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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 December 2021 and updated January 2024

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20 Best Places to Visit in Cuba: A Local’s Guide [2024]

Your trip to Cuba should be so much more than just tracing the well-worn tourist path. From hidden beaches and waterfalls to historic sites and energizing cities, you’ll find it all here. Cuba is a much more richly layered, multi-faceted destination than many other Caribbean islands .

We’re locals and have seen everything Cuba has to offer – and think that these are the best places to visit in Cuba that you just can’t miss. We’ve included everything from the best cities in Cuba to the best beaches that Cuba has to offer and narrowed them all down to help you find the perfect spots for your trip.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Best Places To Visit in Cuba

As the largest island in the Caribbean, you’d be surprised to learn how large Cuba is – and how much it has to offer travelers. From soaring mountains and hidden jungle waterfalls to its well-known white-sand beaches with crystal-clear water, there are countless unforgettable places to visit in Cuba.

These are our favorite places to visit in Cuba – the ones we recommend that ALL travelers consider as they plan their Cuba itinerary , no matter how long they plan to spend in the country.

Cuba Travel 101

• Currency in Cuba: A Local’s Guide for Travelers
• How to Get Wifi in Cuba [Updated!]
• Is Cuba Safe? Updated Cuba Safety Guide
• Ultimate Cuba Travel Guide – A Local’s Advice for Travelers

You can’t come to Cuba without visiting Havana . This is the beating heart of Cuba, filled with history, culture, art, and countless things to do and see that you just don’t want to miss.

While there are truly endless things to do in Havana , these are just some of the highlights that we recommend to all visitors:

• Check out the Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a mixed-used arts and performance space beloved by everyone from Anthony Bourdain and Questlove to Michelle Obama. It was named one of Time Magazine’s World’s 100 Greatest Places.
• Explore Old Havana
• Walk the Malecón sea wall
• Visit Clandestina and grab coffee and brunch at El Cafe , just around the corner
• Learn about the Cuban Revolution at the Museo de la Revolución and Plaza de la Revolución 

Havana offers much more to its visitors than just the vintage car show on constant display in the streets that you may have in mind when visiting. If you spend a few days in Havana exploring the city, you’ll be able to do the best of the city. 

If you’re tempted to skip Havana and just fly right into Varadero (or another beach resort spot on the island) for your vacation, consider adding a day or two in Havana to your Cuba itinerary . You’ll fall in love with this fascinating city and its people. 

Plan Your Trip to Havana

• 47 Best Things to Do in Havana, Cuba
• 3-Day Ultimate Havana Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Havana
• 15+ Best Hotels in Havana

2. Trinidad

Trinidad is a popular “second city” for visitors to Cuba looking for more places to visit in Cuba beyond Havana – and is easily one of the best cities to visit in Cuba . While often overshadowed by Havana, Trinidad can easily stand on its own as an unforgettable destination in Cuba.

Trinidad is best known for its stunning historic center. With beautiful cobblestone streets, historic churches, and impressive colonial architecture , it’s truly impressive and well worth spending a few hours exploring – even if you’ve just been to Old Havana .

Trinidad is also a great base for exploring some of southern Cuba’s most impressive and memorable sites. To the east, the Valle de los Ingenios is the best place to learn more about Cuba’s important role as a sugar producer in the colonial days, and visitors can explore historic plantations in the lush valleys while learning about the history of the area.

You also won’t want to skip Playa Ancón, just a few minutes south of Trinidad and considered the nicest beach on Cuba’s southern coast.

Plan a Trip to Trinidad, Cuba

• Trinidad, Cuba | Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• 10+ Best Things To Do in Trinidad, Cuba
• Where To Stay in Trinidad

3. Cayo Largo del Sur

Have you heard of this stunning beach destination in Cuba ? Though Cayo Largo del Sur might not be the first destination you think of when considering where to hit the beach in Cuba, it’s one of the best places to visit in Cuba for a dreamy beach escape.

Cayo Largo del Sur is a skinny strip of an island (one of the thousands of tiny cays in Cuba ) located off the southern coast of Cuba, close to Isla de la Juventud, best known for the pure white sand and crystal clear waters.

The beaches that line the southern and western edges of the island are easily among Cuba’s best – Playa Sirena on the west side of the island and Playa Blanca and Playa Larga are each better than the best.

While it may be a bit harder to reach Cayo Largo del Sur than the beaches in Guardalavaca and Cuba’s northern cays, don’t count it out – for in-the-know travelers, this is one of the best places to visit in Cuba for a beach vacation.

Read More: Cayo Largo del Sur: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

Travel Essential

Don’t think about traveling to Cuba without a good  VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers.  We’ve used  NordVPN  for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, especially in Cuba. 

4. Jardines de la Reina

If you’re a diver, you’ve almost certainly heard of Jardines de la Reina . Known as one of the most protected areas of the Caribbean Sea, this national park to the south of Cuba is known as a haven for unique corals, beautiful tropical fish, undersea landscapes like caves and canyons, and several varieties of sharks.

Not a professional diver? Jardines de la Reina still has a lot to offer visitors of all levels of dive experience – and even those not interested in diving at all. The area is also beloved for its sport fishing – it was one of Fidel Castro’s favorite fishing spots in Cuba – though it is exclusively a catch-and-release area.

The tiny cays throughout the area are home to mangroves and tiny hidden beaches that make for a great few hours of rest and relaxation among pristine nature. If you venture to this stunning area of Cuba, you’re in for a treat.

Read More: Jardines de la Reina: A Traveler’s Guide

5. Varadero

Voted year after year as one of TripAdvisor’s Best Beaches in the World , Varadero is a stunning white-sand beach just two hours east of Havana, and an easy choice for one of the best places to visit in Cuba for a beach getaway.

If you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten path, Varadero is not it; this is by far Cuba’s most popular beach destination, both with international travelers and Cubans looking for a beach escape. However, Varadero is also the most convenient place for a beach getaway in Cuba.

While there are endless resorts in Varadero to choose from, the 16 km of white-sand beach that runs the length of this unique peninsula is easily accessible and public, meaning that even on the busiest beach day, you’ll be able to find a space for some peace and quiet if that’s what you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for more excitement, choose a spot near the restaurants and bars near the beach. Or, even get a day pass at a hotel to make the most of the activities and amenities here. Things to do in Varadero include snorkeling and diving, or a bit further inland, you can explore caves with underground swimming holes. You’ll be surprised how much Varadero has to offer.

Plan a Trip to Varadero

• Ultimate Travel Guide to Varadero, Cuba
• 10+ Best Resorts in Varadero
• 12 Best Things To Do in Varadero
• Havana to Varadero: 5 Easy Ways To Travel

6. Fábrica de Arte Cubano

You don’t have to take our word for how cool Havana’s buzziest evening spot is Fábrica de Arte Cubano is so cool that it was named one of the best places in the world by Time Magazine in 2019 .

This mixed-use art space was revolutionary when it first opened its doors a decade ago, and it still is. It combines fine art installations with live performances and shows ranging from documentary screenings and dance classes to live music and DJ sets , all while offering spaces for dancing, eating, and multiple bars and lounge spaces.

If its accolades in Time Magazine weren’t enough to convince you that a visit to Fábrica de Arte Cubano is one of the best things to do in Havana , the space’s famous fans range from Michelle Obama and Anthony Bourdain to Questlove and Cuban stars like Cimafunk.

Fábrica de Arte Cubano is open from Thursday through Sunday every week, starting at 8 PM. However, it closes for brief seasons every three months to change over the art installations and remake the space, just as a traditional gallery would. Make sure to check out their schedule online before you visit.

While the stunning Valley of Viñales is a favorite day trip from Havana, don’t limit yourself to just a few hours in one of the most incredible places to visit in Cuba. One of the most stunning natural spots in the interior of Cuba, Viñales is a must-visit destination for any traveler in Cuba.

Viñales is best known for its impressive limestone “karsts,” jutting out from the ground like sheer-faced mountains, giving the lush valleys an impressive and completely unique to anything you’ve seen.

Make sure to get a sunrise view over the valley with breakfast and Cuban coffee at Balcón del Valle; the morning haze lifts over the valley to reveal the stunning view of the unique landscape.

Other than being beautiful, Viñales is also known for being home to Cuba’s best tobacco plantations , so a visit to these family-owned farms to learn about one of Cuba’s most famous exports is a must. You can explore the farms on horseback or by hiking through the valley – it is one of the best destinations for hiking in Cuba .

Plan a Trip to Viñales

• Ultimate Travel Guide to Viñales, Cuba
• Havana to Viñales Day Trip Guide
• 10 Best Things To Do in Viñales

8. Cayo Coco

Cuba’s northern central coast is rimmed with stunning white-sand cays , many of which are famous for their resorts and pristine beaches. While you’ll have your choice of fantastic beach destinations in this area of central Cuba, one of the best places to visit in Cuba in this amazing region is Cayo Coco .

This tiny white sand cay is one of the most underrated Caribbean islands , though it’s a popular destination for those looking for a beach resort stay. It is easily accessible from its own Jardines del Rey Airport or from the nearby provincial capital city of Ciego de Ávila. Whether traveling by bus, shared taxi, or plane, you’ll have your choice of transport options.

Stick around in Cayo Coco for the duration of your stay at one of the best resorts in Cuba, or head to neighboring Cayo Guillermo for an even more varied vacation. It’s just as beautiful and home to one of the most impressive beaches in Cuba : Playa Pilar.

Plan a Trip to Cayo Coco

• Cayo Coco: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• 7 Best Resorts in Cayo Coco

9. Guardalavaca

Would it surprise you to learn that the province of Holguin is one of the most popular places to visit in Cuba? Home to the stunning beaches of Guardalavaca and other white-sand spots like Playa Pesquero and Playa Esmeraldas, this area boasts some of the best beaches in Cuba and more stunning resorts than you can count.

Just about an hour from the province’s capital city of Holguin, Guardalavaca is the most popular beach city in the area. Whether you’re staying at one of the nearby resorts or a budget-friendly apartment or beach house rental closer to town, you’ll likely travel through this small and accessible city, which has all the amenities you’ll need for an easy trip.

While Cuba’s northern cays generally are too expensive for backpackers or budget travelers, Guardalavaca and its nearby beaches can be a bit more of a budget option without sacrificing the stunning and relaxing beach experience you’re looking for.

Plan a Trip to Holguin

• Holguin, Cuba: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• 8 Best Resorts in Holguin
• 6 Best Casa Particular Guesthouses in Holguin

10. Topes de Collantes

Located in the Escambray Mountains along Cuba’s southern coast, Parque Natural   Topes de Collantes , or simply, Topes de Collantes , is one of the best places to visit in Cuba for nature lovers. Packed with impressive hiking trails, plunging waterfalls, and even hidden coffee plantations, travelers come traveling from across the island just to experience it.

Topes de Collantes sits nearly equidistant between the cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad , making it a popular day trip destination for travelers staying in both cities. Exploring by horseback or on foot are both popular ways to experience the park, including the most popular attraction: the famous El Nicho Waterfall and its crystal-clear swimming hole.

Whether you’re looking for a full-day excursion or just a quick half-day trip to the area, you’ll be happy you added Topes de Collantes to your Cuba itinerary .

What to Pack for Cuba

Check out our  Ultimate Cuba Packing List   to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Cuba and what we never travel without.

11. Baracoa

Known as the “First City” of Cuba, tiny Baracoa in Cuba’s far east is a stunning spot, boasting plenty to draw visitors to this relatively remote spot.

With a charming historical town, great beaches, and lush, mountainous surroundings so beautiful Christopher Columbus wrote about them in his journals, Baracoa is an unforgettable travel destination.

Would you believe that Baracoa was only accessible to the rest of Cuba after the Cuban Revolution when a road was built to the town from Santiago de Cuba in the 1960s? Until then, the historic city was only accessible by boat, the dense jungles impenetrable.

One of the most popular things to do in Baracoa for visitors is hiking El Yunque; this anvil-shaped table mountain is a distinctive feature of the area’s “skyline” and makes for a great day trip to appreciate the lush jungles around the city. It’s one of the best destinations in Cuba for hiking .

Plan a Trip to Baracoa

• Baracoa Ultimate Travel Guide
• 12 Best Things To Do in Baracoa

12. Alejandro de Humboldt National Park

Just outside of Baracoa, no trip to the area is complete without a visit to the impressive Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, considered by  UNESCO  as “one of the most biologically diverse tropical island sites on earth.”

The park is massive, and visitors must enter with a guide, though this is the best way to see the very best of this massive and unique area. You’ll get the chance to see animals, insects, and tons of flora and fauna endemic to Cuba while enjoying stunning vistas wherever you look.

Excursions from Baracoa are one of the most popular ways to visit the park , though dedicated multi-day tours from other parts of Cuba are available as well. 

Read More: Best Time to Visit Cuba: Month-by-Month Breakdown

13. Cayo Santa Maria

Untouched, lush forests blanket the tiny islet of Cayo Santa Maria along Cuba’s northern shore, stretching until they reach some of the most pristine white sand beaches in the entire Caribbean . Long overshadowed by Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Santa Maria is finally coming into its own, now boasting some of the best resorts in Cuba .

There isn’t much to do in Cayo Santa Maria , but to be honest, that’s the whole point of a visit. Stretch out on nearly-empty sand with a tropical drink in hand and enjoy some of the most beautiful corners of Cuba.

Cayo Santa Maria is about a five-hour drive from Havana or just over an hour and a half away from the city of Santa Clara, which receives flights from Havana and a few key international destinations.

Plan a Trip to Cayo Santa Maria

• Cayo Santa Maria: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• 9 Best Resorts in Cayo Santa Maria

14. Pico Turquino

When you think of visiting a Caribbean island , you probably don’t think of climbing mountains. However, climbing Pico Turquino – the highest point in Cuba – is a great, unique addition to a Cuba itinerary for the avid hiker.

Covered with lush jungles, trekkers will enjoy spectacular views along the way to the summit. The hike is moderately difficult, and though steep and potentially muddy at parts, Pico Turquino is not a technically challenging climb.

Hikers climbing Pico Turquino from the trails to the north of the mountain can stop off at the Comandancia de la Plata, one of the most important places to visit in Cuba to learn about the country’s revolutionary history. This mountain camp of Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and other revolutionaries was used as a base from which to launch early attacks on the Cuban government.

Visitors can see the radio station revolutionaries used to broadcast their messages across the island, Che Guevara’s field hospital (he was a trained doctor!), and barracks. It’s a fascinating break from this unique hike.

Read More: Pico Turquino + the Best Hiking Destinations in Cuba

15. Santiago de Cuba

As the lively eastern capital of Cuba, Santiago de Cuba is a vibrant city with historic architecture and plenty of unique cultural events and is home to many of Cuba’s world-famous musical traditions.

Make sure to visit the colonial fortress Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, lauded by UNESCO as “the most complete, best-preserved example of Spanish-American military architecture.” The architecture is impressive, and the ocean views from the top of the fortress are stunning

The city is also home to many Afro-Cuban religious traditions and celebrations from santería . This religious tradition syncretized the Catholic religion of Spanish colonizers with African religions brought over with enslaved peoples. It is widely practiced across the island, though it’s particularly popular in Santiago.

If you’re interested in learning more about these traditions, Santiago de Cuba is the place to visit. You can see countless activities and events celebrating these traditions, including the famous Carnival of Santiago de Cuba.

Plan a Trip to Santiago de Cuba

• Santiago de Cuba: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• 10+ Best Things To Do in Santiago de Cuba

16. Ciénaga de Zapata

For those looking for a unique experience while visiting Cuba, consider adding a trip to Ciénaga de Zapata to your itinerary. Located along Cuba’s southern coast, this protected natural area is home to countless species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to Cuba.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and exploring mangrove forests, as well as spotting birds, Cuban crocodiles, flamingos, going kayaking with manatees , and more. The area is home to a wildlife refuge and other unique protected areas.

Most visitors also take advantage of a trip to nearby southern coast beaches or head onward to Cienfuegos or Trinidad .

Travel Insurance

Cuba requires that all travelers have proof of a comprehensive travel insurance policy in order to enter the country. Check out our guide to travel insurance for Cuba for more details. We recommend these brands for Cuba travel insurance:

• Visitors Coverage : Coverage for Cuba travel available to citizens of all countries, though not currently available to residents of New York and Maryland in the United States.
• Insubuy : Coverage for Cuba travel available to citizens of all countries and states of the United States.

17. Playa Girón

If you’ve never heard of Playa Girón, maybe you’ll recognize it by its other name – Bahia de los Cochinos, or in English, Bay of Pigs . Despite its unique and dark place in Cuba’s history, this coastal town has plenty to offer travelers to earn it a spot among the best places to visit in Cuba.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path spot with cool, hidden swimming holes, plenty of opportunities to connect with locals , and well located to reach other awesome destinations in Cuba, Playa Girón is one of the best cities in Cuba for you.

Located on Cuba’s southern coast, Playa Girón is also excellent to pair with a trip to Ciénaga de Zapata . It is home to stunningly clear water, unique beaches and swimming holes, and charming, affordable accommodations. Make sure to check out Caleta Buena for great snorkeling among caves – though admission to the area is ticketed, lunch, beverages, and access to facilities are included.

Cuba Accommodation Guides

• Best Resorts in Cuba: Ultimate Cuba Resort Guide
• 15 Best All Inclusive Resorts in Cuba
• 15 Best Hotels in Cuba

18. Cienfuegos

If you can’t get enough of the charming historic architecture you’ll find across Cuba, consider visiting Cienfuegos in central Cuba. This historic city has plenty of fine examples of stunning colonial architecture while maintaining a laid-back and relaxed vibe you won’t find in Havana and Trinidad ‘s busier and more touristed destinations.

Cienfuegos is also a great destination from which to explore the nearby Escambray mountains, home to lush jungles with coffee plantations and stunning waterfall hikes like the famous El Nicho.

Easily combined with a trip to Trinidad, Ciénaga de Zapata, or Playa Girón, this lovely city is an easy choice when considering the best places to visit in Cuba.

Plan a Trip to Cienfuegos

• Cienfuegos, Cuba | Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• 10+ Best Things To Do in Cienfuegos

19. Playa Pilar

There are plenty of gorgeous beaches in Cuba worth visiting , but few are as special as Playa Pilar. Regarded as one of the best beaches in the world, this white sand stunner is even dreamier than the beaches you see on postcards.

Playa Pilar is perched on Cayo Guillermo , one of Cuba’s countless northern cays located in the Jardines del Rey area. While a few resorts dot the shores of the beach – including some of the best resorts in Cuba – it feels untouched, pristine, and uncrowded, adding even more to its intrigue and beauty.

Playa Pilar was famously immortalized in Ernest Hemingway’s book Islands in the Stream, and monuments to the writer are found all around the island. In fact, this particularly stunning beach was even named Pilar in honor of Hemingway’s boat.

Plan a Trip to Cayo Guillermo

• Cayo Guillermo: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• 8 Best Resorts in Cayo Guillermo

20. Isla de la Juventud

The largest of the islands that sit offshore from the Cuban mainland, Isla de la Juventud – in English, the Isle of Youth – is a little-visited but totally unique destination in Cuba. Accessible via flights from Havana to the island’s capital of Nueva Gerona or via a ferry from Batabanó, it can be a bit of a hassle to reach but is well worth the journey.

