at  Mansión Xanadú ’s rooftop bar while gazing out at the peninsula. 

4. Santiago de Cuba

Best for understanding Cuba’s revolutionary history

Considered the second capital of Cuba,  Santiago de Cuba was the HQ of the revolutionary guerrillas in the 1950s, but there’s more to experience here. Caribbean rhythms, tropical flavors and frenzied festivals set the rhythm of this colorful city.

Start with a visit to  Cuartel Moncada , one of Cuba’s best museums, with a curated collection of the guerrillas’ paraphernalia and a detailed explanation of the events that started the 1959 revolution. Continue your journey through the past at the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Cobre , Cuba’s most venerated church.

It has an exhibition of offerings given to the patron saint, including those given by the bearded revolutionaries themselves in the 1950s.

Planning tip: In symphony with its rebellious roots, Santiago bursts with a constant party-like atmosphere, reaching its pinnacle at the nationally famous Carnavales  (Carnival) right after the Día de la Rebeldía Nacional (National Rebellion Day) on July 26. 

Best for wildlife spotting 

Located in the easternmost tip of Cuba, just getting to  Baracoa is an experience in and of itself. The road from Guantánamo leads to La Farola, a sinuous 60km-long (37-mile) road considered the most scenic drive in Cuba.

Expect a three-hour trip through lush mountains, interrupted only by vendors of cucuruchos de Baracoa , a cone-shaped mix of coconut flakes, honey, guava paste and a fruity flavor (such as pineapple and orange rinds) all wrapped up in a palm frond.

Planning tip:  Río Duaba and  El Yunque are great spots for hiking among abundant flora and birdlife, but if you’re looking for a deeper immersion into semi-virgin forests, book a tour at Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt.

6. Trinidad

Best for shopping handmade arts and crafts

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and a World Craft City in 2018,  Trinidad , full of cobblestoned streets and colonial-era mansions, is not only Cuba’s best-preserved “open-air museum,” it’s also a cradle of the best handmade crafts on the island.

Trinidad's needleworkers stitch their linen pieces at open-air markets, exhibiting handmade clothing, delicate embroidered tablecloths and garments such as guayaberas (Yucatán shirts).

Planning tip:  You’re likely to see local markets on pedestrianized parts of the town’s historical center, adjacent to the Plaza Mayor , but artisans also display a daily fair at the base of Torre Manaca Iznaga , 16km (10 miles) outside of Trinidad.

7. Matanzas

Best for live music and dancing

Touted as the Athens of Cuba,  Matanzas is the homeland of some of the country’s most cherished performers, such as Miguel Failde, creator of the cheek-to-cheek danzón (ballroom dance).

The city is also the birthplace of rumba, an Afro-Cuban dance that 70-year-old music group Muñequitos de Matanzas has promoted worldwide. Look out for live music performances held weekly at the  Museo Histórico Provincial – Palacio de Junco .

Local tip:  For travelers looking for a more Cuban Cuba – and not the usual tourist postcard of Varadero – Matanzas offers alluring architecture, featuring neoclassical buildings such as the fully restored Teatro Sauto or living antiques like the  Museo Farmacéutico , founded as the first of its type in Latin America in 1882.  

8. Cienfuegos

Best spot for water sports including kayaking, fishing and windsurfing

Known as the Pearl of the South,  Cienfuegos is Cuba’s French-inspired city, founded in 1819 on a beautiful natural bay. Deep enough to welcome cruises and mega-yachts, the bay is best enjoyed from Punta Gorda and the nautical centers at Club Cienfuegos and Marlin Marina Cienfuegos.

Planning tip:  Enjoy a day kayaking, fishing or windsurfing, but make sure you include an excursion to  Laguna Guanaroca , Cienfuegos’ natural protected area, for the chance to see flamingoes and take a boat trip on the lake.

9. Camagüey

Best city for strolling maze-like alleys

Elegant and artistic,  Camagüey oozes charm and youthful energy, but it’s the surprisingly intricate street pattern of the city center that usually strikes visitors most.

With most of the grid formed by one-way narrow streets, it’s almost impossible to figure it out if you’re behind the wheel. Instead, stroll around maze-like alleys to discover small but lovely plazas all within walking distance from one another.

Spend a day wandering between the artisan market in  Plaza San Juan de Dios and the less-visited  Plaza del Carmen , home of the inspiring art gallery of  Martha Jiménez Pérez .

Planning tip: Check out Cuba’s narrowest and shortest streets while you're in Camagüey. Callejón del Cura is only 1.4m (4.6ft) wide, while Callejón de la Miseria is 15m (49ft) wide, with only two houses facing each other.

10. Playa Girón

Best for swimming, diving and birdwatching

South of Matanzas province,  Playa Girón has one of the country’s best diving sites that isn’t far offshore – no boat required! The clear Caribbean waters offer impressive visibility and a colorful variety of marine fauna. Go for a refreshing swim in a gorgeous cove at  Caleta Buena , or look for coral reefs at  Punta Perdiz .