If you think Cuba feels like a trip back in time, it has nothing on Isla de la Juventud. Zip down beachfront roads in vintage cars, stroll peacefully through historic plazas, and sip coffee at corner cafes. The laidback feel of the island is like none other, making it the ultimate destination for an unplugged vacation.

There’s little traditional tourism infrastructure here, though the smattering of charming casa particular guest houses makes a for memorable accommodation experience. Stick to Nueva Gerona; there’s very little elsewhere on the island.

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Home to Havana and Explorers Away. She is a serial expat and traveler, having visited 40+ countries and counting. Carley has written for publications like Travel + Leisure, MSN, Associated Press, Weather Channel, Wealth of Geeks, and more. Find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

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19 Unforgettable Places to Visit In Cuba in 2024

Written By: Hege Jacobsen

Updated On: March 7, 2024

Cuba is truly a unique destination. The largest of the Caribbean Islands, Cuba will charm you with its charismatic vibe influenced by four centuries of African, Caribbean, and Spanish cultures. Everywhere you look there are reminders of its past integrated with the present. To help you immerse in Cuban culture, we’re going to share the best places to visit in Cuba to experience an authentic and unforgettable vacation.

Table of Contents

Top Places To Visit In Cuba

Cuba transgresses the boundaries of time, spanning six decades simultaneously. In Old Havana take in the mid-century ambiance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site combined with its Spanish colonial architecture. Hail a classic American car, and whisk along the Malecón with hair flowing in the wind. Outside the city, there is a bounty of natural beauty to explore with thousands of miles of Caribbean coastline shielding glimmering coral reefs in tranquil turquoise waters. 

If you arrive with an open mind, you will feel the new winds of Cuba whispering between the tones of salsa, reggaeton, and mesmerizing Santeria tambores calling on the saints to descend in celebration. Here are the 18 best places to see when visiting Cuba that you’ll never forget.

1. Visit Mesmerizing Havana

Of all the unique places to visit in Cuba, the famous capital Havana should be on top of your list! Often travelers either instantly fall in love with Havana or don’t get it at all. But if you give it time and wander its cobbled streets soaking in Cuban life and the different architectural styles from the old town to the central business district you’ll be captivated. We recommend at least a day in Havana, but if you can do three days, you’ll really be able to see it all

There are so many unique things to do in Havana , which is a city filled with music, art, culture, and delicious foods as well as Cuban history, museums, landmarks, noise, and rubble. Many must-see destinations are also within  day trip distance from Havana .

The first thing I recommend is that you take a classic American car tour around the city, and take in the contrasts. This is a super way of getting an overview of greater Havana and experiencing firsthand the different ambiances of the city districts. 

The second is to do a guided walking tour of the historic Old Havana (La Habana Vieja). Learn about the rich historical details of colonial Havana, revolutionary Havana, and Che Guevera. Make sure you visit the Plaza de la Catedral, Bodeguita del Medio (where Hemingway hung out), and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza.

My third recommendation is to book a table for dinner at Paladar San Cristobal (where Obama had dinner) or the rooftop terrace at fantastic La Guarida, both in Central Havana. Ask for a chambre separé in San Cristobal if you are a group, it will be an amazing evening. At La Guarida, stroll over to the other end of the restaurant after dinner for a nightcap at the amazing rooftop bar with stunning night views of Havana. 

Vibrating in the contrast between the stunning and decaying, the new, the vintage, and the ancient, Havana’s unique atmosphere is created by decades of solitude, a proud national feeling, and a fading romantic idea about the revolution.

With its Spanish colonial architecture and the fierce Malecon boardwalk, a visit to Havana is an incredible experience if you keep your eyes and heart open. Explore the centuries-old streets, peek beyond the facade, let the city tell you its history, and take in the ambiance of Cuba’s capital. 

Where to Stay in Havana

Planning on staying in Havana? The Iberostar Grand Packard is one of Havana’s most luxurious hotels with the best sunset view in the city. Have a cocktail on the 6th-floor bar overlooking the infinity swimming pool and the Malecon.

2. Feel Authentic Cuba In Guanabo Town

If you like to experience the authenticity and uniqueness of a destination when you are traveling, then one of the best places to visit in Cuba is Guanabo.

Located just half an hour’s drive east of Havana along the coastline, Guanabo is a typical Cuban small town. It is not free of tourists, but it is a destination much less traveled than Havana or Varadero. There is a myriad of bars and small restaurants with random self-appointed DJs along the main street of Guanabo. 

Stop for a mojito in one of the roadside bars, and buy a typical Cuban lunch in the park next to La Esquina de Los Caballitos (bring cash) along with the rest of the locals. Then head for Guanabo Beach, where on the weekend each cluster of sunbeds houses a family with their subwoofer playing either reggaeton or salsa while sharing a bottle of rum with everyone!

Take a day trip to Guanabo, or opt for staying here for a night or two if you want a more authentic Cuban experience than partly polished Old Havana. You will find casa particulares for rent in Guanabo across the spectrum from simple standard to luxury, while experiencing a truer vibe of what Cuba is like, including the nightlife!

3. Basque In Turquoise Waters At Playas del Este

Playas del Este is a chain of small beaches lying like beads on a chain spread out to the east of Havana city. Lots of Cubans come to Playas del Este to enjoy the sand and sea, especially during the weekends. The closest beach to Havana is the small bay of Playa Bacuranao, while the most beautiful one according to lots of travelers, is Playa Santa Maria del Mar. 

On the latter, you can expect lots of life and hustle and bustle, especially on the weekends, from kiosks selling everything from traditional chicken with rice, rum, and ice cream while playing music at the nightclub level. 

Guanabo town is within walking distance of the eastern beach of Playa Boca Ciega, as well as Playa Guanabo. Playas del Este are the best beaches to visit on a day trip from Havana. You can take the bus from Parque Central, hail a private taxi to tend to you all day, or even book a beach trip as an organized tour online. 

4. All-Inclusive Heaven In Varadero

In 2019, Varadero Beach was voted forward as the second most beautiful beach in the world on TripAdvisor. For anyone longing for a true Caribbean holiday with crispy white sand and blue oceans, resorts, and pools, this is one of the top places to visit in Cuba. 

The sandy string of beaches follows the entire coastline of the narrow Hicacos Peninsula, stretching into the sea off Cuba’s northern coast.

The peninsula is mainly the home of numerous large pampering all-inclusive resorts filled with swimming pools, restaurants, and spas along the coastline, only steps from the white sands and the sea. There is a small town center where you find restaurants, an artisan market, a variety of shops that you can enjoy, and even a mall built in the 90s, weirdly named Plaza America.  

Varadero is perfect for a Caribbean getaway with swimming, snorkeling, boat trips, scuba diving, or simply soaking up some sunshine, and there is a golf course with spectacular proximity to the Caribbean surf. 

You can also explore nearby caves, visit the Botanical Garden, a natural reserve, or venture out deep sea fishing! 

Just know that if you stay in a Varadero resort for your entire vacation, you have not really visited Cuba, as the real Cuba is very different. So it is really great that Varadero is within tour distance to other destinations in Cuba, like Vinales, Havana , Trinidad, and Cienfuegos. Check it out. 

5. Lush Green Valle de Viñales & Cuban Cigars

Mainly famous for being home to the coveted Cuban cigars, Vinales is a small agricultural town in a lush green fertile valley located in the western part of Cuba, in Pinar del Rio province. 

You can take a day trip to Valle de Viñales from Havana, and even from Varadero (although that is a really long day) and experience the highlights of the valley. See the Mural de la Prehistoria, the stunning Cueva del Indio cave, visit a Cuban cigar farm, and have a traditional Cuban lunch – all in one day! 

If you have time to travel slower, you can also stay a night or two in a casa particular in the small but charming Vinales town center. 

There are a variety of unique restaurants and bars for you to explore offering traditional meals with local ingredients and delicious Cuban food like  ropa vieja  or  pollo con arroz morro . There is one special thing about Vinales that has put the valley on the UNESCO World Heritage site list, and that is the  mogotes . Scattered around the valley small abrupt hills are lying like green sugar tops across the valley floor; the  mogotes . 

Mogotes are isolated, steep-sided, and rugged hills composed of limestone, marble, or dolomite, with rounded shapes that tower above the flat plains around them. 

If you stay a while, you will have time to go on hikes to explore the mogotes up close, some of them have caves where you can go swimming or rock climbing inside. 

Or try rock climbing on the outside, walk the many trails around the valley, go horseback riding, and visit the nearby limestone caves. Maybe visit the pristine beaches on Cayo Jutias up north on a day trip?

6. Ruggedly Untouched Island Cayo Jutias

Cayo Jutias is a beautiful island you can reach by driving north across a causeway on the verge of Pinar del Rio province, off the northwest coast of Cuba. 

Here you find nothing but a quiet beach with a narrow strip of crispy sand separating the mangroves from the soft sea. 

You can take a taxi up to this tranquil island for the day (there are no hotels here), a couple of hours from Vinales. It is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway, with stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and simply chill. 

Most travelers immediately fall in love with the pristine rugged beauty of Cayo Jutias. Unlike other destinations in Cuba, the untouched Caribbean beaches here have not been developed like Varadero or some of the other Cuban keys. 

There is a restaurant and a couple of bars on the beach where the prices are decent for cocktails and sandwiches. Spend the day snorkeling, swimming or simply doing nothing on the beach before you return to mainland Cuba in the afternoon. 

7. Sustainable Las Terrazas in Pinar del Rio

Las Terrazas is a picturesque, serene community that focuses on sustainable development in Pinar del Rio, and allows its visitors to become one with nature. 

Located 46 miles west of Havana, this tranquil oasis is situated in the Sierra del Rosario which was appointed a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1985. In the late 1960s, Las Terrazas was created to restore an area that had been severely damaged by extensive coffee production in the 19th century. 

Millions of trees were planted, terraces for agriculture excavated, and a small town was constructed to keep nature as its focus. Now the land is protected rather than exploited; its cycles are respected and appreciated in perfect harmony with nature.

Las Terrazas is one of the destinations in Cuba that has attracted a vibrant community of talented artists. It also provides an incredible outdoor setting for nature enthusiasts from open public workshops and studios to unlimited opportunities for outdoor activities.  Spend the day in the beautiful river oasis, with layered cascades running from one level to another of crystal clear pools where you can take heavenly dips in the waterfalls. 

From the lush vegetation of the Sierra del Rosario mountain range, you will also find stunning viewpoints, and tropical mountain scenery around Las Terrazas, where you can gaze at the hazy coastline!

8. Colonial Living Museum Of Trinidad

Trinidad is often referred to as “the museum of Cuba”, a unique colonial city located on Cuba’s southern shores around four hour’s drive from Havana. 

The reason Trinidad is protected by the UNESCO World Heritage Site list is that its historical center looks almost identical today as it did at the height of Cuba’s sugar era when Trinidad was the sugar capital of the island. When Cuba was priced out of the sugar trade by other nations, the city became a forgotten backwater, a place that was not developed like other Cuban towns in the 19th and 20th Centuries. 

Trinidad today is one of the most famous places to visit in Cuba for its well-preserved colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. Here historic telltales from the colonial era in the Caribbean and Cuba are found in the details. 

Visit one of the countless museums(don’t miss the Museum of Colonial Architecture aka Museo de Arquitectura Colonial) and artist’s studios in Trinidad’s historic center, walk around Plaza Mayor at nightfall, and enjoy a meal on the balcony of Los Conspiradores opposite Casa de la Musica. 

Travel the short distance to the Valle de Los Ingenios, or Valley of Sugar Mills, once home to vast sugar plantations. From Trinidad, you can also explore the Topes de Collantes national park, or simply head out to paradisiacal Playa Ancon beach just 15 minutes from Trinidad town center.

9. Cienfuegos City With The French Heritage

The special thing about Cienfuegos is that it is the only city in Cuba that was founded by the French, not the Spanish (although under the Spanish crown).  

A small town located on the southern coast of Cuba just west of Trinidad, the heritage of Cienfuegos is detectable in architecture and even city planning. You find a miniature version of the Arc de Triomphe in the main city square; Parque Jose Marti. 

Along Boulevard avenue in Cienfuegos is a variety of shops and small restaurants, and when the Boulevard closes, the Paseo del Prado wakes up. This is where the Cienfuegos nightlife is found, as the sun sets, the doors and windows open along the Prado and the music starts. 

You can also visit attractions like the amazing botanical garden, or go kayaking or horseback riding outside the city. And then head out to Camila’s restaurant out on Punta Gorda, across the Malecon, for an amazing sunset and dinner.

10. Infamous Bay of Pigs & Playa Giron

The Bahia de Cochinos, more commonly known as the Bay of Pigs, and the small village at Playa Giron beach are the destinations in Cuba that were the center of dramatic world events in 1961. 

The failed US invasion of Cuba happened here, where more than a thousand soldiers landed on the beaches, where they were defeated by Cuban forces, and ended up being prisoners of war for over a year in Cuba. 

Today Playa Giron is a sleepy little village on the edge of the deep Bay of Pigs. It is worth a visit because of the Bay of Pigs Museum, which tells the story of Cuba before the revolution, as well as the failed US invasion from a Cuban standpoint.  

There are also a variety of restaurants and bars in the area, so you can enjoy local Cuban cuisine for lunch or if you stay the night. After visiting the museum and the small market, there is not a lot more to discover here. 

If you head further north to Playa Larga you can check out some of the best diving on the island. With 17 different types of coral and great visibility, you will want to visit this place if you want to explore the underwater world.

11. Heart Of The Revolution Santa Clara City

Santa Clara is a small city located in the central part of Cuba about two hours north of Trinidad. It is home to a university, and possibly the scene of the most important incident leading up to the Cuban revolution in 1959. 

This is where Che Guevara and his men defeated Batista soldiers in December 1959 in a dramatic fight, before conquering the city, which led to president Batista fleeing the country on New Year’s Eve. Today this is one of the places to visit in Cuba with the most memorabilia, monuments, murals, and signs about the revolution all around, including in the main plaza Parque Leoncio Vidal. 

Santa Clara is also home to the last resting place of Che Guevara; he has been honored with a huge mausoleum on the verge of the Plaza de la Revolución. Santa Clara today also has a decent nightlife, lots of casa particulares, and a variety of restaurants and bars. After hiking to the top of La Loma hill to watch the sunset you can enjoy tasty Cuban dishes for dinner in this living and breathing museum of the revolution in Cuba.

From Santa Clara, there is about a one-hour drive north to Cayo Santa Maria, one of the paradisiacal Cuban keys that exist only for all-inclusive resort life.  

12. Secluded Paradise Island Cayo Santa Maria

Cayo Santa Maria is the name of a stunning island triplet, and part of the most famous places to visit in Cuba, the Cuban keys. Located off the north coast of Cuba, it lingers just where the Jardines del Rey coral reef system starts; the King’s Garden. 

To get here, you need to cross over a causeway on the northern coast of around 28 miles before you arrive at the island mangroves, hiding a secluded paradise consisting only of amazing all-inclusive resorts and luxury. 

In Cayo Santa Maria, there is no city center or local inhabitants, the whole island triplet is a resort heaven. A holiday here really is the place you go for the Caribbean paradise getaway, and only that. 

What there is an abundance of in Cayo Santa Maria, is beaches, pools and pool bars, food, mojitos, and lots of water activities. It is a perfect place to go snorkeling, take a day trip on a catamaran, scuba diving, and even deep sea fishing from Marina Gaviota.  

You can visit other parts of Cuba from Cayo Santa Maria like Santa Clara and Trinidad, but be prepared to cover some distances for other adventures. 

13. Paradisiacal Beaches And History In Cayo Coco

Cayo Coco is another stunning Cuban key located off the north coast of Cuba, the most famous one of the Jardines del Rey coral reef system, from where you can also reach tiny Cayos Guillermo, Paredon, and Cruz. You need to cross another long causeway across the Bahía de Perros (Bay of Dogs) to reach Cayo Coco and Guillermo, as the keys are connected to the main island of Cuba by a 17-mile  pedraplen . 

These beautiful islands are known for stunning beaches and crystal clear waters, the five most famous beaches on Cayo Coco being Playa Los Flamencos, Playa Prohibida, Playa Larga, Playa Colorades, and Playa la Laula. 

There are of course plenty of water sports to do on Cayo Coco, including amazing diving in the Jardines del Rey, and kite surfing. On dry land, you can also go rock climbing at the Rocarena Climbing Center, or take a jeep tour.  Cayo Coco is also an all-inclusive resort territory, the only exception is Sitio La Guira where you can rent rooms in a very special historic environment. 

Sitio La Guira is an enthralling ecological and historical area where you can explore the region’s myriad biodiversity while traveling back in time. Learn about the culture, customs, and lifestyle of its early colonists here during the 1900s.

14. Capital Of The Carnival Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba today is the second biggest city in Cuba, situated on the eastern side of the island. The distance from Santiago de Cuba over to Haiti is shorter than to the capital Havana.  

For a few decades centuries ago, Santiago was the formal capital of Cuba, and today it still holds the title capital of the carnival in Cuba. Although most destinations in Cuba have a carnival, they are not like the one in Santiago. 

The city is famous for its incredibly energetic and abundant carnivals every year in July, and Santiago also has a bit more Caribbean influence from the islands further east because of its location. 

Some unique sights in Santiago are the majestic El Morro fortress guarding the narrow entrance to Santiago bay, San Pedro de la Roca Castle a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, which is the last resting place of Cuban national hero Jose Marti, as well as Fidel Castro. 

Santiago is also the birthplace of the 26th of July Movement, the name of Castro’s resistance group, which was founded after a failed attack on the Moneda Barracks in Santiago in 1953. 

After this attack, Castro was sentenced to jail and spent several years incarcerated in a jail on Isla de la Juventud which is now the museum you can visit on Isla de la Juventud. Santiago de Cuba also has some famous restaurants like the Bodeguita del Medio on the main street, where they serve killer Camarones (shrimp). 

15. Biodiverse Isla de la Juventud

Isla de la Juventud, or the Isle of Youth, is the second largest island in the Cuban archipelago (there are around 4000), situated in the Caribbean Sea south of western Cuba. It is one of the destinations in Cuba that are the trickiest to visit. 

The capital city is Nueva Gerona, which is more like a village with a few casa particulares, bars and restaurants, and some museums. There is only one hotel on the island, 

Particularly famous for exceptional scuba diving sites, it is also close to the southern coral reef outside Cuba, the Jardines de la Reina. Make the journey from the main island port of Batabanó in about three hours, and you can experience amazing scuba diving off the southwestern tip of Punta Francés. 

Isla de la Juventud is also a paradise of biodiversity protecting endangered species such as crocodiles, parrots, sharks, and turtles. One spectacular sight on Isla de la Juventud is the Presidio Modelo, the iconic prison-turned-museum where Fidel Castro was imprisoned after the failed attack in Santiago de Cuba in 1953, an eerie-looking place today. 

Isla de la Juventud is not for city lovers, this is a destination for travelers who enjoy venturing off the beaten tracks, find weird stuff fascinating, and love to explore nature reserves and wildlife.  

16. Vast Mountain Range Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada is a vast mountain range east of Santiago de Cuba, starting by the sea and stretching inland. The area has several national parks like Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra and Parque Nacional Pico Turquino. 

Pico Turquino is also the highest point of the Sierra Maestra and the highest point in the whole of Cuba with its 1974 meters above sea level. A great destination in Cuba for avid hikers,  and nature lovers who will be rewarded with amazing views of the mountains and the sea after a trek up here. 

Visitors can also explore its many trails, breathtaking waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views. Sierra Maestra is home to a variety of unique wildlife, and more than 80 bird species, so make sure to keep an eye out for native birds and other animals! The Sierra Maestra is also famous for being Fidel Castro’s secret guerilla hideout in the 1950s. 

17. Fidel Castro’s Secret Headquarters Comandancia de la Plata

Comandancia de la Plata possibly is the most intriguing of all destinations in Cuba you can visit. This was Fidel Castro’s hidden jungle headquarters in Sierra Maestra in the 1950s, and it still looks the same today. 

Here Fidel Castro and his comrades ran their resistance campaign and guerilla warfare against Batista in the last years of the 1950s, before the Cuban revolution. Here he hid for long periods, made plans, and prepared for attacks. 

Today there is a small museum here telling some of the stories of people and incidents that happened during the 50s. You will also be able to see the secret house of Fidel Castro, where he ate and slept – and even his outside toilet. 

A fascinating destination you can reach on a day trip from Santiago de Cuba, a few hour’s drive and a short but hot and steep hike from where the road ends in the mountains. 

18. The Secluded First City Baracoa 

Situated on the eastern tip of Cuba, Baracoa is where the first Spanish colony was founded in Cuba and is known as the “Ciudad Primada”, or “First City”, the first place in Cuba to be visited by Christopher Columbus. The town lies along the Bay of Honey, and has a lush tropical rainforest climate, while surrounded by a mountain range shielding it from inland Cuba.  

Before the Cuban Revolution, you could only travel to Baracoa by boat, but in the 1960s a 120-kilometer-long road known as La Farola was built to connect Baracoa with the interior of Cuba. 

Having been protected from crowds of tourists by the remote location, Baracoa has a tranquil vibe untainted by over-tourism. Unique things to do in Baracoa today are the hike to the El Yunque mountain, and visit the city cathedral and the Parque Independencia. 

Also check out the Cueva del Paraiso which is an archeological museum with artifacts from the indigenous Taino culture, Casa de la Trova (house of troubadours), or rent a bike to explore on your own. 

You can take the four-hour-long bus ride here from Santiago de Cuba to reach this historically important destination in Cuba with amazing nature experiences as well.

19. Cayo Largo del Sur

Cayo Largo del Sur is a relatively unknown travel destination that is often overshadowed by more popular tourist spots like Havana and Varadero. However, Cayo Largo del Sur is a hidden gem that offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

The beaches here are incredible. There is more than 20 kilometers of white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The beaches are relatively uncrowded, so you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the island without feeling overwhelmed by large crowds.

Cayo Largo del Sur also has a fascinating history that is worth exploring. The island was once a haven for pirates and smugglers, and it played a significant role in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Today, visitors can learn about the island’s history by visiting museums and historic sites, such as the El Torreon lighthouse and the Mural de la Prehistoria.

Overall, Cayo Largo del Sur is a unique and unspoiled place to visit in Cuba that offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and culture.

Wrap-Up 19 Amazing Destinations In Cuba

With a little luck, you now feel super motivated to go visit Cuba, and hopefully, your only problem at the moment is choosing places in Cuba to visit, and what to do! 

I feel you, after being based in Havana for over two years there are still things I have not been able to explore yet. But discovery is the first step on the way, a step you have just taken. Enjoy your Cuba travel planning, and the answer to any of your Cuba questions is only an email away. 

Plan Your Nest Trip to Cuba With These Resources

• Cuban Food: 20 Cuban Dishes You Can Try at Home
• 11 Fun Facts About Cuba You Never Knew
• Cuba Travel Guide

42 Fantastic Things to do in Havana, Cuba

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
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Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Hege Jacobsen

Hege Jacobsen is a Norwegian former military officer and social scientist who now is based inHavana, Cuba. She runs the travel blog The World By Hege , a one-stop-shop for Cuba and Caribbeantravel! You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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2 thoughts on “19 Unforgettable Places to Visit In Cuba in 2024”

Amazing post, and thanks for sharing such valuable information.

Thanks so much about all the information about Cuba,i just came back from it but you didn’t image anything about city of Holguin i guess you didn’t have nothing to say about it.

50 Best Things to Do in Cuba + MAP with Attractions

Home | Travel | The Caribbean | Cuba | 50 Best Things to Do in Cuba + MAP with Attractions

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . Y ou can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

There are many things to do in Cuba , a country with a peculiar political history and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.

The Cuban Revolution marked a turning point in the history of post-colonized Cuba. When the world began to globalize, a communist regime was established on the island, and it’s still present today despite international pressure and global blockades. However, that is exactly the reason why the Cuban tourist attractions are unique and very different from the ones you’ll find in other Caribbean islands.

The country is breathtaking, full of incredible landscapes and rich culture. Regardless of when you visit it, you will always find interesting activities in Cuba . Although you should go as soon as possible if you want to know the authentic Cuba because just two weeks after our 15-day trip to Cuba , Fidel Castro died and the island is changing very quickly since then.

To help you plan your trip, here are the 50 best places to visit in Cuba. Also, at the end of this article, you will find a map with all these tourist attractions of Cuba so you can make the most of your time. I also recommend you read our guide to  planning a trip to Cuba .

1. Havana, the most important city to visit in Cuba

Havana  is one of the most important  places to visit in Cuba  since it’s the capital of the country. It’s a city of contrasts, where greatness and decadence collide, and most people have a love/hate relationship with it.

As I explain in our guide on things to do in Havana , the capital city is divided into the neighborhoods of  Old Havana, Central Havana , and  Vedado . This is where you’ll find some of the most  famous places in Cuba , such as the Malecón de La Habana, the Museum of the Revolution, and the Christ of Havana.

But this is just the beginning of what the city has to offer. If you visit, I recommend checking out our guide to learn more about Havana.

We flew into Havana airport and booked  this transfer   to the city center. As soon as we arrived, we left our bags at our hotel and took this  free tour  to see the main  points of interest in Cuba . It’s a group tour, but if you prefer something more personal, you can take the  tour with a local guide .

Two other free tours in Havana that I recommend are the  colonial Havana tour  and the  night tour,  where you can enjoy the city’s best nightlife.

2. Visit Viñales Valley, one of the best things to do in Cuba

The  Viñales Valley  is one of the most  beautiful places to visit in Cuba . Not only is it one of the most popular natural areas in the country, but it’s a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site and National Monument.

What makes it a  must-see in Cuba  is the gorgeous natural landscape of native plants and  mogotes . These rounded mountains are no taller than 100 feet, but they’re eye-catching. Since they formed from limestone, the Caribbean rains have gradually eroded them, creating caves. Some of these caverns have underground rivers, such as the  Cueva del Indio , which I will tell you about later.

As I mentioned in our guide to the best  things to do in Viñales , you cannot miss the area’s coffee and tobacco plantations. I also recommend standing in front of the Prehistory Mural, a large painting on the rock of the mogote Pita. However, this area of ​​the island has much more to offer.

We loved this  bike tour , but be prepared to end up sore because the slopes are killer. If you want to save yourself the effort, this  electric bike tour  may be a good option.

I recommend spending 3 or 4 days in this area, although if you don’t have time, you can take this  1-day tour  from Havana to see the most important things.

3. Varadero, one of the most famous beaches in Cuba

Varadero  boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, so this is one of the top  areas to visit in Cuba . Since it’s so popular, Varadero has several luxury resorts. If you want to spend a few days in total comfort, this is the place to go.

The town has over 13 miles of pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Here, you can disconnect from it all and spend your time swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, or water skiing.

This  tourist attraction in Cuba  also has several impressive caves, such as the  Saturno Cave . Stepping inside this archaeological structure, you’ll be amazed at the rock formations. Best of all,  it has a natural pool inside where you can enjoy a dip.

So, if you’re looking for  fun things to do in Cuba , Varadero is a place you must visit. If you don’t have much time, you can book  this excursion  from Havana to see Varadero in one day.

4. Trinidad, a must-visit in Cuba

Trinidad  is one of the  best cities to visit in Cuba . It’s in the center of the island and is an area of great cultural and historical significance.

As I mentioned in our guide to the  best things to do in Trinidad, Cuba , this city still has remnants from the Spanish colonial era. It’s a lovely place, and I encourage you to get lost among its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Walk down  Real de Jigüe  and  Amargura streets, and you’ll feel like you’re stepping through a postcard.

I also recommend visiting  Plaza Mayor , where you can have a  canchánchara , a traditional Cuban cocktail. Another  must-visit in Cuba is Casa de la Trova , in Trinidad, where you can enjoy the nightlife and listen to authentic Cuban music.

Trinidad is also home to two interesting museums: The  Municipal Historical Museum  and the  National Museum of the Fight Against Bandits . The first has a rooftop terrace where you can get amazing views of the city, while the second has artifacts related to Cuban independence.

Another cool place to go is the  Church of the Holy Trinity,  one of the largest churches in the country.

If you want to discover everything about this beautiful city, I recommend this  free tour  to see some of the most  famous landmarks in Cuba .

5. Cienfuegos, one of the most beautiful places to visit in cuba

Cienfuegos , also known as the Pearl of the South, is one of the top  cities to visit in Cuba . It’s on the way to Trinidad from Havana, so it’s a convenient place to spend a day.

Located on the shores of the bay of Cienfuegos, this town stands out for its buildings from the colonial era. The historical urban center of Cienfuegos is also a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site.

Some other impressive places in Cienfuegos include the  José Martí Park, Ferrer Palace , the  Benjamin Duarte Provincial House of Culture , and the  Purísima Concepción Cathedral .

5. Cienfuegos, another must-visit in Cuba

Another cool activity in Cuba  is walking along the  Paseo del Prado , the largest promenade on the island. It eventually leads to the  Malecón de Cienfuegos  in Punta Gorda. As I mentioned in our guide with the  best things to do in Cienfuegos , this is where you can enjoy one of the best sunsets in the country.

6. Santa Clara and the Che Guevara mausoleum

Che Guevara is one of the most important figures in the country’s history, so visiting the Che Guevara Mausoleum is one of the most important things to do in Cuba . You can find it in Santa Clara , a central city on the island.

Santa Clara stands out for its historical monuments that reflect the independence revolution. The mausoleum also includes the ashes of Guevara’s 16 comrades who were killed during the Bolivia campaign in 1967. The monument on the mausoleum grounds, at over 20 feet tall, is also worth seeing.

In this same area, there is a museum dedicated to the life of Guevara and an “eternal flame” that Fidel Castro lit in his memory.

6. Santa Clara and the Mausoleum of Che Guevara, an important place to see in Cuba

While you’re in Santa Clara, take the time to visit some other  tourist attractions in Cuba , like the  Leoncio Vidal Park and the Armored Train Monument . The latter commemorates the end of the Batista dictatorship and the start of the Castro socialist regime.

Unfortunately, we had to cancel our excursion to Santa Clara due to an amoeba infection, which I mentioned in our article on  travel insurance for Cuba . Luckily, it was nothing serious, but it’s a good reminder that travel insurance in Cuba is a necessity.

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7. Visit Santiago de Cuba, the 2nd largest city in Cuba

Visiting Santiago de Cuba is another great thing to do in Cuba. While it’s the second-largest city in the country, it’s on the southern end of the island, while Havana is on the northern end. So, if you’re going to spend less than two weeks in Cuba, you’ll have to decide between visiting Havana (and the Northern half of the island) or Santiago (and the Southern half).

We opted for Havana, but we plan to come back so we can discover all that Santiago de Cuba has to offer. This includes beautiful colonial architecture, a rich revolutionary history, and several  famous landmarks in Cuba .

7. Visit Santiago de Cuba, another prominent city to visit in Cuba

Enramada Street  is the main artery of the city and where you can access the main tourist attractions. I recommend spending time in the old town, visiting  Parque Céspedes  and the  Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption .

Santiago de Cuba also has one of the most famous boardwalks in Cuba, where you can mingle with the locals. This city is also steeped in history, so stop by the  Moncada Barracks and Museum, Plaza Marte , and the  Santa Ifigenia Cemetery . This is where Fidel Castro’s ashes and the body of José Martí are buried.

8. Ride in a classic car, something to do in Cuba with family

One of the most typical  things to do in Cuba  is to  take a ride in a classic car . In Havana, these types of tours are all over, although they can be a bit pricey. We opted for  this tour  and explored the city in a classic 1950s automobile.

Our driver, Armando, asked us which parts of the city we’d already visited, so he could take us to new places. Along the way, he told us lots of anecdotes that we wouldn’t have heard if we didn’t do this tour. Also, he let us stop a few times so we could take photos. At the end of our tour, we asked Armando to drop us off at a different spot than the pick-up location, and he happily obliged.

If you want to explore Cuba in style, this excursion is the way to go. You can see iconic sites like the  Plaza de la Revolución, Almendares Park,  and the  Malecón promenade . Plus, riding along in a classic car makes you feel fully immersed in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

9. Have a mojito in La Bodeguita del Medio, another fun thing to do in Cuba

Another  fun thing to do in Cuba  is to  have a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio . Although a few replicas have cropped up on the island (and around the world), the original La Bodeguita del Medio is in Old Havana.

The restaurant has long been a meeting place for writers, artists, and politicians. When you visit, you will find out that some personalities have left their sign on the walls, including Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Neruda.

9. Have a mojito in La Bodeguita del Medio, one of the best things to do in Cuba

This is also the  best place in Cuba  to drink a Cuban  mojito . Made with rum, lime, and mint, it’s the traditional cocktail of Havana, and a great way to end your day.

That said, La Bodeguita del Medio is one of the most popular  tourist attractions in Cuba ‘s capital city. So, if you want a relaxing evening, you won’t find it here! We went very early so we could avoid the crowds, which worked out quite well. Plus, there was live music, and the drinks weren’t that expensive (about 5 CUC).

10. Buena Vista Social Club, the best place to enjoy Cuban music

Buenavista Social Club  is one of the  best places to visit in Cuba  if you want to enjoy authentic Cuban music. Located in Havana, it’s one of the most popular clubs on the island and the perfect way to enjoy the nightlife.

Like all the clubs in the country, it closed its doors during the 1959 revolution and the rise of the Castro regime. Fortunately, it was able to reopen in the 1990s, and since then, it’s been a  must-see in Cuba .

Here, you can watch the Grammy-winning Buena Vista Social Club perform live, as well as the Afro-Cuban All-Stars. These are two of the best Latin bands in the world, so if you’re looking for  entertainment in Cuba , look no further.

Since this is a popular club, I suggest booking  your ticket  in advance. This entry ticket includes a three-course dinner and drinks prior to the performance.

11. Tropicana Cabaret, something fun to do in Cuba at night

The  Tropicana Cabaret in Havana is one of the most popular cabarets in the country and even won the 5 Stars Diamond for the Best Cabaret in the Americas. If you’re wondering  what to do in Cuba at night , Tropicana has all the fun, music, and color you could want.

What makes this cabaret unique is that it’s outdoors in a tropical garden. The stage is surrounded by beautiful palm trees, creating a fitting atmosphere. Tropicana dates to 1939, and world-renown artists have graced its stage over the years.

Taking in a show at the Tropicana is one of the most  exciting things to do in Cuba . While you sip a mojito, you can watch dozens of performers take the stage. It’s an incredible display of movement, dance, music, and colorful costumes.

The cabaret is very popular, so I recommend booking your  ticket in advance. Also, consider the dress code before you go. Men should wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a polo shirt or button-down. Women should also dress semi-formally and should only bring small bags. Otherwise, they’ll have to leave it at the entrance.

12. Topes de Collantes, one of the best hikes in Cuba

If you like hiking, one of the places you can  visit in Cuba  is the  Topes de Collantes  natural park. It’s just a few miles from Trinidad, so you can take advantage of your visit by stopping here along the way.

The park is in the Sierra del Escambray mountain range, a lush area that’s home to nearly 50% of Cuba’s native species. It’s also full of natural wonders, such as the 210-foot  Caburní Falls , the highest waterfall in the Caribbean.

12. Topes de Collantes, one of the best places to go hiking in Cuba

We loved this place, and we were even able to see and photograph several small Cuban hummingbirds hovering around the flowers next to the waterfall. Getting there was a bit difficult because of the rain, but it was more than worth it. If you visit, just bring the right footwear!

While you’re here, check out some other hiking paths, such as the  Vegas Grandes trail, that leads to another beautiful fall; or the Gruta Batata trail, which offers amazing panoramic views and leads to natural pools where you can bathe.

Topes de Collantes is also close to the  Hacienda Codina mud baths  and the  Paseo Ecologico  nature walkway.

13. Dance in the House of Music, something to do in Cuba for couples

If you’re looking for some nighttime  activities in Cuba , I recommend visiting the  House of Music . We went to the ones that are in Havana, Trinidad, and Viñales but almost all major towns have one.

Here, you can groove to live musical performances, which vary by the day. Several well-known Cuban artists and groups have performed here, such as Los Van Van orchestra and Bamboleo.

Besides the music and dancing, the House of Music is a great place in Cuba to enjoy a mojito or even a Cuban cigar.

Admission varies depending on who’s performing that night, but the tickets are usually quite cheap. The club is open from 10 pm to midnight, so if you’re looking for fun things to do in Cuba  at night, this is the best place to go.

14. Zapata Swamp, one of the best national parks in Cuba

The  Zapata Swamp  is one of the best national parks to visit in Cuba. It’s in the Matanzas province on the Zapata Peninsula, and it’s the largest wetland in the Caribbean, covering 1,680 square miles. Thanks to its aquatic bird population, the park is a  UNESCO -declared Biosphere Reserve and  Ramsar Site .

Here, you can explore lush forests filled with about a thousand different native plant species. There is also a wide variety of animals, some of which are endangered. Zapata Swamp serves as a refuge for more than 65 migratory bird species, and it’s home to Cuban crocodiles and alligators. You can go to the park’s  Crocodile Farm  to learn more about these reptiles, and it’s a fun  thing to do in Cuba for kids .

You can also explore other areas near the national park, such as  Taino Village . There, you can learn more about pre-Columbian life in Cuba by examining the sculptures and ruins. Another  interesting place to visit in Cuba  is  Playa Larga  in the Bay of Pigs, one of the most popular beaches in the country. I also suggest visiting  Laguna del Tesoro, Guamá , and the  Hatiguanico River .

You’ll need an entire day to explore this area. It’s a bit difficult to navigate on your own, so I recommend  this tour from Varadero.

15. Cueva de los Peces, the deepest natural sinkhole in Cuba

Close to Zapata Swamp is  Cueva de los Peces , another cool  attraction in Cuba . This natural sinkhole is known for its impressive depth, and it’s a natural wonder you should stop and see.

The sinkhole is 230 feet deep and sits among beautiful scenery. It’s open to the public, so you can bathe in its crystal-clear waters and see the fish swimming under the surface. I think it’s a great  activity to do in Cuba  as a couple. Plus, the Bay of Pigs is right across the road, and it’s the best place to go snorkeling in Cuba.

15. La Cueva de los Peces, the deepest natural sinkhole in Cuba

Besides the incredible amount of tropical fish you’ll see, this area is also full of sea sponges and colorful coral. I highly recommend checking out this place if you’re looking for an  adventure in Cuba . There is even a small resort where you can rent snorkeling equipment.