Playa Girón is also one of the best places in Cuba for birdwatching because it is part of the Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata, which welcomes about two-thirds of the nearly 350 bird species that call Cuba home. 

Planning tip:  On the way from Playa Larga to Playa Girón, make sure you stop at  Cueva de Los Peces , one of Cuba’s few cenotes.

This article was first published Dec 8, 2021 and updated Jan 9, 2024.

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These Are The Top 5 Best Cultural Destinations For 2024 According To Tripadvisor

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Culture-based trips are surging in popularity in 2024, and that's particularly true among American travelers, who in their vast majority, travel abroad specifically to get out of their comfort and expose themselves to completely different environments.

From a colorful Latin America, to deeply-historical Europe, to mystical Asia, there is a whole mapa mundis of options to pick from, and if you're looking to get inspired, Tripadvisor ‘s latest compilation of bucket-list cultural destinations might be a good place to start.

To our fellow culture buffs out there, these are the top five spots to visit in 2024:

Athens, Greece

Fifth on the list, Athens is capital of Greece and a sprawling metropolis with a History spanning over 3,400 years. Cradle of Western civilization , the birthplace of democracy, and the proud home of the ancient Parthenon, it is easily one of the world's most culturally-charged cities.

Without question, the most striking feature and main point of interest in Athens is Acropolis Hill, atop which sits the Parthenon itself and a number of other temples that have stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into civil and religious life in Ancient Greece.

Other than admiring the hilltop monuments, as well as the view of the modern city of Athens from above, tourists can get lost in the cobbled streets of Plaka, with its whitewashed churches and gyros restaurants, or go shopping for quirky trinkets in traditional a Greek flea market off Monastiraki Square.

Fes, Morocco

Morocco as a whole is a hugely underrated destination you should definitely check out in 2024, but instead of pink-washed Marrakesh or the cosmopolitan Casablanca, Tripadvisor has elected lesser-known Fes as the North African country's top cultural hotspot.

Seeing that it lays claim to the largest car-free zone and medina in the world – it's a literal maze of winding alleys with 156,000 inhabitants – the oldest traditional university known to mankind, and the centuries-old Chouara Tannery, we can't say we're surprised.

Outside the medina, Fes is a rapidly-developing city tallying over a million residents, split between historic Muslim quarters, and French-built sectors, with wide, leafy boulevards, upscale restaurants and a distinctively European feel.

Agra, India

The only Asian destination to make the list, Agra is a medium-size Indian hub – by Indian standards – lining the banks of the Yamuna river, and boasting a high concentration of landmarks, from the iconic Taj Mahal to the ornate Akbar Tomb to the sandstone Agra Fort.

Though a majority of tourists will spend only a day in Agra, mainly for the perfect Taj Mahal picture, it is not somewhere you want to rush through, as this is an exciting city with plenty to offer on the cultural front and one of India's best-renowned food meccas.

Mughlai cuisine is famous for its colorful spices and creamy curries, and simply wandering around the complex warren of interconnected streets lined by food stalls and bustling markets, you'll come across unique scents and flavors that surpass the reaches of Western comprehension.

Cusco, Peru

Nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is one of the oldest settlements in the Americas, best known for its Incan-Hispanic heritage and UNESCO-listed Old Town, dotted with Baroque monuments and Mesoamerican archaeological sites.

The central Plaza de Armas was founded by the Spanish upon their conquest of the city, and it's remained a lively square and center of commerce well into the modern era, dominated by a towering cathedral that replaces a much-older Incan palace dating back to the 13th-century .

Other than exploring the cobbled lanes lined by terracotta-roofed houses that make up the Cusco townscape, visitors will often couple a visit to this Imperial City with a side trip to Machu Picchu , an Incan citadel resting on a high Andean plateau and one of Seven New Wonders of the World.

Number one on the list, Cuba has a complex baggage of socialism and unfriendly relations with the White House, and though it is yet to be in the Administration's good graces, it remains a hugely popular destination for Americans.

Controversy aside, Cuba is a UNESCO-listed island country celebrated for its historic cities, most notably Havana, hands down the prettiest Caribbean capital with eclectic architecture, as well as a plethora of natural wonders, from white sand beaches to tropical parks.

Its coast is pristine and unspoiled, compared to the overdeveloped Mayan Riviera or Punta Cana, and it won't take you long to fall in love with Cuba's vibrant music scene, and the unique townscapes , almost frozen in time and still dominated by colonial structures and colorful vintage cars.

Dreaming of a cultural getaway this spring?

Find more gorgeous spots and start getting inspired here .

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The post These Are The Top 5 Best Cultural Destinations For 2024 According To Tripadvisor appeared first on Travel Off Path .