16. Valle del Silencio, one of the best places to see the sunset in Cuba

Watching the sunset in the  Valle del Silencio  is one of the most  romantic things to do in Cuba . Many people would agree that this is the most beautiful place in Viñales, so you don’t want to miss it.

This lush Caribbean valley is home to several tobacco and coffee plantations, and it’s one of the most scenic  sites to see in Cuba . While the most popular way to explore the valley is  by horseback , we took this  sunset hike  and loved it.

On our hike, we visited a tobacco plantation, where we learned how the farmers dry the plants for distribution. We also got incredible views of the valley as the sunset bathed the mogotes in orange. Without a doubt, it was one of the best  outdoor activities in Cuba  that we did.

17. Learn about Santeria, something interesting to do in Cuba

Before I went to Cuba, I didn’t know that the primary religion, in addition to Catholicism, is  Yoruba . Also known as  Santeria , this religion has its roots in Africa and came to Cuba during the colonial slave trade.

Santeria is more present on the island than you might think. For example, during our trip, we saw hundreds of people dressed in white from head-to-toe, signifying that they have been “sanctified”. You’ll have to take this Yoruba religion tour to know what that means! Without a doubt, this is one of the most interesting things to do in Cuba  if you want to dig into the country’s culture.

The tour is in Havana, so you’ll get to see many of  Cuba’s points of interest . This includes the  Museum of the Orishas  and the  Callejón de Hamel , which is the epicenter of Afro-Cuban culture. You’ll also visit the home of a  babalao , or Santeria priest, who will show you some Yoruba rituals.

18. Visit Cayo Levisa or Cayo Jutias, the best beaches in Cuba

If you want to enjoy some of the best beaches in Cuba, go to  Cayo Levisa  or  Cayo Jutias .

Cayo Levisa  is an island that’s about 4 miles off Cuba’s northern coast. Typically, visitors arrive from Viñales, so I recommend  this excursion  to get there. It doesn’t include the cost of the ferry, which is about 15 CUC.

Once in Cayo Levisa, you can enjoy all kinds of beachy  activities in Cuba , such as swimming and snorkeling. The gulf waters off the coast are home to a diverse array of fish and reefs.

18. Visit Cayo Levisa or Cayo Jutías, the best beaches in Cuba

If you’re looking for more affordable things to do in Cuba , head to  Cayo Jutías , which I consider one of the top beaches in the country.  This excursion leaves from Viñales and you won’t have to take a ferry to get there.

The beaches of Cayo Jutías look like paradise and are perfect for sunbathing. You can also go swimming and snorkeling here, and I also suggest trying the lobster at one of the nearby restaurants, as it’s a specialty here.

19. Hotel Nacional, one of the most iconic hotels in Cuba

The  Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a classic hotel in Havana and an iconic place to visit in Cuba.

This hotel first opened in 1930, and it’s still as elegant as ever. Its first-class services have solidified it as a benchmark within the Cuban hospitality industry.

19. Hotel Nacional de Cuba, one of the most iconic hotels in Cuba

Moreover, several high-profile celebrities and public figures have stayed at the hotel. A few examples include Marlon Brando, Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill, and Alexander Fleming. Once you see this  famous landmark in Cuba , you’ll get a sense of its grandiosity and glamour.

A fun fact about the hotel is that in 1946, all the bosses of the United States mafia met here. Today, there aren’t any mafia bosses at the hotel, but it’s still fully functional, and you can book a room during your visit to Cuba. If you want to stay here,  book in advance  because the rooms sell out quickly.

20. Alejandro de Humboldt National Park

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park  is one of the  best places to visit in Cuba  to reconnect with nature. It has been a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site since 2001, and its lush vegetation and wide variety of native species makes it a must-see.

Experts believe there are more than 340 plant species that are exclusively in this park, making it one of the top places in Cuba. Here, you can enjoy beautiful scenery and views, as well as pleasant walks in nature. If you’re going to be in the southern part of the island, you can’t miss this national park.

20. Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, a lovely place to see in Cuba

The most popular area to walk around is  El Copal . It’s just over one mile and offers amazing panoramic views of the park. Best of all, the path ends at an incredible waterfall that cascades over black rocks into a small natural pool where you can cool off.

Another interesting trail is  El Recreo , which is slightly longer. Along the path, you’ll see all kinds of flora and fauna, as well as a viewpoint overlooking Taco Bay.

With all the trails and pretty wildlife, this national park is one of the best  attractions in Cuba . You can even take this  day trip  from Baracoa to learn about the tropical forest and biodiversity of the place.

21. Rock climbing in Viñales, an exciting thing to do in Cuba

If you’re looking for a unique  thing to do in Cuba , I suggest  rock climbing in Mogote del Valle , Viñales. This area is the most popular place to rock climb in the country, and it attracts climbers from across the globe. Not only does Mogote del Valle have plenty of vertical walls to climb, but the tropical views are out of this world.

Even if you’ve never rock climbed before, there are different excursions and tour packages for all skill levels. Of course, if you’re a beginner, you’ll want to book a guided tour, so you stay safe while enjoying this exciting  activity in Cuba .

If you’re determined to pursue this  adventure in Cuba , keep in mind that the best time to go is from November to March since there is less rain.

22. Explore the caves of Viñales, something to do in Cuba with family

Viñales sits on an impressive karst valley, which makes it perfect for climbers. Another benefit of this terrain is that it has formed some incredible caves, and they’re one of the top sites to see in Cuba.

One of the coolest caves in the area is the  Great Cavern of Santo Tomás . It’s the largest cave system in the country and the second-largest in all of North America at 28 miles long. Unfortunately, during our trip, the site was under construction due to a landslide, so we couldn’t visit it.

However, we did see the  Cueva del Indio , one of the most  popular places to visit in Cuba ‘s Viñales area. The San Vicente River runs through it, so you must take a boat tour to explore the cave’s depths.

Another interesting cave is the Cueva de San Miguel, also known as  Palenque de los Cimarrones  for the African slaves who sought refuge in it after escaping the sugar mills. This cave isn’t as geologically interesting, but it’s historically significant and still worth visiting.

The caves of Viñales are a must-see, but they’re not at a walkable distance from each other so I suggest booking this tour to visit them.

23. See the sunrise at Los Acuaticos, a romantic thing to do in Cuba

One of my favorite memories from our trip was taking a trek at 3 am to see the sunrise at  Los Acuaticos .

This may be an  unusual thing to do in Cuba  because the trail is a little-known secret. We did the trek on our own but got lost a few times! Still, it was worth it to see the sunrise and the warm glow rising over the  mogotes.

23. See the sunrise at Los Acuáticos, a romantic thing to do in Cuba

That said, I don’t want you to get lost in the dark here, so I suggest booking  this guided hiking excursion . Not only will you get the best views, but you’ll learn more about the community of Los Acuáticos . This traditional village believes in the healing power of water and, as such, has some unique customs.

24. Take a salsa class, something you must do in Cuba

Taking a salsa class  is one of the most enjoyable  activities in Cuba . The island has a rich history of salsa dance, so you can find lots of bars and clubs offering classes.

I must admit, watching Cubans salsa dance is quite hypnotic, and it seems that the rhythm pulses through their veins. Most salsa classes provide instruction as well as some background history about Cuban and Afro-Caribbean rhythms and movements. Practicing the steps with your partner is also a  romantic thing to do in Cuba .

If you’re looking for salsa dance lessons in Havana, I recommend  this class . The one-hour class includes instruction from professional dancers, who will teach you basic salsa moves, as well as the merengue and the cha-cha-chá. Without a doubt, it’s a  fun thing to do in Cuba with your loved one.

25. Camagüey, one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Cuba

While  traveling in Cuba , be sure to visit the city of  Camagüey . A  UNESCO  World Heritage Site, Camagüey is full of culture, history, and religious significance. It’s also one of the most  beautiful places in Cuba , so if you’re visiting the center of the island, be sure to check out this city.

Besides, most of the tourist attractions in Camagüey are quite close to each other, so you can see them all in one day.

The  Ignacio Agramonte Park  is a historical spot commemorating the War of Independence with a statue of this Cuban revolutionary. You can learn more about him at the Ignacio Agramonte Birthplace Museum  in Plaza de los Trabajadores.

Plaza del Carmen  is another  point of interest in Cuba . In this beautiful square, you can see the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the only religious building in Camagüey with two Cuban-style towers.

I also recommend visiting  Our Lady of Candelaria Cathedral , which dates to 1735; the  Teatro Principal , headquarters of the Camagüey ballet; and the  Casino Campestre Park , one of the largest natural parks in Cuba.

26. Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, a unique place to visit in Cuba

The  Santa Ifigenia Cemetery  in Santiago de Cuba is something you should see if you’re  traveling in Cuba ‘s southern region.

The cemetery is over 150 years old and the second-largest in Cuba, after the Necropolis of Christopher Columbus in Havana. The area is home to several funerary monuments, such as the hexagonal marker of José Martí, representing the six ancient provinces of Cuba. Here, you’ll also find  Fidel Castro’s tomb  and the final resting places of several prominent Cubans.

You can get a better understanding of the cemetery and the historical figures buried there by booking  this tour . Along with the cemetery, you’ll visit the  Barracks of Moncada  and the  Museum of Bacardi , two other interesting  attractions in Cuba .

27. National Capitol of Havana, another must-see in Cuba

The  National Capitol Building  in Havana is a  famous landmark in Cuba  worth visiting. It dates to 1929 and, in addition to being one of the largest buildings on the island, it’s a National Monument.

Construction on  El Capitolio  began during the dictatorship of Gerardo Machado with the help of North American financiers. As a result, the national building resembles the White House in Washington D.C., especially the neoclassical columns and grand dome.

The dome once held a large 25-carat diamond to symbolize Kilometer 0 on the Central Highway of Cuba, although it has been replaced with a replica diamond.

While you can visit the capitol building on your own, there are official one-hour guided tours that take place daily. It could be an interesting way to learn more about this prominent  place in Cuba .

During the tour, you’ll visit the  Hall of Lost Steps , with the impressive Statue of the Republic at its center. You’ll also see the former conference room of  Baire Hall , the French-style  Bolívar Hall , the neoclassical  Baraguá Room , and the  Martí Room  in the library’s anteroom.

28. Cayo Santa Maria, one of the best beaches in Cuba

Cayo Santa Maria  is one of the  best places to visit in Cuba , especially if you want to enjoy spectacular beaches with turquoise blue water.

This island is north of central Cuba and links to the mainland via the world’s longest stone seawall (30 miles). So, you can reach Cayo Santa María by car, taking in all the wonderful coastal views along the way.

28. Cayo Santa María, one of the best beaches in Cuba

Once you arrive, you can sunbathe on the white sand beach or go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Another  fun thing to do in Cuba  is to take a boat trip and try to spot dolphins in this Caribbean paradise.

If you head to the southern part of the island, you can take a nature walk among the lush vegetation. If you’re not sure  where to go in Cuba  to disconnect and unwind, Cayo Santa María is your best bet. To make things nice and easy, consider  this excursion  from Santa Clara with transportation.

29. Visit La Isabelica coffee plantation, another interesting thing to do in Cuba

Near Santiago de Cuba, you’ll find  La Isabelica Coffee Plantation , a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site and one of the most important  places in Cuba .

Located over 3,700 feet above sea level, this impressive  cafetal  boasts social and historical significance. It doubles as a museum dedicated to the coffee slave trade and to the economic grown that the area saw when French emigrants from Haiti arrived in that part of Cuba and raised over 600 plantations.

Besides visiting the extensive coffee drying rooms, you can access  La Isabelica Coffee Museum . This two-story mansion features period furniture and objects related to plantation work. The second floor has been restored to replicate the original home, so you can get a better idea of life back then.

About a mile away is  La Gran Piedra , another popular  tourist attraction in Cuba  that I’ll talk about next.

30. La Gran Piedra, an amazing place to visit in Cuba

In the Sierra Maestra mountain range is  La Gran Piedra , one of the most peculiar  places to visit in Cuba .

La Gran Piedra (The Great Stone) is a huge volcanic rock weighing around 60,000 tons. It is over 165 feet long, 80 feet tall, and nearly 100 feet wide. It has become one of the most popular  attractions in Cuba , despite the 459 steps you must climb to get to the top.

It’s worth it because the views from up there are magnificent. Over 4,030 feet above sea level, La Gran Piedra is even in the  Guinness World Records  book as the highest rock of its size in the world.

While you’re atop the rock with the entire Sierra Maestra underfoot, you’ll notice the big domed tower nearby. It’s a meteorological radar tower that records the climate changes in the region.

If you want to see La Gran Piedra, you should visit during your trip to La Isabelica coffee plantation. It’ll make for an unforgettable experience in Cuba .

31. Take a train ride through Valley of the Sugar Mills

One of the most  interesting   things to do in Cuba  is to take a  train ride through the Valley of the Sugar Mills , a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site.

This area was home to the sugar mills and distilleries that exported supplies to Europe. While it yielded a large profit, it was unfortunately at the hands of African slaves. Taking a journey through this region means facing the darker parts of Cuba’s history.

31. Take a train ride through Valley of the Sugar Mills, an interesting thing to do in Cuba

You can take a ride on a steam train from Trinidad to  Manaca Iznaga , one of the most lucrative plantations. Once there, you can visit the slave barracks and the watchtower that kept a close eye on the laborers.

Another sugar mill to visit is  San Isidro de los Destiladeros . It’s close by but not as crowded as other similar  sites in Cuba , so you can take your time looking around. The plantation is in good condition, as are the buildings and watchtower, from which you can get great views of the valley.

32. Ancon Beach, a calm place to go in Cuba

If you’re looking for the top places on the island to watch the sunset, consider  Ancon Beach . Not only is it one of the  best vacation places in Cuba , but the reddish hues of the sun reflecting on the calm sea is something you can’t miss.

This beach is close to Trinidad, so if you’re going to be in the area, it’s the perfect day trip. Ancon Beach boasts an expansive coastline, and it’s more secluded than other resort towns on the island.

Best of all, this beach is one of the most  beautiful places in Cuba  to go snorkeling. Along with the crystal-clear waters and fine white sand, the area has loads of colorful tropical fish. You can rent some snorkeling equipment on the beach and dive into those pristine waters.

We visited this beach several times, both by taxi and by bike, which takes 40 minutes from Trinidad. My word of advice is not to stop at La Boca, because although it may seem pretty, there is a lot of sewage. Instead, go straight to Ancon Beach, where you can relax on the clean shores.

33. Visit Baracoa, an important city in Cuba

Baracoa , also known as the First City, is a  must-see in Cuba since it was the first established city on the island.

Despite its historical importance, Baracoa isn’t the most  popular place in Cuba since it’s in the southern part of the country, in Guantanamo. Even so, it’s worth visiting, thanks to its preserved traditions, sites, and mix of jungle and seaside activities.

To start, visit  Seboruco Castle  to enjoy some beautiful panoramic views of Baracoa. Then go to  Parque Independencia  in the city center, where you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants.

I also recommend stopping by the  Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption . Inside, you can see the  Cruz de la Parra , the last of the 29 crosses that Christopher Columbus took to the New World and a beloved Christian relic.

If you get tired while walking the streets of Baracoa, you can take a stroll along the Malecón promenade, which always has a lively atmosphere. You might also enjoy one of the excursions that leave from Baracoa, such as the  Alejandro Humboldt National Park ,  Maguana Beach , or Yunque de Baracoa and the Yumirí Canyon, which I’ll mention next.

34. Yunque de Baracoa, the best place to hike in Cuba

Yunque de Baracoa  is one of the best  places to visit in Cuba  to enjoy wildlife and nature walks. Due to its historical, environmental, and cultural value, it has been declared a National Monument.

This nature reserve is one of the most well-known areas in the country and sits 1,310-1,890 feet above sea level. It gets its name from the peculiar flat surface at its peak, which looks like an anvil. If the distinct shape and impressive height of this place don’t astound you, the plentiful vegetation will.

Walking along the Yunque’s nature trails is one of the top things to do in Cuba with family , so I highly recommend it. The trail to the top takes around 4 hours, but it’s an enjoyable and scenic journey in the tropical forest. You’ll also spot different wildlife species along the way.

Once you get to the top, you’ll have gorgeous views. You’ll also see the bust of General Antonio Maceo, also known as the Bronze Titan.

If you want to discover all that the Yunque has to offer, I suggest booking this full-day excursion .

35. Yumuri Canyon and Belete waterfalls, a breathtaking place to go in Cuba

If you’re going to be in Baracoa, one of the top  Cuban points of interest  to see is the  Yumuri Canyon . It’s a protected natural area with some of the best biodiversity in the country. Plus, it’s ideal for birdwatching, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

What’s nice about the canyon is that there are different walking paths, so you can choose one that suits your level. However, I highly recommend the trail that leads to the  Belete waterfalls . It’s about 4 miles each way, but it’s worth it to see those clear emerald waters and breathtaking 65-foot falls.

35. Yumurí Canyon and Belete waterfalls, a breathtaking place to go in Cuba

The entire Yumurí Canyon is one of the most  beautiful places in Cuba , full of lush rainforest, different animal species, and natural wonders. You’ll be surrounded by lovely tropical scenery the whole time, making you feel like you’re in paradise.

If you want to make the most of your time here, I suggest  this excursion , which includes a visit to a cocoa plantation and the beautiful beach of El Manglito. You’ll also get to take a boat ride along the Yumurí canyon river.

36. Stay overnight in a casa particular, a unique experience in Cuba

One of the most authentic things to do in Cuba is staying overnight at one of the casas particulares , or  private homes . Even if it’s just for one night, it will be an unforgettable way to meet the locals and immerse yourself in the culture.

Since 2000, Cuban families have been able to obtain permits that allow them to offer a room in their home as tourist accommodations. While  traveling in Cuba , you will see signs for room rentals all over around.

Among the many perks of renting a room in a family’s home, I’d like to highlight the great prices, flexible dates, and the incredible opportunity to learn about Cuban culture first-hand.

This type of accommodation is usually quite charming, and each one is unique. Plus, the host families are super friendly and often greet you with a fresh drink or snack upon your arrival. They’re also a great source of insider information about where to go and  what to do in Cuba . You could spend hours chatting and learning about their life on the island and how it has changed over the years.

I mention more about these private rooms in our guide on  how to plan a trip to Cuba , so check that out if you’re interested in this type of accommodation!

37. Museum of the Revolution, one of the most important museums in Cuba

The  Museum of the Revolution  is the best museum in Cuba to learn more about the 1953 revolution.

It’s in Havana’s city center, inside what was the Presidential Palace. The last president of Cuba to use it was the dictator Fulgencio Batista. After the revolution, it became a popular  tourist attraction in Cuba , exhibiting photos, documents, and other objects related to this pivotal event.

The museum is clearly propaganda, with an emphasis on the economic and social achievements of the communist system. I found the  Cretins’ Corner  to be quite humorous and intriguing, as there are giant caricatures of George H.W. Bush, his son, Fulgencio Batista, and Ronald Reagan.

The revolution was a crucial event that marked a distinct before and after in the country. If you want to learn more about its historical significance in Cuba, check out this  walking tour , which includes stops at some of the most important and  famous landmarks in Cuba .

38. Learn about Cuban cigars on the Tobacco Route

Whether you smoke or not, one of the most  unique things to do in Cuba  is to learn about the culture of Cuban cigars and how they’re made.

You can journey along the  tobacco route in   Pinar del Río  province and see some of the main cultivation areas and Cuban cigar factories. While exploring the natural landscape, you’ll learn more about the country’s tobacco tradition and its economic importance.

Another option is to visit the Raúl Reyes Estate in Viñales, which is what we did. Besides being one of the most  interesting places to visit in Cuba , the owner is humble and kind, so it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

38. Learn about Cuban cigars on the Tobacco Route, another must-do in Cuba

During our time here, we saw the tobacco drying houses and plantations. Raúl Reyes explained the entire process and offered unique insights about his life and work in the field. We ended up purchasing a few cigars and some coffee as souvenirs.

Along with the tobacco plantations, another  cool place to go in Cuba  is a tobacco factory. The most famous one is Partagas in Havana, which is also the oldest in the country. Here, you can watch Cuban cigars being made and visit the accompanying museum.

39. Maria la Gorda, the best place to go diving in Cuba

While I’ve already mentioned some great beaches where you can go diving, there are a few other  places in Cuba  you should check out if you want to enjoy this activity.

María la Gorda  in the northwestern Pinar del Río province is the  best place in Cuba for diving . Here, you can swim over black coral reefs and among barracudas, crabs, lobsters, and other sea critters.

Be sure to check out the María la Gorda International Diving Center before you hit the water. There, you’ll find all the necessary information about the place, as well as interesting spots to dive. You can also rent diving equipment or book a boat ride.

39. Maria de la Gorda, the best place to go diving in Cuba

From Pinar del Río, you can visit the  Isle of Youth , another popular diving spot in Cuba. This area is good for both beginners and experts, and it boasts some amazing geological formations, as well as sharks.

If you’re going to be mostly in Havana, check out this  snorkeling excursion , which explores the City of Alexandria and the SS Olivette shipwrecks. Another great diving trip is  this one  in Santiago de Cuba, which explores the Almirante Oquendo battleship that sank in 1898.

40. Attend the cannon firing ceremony, an unforgettable thing to do in Cuba

The  cannon firing ceremony  is one of the oldest traditions in Havana, dating to 1774 when soldiers would fire the cannon to announce the closing of the city gates. Hearing the boom of the cannon reverberating throughout the city is a memorable  thing to do in Cuba  that you don’t want to miss.

The cannon is at the  San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress , a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site surrounded by thick walls to keep bandits and pirates at bay. These days, the ceremony is part of Havana’s cultural tradition, and participants even wear 18th-century clothing to recreate the colonial era.

40. Attend a cannon firing ceremony, an unforgettable thing to do in Cuba

Again, if you’re visiting Havana, be sure to check out this impressive ceremony. I should warn you that the fortress is a bit out of the way from the city center, but this tour can pick you up from your hotel and take you there. You’ll also get to tour Old Havana and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

41. Have a daiquiri at El Floridita, something to do in Cuba at night

Along with the mojito, the  daiquiri  is one of Cuba’s signature cocktails, so you can’t leave Havana without trying one. Ernest Hemingway even said, “My mojito at La Bodeguita, my daiquiri at El Floridita.”

And so, it is, that you should go to  El Floridita for a daiquiri  and a fun night on the town. If you want to try the famed author’s particular drink, it’s made with 4 ounces of white rum with lemon and grapefruit juice, crushed ice, and six drops of maraschino cherry liqueur. We tried it, and it was quite good!

Even without its connection to Hemingway, this bar is a great  place to go in Cuba . The atmosphere is quite distinct, with the waiters in 1950s uniforms and live music playing most nights. Also, don’t miss the steel statue of Hemingway leaning on the bar.

Moreover, if you’re a bookworm or a big fan of Hemingway, I suggest  this guided tour  through his home,  La Vigía,  and the town of  Cojímar , which inspired his book  The Old Man and the Sea . You’ll also see his regular hotel room at Ambos Mundos Hotel  before ending the tour at El Floridita.

42. Watch the sunset at the Malecón in Havana, something to do in Cuba as a couple

The  Malecón in Havana is a broad promenade along the city coast. It extends for 5 miles and is known as one of the most famous landmarks in Cuba . Here, you’ll find locals meeting up, tourists sightseeing, and lovers watching the sunset.

There’s no doubt that this is the perfect spot for people-watching. The lively atmosphere and mix of visitors make it an  attraction in Cuba  worth seeing. Of course, what makes it so popular is the  stunning sunset views  you can get here.

While Havana’s malecón may be the most important boardwalk in the country, it’s not the only one you should visit. The coastal towns of  Cienfuegos, Baracoa,  and  Puerto Padre  also have lovely promenades. If you’re going inland, check out  Santa Clara , which has a boardwalk along the Cubanicay River and another next to Teatro La Caridad.

Whichever one you visit, you’re sure to strike up a conversation with the locals, who are super open and friendly!

43. Have an ice cream at Coppelia, the best thing to do in Cuba with kids

Coppelia  is Cuba’s national chain of ice cream parlors that became internationally popular after the film  Strawberry and Chocolate . You can find Coppelia parlors throughout the country and enjoying one of those sweet treats is a fun  thing to do in Cuba with kids .

These ice cream shops are a little different because they only serve three flavors. However, the flavors change daily, so there is always a reason to stop by!

As the most popular  place in Cuba  to get ice cream, Coppelia can be packed, especially if you go in the evening. We went to one in Havana around noon, and the line wasn’t bad at all. Yet, even if there is a line, it’s worth it because the ice cream is to die for.

Again, we went to Coppelia in Havana, but you can also visit the ice cream parlors in Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Camagüey, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo.

44. El Nicho waterfalls, an amazing place to go in Cuba

El Nicho  is one of the most  beautiful places to visit in Cuba , and a must-see if you’re around the Topes de Collantes park. I mentioned the Caburní Falls earlier, however, El Nicho is much more accessible and just a short drive away from Cienfuegos.

As a result, the El Nicho waterfalls tend to be one of the more crowded  attractions in Cuba . Still, I think they’re well worth seeing, with their clear blue water and lush tropical vegetation. You can bathe in the natural pools under the waterfall, too, so remember to bring your swimsuit.

While you’re there, explore the surrounding areas. There are several nearby caves as well as hiking trails. I recommend the main trail to the falls, also known as the  Kingdom of the Waters . It’s only about half a mile, so it’s the perfect  thing to do in Cuba with kids .

45. Climb Pico Turquino in Sierra Maestra, the best hike to do in Cuba

One of the most  beautiful places in Cuba  is the  Sierra Maestra National Park  in the southeast. It’s also known as the Turquino National Park because of its highest point,  Pico Turquino .

At 6,475 feet tall, Pico Turquino is also the highest mountain in the country and one of the few sites in Cuba  that has recorded snowfall, back in 1900.

Some say the name Pico Turquino is a mispronunciation of  turquesa , or turquoise, which reflects the vibrant blue hues you can see from atop the mountain. Even Che Guevara said that the peak had a mystical air to it, so it’s something you must see during your visit. Also, on the hilltop is a bust of José Martí, which marked his 100th birthday.

Getting to the top isn’t easy, but if you like hiking, this is a must-do in Cuba . Two paths lead to the top; a 7-mile trail from the Turquino Caves on the coast, and an 11-mile trail from the Bartolomé Masó neighborhood of Santo Domingo.

You can decide which path to take, but you must hike with an official park guide. There is also the option to do a 2-day route, but you’ll have to make a reservation at the San Joaquín campsite.

46. Disconnect in Cayo Blanco, the best thing to do in Cuba as a couple

Have you ever dreamed of going to a deserted island and disconnecting from everything? Well, that is something you can do in Cuba,  at  Cayo Blanco , a true island paradise.

The best way to get to Cayo Blanco is via catamaran.  This trip  leaves from Varadero and transports you to that idyllic spot in luxury. The deserted island is perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. You can explore the breathtaking Caribbean waters and pristine beaches in total peace.

A visit to Cayo Blanco is a great  thing to do in Cuba as a couple , too. You may choose to relax and sunbathe or you might want to enjoy some outdoor activities like snorkeling. The seabed is absolutely gorgeous and full of sea sponges, lobsters, crabs, coral reefs, and colorful tropical fish.

The catamaran excursion also includes a buffet lunch and cocktails, so it’s the best way to enjoy a romantic plan in Cuba with your partner.

47. Eat in a paladar , a popular thing to do in Cuba

Paladar  translates to ‘palate’ in English, but in Cuba,  paladares  are owner-run restaurants. Eating in a  paladar   is one of the  best things to do in Cuba  if you want to taste authentic Cuban food.

These restaurants are typically in a Cuban family’s home, and they’re one of the few private businesses permitted in the country. Eating at one is like sitting down at the family dinner table and enjoying a home-cooked meal. It’s the best way to experience the local and traditional flavors of the island.

47. Eat in a paladar, a popular thing to do in Cuba

Most paladares  in the cities are now restaurants like anywhere in the world. However, you can still find authentic paladares in smaller towns and villages throughout the country. The dishes are usually modest yet delicious and include a base of rice or beans and sometimes pork or chicken.

Grab a seat by the window or door so you can people-watch while you eat. Without a doubt, it’s a  fun thing to do in Cuba if you want to feel like a local!

48. Visit the Bay of Pigs, an incredible thing to do in Cuba

If there is something you  must see in Cuba , it’s the  Bay of Pigs . The site of the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961, is today a remarkable natural beach with crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches. Unlike other beaches in Cuba, the Bay of Pigs isn’t as touristy, which makes it even more enjoyable.

Here, you can find the Crocodile Farm, Cueva de los Peces, and Long Beach, some  tourist attractions in Cuba  that I mentioned earlier. There is also  Playa Girón , where the Bay of Pigs invasion took place. It’s a nice area for sunbathing and snorkeling, as are  Playa Coco  and  Caleta Buena .

Another interesting thing about the Bay of Pigs is that after the first springtime rains, the road is covered in crabs migrating to the water to spawn. Try to avoid going around that time so you can avoid making a mess!

49. Rent a bicycle, something to do in Cuba as a family

The best way to get around Cuba is via shared taxi, Viazul bus, or the public buses called  botellas . I go over all the transportation options in our guide to  planning a trip to Cuba .

That said, once you’re at your destination, the easiest way to get around is by  renting a bicycle . This is one of the most common  activities in Cuba , so you won’t have any trouble finding a place to rent a bike. After asking the locals which sites to check out, we traveled by bike through Havana, Trinidad, and Viñales.

Moreover, you don’t have to worry about parking when you travel by bicycle. Our  experience in Cuba  was quite positive, and we felt safe while traversing the area on bikes. Plus, we never had problems with storing them, even when we forgot to lock them up!

50. Take in some colonial and Cuban street art

One of the things that struck me the most about Cuba was the  colonial buildings and street art . The visual splendor in this country speaks of historical events and moments of greatness. All the art and architecture here is most impressive when you first arrive, but it’s still worth mentioning.

It’s also quite a sight to see spectacular palatial buildings from Cuba’s golden era, today completely in ruins due to economic and political turmoil. Despite the peeling paint, rusty balconies, and grime, the locals have worked hard to turn these ruins into art, and it’s something you  must see in Cuba .

50. Take in some colonial and Cuban street art, another must-do in Cuba

The communal effort of local artists and residents has transformed Cuba into the colorful country we know it as today. If you’re interested in seeing some of the best street art on the island, check out  Callejón de Hammel . This neighborhood is the epicenter of Afro-Cuban culture in Havana and a striking artistic  attraction in Cuba , full of murals and sculptures.

With that, you now know the 50 best things to do in Cuba . I hope this guide helps you plan your visit! Here is a map of the  tourist attractions in Cuba  that I mentioned so you can more easily find them.

I wish you safe travels and an enjoyable time in this historically-rich country. If you have any questions, leave them below, and I’ll do my best to help!

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18 Stunning Places to Visit in Cuba

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Of all the wonderful places to visit in Cuba, the city of Havana tops most travelers’ lists. And while old Havana is a spectacular place, where else should you go in Cuba? Are there other good cities, or beaches, or nature spots?

I’m glad you asked! Cuba is one of the most interesting of the Caribbean islands, and there are so many cool places to visit in this island nation. Cuba is like nowhere else in the world, and there’s a surprising amount of diversity in the island.

Here you can make your way from colonial cities like Trinidad and Cienfuegos to gorgeous beaches like Playa Maria la Gorda and Playa Giron, as well as natural wonderlands like El Nicho and Viñales Valley.

I asked my travel blogging colleagues to share their favorite spots, and WOW. You are going to love them.

Also, if you’re American and thinking about visiting Cuba, YOU CAN! I did as an American in early 2020, and plenty of Americans visit on a regular basis. I wrote a complete guide on how to visit Cuba as an American and what you need to know before you go.

This post was last updated in April 2022.

Table of Contents

Map of Places to Visit in Cuba

The capital of Havana , the outdoorsy paradise of Viñales , and the colonial city of Trinidad are the top destinations in Cuba and very popular with tourists.

Varadero is a popular Cuba beach resort destination with gorgeous beaches. Playa Giron and Playa Larga are other great beach options.

If you want to visit places that many other tourists don’t, check out the fascinating town of Sancti Spiritus and the island of Cayo Levisa.

You will likely start your trip in Havana. From there, you can travel around via the Viazul bus line or take shared taxis (colectivos), or more expensive private taxis, depending on your location.

Submitted by Anne Betts of Packing Light Travel

Havana boasts a rich mixture of history, art, architecture, politics, culture, and food. One of the best ways to enjoy a pleasant introduction to these facets of Cuban life is through a food tour while feasting on churros or sipping a mojito.

In Old Havana, visit a couple of other memorable works of José Ramón Villa Soberón, including the one of Ernest Hemingway at El Floridita. The famous cocktail bar is credited with introducing the world to the frozen daiquiri in the 1930s, a favourite drink of the author. Ordering a daiquiri isn’t mandatory, but it’s desirable.

Best things to do in Havana: Take a tour of Havana landmarks in one of the vintage cars. A popular stop is Parque John Lennon  in Vedado, where tourists cozy up to a bronze statue of the famous musician relaxing on an ornate park bench. Created by José Ramón Villa Soberón, the sculpture warrants its own security guard to safeguard the replica of the circular-rimmed glasses that were a recognizable signature of Lennon’s period of political activism.

How to get to Havana: Havana is the main hub of Cuba, and all flights and travel routes lead through Havana.

Where to stay in Havana: The best place to stay in Havana is at a casa particular , or guesthouse, where hosts may or may not live on the premises. It’s an opportunity to forge meaningful connections with Cuban residents. Enjoy home-cooked meals, receive recommendations on things to do and help with transportation and bookings at casa particulars in other regions.

In Havana, the Vedado neighbourhood is a good choice. Compared to Old Havana and the city center, there’s less traffic and more green spaces that translate into cleaner air. The neighbourhood is dotted with old mansions oozing loads of character, and services such as supermarkets, money-changing centres, and Wi-Fi zones.

Visit a restaurant in Vedado, and chances are it’s an establishment serving Cuban specialties and is one frequented by locals.

Submitted by Bella from Passport & Pixels

Viñales is a pretty, colourful town in the Pinar del Rio region in the west of Cuba, surrounded by the Sierra de los Organos mountains and the lush green farmland of the Viñales Valley. Its main attractions are all outdoors — hiking, cycling, horseback riding or even rock climbing in the steep-sided limestone hills — just pick your favorite outdoor adventure!

Best things to do in Viñales: One of the most popular things to do in Viñales is to take a horseback riding tour of the valley. These usually last about 3-5 hours and are a great way to enjoy the region’s stunning scenery of rolling hills studded with palm trees.

But if horses aren’t your thing, you might prefer to do a day hike to visit the tobacco farms for which Viñales is famous. Here you can meet local farmers and learn about how they produce Cuba’s most iconic export — cigars — and even get to try one yourself.

How to get to Viñales: Viñales is about a 2.5-hour drive from Havana, and the easiest way to get there is either by bus or private taxi. The best way to do this is to first take a taxi to the central coach and taxi station, and then haggle with the drivers there. You’ll get a much better price than if you try to book through your hotel, and you might even get to ride in one of  Cuba’s gorgeous classic cars .

Another option is to join a shared taxi (colectivo) from Havana.

Where to stay in Viñales: The best place to stay while in Viñales is in one of the private homestays known as casas particulares. These give you a much more authentic (and often nicer) experience of Cuba than staying in a hotel. Just turn up and look for the signs on people’s front doors or book through Airbnb.

Submitted by Trijit Mallick from  DogTravel Buff

With bright-colored buildings, pastel houses, and cobblestone streets, Trinidad is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Cuba. It is a small town but packed with history, beautiful architecture, scenic beauty, and delicious local cuisines.

After a few hours in Trinidad, you’ll soon see why it’s one of the best places to visit in Cuba!

Best things to do in Trinidad: Plaza Mayor is the best place to start exploring the city. It is the main square where the Church of the Holy Trinity is located. The stunning pale yellow-colored church is a great spot for photography. Make sure to visit Brunet Palace, a large yellow building consisting of two floors. You will also find some other historical buildings and restaurants in this area. Sala Class is very popular in Trinidad. You can go for a group lesson for a unique experience.

If you are a beach person, Playa Ancon is a must-visit place for you. You can rent a bike or take a public bus that takes around 30 minutes to reach Playa Ancon. Enjoy the beautiful combination of blue waters, white sand beach, and palm trees.

There is no shortage of bars and restaurants in Trinidad. Restaurante San José is a solid option for people looking to taste authentic Cuban cuisine. The canchanchara is the original signature cocktail of Cuba and it’s very popular in this region.

How to get to Trinidad: Bus service is available from all major cities (like Havana, Viñales, and Varadero) to Trinidad and is the cheapest way to get to Trinidad. If budget is less of a concern, hire a shared or private taxi (colectivo) or rent a car for a more flexible journey. It takes around four hours to reach Trinidad from Havana by road.

Where to stay in Trinidad: You can stay at casas particulares which are basically private homestays like B&B. These private B&Bs offer air-conditioning and hot water at a very reasonable price.

Submitted by Martha from May Cause Wanderlust

Cuba is teeming with culture, but it also has wonderful natural beauty and some stunning beaches — and the most spectacular beach is at Varadero, a peninsula in the north of Cuba.

Varadero beach  is 20 km of fine white sand, lapped by bright turquoise water and lined by lush green coconut trees. It really is special. By far the best thing to do here is to relax in the warmth of the Caribbean sun, letting the sound of the waves soothe you as you sip on fresh coconut milk.

Best things to do in Varadero: If you like to be active, there are things to do in Varadero like scuba diving, kayaking, fishing and golf. There’s also an ecological park with some ancient cave drawings.

You can even visit the former homes of the American millionaires and gangsters, who once made Varadero their playground, before the revolution. Al Capone’s old house is now a restaurant!

How to get to Varadero: Varadero has its own international airport, so many people fly straight in. If you’re driving from Havana, Varadero is about a 2.5-hour drive east of there, along the Via Blanca.

Where to stay in Varadero: Varadero has been one of Cuba’s major tourist resort areas since the 1990s, and there are plenty of 4-star and 5-star hotels, mainly in the middle and eastern end of the peninsula, including several Iberostar hotels. 