Cuba Travel: What To Know

• Last updated Jul 08, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

Cuba is a beautiful Caribbean island steeped in history and rich culture, but there are a few things to know before you go. Firstly, US citizens need to be aware of the current travel restrictions. While Americans can travel to Cuba, tourism alone is not permitted. Instead, travel is authorised under 12 specific categories, including humanitarian projects, family visits, and Support for the Cuban People, which requires a full schedule of meaningful interactions with locals. It's also important to be aware of the monetary situation in Cuba, which is complex and has led to a dual economy. The official currency is the Cuban Peso, but foreign currencies are also widely accepted, especially by private businesses. In addition, credit and debit cards issued by US banks are not accepted in Cuba, so it's essential to bring enough cash to cover your trip. When it comes to accommodation, US citizens are unable to stay in large hotels or resorts owned or affiliated with the Cuban government, but there are privately-owned boutique hotels and Airbnbs available. Cuba is generally considered a safe destination, but common crimes like pickpocketing do occur, so it's important to take basic security precautions. Finally, be prepared for limited and unreliable internet access, and bring any essential medicines and sanitary products with you, as these may not be readily available.

What You'll Learn

Currency is complicated, you need a tourist card, bring your own medicines, beware of hustlers, learn some spanish.

Cuba's monetary situation is highly complicated and could fill its own guidebook. The country's official currency is the Cuban peso (CUP), but its economic situation is far more complex than simply exchanging your dollars for pesos. Here's what you need to know:

Cuba's Economic History

Cuba has a long and complex economic history, which has resulted in the current complicated situation. From 1961 to 1991, Cuba's economy was propped up by Soviet oil, investment, and subsidised imports from Eastern Bloc countries. The Cuban Peso (CUP) remained stable during this time, and the average wage covered everyday expenses. However, when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Cuba lost most of its business partners, and the economy collapsed. The CUP became worthless, and the US dollar became the underground currency used for transactions.

The Dollar Rules (1993-2004)

During this time, known as the "Special Period," the US dollar was legalised and became the most common currency for purchasing goods, both in government stores and small private businesses. In 1994, the Cuban government introduced the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) to substitute the US dollar, with an exchange rate of one to one. The CUC was printed and controlled by the Cuban Central Bank and gradually replaced the use of US dollars.

The Dual Currency System

For nearly 17 years, Cuba operated with a dual currency system, with the CUP and CUC co-circulating. The CUC was pegged to the US dollar, and while the Cuban population was paid in CUP, most goods were only available for sale in CUC. This created a complicated dual economy, with significant price disparities between the two currencies.

Economic Reform in 2021

Recognising the need for economic reform, the Cuban government eliminated the CUC in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic on January 1, 2021, marking the start of "Day Zero" of monetary unification. The CUP became the sole legal tender in Cuba, and a single official exchange rate of 24 CUP/USD was implemented for both public and private transactions. However, the demand for hard currency drove a black market in currency exchange, with the US dollar worth around 100 CUP by January 2022.

MLC and the Digital Economy

Cuba is moving towards a digital economy, introducing bank cards to the population and creating telephone apps for digital payments. A new digital currency, the MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible), was introduced. MLC is a currency approved by the Cuban government and can be used in certain shops to buy higher-end goods. The currency doesn't exist in physical form and is used mainly by Cubans with special magnetic cards. While tourists don't need to worry too much about MLC, prices in some state-run enterprises, such as cigar shops or airport souvenir stores, may be displayed in MLC, and you can pay with a non-US credit card.

The legal currency in Cuba is the CUP, and prices are displayed in this currency. However, due to the complex economic situation, it is recommended to bring cash euros in small, useful denominations (€5, €10, and €20 notes). Euros are the most interchangeable currency and are preferred by Cubans. You can also use and exchange Canadian dollars and pound sterling. It is advisable to exchange a small amount into CUP for incidentals like museum entry, concert tickets, and tips.

Additionally, while credit cards are increasingly popular in Cuba, they are not widely accepted. Credit cards linked to US banks are not accepted, and private businesses rarely have credit card machines, so cash is usually the only option.

In summary, Cuba's currency situation is complex, with a history of economic shifts and policy changes. Currently, a single official currency, the CUP, is in use, but the existence of MLC and the persistence of the black market complicate the situation. When travelling to Cuba, it is best to bring cash in euros or other recommended foreign currencies and be prepared to navigate a unique economic landscape.

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A Cuban Tourist Card, also known as a Tourist Visa, is required for all travellers to Cuba, regardless of nationality. The only exceptions are citizens of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belarus, Benin, Bosnia, China, Dominica, Grenada, Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, Mongolia, Namibia, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Serbia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

The Tourist Card is not to be confused with a Visa. The latter is required for individuals born in Cuba or citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iraq, Iran, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, or Yemen.

The Tourist Card is available in two types: pink and green. The pink Tourist Card is for travellers arriving in Cuba from the United States, while the green Tourist Card is for those arriving from any other country. The colour of the card depends on the traveller's last departure point before arriving in Cuba. For example, a French traveller going from Japan to Cuba via Los Angeles will need a pink Tourist Card.

The Tourist Card can be purchased online, through the airline, travel agent, tour company, or the Cuban embassy. It is recommended to buy the card in advance to skip the lines at the airport, especially if you have a connecting flight. The cost of the card ranges from $50 to $100 USD for the pink card and around $25 for the green card.

It is important to note that the Tourist Card is not valid for individuals born in Cuba, and they will need to follow a different visa entry process.

The Tourist Card is valid for a single entry and stays of up to 30 or 90 days, depending on the source. It can be renewed for an additional 30 days after arrival.

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Cuba has a good healthcare system, but it is often short of pharmaceuticals. So, it is important to bring all the prescription medications you need, as well as over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. It is also a good idea to bring any health items you may need if you get sick, such as Pepto Bismol.

If you are bringing prescription medicines, make sure you bring copies of all your prescriptions, including generic names. It is also a good idea to bring a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery, especially if you need to bring syringes or needles.

Medicines, up to 10 kg in weight, are exempt from paying customs duties, as long as they are in a separate bag from the rest of your luggage. This makes it easier for customs to identify and will speed up your time in the airport.

If you would like to donate medicines to the Cuban people, this is also possible, and you can bring in 10 kg of medical supplies tax-free.

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Cuba is a country with a lot of poverty, and many locals have to hustle to get by. While some hustlers are harmless, others can be more dangerous. Here are some things to keep in mind to avoid being scammed or taken advantage of during your trip to Cuba:

Be cautious of overly friendly strangers

Some Cubans will go out of their way to appear friendly and helpful. They may offer to serve as tour guides, help you find a taxi, or facilitate the purchase of cigars. While some of them are genuinely kind, others may have ulterior motives. Be wary of anyone who seems too friendly or pushy, and trust your instincts if a situation doesn't feel right.

Be aware of fraudulent tour agents and taxi drivers

Fraudulent tour agents and taxi drivers operate throughout Cuba, including at Havana's international airport. They may overcharge you, steal your luggage, or even work with thieves who target tourists. Only use reputable tour operators and registered taxis. Agree on a fare before getting into a taxi, as they are not equipped with meters.

Be cautious when purchasing cigars

Cigars are a popular purchase for tourists in Cuba, but it's important to be cautious when buying them. Avoid buying cigars on the street or from individuals claiming to have high-quality cigars at extremely low prices. Instead, purchase cigars from state-run shops, such as the Casa del Habano chain.

Be vigilant and keep your belongings secure

Theft is common in Cuba, especially in crowded places, tourist areas, and hotel rooms. Keep your personal belongings secure at all times, and don't leave valuables unattended. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk.

Be prepared for power outages and limited internet access

Power outages are common outside of Havana and tourist areas, and internet access is limited across the country. Download offline maps and translation apps, and consider purchasing a local SIM card or VPN before your trip.

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Learning some Spanish before travelling to Cuba is highly recommended. Cuban Spanish tends to be spoken quickly and can be difficult to understand, especially for beginners. It also tends to be more informal than in other Latin American countries, with Cubans typically using the informal 'tú' form of address instead of 'usted'.

If your Spanish level is not advanced, consider enrolling in a language programme that will place you in a language school with other students of the same level. This way, you can improve your grammar and syntax with the help of a teacher. However, keep in mind that interacting with locals is the best way to become proficient in Spanish, so look for programmes that offer cultural immersion and opportunities to practice with native speakers.

There are many Spanish language schools in Cuba, particularly in Havana, that offer courses for students of all levels. These schools provide a great opportunity to improve your Spanish skills while also experiencing Cuban culture and hospitality. Some schools even offer additional activities such as dancing and volunteering.

If you are a U.S. citizen, note that there may be some legal restrictions on travelling to Cuba. However, this has become less complicated in recent years, and you may be able to obtain a general or specific license to travel to the country.

Overall, learning some Spanish before travelling to Cuba will not only make your trip easier but also allow you to connect with the locals and fully immerse yourself in the Cuban culture.

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Frequently asked questions.

Yes, all visitors to Cuba need a tourist card, which is usually available through your airline. Citizens of 20 African and Asian countries require a formal visa.

The official currency is the Cuban peso (CUP), but foreign currencies are also widely accepted, especially by private businesses. The Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC) is a currency with no cash form that can be used in certain shops.

Cuba is typically hot and humid, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Also, bring basic first aid supplies, sanitary products, and any prescription or over-the-counter medications you may need, as these may not be readily available.

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• Melissa Carey Author Reviewer Traveller

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