However, if you prefer to travel independently and/or you’re on a budget, there are plenty of lower-cost guesthouses on the western end of the peninsula.

Sancti Spiritus

Submitted by Sarah Carter from Cuba’s Best

One of Cuba’s oldest cities, Sancti Spiritus is usually bypassed in favor of the more touristy Trinidad, but this lovely city is great for visiting if you’d like some time off the tourist trail.  Although it’s not so far off the beaten track that you can’t easily get here on the Viazul Bus (which is your best option for transport). 

There are colonial buildings, lovely squares, a medieval bridge that wouldn’t look out of place in rural England, and some fabulous spots to just chill out.

Puente Yayabo, the bridge in question is worth the walk and is best viewed from the Taberna Yayabo while clutching a refreshing drink. To get there, walk down Calle Llano the most atmospheric street in Sancti Spiritus. You’ll find the center of life in Sancti Spiritus in Plaza Serafin Sánchez where people-watching is the main thing to do.  

Best things to do in Sancti Spiritus: For something unique, go to the Casa de La Guayabera. The Guayabera is a style of shirt, with a collar and pockets, worn primarily by farmers, but made popular by Fidel Castro.

Cubans claim that the shirt was invented here and so, the free museum displays a collection of the shirts previously worn by the famous people and you’ll get to see local ladies making more shirts too. Sancti Spiritus has the look and feel of Trinidad without the jiniteros. Come here for a little slice of regular Cuban life!

How to get to Sancti Spiritus: Sancti Spiritus can easily be reached on the Viazul Bus.

Where to stay in Sancti Spiritus: Stay at the Real Colonial Hostal for a great location close to the main square and super friendly staff.

Submitted by Antoine and Marielle of Offbeat Escapades

Cayo Coco is one of Cuba’s most beautiful places, as well as one of the country’s more remote islands. Featuring turquoise waters and fine sands, it’s no wonder why Cayo Coco has starred in many movies and novels such as Hemingway’s Islands in the Stream and The Old Man and the Sea .

It is also a great place to go if you’re looking for a unique destination in Cuba that feels offbeat, isolated, and laidback.

Best things to do in Cayo Coco: Given Cayo Coco’s idyllic waters and landscapes, beaches are the main attraction and best thing to do on the island. The most well-known beach in Cayo Coco is Playa Los Flamencos. This stellar beach is over 5 kilometers long, facing the Atlantic Sea, and features pristine white sand.

If you’re looking for a quieter beach, you can also check out Playa Prohibida which is more suitable for hikers or those who want a more peaceful yet adventurous nature experience. Finally, Cayo Coco is also well-known for bird-watching activities.

How to get to Cayo Coco: Cayo Coco is connected to the mainland by a bridge so to get to the island, you can either drive, or if you prefer a more convenient option, you can arrive by airplane from one of the major airport hubs in the country.

Where to Stay in Cayo Coco: Once you arrive, you can stay in one of the island’s many luxurious resorts and hotels such as Melia Cayo Coco Hotel and Memories Caribe Beach Resort. These hotels offer a relaxing atmosphere with beachfront views.

Submitted by Claire from Tales of a Backpacker

Cienfuegos itself is much like other Cuban cities, with colonial architecture and an attractive main square.  In the evening, stroll down to Punta Gorda and enjoy the views of the sunset from the Malecón, or even better, from the terrace of the Palacio de Valle restaurant for 360-degree views.

Best things to do in Cienfuegos: You can visit El Castillo, a small fortress built to defend the city from pirates, but what really makes Cienfuegos worth adding to your  Cuba itinerary  is the wealth of things to do outside the city. 

Laguna Guanaroca is a nature reserve where you can take a boat trip out to the lake to watch flamingos – a rare time to enjoy peace and tranquillity in Cuba!  There is also a  güira  orchard here, a fruit that is used to make maracas, as well as other species of birds and trees to admire. 

The beautiful waterfalls at El Nicho are another must-visit, an hour and 15-minute taxi ride away from the centre of Cienfuegos.  Here you will find a series of natural pools and waterfalls for swimming and bathing – even better if you have a bottle of Havana Club chilling in the cool water.

How to get to Cienfuegos: Cienfuegos is on the road to Trinidad from Havana, about a 90-minute drive from Trinidad.  There are buses that pass through Cienfuegos from Havana and Trinidad, or you can hire a collectivo taxi from Trinidad which can work out cheaper than the bus if you club together with other travelers.

Where to stay in Cienfuegos: Stay at one of the casas particulares in Cienfuegos, such as Casa Vista al Mar, which has a swimming pool and a seafront terrace. Be sure to eat at least one meal at Doña Nora, an excellent restaurant serving great value local specialities like  ropa vieja .

El Nicho 

Submitted by Paul Healey from Anywhere We Roam

Topes de Collantes is a nature reserve stretching across the Escambray Mountains in the center of Cuba, close to Cienfuegos. The reserve is made up of 5 smaller parks and one of the most impressive is  Parque El Nicho . Here palm trees clear intermittently to reveal canyon views and waterfalls drop into crystal clear natural swimming pools.

It’s a beautiful place to visit in Cuba to unwind in nature and enjoy scenic wild swimming.

Best things to do in El Nicho: A short hiking trail (1.5 kilometers) called El Reino de los Aguas includes the most scenic sections of El Nicho, including several waterfalls and lookout points. Surrounded by palm trees and framed by large rocks, this natural swimming spot at the base of the main waterfall is the perfect place to unwind after exploring the park.

There is a small fee to enter, however, at press time they are currently only accepting euros as payment. A tour guide is not necessary to visit the park, and you can easily stroll around on your own.

How to get to El Nicho: A popular way to get to El Nicho is to take a colectivo from Cienfuegos on the way through to Trinidad. The driver will look after your luggage in the car and wait for around two hours while you explore the park. Your host or hotel in Cienfuegos will be able to arrange transportation.

Where to stay in El Nicho: It’s best to stay in the nearby city of Cienfuegos and use it as a base for visiting El Nicho.

Playa Giron

Submitted by Raluca of Travel With A Spin

Playa Giron lies in the Bay of Pigs , around three hours away from Havana or Varadero by Viazul or a shared taxi. The region is pretty remote by Cuban standards.

But if you love white sand and clear turquoise waters with few tourists and no hotels, Playa Giron and Playa de los Cocos are perfect options for sunbathing and a quick swim.

Best things to do in Playa Giron: Besides sun and water, here one can enjoy snorkeling among fish and coral reefs. The best places to do so are Caleta Buena, Cueva dos Peces and Punta Perdiz.

While there’s a bus connecting these beaches, a popular option is to rent a bike and ride to one of them. The road is mostly flat and there aren’t many cars, making it an easy ride. Besides, the landscape is nice and you can stop wherever you want to admire it, talk to the fishermen or take some nice photos.

At Museo Girón you can learn everything about the historical conflict between Castro and the United States that led to the famous embargo. A little farther, Zapata Swamp is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site mostly unknown to foreigners. This incredible place boasts diverse landscapes, including a lagoon, Fidel’s crocodile farm, and underwater shipwrecks. 

How to get to Playa Giron: Playa Giron can be accessed via the Viazul bus or a shared taxi. It’s located about a three-hour drive from Havana and Varadero.

Where to stay in Playa Giron: Playa Giron is a small village and although there’s a hotel, this is a great place for a more authentic experience. Most of the locals rent their spare rooms to tourists.

A great option is Hostal Sur Caribe, close to the center of the village. The owner is knowledgeable, prepares delicious breakfasts and can help guests rent bicycles.

Submitted by Carley from Home to Havana

Located on the eastern end of Cuba, Baracoa is one of Cuba’s oldest and most historic cities. A perfect combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, this small town is a great addition to any Cuba itinerary.

In addition to having a charming historic center — one of Cuba’s most beautiful and laidback — Baracoa also has a number of beautiful white sand beaches to enjoy. Playa Maguana, just a 30-minute drive outside of Baracoa, is also a local favorite for its unspoiled beach and white sand.

Best things to do in Baracoa: If you’re a nature lover and looking to appreciate Cuba’s natural beauty beyond the beaches head to El Yunque to discover some of the  best hiking in Cuba .

El Yunque — or “the anvil” in Spanish because of its distinct flat top shape — is one of the most unique mountains in the Caribbean, and was detailed in Christopher Columbus’s journals about his arrival in Cuba. Here you’ll find lush tropical forests and waterfalls, perfect for swimming in after the three-hour hike to the mountaintop.

How to get to Baracoa: Baracoa was once only accessible by sea until the creation of a highway after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, but today Baracoa is easily accessible via a two-hour drive from nearby Santiago de Cuba. You can also find direct flights from Havana into the small airport in Baracoa. 

Where to stay in Baracoa: Stay at one of the many casas particulares for the best, most local experience at every price point.

Cayo Levisa

Submitted by Alex Tiffany of Just Go Exploring

If you’re looking for a slice of paradise, minus the other tourists, be sure to include Cayo Levisa in your Cuba itinerary .

This beautiful little cay off the coast of Pinar del Rio province in western Cuba is a picture-perfect Caribbean island, straight out of a postcard.  Most of the north shore is one long beach, with soft white sand and perfectly clear, clean turquoise water. On the south side you’ll find thick mangrove swamp teeming with birds and marine life.

The best thing about Cayo Levisa is how undeveloped it is. There is only one (small) hotel on the island, offering a few simple bungalow-style rooms. Other than that, the island is mostly natural and untouched.  

Best things to do in Cayo Levisa: You can walk the length of Cayo Levisa and see very few people. Once you get away from the hotel, you basically have the whole place to yourself. Swim in the sea, sip a coconut in the shade, or just laze the day away in a hammock.  Enjoy your own (almost) private island.

Several excellent diving spots are accessible from the north shore, with amazing visibility and loads of tropical fish and coral reefs. You can arrange diving trips from the hotel reception. Alternatively, the snorkeling is also pretty good just off the beach.

How to get to Cayo Levisa: To get to Cayo Levisa, you need to take a ferry from the village of Palma Rubia. The ferry runs twice a day, going out to the island at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, returning visitors to the mainland at 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.  

Palma Rubia itself is an easy 45-minute drive from Viñales. If you don’t have your own transport, either organize a tour from Viñales or take a taxi (but be sure to arrange a return pickup as you might struggle to flag a cab in Palma Rubia – there’s not much there).

Most people visit the island as part of a day trip from Viñales.  However, if you have time, I recommend you stay here for at least a couple of nights.  Cayo Levisa is even more magical and unspoiled once the day-trippers have left.

Where to stay in Cayo Levisa: There is only one (small) hotel on the island, offering a few simple bungalow-style rooms. 

Contributed by Allison of Eternal Arrival

Matanzas is a cultural hub in Cuba, with lively streets and bustling plazas often bursting with live music. It’s a wonderful place to visit if you want to travel a little off the beaten path when  preparing for your Cuba trip .

Located just a 55-mile drive from Havana, Matanzas makes a great day trip or is a good stop along the route between Havana and the resort city of Varadero, with its stunning beaches.

Best things to do in Matanzas: Matanzas is also home to several museums, including the Junco Palace Museum (which focuses on regional history), the Museo de Artes de Matanzas, as well as the Museo Farmaceutico, a unique pharmacy museum. 

Be sure to check out the Castillo de San Severino, one of the largest fortresses in the Caribbean, which dates back to 1734. Don’t miss the Museum of the Slave Route located inside, which tells the story of the enslaved Africans who built the fortress.

Check out the areas around Plaza de la Vigia and Plaza de la Libertad to see street life in Cuba at its finest!

How to get to Matanzas: As with most travel in Cuba, arranging a private taxi is typically the most straightforward way to get between destinations, though it’s the most expensive. You can also take a taxi colectivo from Havana’s Central Park, or the Viazul bus. Depending on your transit mode, it’ll take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours between Havana and Matanzas.

Where to stay in Matanzas: As with most Cuban destinations, casa particulares are the way to go with accommodation. While I often relied on word-of-mouth referrals when choosing where to stay (Cubans network like no other!), you can also find cute accommodations on Airbnb, like this private room at  Casa Manzaneda .

Playa Larga

Submitted by Gemma from Two Scots Abroad

Playa Larga in Cuba is a historically significant area located in the Bay of Pigs, known for the failed US invasion in 1961. Today, one of the best reasons to visit the Bay of Pigs in Cuba is to explore underwater via diving or snorkeling. 

Best things to do in Playa Larga: As with most activities in Cuba, you can organize your dive the day before, and sometimes this is the only option. Aim to find a casa around the small town of Caleton or book a resort at Playa Larga or Girón, then ask your host or taxi collectivo driver to set up a session with a local dive school such as The Octopus Club. 

A driver will pick you and the other divers up from casas and resorts and drop you off at the dive center where you will be kitted out with equipment. Next, you will hop back on the bus to the dive site, a quiet beach with stretches of calm waters.

After a quick introduction and dive instructions in Spanish with hand actions to translate, it is time to walk into the water. Yes, you physically walk into this dive site, which keeps costs down as there is no need for a boat. 

Under the water, you will see lots of colorful fish and reefs, a truly magical and very affordable diving experience. 

As always, if you don’t want to dive, you can snorkel instead!

How to get to Playa Larga: To get to the Playa Larga area, you can attempt the Viazul bus, but not all drivers will stop. To secure transport, book a taxi collectivo from  Havana , Viñales or Trinidad, which will be pricier but offers a guarantee. 

Where to stay in Playa Larga: For accommodation, consider a casa particular in Caleton or Playa Larga, which you can ask your taxi to find for you or book via Airbnb before you arrive. 

Playa Maria la Gorda

Submitted by Džangir Kolar from Dr Jam Travels

Playa Maria la Gorda is a beautiful Cuban beach located in the western province of Pinar del Rio on Guanahacabibes Peninsula on the far west point of the main island.  When you get to this destination you will find yourself in a typical Caribbean paradise with palm trees, white sands, and turquoise clear water.

As this is a quintessential Cuban beach, Playa Maria la Gorda features activities like swimming, sunbathing, and partying with cheap rum drinks during the night.

Best things to do in Playa Maria la Gorda: The waters off Playa Maria la Gorda are full of marine life, so this place is perfect for snorkeling or diving. You can just swim off the coast or take a tour with the dive center. You can hire a guide and explore the area, maybe even see crocodiles or turtles nesting.

How to get to Playa Maria la Gorda: You will be arriving probably from the capital of the region Pinar del Rio in the east. With a car, it will take you around 2.5 hours. The bus will take an hour more. Coming from Viñales will take an extra half hour.

Where to stay in Playa Maria la Gorda: The only accommodation option here is Hotel Maria la Gorda.

Santa Clara

Submitted by Dan from Layer Culture

When looking for the best places to visit in Cuba you are spoiled for choice — but one city that captivates many travelers is Santa Clara. Here there are two large monuments and a special museum commemorating Che Guevara, a must-see for people interested in Cuban history. 

Best things to do in Santa Clara: Whilst exploring Santa Clara you can learn all about Che Guevara via the Mausoleum, a gigantic marble-made monument that was originally put up in 1988. The landmark, which is open year-round also has a small museum open 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM, but be aware that visitors are prohibited from carrying any personal items inside.

Other popular  things to do in Santa Clara  include hiking up Loma del Caprio and visiting Teatro la Caridad, one of the last colonial theaters that remain in Cuba. You also have Leoncio Vidal Park, which is a fantastic spot to sit and enjoy the Cuban lifestyle in the evenings. It’s not unusual to see locals dancing around here while enjoying rum cocktails.

How to get to Santa Clara: You can arrive to Santa Clara directly from Havana using the Viazul bus service which takes around 3-4 hours. 

Where to stay in Santa Clara:  By booking a stay at Hostal Vista al Mejunje you’ll feel right at home and the huge breakfast spread they put out in the mornings will leave your eyes wide open.

Submitted by Claudia Tavani from My Adventures Across The World

Lesser visited compared to many other places in Cuba,  Camaguey  can be puzzling for those who choose to visit. While it’s somewhat less touristy compared to Havana or Trinidad, Cuba’s third-largest city (located exactly at the center of the island) is actually packed with touts — locally known as jineteros — who will hardly leave a traveler alone.

That should not detract you from its beauty — in fact, the historic center of Camaguey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was built in a medina style to keep pirates at bay. It means getting lost in Camaguey is almost a given; but on the other hand this will allow you to discover its many corners and hidden gems.

Best things to do in Camaguey: The city is packed with beautiful churches and squares. The ones you should not miss include the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral, the 1748 church of Nuestra Señora de la Merced.

Parque Ignatio Agramonte is the prettiest square in town, so make sure not to miss that either — there’s also a museum by the same name which has an interesting display of antique furniture and an exhibit of 19th and 20th century Cuban art.

How to get to Camaguey: You can get to Camagüey by Viazul bus from Havana and Santiago — it’s the line that connects the two cities and goes on to Trinidad and Cienfuegos. The trip from Havana takes about 10 hours. It’s 6.5 hours from Santiago and five hours from Trinidad.

Where to stay in Camaguey: The best place to stay in Camagüey is the Casa de Caridad, a casa particular in Oscar Primelles 310A between Bartolomé Masò and Padre Olallo. It’s a large colonial house with antique furniture and a beautiful garden at the back.

Santiago de Cuba

Submitted by Jordan from  Hamburg and Beyond

The second-largest city in Cuba after Havana, Santiago de Cuba is bursting with bright colors and charming architecture . Santiago de Cuba played an important role in the Cuban Revolution, with the revolution beginning at the Moncada Barracks in the city in 1953 and ending with Fidel Castro declaring victory on the balcony of Santiago de Cuba’s city hall in 1959.

Best things to do in Santiago de Cuba: Besides roaming the colorful streets of Santiago de Cuba, center yourself around Céspedes Park – the main square of the city.

Make sure to visit the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption. First constructed in 1514, this is considered a minor basilica by the Holy See and became a national monument in 1958.

Less than a block away from this cathedral are two great places to get drinks: the porch area of Hotel Casa Granda and Casa de La Trova. The former offers a perfect people-watching location and is beautifully designed, while the latter offers a more authentic experience with live music.

How to get to Santiago de Cuba: It’s easy to reach Santiago de Cuba via plane by flying into Antonio Maceo International Airport. As the city is on the opposite side of Cuba from Havana, driving to/from Santiago de Cuba is a bit more treacherous!  The city’s airport has connections to Havana as well as other nearby islands and Paris, France. 

Where to stay in Santiago de Cuba: Hotel Casa Granda is also the ideal place to stay due to its proximity to everything in the city and high-class amenities. 

More on Cuba and the Caribbean:

Can Americans Travel to Cuba? Yes. Here’s How.

Puerto Rico Has it All

Why Travel to Antigua and Barbuda

A Weekend in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

Have you been to Cuba? What’s your favorite place? Share away!

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Cuba

The largest of the Caribbean islands is Cuba, located less than 160 km (100 miles) from the southernmost point of Florida in the US. Although still closed off to American tourists, Cuba is open to other world travelers eager to explore the rich culture and history of the island. Known for its legendary cigars, American vintage cars, stunning beaches, not to mention a few rum distilleries, Cuba clearly has a lot to offer visitors. When selecting the best places to visit in Cuba, be sure to embrace both the rural and the city experiences. The perfect trip to Cuba will include Havana, but it will also get off the beaten track and explore the incredible scenery and culture of the entire island.

10. Jardines del Rey [SEE MAP]

Just north of the mainland, and connected via bridges, is the archipelago called Jardines del Rey. Jardines del Rey, or Gardens of the King, is a chain of islands including Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredon Grande and Cayo Romano. The islands weren’t true tourist destinations until the 1990s, when the first hotel was built. Even today, many visitors come for the fact that the chain is still largely undeveloped. Playa Pilar on Cayo Coco is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches, and it is located just steps from a number of all-inclusive resorts.

9. Maria la Gorda [SEE MAP]

On the far western tip of Cuba is the small town of Maria la Gorda. While Maria la Gorda might not have a lot of infrastructure or big tourist attractions, it still gets plenty of visitors throughout the year. That’s because Maria la Gorda is one of the top diving destinations in the Caribbean. If you’re a scuba diver, then make your way to the area for guided trips out to sea. The underwater marine life is rich, and regular trips depart from the marina. Many visitors opt for an inclusive package that combines accommodation, dining and diving in one price. Snorkeling trips are also popular, though less common than diving excursions.

8. Baracoa [SEE MAP]

While Havana might be the modern capital of Cuba, it wasn’t always the center of Cuban politics. Baracoa is sometimes known as the First City, and it was the very first capital of the island. Baracoa was founded in the early 16th century by famed explorer Diego Velazquez, and it retains much of its colonial architecture. The Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion is just one example worth checking out. Baracoa is also a great base for visiting El Yunque, a mountain overlooking the city where visitors can hike and explore the green, lush rainforest environment just 30 minutes from the beach.

7. Cayo Largo del Sur [SEE MAP]

Cayo Largo del Sur, also known just as Cayo Largo, is a small island off the mainland of Cuba. If you are visiting Cuba in order to find gorgeous, uncrowded beaches, then it makes sense to visit the resort-like island of Cayo Largo. The largest and most popular beach on the island is Playa Sirena, the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun. Common activities on Cayo Largo include swimming, snorkeling, surfing and kayaking. The Marina is a hub for the island, and it is also where you’ll find the fascinating sea turtle hatchery, which offers regular tours to visitors.

6. Cienfuegos [SEE MAP]

Cienfuegos is a city in Cuba that is unlike others on the island. Since it was founded by the French, rather than the Spanish, it has a unique atmosphere. The city is known as La Perla del Sur, or the Pearl of the South. For those who appreciate mid-century modern architecture, the peninsula of Punta Gorda is a must see. There are still many 1950s homes, many of which have been carefully preserved. The center of Cienfuegos is Pueblo Nuevo, where you can explore the history museum, dine at an outdoor cafe or take a Spanish or French language lesson.

5. Santiago de Cuba [SEE MAP]

Located in eastern Cuba, Santiago de Cuba is a coastal city known for its colonial history. Santiago de Cuba was founded in the 16th century by the Spanish, and it is known as the Second City of Cuba. The heart of the city is the Parque Cespedes, a central plaza that is surrounded by a number of historical Spanish colonial structures. In more recent history, the plaza was where Fidel Castro famously declared the revolution a success in 1959. You can also explore the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, a 17th century fortress overlooking the bay.

4. Varadero [SEE MAP]

Just a short drive from Havana is Varadero, a popular beach resort town found on Hicacos Peninsula. Many miles of coastline let you enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the white sandy beaches and blue warm waters really are stunning to behold. While the gorgeous beach is the reason why Varadero is among the best places to visit in Cuba, there is plenty more to do. Parque Josone is a gorgeous park filled with botanical gardens, lakes, wildlife and bridges, not to mention music, vendors and even camel rides for kids. Also worth exploring are the Bellamar Caves, an extensive cavern system that been available to visitors for more than 150 years.

3. Vinales [SEE MAP]

While Cuba has several national parks, none is so beautiful and accessible as the one located in the Viñales Valley. Viñales is known as a stunning destination, and history tells that it was Castro’s favorite place on the island. The valley is surrounded by mountains, tobacco still grows to manufacture iconic Cuban cigars and countless caves add an extra ounce of adventure for the intrepid traveler. One of the most popular caves is the Cuevas del Indio, or Indian Caves, where you can actually take a boat ride completely within the cavern system itself.

2. Trinidad [SEE MAP]

For those with a love of history or architecture, Trinidad is a great place to visit in Cuba. The heart of Trinidad is Plaza Mayor, the main square surrounded by neo-Baroque buildings. Next door to the plaza is a colonial convent that now houses the Museum of the War Against the Bandits, or the Lucha Contra Bandidos. After exploring the museum, walk uphill away from the Plaza Mayor to shop for handicraft souvenirs. Popular items for sale include hand-sewn tablecloths and napkin linens. Another of the breathtaking structures in Trinidad is the Palacio Brunet Mansion, which now serves as the Museo Romantico. Visit to admire a fantastic collection of 19th century artworks and antiques.

1. Havana [SEE MAP]

Last, but certainly not least, is the city of Havana. As the capital of Cuba and the major transport hub, virtually all visitors will spend at least some time exploring Havana. This sophisticated, retro and cosmopolitan city is known for its spectacular nightlife, but days offer just as much excitement.

Start in La Habana Vieja, or the Old Town, where crumbling colonial buildings and vibrant mid-century structures stand side by side. Don’t leave Havana without watching cigars being rolled by hand in a small factory, or tasting some local rum fresh from the distillery. Mingle with the locals along Malecón, the seawall right along the coast that offers sea views and plenty of fun.

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Reader interactions.

January 3, 2019 at 8:36 pm

Hi, nice write up! I have been to a handful of these places but have many more on my list! I’d love to go to Baracoa or Santiago de Cuba next!

Just a note that you might want to consider changing: Cuba is indeed open to American tourists. Americans can visit Cuba under one of the twelve ‘reasons’ on the visa. The visa is bought online and is easy to obtain. Likewise, plane tickets direct from the US to Cuba can be purchased with no hassle. I have travelled there multiple times since 2017 (free travel, not with a tour) with no issue.

June 9, 2017 at 7:17 pm

Thank you for the excellent information on Cuba, locations shown are perfect.

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One Week in Cuba

48 Hours in Havana

Day Trips from Havana

Top Things to Do in Cuba

Things to Do in Havana

Best Beaches

Museums to Visit

Where to Go Shopping

Foods to Try

Best Restaurants in Havana

Nightlife in Havana

What Americans Should Know

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Best Hotels in Havana

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Top Travel Destinations and Attractions in Cuba

TripSavvy / Anna Haines

Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) is the heart of Cuba's capital and its cultural center. Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, Havana was originally a walled city. Most of the old walls are now gone, but the dense, 3,000-building district they once guarded contains some of Cuba's most important cultural sites.

Amid the narrow streets of Old Havana you'll find the Plaza Vieja, established in 1559, the national capital building, the Great Theater of Havana and the city's museum of fine arts, the Cathedral of Havana, the Museum of the Revolution, and the famous La Floridita bar, a onetime hangout of Ernest Hemingway and the birthplace of the daiquiri cocktail .

Check Cuba Rates and Reviews at TripAdvisor

Havana's iconic seawall is the best place to meet local residents in a relaxed environment. The Malecón runs for five miles along the Caribbean shoreline of Havana from the mouth of the harbor to the Old Havana waterfront. Lovers, fishermen, joggers, tourists, prostitutes, Santeria practitioners, and ordinary Habaneros alike can be found day and night during a stroll here.

The crashing surf and glorious sunset are worth a visit along, but prominent and interesting landmarks also include the grand Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a monument to the victims of the USS Maine explosion in 1898, and the statue of Cuban nationalist hero José Martí in the Plaza de la Dignidad.

The Museum of the Revolution

Havana's Museo de la Revolución tells the story of Cuba's successful revolt to overthrow the Fulgencio Batista dictatorship (and U.S. ally) in the 1950s. Located in Batista's former presidential palace, the museum includes a variety of artifacts from the conflict, including a Russian tank and U.S.-built fighter plane that took part.

Most prominent is the yacht Granma , which was used to transport Fidel and Raul Castro, Che Guevara, Camilo Cienfuegos, and their revolutionary comrades from Mexico to Cuba at the outset of the war. Exhibits include weapons carried by Guevara and Cienfuegos, the engine from a U.S. U2 spy plane shot down during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, and Batista's gold telephone.

Bellamar Caves

This famous show cave in Matanzas is one of Cuba's oldest tourist attractions -- and still one of the most popular. Located close to the Varadero resort area, these limestone caves were formed more than 300,000 years ago but only discovered in 1861.

Filled with impressive stalactites, stalagmites, galleries, and an underground river, Bellamar Caves has lights and stairs for visitors but, unlike most caves, is quite warm and humid inside. The complex also includes a museum, cafe, playground, and gift shop. Tours can be arranged from hotels in Havana or Varadero.

The beautiful Spanish colonial city of Trinidad, Cuba, takes visitors back in time. Located in the mountainous central Cuba province of Sancti Spíritus, Trinidad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1514, the city is a well-preserved example of a Caribbean sugar town of the 19th century (the surrounding area is known as the Valley of the Sugar Mills), filled with ornate Spanish colonial mansions, plazas and churches.

Plaza Mayor is the heart of Trinidad, an excellent jumping-off point for walking tours that take in major sites such as the old San Francisco convent (now a museum) and ornate mansions that once belonged to sugar barons. The rolling hills, historic plantations and waterfalls of the Valley of the Sugar Mills can be toured by steam train or horseback.

The beaches of Varadero are world famous and home to most of the island's international resorts. Located on a narrow peninsula east of Havana, Varadero's 12 miles of beaches were once home to waterfront mansions and today boasts dozens of international hotels visited by more than one million tourists annually.

Nearby attractions and activities include jeep trips to the El Nicho waterfall, the Bellamar Caves, and the Montemar Natural Park at the tip of the Zapata Peninsula.

Santiago de Cuba

San Pedro de la Roca Castle, a 1638 Spanish fortress, is one of the historic landmarks of Cuba's second largest city, but hardly the only one worth visiting. Dating to 1515, this Caribbean port city was the scene of the famous Battle of San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War, as well as an abortive attack on the Moncado Barracks by revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro in 1953 -- an incident viewed as the opening shot of the Cuban Revolution.

One of the cultural capitals of Cuba, the city includes museums containing the expropriated art collection of the Bacardi rum family (who fled to Puerto Rico after the revolution), a broad musical heritage, and lively Afro-Caribbean culture, including the practice of santeria. Other top attractions along this city's narrow streets include a rum museum, a multitude of parks, and the unique French-Haitian district called Tivoli.

Santiago de Cuba 's Carnival celebration is the best in Cuba, reflective of a city that is notoriously hot and loud but also vibrant and bustling. To get a respite, head to the beach or the large Baconao nature park is nearby.

Vinales Valley

This breathtakingly beautiful valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique rock formations and traditional agriculture that includes tobacco cultivation -- much of it used for prized Cuban cigars.

A depression in the Sierra de los Órganos mountains of Pinar del Rio province, the area's most distinguishing landscape features are a profusion of knolls with cliffs rising from the valley floor, known as mogotes -- the result of limestone erosion in the karst valley.

In addition to tobacco, local farmers raise taro and bananas, while the surrounding mountains are known for their many caves.

Cayo Largo del Sur

 An island paradise about 50 miles off the southern Caribbean coast of Cuba renowned for its lovely white-sand beaches, Cayo Largo is home to a few small resorts, many catering to clothing-optional travelers. Playa Paraiso has made various world's best beach lists, and nude sunbathers abound.

The island has no permanent residents and few bells and whistles other than some restaurants, shops and a turtle farm, making it ideal for a short-term Caribbean disappearing act in a remote corner of Cuba.

Santa Clara

The town of Santa Clara was the site of one of the crucial battlefields of the Cuban Revolution and remains a shrine to the memory of Che Guevara. The Battle of Santa Clara in 1958 pitted two columns of revolutionary soldiers -- one led by Che, the other by Camilo Cienfuegos -- against government troops loyal to General Fulgencio Batista, who were quickly routed.

Batista fled Cuba just 12 hours later, handing victory in the Cuban Revolution to Fidel Castro and his allies. Today, visitors can visit Che's mausoleum, see an armored train derailed by rebel soldiers, or stroll the streets of this 300-year-old city, centered on the beautiful Parque Vidal.

The surprisingly hip cultural scene includes a rock festival, drag club, and modern art museums; the popular beaches of Cayo Santa Maria, linked via a causeway, are nearby.

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31 places to visit in Cuba

Home > Blog > 31 places to visit in Cuba

Cuba is absolutely brimming with history, culture, and mystery – if you know where to look. Sure, everyone knows about Havana, Varadero, and even Viñales, which are all definite must-sees for anyone visiting Cuba, but there’s also so much more to the little country that sits off the south coast of the USA.

Wander along cobbled streets in little towns listening to live music, take pictures next to the vintage cars that dot every street, and go on a hike through one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Here are 31 of the best places to visit in Cuba …

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As the capital city, Havana is probably the obvious choice when you’re looking for the best place to visit in Cuba. But that doesn’t mean it should be avoided, just because it’s obvious. It’s sophisticated, cosmopolitan, with a great nightlife, and a square of the houses of the four richest families in Cuba – definitely not one to miss. It’s the best place in the world to watch cigars being rolled by hand in small factories or to taste local rum fresh from a distillery.

Old Town Havana

Havana and Old Town Havana are not the same thing, trust me. Old Town may be full of tourists, but it’s certainly a place of enough beauty to warrant the business. Wander through the charming little streets to discover stunning squares, churches, and buildings, all complete with that distinctive old school Havana architectural style.

This charming little town can be found on the Hicacos Peninsula, complete with miles of coastline to enjoy the views offered by the Atlantic Ocean while sunning yourself on the white sandy beaches. It’s not just the beaches that appeal; there’s also the Parque Josone, filled with botanical gardens, lakes, and wildlife, as well as various different music experiences in local bars.

Jardines Del Ray

Connected to the mainland by a series of bridges, the Jardines del Trey archipelago is a chain of islands that include Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredon Grande, and Cayo Romano. The first hotel wasn’t built here until the 1990s, but despite the fact that the chain is still relatively undeveloped, it’s still home to some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in all of Cuba.

This little town has always sat in the shadows of its more famous neighbours: Varadero and Havana, but it deserves just as much love as the bigger cities get. Most people forget about Matanzas, which means it’s pretty lacking on the tourist front, and it’s full of unique, fun things to do: wander around the charmingly relaxed town centre or take a chicken bus ride to the local beaches. There’s even a train to Havana that runs through the scenery and local villages of Cuba.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara was the final battleground of the Cuban Revolution, which you can learn all about at the local mausoleum, museum, and statue dedicated to Che. The town square even has a hotel that still shows bullet holes from the battles that took place there. The entire city is centred around the revolution, with Revolution Square and Revolution Café in the centre, but if that’s not your deal then head to El Gabernero for great food in an old colonial house.

Known as the labyrinth city of Cuba, Camagüey is very much a love it or hate it city. Completely unique, and something totally different, the city was built in a medina style to keep away attackers who would inevitably get lost. The centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s full of tiny alleys and art parlours and galleries built next to colonial buildings.

Playa Jibacoa

Just an hour away from Havana, Playa Jibacoa boasts the title of one of the best beaches in all of Cuba – and rightfully so. It’s still pretty hidden away from the tourist traps, and there are no public buses that run to the beach – you can only get there by car. Thanks to this, you’ll pretty much have the beach to yourself. Enjoy.

Caguanes National Park

Another UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this national park is perfect for eco and adventure tourism. It’s here you can find Caguanes Cay, Cienaga swamp, Guayaberas, and Piedra Cays. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to go caving, with 79 coastal caves to enjoy.

Found in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, Cayo Coco was the setting for two of Hemingway’s novels: Islands in the Stream, and The Old Man and the Sea. This is thanks to its idyllic beaches and relatively isolated location, which are both the main reasons that make it one of the best places to visit in Cuba.

Often referred to as Cuidad del Gallo, which translates to City of the Cockerel, and comes from a “cocky” colonial official in Morón. The city’s museum of archaeology and history has an excellent view of the city from its rooftop, while the 1923 railway station is a must-see destination for anyone who loves a bit of history.

Baracoa was the first capital of Cuba, founded in the early 16th century by Diego Velazquez. The city still retains a lot of its colonial architecture, and it is isolated from the rest of the country in the Guantanamo Province. It’s this isolation that’s allowed Baracoa to remain authentic and relatively untouched.

Santiago De Cuba

A coastal city that is known for its colonial history, Santiago de Cuba was founded by the Spanish during the 16th century – like much of Cuba. Head to the heart if you want to see historical Spanish architecture, but the absolute best spot in the city is the rooftop bar of Hotel Casa Granda, which overlooks the square and looks straight at a stone angel on top of the cathedral across the street. It’s also the best places to visit in Cuba if you want to experience authentic live music, driven by a ferocious Cuban beat.

Guardalavaca

Literally just a collection of picture-perfect beaches about 30 miles outside of Holguin. And what more could you ask for? Guardalavaca has more of a local atmosphere than Varadero, but it’s just as beautiful and comes with some of the richest waters and healthiest coral reefs in the country.

Known as Cuba’s “City of Squares”, Holguin is an industrial city first and foremost – but don’t let that put you off. Thanks to its history, there are numerous historical plazas such as the Parque Calixto Garcia – so named after the general who liberated the city from the Spanish in 1872. There’s also plenty of small museums, and a vibrant culture that is pretty much everything you would expect from Cuba.

Once a trading post for sugar cane, tobacco, and coffee, it’s now known as the Pearl of the South thanks to its beautiful bay – Bahia de Jagua. Founded by the French rather than the Spanish like much of the rest of the island, the city is a must-see for anyone who appreciates mid-century modern architecture.

Trinidad De Cuba

One of the most historic towns in Cuba, Trinidad’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and is only accessible on foot or horseback. Trinidad is home to a colonial convent that now houses the Museum of the War Against the Bandits, as well as the Plaza Mayor where travellers can shop for handicraft souvenirs.

Cayo Largo Del Sur

A small island off the mainland, Cayo Largo del Sur is one of the best places in Cuba to go if you’re looking for spectacular, uncrowded beaches. The island is home to countless beaches that are perfect for kicking back and unwinding as you soak up the sun – including the biggest beach, Playa Sirena. There’s also swimming, snorkelling, surfing, kayaking – you name it, you can do it here.

Rancho Luna

Sure, Rancho Luna doesn’t have the same white sandy beaches and crystal blue seas as Varadero, or Guardalavaca, but it has something infinitely better. Rancho Luna is one of the best places to stay at Casas Particulares, where the food is infinitely better than at any big hotels and resorts, and it’s also home to some of the best diving in Cuba. Plus, the beaches are pretty much bare of people, so you’ll likely have them all to yourself.

La Isla De La Juventud

Perfect for anyone who wants to really stray from the beaten track, La Isla de la Juventud is a little slice of land south of the main island of Cuba. The only way to reach it is either by a three-hour boat ride, or by plane if you can find one, but it’s full of unspoilt beaches, rich water, and tales of pirates and sunken treasure.

Playa Giron

Otherwise known as the Bay of Pigs, Playa Giron is famous for being the landing site of US-sponsored counter-revolutionary exile militia in 1961. Here you’ll find the Museo Giron, which contains tanks, planes, and other artefacts from the conflict. It’s not all history though; if you like the ocean, check out the diving and snorkelling scene while you’re here.

Playa Paraíso

Found on the island of Cayo Largo del Sur is one of Cuba’s best beaches, hands down. Known as Paradise Beach, it’s nothing more than a stretch of powdery white sand and crystal-clear blue seas. But really, what more could you want? If it’s sunbathing and swimming opportunities that you’re after, this is the best places to visit in Cuba to enjoy just that.

Sierra Maestra

Sierra Maestra is a massive mountain zone that runs pretty much the entire length of southeast Cuba and rises vertically from the Caribbean Sea. It’s pretty much all been left untouched by tourists, thanks to their pretty difficult hiking routes. Plus, these mountains were once home to the base of Fidel Castro and his Rebel Army from 1956-1958 during the fight to topple Batista.

Bayamo is the second oldest colonial city in the country, and it once served as the headquarters of the war for independence from Spain. Thus, it’s seen as the birthplace of Cuban nationality, and each October the city hosts La Fiesta de la Cubanía, celebrating Cuban culture and tradition.

Topes de Collantes

Near Trinidad de Cuba, Topes de Collantes national park is made up of six different parks: Altiplano Topes de Collantes, El Cubano, Guanayara, Codina, El Nicho, and Cayo Las Iguanas. Thanks to this, a trip to the national park is a day full of a lot of different activities. From the picturesque El Nicho Waterfall, and the caves of El Nicho Mountains, to the medicinal mud baths, orchid gardens, bamboo groves, and cave swims, there’s literally something for everyone.

Viñales might be absolutely tiny, but don’t underestimate it. It’s here where the best tobacco is grown for some of the biggest cigar companies, and the valley is surrounded by mountains. According to local history, it was Castro’s favourite place on the island, with there are boundless opportunities for the adventurous traveller.

Maria la Gorda

One of the best place in Cua for diving, and one of the best spots in the whole Carribean, Maria la Gorda is a big hit with scuba divers and ocean explorers alike. A small town on the far western tip of Cuba, this little town’s appeal is in the rich and vibrant underwater marine life.

Las Terrazas

Las Terrazas is for anyone who wants to get fully immersed in the local nature and communities that dot the Cuban landscape. A tiny community of only 1000 people is right next to a nature reserve just an hour from Havana, which covered 5000 hectares of reforested land planted on terraced hills and has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1984. It may be open to tourists, but that doesn’t change the fact that this sleepy little community has a sense of complete peace surrounding it.

Playa Jutias

Playa Jutias is in a great location, making for a perfect little day trip from Vinales if you don’t fancy basing your whole stay here. With beautiful clear water, white sandy beaches, and a very relaxed atmosphere with minimal tourists, it’s a great beach day.

Parque Nacional Viñales

Otherwise known as Valle de Viñales, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautiful, luxuriant valley in the Sierra de los Organos. Complete with steep limestone hills with a slice through the valleys creating a dramatic backdrop. The valley is an agricultural area where tobacco, fruit, and vegetables are all grown, and thanks to the steep hills it’s the perfect spot for hiking and horseback riding.

Peninsula de Zapata

Otherwise known as the Zapata Swamp, this little wetland (well, the biggest in the Caribbean, but who’s keeping score) is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Peninsula de Zapata is home to about 150 different species of birds, and it’s very common to spot some crocodiles.

It’s probably impossible to tick off all these places in one big road trip. I mean, you could try, but that would be one hell of a road trip for sure. Nevertheless, there’s enough here to get you started, and keeping you coming back to Cuba again and again. Trust me, you’re going to want to.

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18 Best Things to Do in Cuba: Iconic Experiences and Cultural Delights

It’s time to delve into the past with these fabulous things to do in Cuba. From following in the footsteps of Hemmingway to climbing El Yunque, get ready to learn about some of the country’s best attractions with this guide.

Where do I begin with Cuba? It was high up on my list of places to travel for a very long time until I finally made the journey a few years ago.

It’s one of the most breathtaking Caribbean islands to visit (and also the largest). So, it’s no wonder that Cuba is a bucket list destination for many travellers.

Cuba’s streets are a time capsule of a bygone era, with plenty of historical landmarks to explore and old-time bars that transport you right back to the 1950s. The stunning beauty of the island and nature-filled destinations? That’s the less talked about side of the island. 

So, where do you start? Read on to discover my top picks when it comes to Cuba activities.

Need help to figure out where to stay? I recommend Havana’s El Candil Boutique Hotel for deluxe, centrally-located accommodation (the cute vintage photospot outside is an added bonus).

Top 5 Things to Do in Cuba

Spend some time exploring historic havana .

Visiting Cuba without exploring Havana ? Huge mistake. The hype around this vintage-filled capital is worth it; the country’s rich culture and history is reflected in its countless monuments and museums. 

But where do you start? Kick off by exploring the cultural sites – Havana Cathedral and Revolution Square are two of the most iconic places in the city. To be totally honest, you could easily spend a couple of hours just wandering through the streets and snapping photos of the colonial buildings and cute cars (more on those later).

You should also take the time to delve into Havana’s historical landmarks. I loved the Parque Historico Militar with its two towering fortresses, El Morro and La Cabaña. Time your visit just right (AKA at 9pm) to witness the firing of cannons  – or El Cañonazo – at La Cabaña.

Admire Trinidad’s Architectural Beauty 

Situated in the centre of Cuba, Trinidad is another town you need to visit. From the distinct, colourful colonial architecture to countless galleries and museums, the city has an abundance of character and beauty. 

One of the things I love most about Trinidad is that vehicles cannot enter the city centre. Which means, as you explore the cobblestone streets, you get the chance to appreciate the enchanting surroundings fully. 

And there’s plenty to gawp at – the Plaza Mayor is a great place to admire the city’s kaleidoscope of architecture and mingle with locals. You should also climb the bell tower of the nearby Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco de Asis for picture-perfect views of the entire city. 

Climb El Yunque

Climbing El Yunque is one of my favourite memories of visiting Cuba – and I’m sure you’ll understand why. Located just outside of Baracoa, this flat-topped mountain has a peak of 575 metres (1,886 feet) and offers climbers several picturesque views as their reward.

With a relatively gentle slope, the trail suits pros and beginners. However, I still recommend hiring a guide at the reserve’s entrance. These people will keep you safe and highlight all the local fauna and flora along your journey. 

You’ll find refreshing waterfalls and swimming holes at the trail’s end. These are ideal for cooling down after a hike, so pack a swimsuit. 

Hang Out on the Beaches in Varadero 

Fancy catching the sun? Just a couple of hours from Havana is Varadero, and this resort town is indisputably one of the best places to visit in Cuba. Mainly because it’s home to many of the country’s most idyllic beaches. 

I’ll warn you though: as a top-rated destination in Cuba, Varadero gets very busy – not ideal for people who want to escape the crowds. 

However, if you don’t mind the hustle and bustle, Varadero is perfect for unwinding under the Cuban sun. 

Take Time Out in Viñales

The Viñales Valley in Western Cuba is a delightful mix of charm and serenity. Surrounded by mountains, this valley is mostly flat except for occasional mogotes — natural limestone ‘domes’ that often contain caves.

The calming atmosphere of Vinales is ideal for connecting with nature; you can explore the region through hikes, cycling, and horseback rides. 

You’ll also find some of Cuba’s oldest plantations in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The farmers utilise traditional agricultural methods and are well-known for their tobacco production. Chatting with the locals and learning about Cuba’s unique cultivation practices is certainly a highlight for any visitor. 

Brilliant Things to See & Do in Cuba 

Trace hemingway’s footsteps in havana.

It was only a matter of time before we returned to Havana. Looking for an excuse to sip Mezcal until the wee hours? Tracing Ernest Hemingway’s footsteps is just the quest for you. 

This well-known author lived outside Havana and frequently visited La Bodeguita del Medio and El Floridita . Today, these popular bars are famous tourist attractions — not only because of their connection to Hemingway, but also for their world-class drinks. 

For an authentic Cuban mojito, I recommend visiting La Bodeguita del Medio . However, if you’re a daiquiri enthusiast like me, El Floridita is the place to go. Both cocktails are delicious, so go forth and enjoy a drink in Hemingway’s memory. Cheers!

Speed Around Town in a Vintage Car 

You’ve seen the photos – there’s no better way to explore Cuba than in a vintage car. And you can read all about the experience here . Get ready to be whisked around the capital in a colourful relic from the 50s.

While spotting classic cars is often quite rare, this is not the case in Cuba, where you’ll have a variety of vintage vehicles to choose from. This is due to some pretty complicated history, which meant that Cubans couldn’t access modern cars (or their parts) for quite a while. And it seems that they decided to just roll with it.

Look Out for Pirates at the Castillo del Morro 

Another sight you don’t want to miss is Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca (also called Castillo del Morro ). This impressive 17th-century fortification protected the coastline of Santiago de Cuba and was a place to watch for incoming enemies, particularly pirates.

Gazing at the horizon from the fortress walls is definitely a pinch-me moment (and the perfect opportunity for some incred snapshots). I highly recommend visiting the on-site museum to learn more about the region’s history and the castle’s unique military architecture. 

Immerse Yourself in Cuban History at the Museo de la Revolución

One of the (many) things I love most about travelling is discovering the history of a destination. While you can research beforehand, there’s nothing like some hands-on education. 

Visiting the Museo de la Revolución is a great way to learn about Cuba’s fascinating history (one that includes invasions, revolutions and some downright bloody battles).  

This museum has various artefacts that detail Cuba’s past from the 15th to the 21st centuries. It highlights the 1950s Cuban Revolution and provides a unique look into local interpretations of the conflict. 

Top Tip: Most exhibits are in Spanish, so I recommend hiring a museum tour guide or downloading a translation app. 

Soak Up the Rivers of Baracoa 

I’ve already touched on Baracoa, but did you know it’s also home to 29 rivers? These gorgeous waterways are overflowing with Cuban history and culture. 

One of the most famous sites is the Río Miel (River of Honey), which features in the region’s popular Miel River legend. The tale states that anyone who swims in this river will one day return to Baracoa. 

And trust me, after taking a dip in the refreshing water and admiring your surroundings, you’ll want Baracoa on your list of places to revisit. 

Party at the World-Famous Tropicana Club

Ready to let loose and party? Enter the iconic Tropicana in Havana. Filled with music, dancing, singing and themed performances, this extravagant club is the best place for an authentic taste of Cuban showbiz. 

I suggest going to Tropicana’s old-timey cabaret shows. Attending one of these performances will guarantee you a uniquely Cuban night of colourful costumes and exciting entertainment. You’ll be salsa-ing in no time.

Experience Cuban Culture at Fábrica de Arte Cubano 

No Cuban vacation is complete without an evening spent at Havana’s Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC). This artistic space houses an enchanting blend of local creative and performing arts. 

The line-up changes every three months, meaning FAC always offers fresh and exciting cultural experiences. And, with an array of films, concerts, exhibitions and miscellaneous performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Top Tip: Tickets for FAC events and exhibitions are available at the door. However, there may be a line, so arrive slightly earlier (I suggest between 8 pm and 9 pm) to accommodate this.

Embrace Nature in Ciénaga de Zapata

With so many urban gems, you would be forgiven for forgetting about Cuba’s natural beauty. But Ciénaga de Zapata National Park is here to remind you.

Located within a sparsely populated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park boasts a diverse ecosystem home to 70% of all Cuban wildlife species. You can spot everything from the world’s tiniest bird (Cuban Bee Hummingbird) to impressively large crocodiles.

There are various activities for visitors, including kayaking, biking, photography and hiking. I highly recommend partaking in one (or all) of these options. Trust me when I say exploring this region is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll treasure forever. 

Splash Around in the Bay of Pigs

The Bay of Pigs is well-known as the location of American troops’ 1961 failed invasion of Cuba. However, you might not know that this bay is also a dream destination for water lovers. 

With clear waters year-round, this region is an excellent spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. Just picture yourself gliding through the Caribbean Ocean as you marvel at the vibrant coral reefs and colourful sea life around you. 

I’d suggest starting your adventure at either Playa Larga or Playa Girón . These picturesque beaches are popular spots for underwater activities. They’re also near the mainland, meaning you can conveniently rent equipment.

Unique Things to See & Do in Cuba: Hidden Gems That are Off the Beaten Track

Appreciate the artistry of cristobal colon cemetery .

One of the most unique things to see in Cuba has to be the Cristobal Colon Cemetery. Okay, so you might not usually want to pop a graveyard on your holiday itinerary, but I promise this is one you won’t want to miss. 

The Havana cemetery is renowned for its breathtaking architecture, showcased in its various sculptures, monuments and mausoleums.

As you wander through this impressive site, you’ll appreciate the scenery and the tangible history around you. Cristobal Colon Cemetery is unavoidably intertwined with Cuba’s past and provides visitors with a deeper connection to the country’s legacy. 

Go to a Cave Rave in Trinidad

Spending an evening at Disco Ayala is decidedly one of the most exciting activities in Cuba. However, this is no ordinary disco. The club is inside an underground cave (yes, really).

With five dance floors, three bars, and various exciting performances like acrobatics and fire-eating, this ‘cave rave’ always exceeds expectations.

Top Tip: There’s a ten-minute uphill walk from central Trinidad to Disco Ayala. I recommend wearing sturdy shoes for the trek and changing into clubbing shoes once you arrive to avoid sore feet. 

Test Your Sense of Direction in Camagüey

The complex architectural design of Camagüey’s city centre is undoubtedly one of the most unusual things to see in Cuba. The streets are in a maze-like pattern that makes the city extremely difficult to navigate. 

However, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is as enchanting as it is confusing. The labyrinthine layout supposedly originally served to hinder intruders. While modern visitors often still get lost, each wrong turn soon becomes a right as it reveals one of Camagüey’s numerous art galleries, museums or parks.  

Sleep Under the Stars at Cayo Jutias

I recommend visiting a Cuban cay (mini island) for an exciting day trip. My top pick? Cayo Jutias and its famous Playa de las Estrellas — a beach with countless starfish. 

While the cay is already idyllic, it becomes truly magical at dusk. As the sun sets, the ocean reflects the sky and eventually becomes a stunning pink. After this breathtaking display, you can head back to the mainland. 

However, for an extra memorable experience, I’d recommend staying overnight. Cayo Jutias has no accommodation, though you can rent camping equipment on-site and sleep under the stars.  

Things to do in Cuba: Practical Tips for Your Trip

With so many cool things to do and see in Cuba, I’d suggest booking at least a week-long vacation so you can experience the country’s best attractions. Ideally, spend at least three days in Havana and then head to Trinidad and beyond.

Cuba has relatively warm and pleasant weather throughout the year. However, visiting between late November and mid-April is best to avoid the rainy season.

Where Should I Stay in Cuba? 

Casa misladys apartamento (mid-range) .

Casa Misladys Apartamento in Trinidad is a quirky place to stay that won’t break the bank. For real – the purple walls and green ceilings might give you a headache, but they’re so fun.

The helpful 24-hour front desk will meet your every need. And, with major attractions like the Plaza Mayor within walking distance, you can easily explore your surroundings.

Check Rates and Availability 

El Candil Boutique Hotel (Luxury)

El Candil Boutique Hotel offers luxury at its finest. Don’t believe me? Here you can experience idyllic views of Havana from the rooftop pool while sipping a cocktail from the on-site bar. 

The hotel’s central location also means you’re nearby some of the top attractions in the city – and the country. 

Check Rates and Availability

Things to do in Cuba: Map 

Things to do in Cuba: Read More

• Unmissable Things to do in Havana
• Taking a Vintage Car Tour in Havana
• 3 of My Favourite Caribbean Islands
• Where to Visit in the Caribbean

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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Boasting a bounty of beautiful beaches, along with extraordinary wildlife-watching experiences, adventure opportunities and festivals, Cuba has much to commend it whenever you visit. That said, the best month to visit Cuba depends on what you most want to do, and your budget, along with your opinion on the likes of tourist numbers, and the potential risks of the hurricane season. With these factors in mind, here we present the best time to visit Cuba from different perspectives. One thing’s for sure, Cuba is the kind of sparky destination that first-timers often find themselves longing to return to.

• Overview of weather and tourist seasons

December and January — best for winter sun and high season vibes

February and march — best for outdoor adventure, april and october – best for shoulder-season balance, may, june and september — best for budget travellers, july and august — best for high energy cuban culture, overview of weather and tourist seasons .

Cuba has a tropical climate, with a November-April dry season , and a May-October wet season. Though the dry season is generally considered to be the best time to visit Cuba, note that downpours are often (but not always...) short-lived in the wet season, and temperatures are high.

• The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1st June through to 30th November, with September and October often being peak months for tropical storms and hurricanes.
• Coinciding with the dry season, Cuba’s tourist high season runs from November to April, though visitor numbers often drop-off from — and through — April.
• The wet season months of June, July, August and September see low season levels of crowds, and corresponding lower costs, with visitor numbers increasing through October as a drier period beckons.
• It’s also worth knowing that while July and August see smaller numbers of international visitors, these months are busy for local tourism. 

They're also the hottest months of the year — worth bearing in mind when planning your Cuba itinerary , along with the factors detailed below.

Cayo Coco, Cuba © Shutterstock

Kicking off with the obvious, according to a huge number of travellers, the best time to visit Cuba is during the peak high season months of December and January.

Given that these months sit in the region’s dry season — at a time when many of us are seeking respite from colder climes — visitors to Cuba in December and January can expect gloriously sunny, rain-free days. 

With warm temperatures sitting comfortably below the sizzling heat of summer, these are arguably the best months for enjoying the best beaches in Cuba .

At the same time, December and January being high season months means major tourist hubs (among them Havana , Varadero and Guardalavaca ) will be busy with like-minded travellers hoping for fun in the sun.

Beyond the entertainment offered by tourist resorts, this time of year sees Cuba stage a number of major festivals that are worth visiting for in their own right. 

For example, Havana hosts an international film festival in December. Come January, celebrated jazz festivals take place in both the Cuban capital and Santiago de Cuba .

The flipside of these attractive reasons to visit Cuba in December and January are the usual high season trappings. By which we mean higher costs for flights and accommodation, packed attractions, and busy beaches.

That said, you could always opt to explore lesser-travelled paths on an independent backpacking adventure, or on a customised Cuba itinerary that’ll take you off the beaten track .

Love film and music? December and January could be the best time to visit Cuba for notable festivals in Havana © Shutterstock

Though still sitting in the dry high season, February and March see visitor numbers drop-off from their December and January peak. These months also offer optimal conditions for diving and snorkelling.

The same is true of hiking and biking. Being cooler than the heady heat of summer, but still dry and warm, these are top months to explore the country’s wilder walking trails. They're also a great time to take advantage of Cuba’s relatively car-free roads on a cycling trip .

On the subject of cycling, if that kind of active trip sounds appealing, take inspiration from our customisable Bike Cuba itinerary, or our longer Western and Central Cuba by e-bike itinerary.

Bird-watchers, note that this time of year sees over 260 migratory species flock to Cuba. Ciénaga de Zapata in the Matanzas province, and Peninsula de Guanahacabibes in  Pinar del Rio are notable hotspots.

Editor’s tip:  travelling with kids? Check out our Active Adventure Family Trip .

Visit Peninsula de Zapata in February and March for amazing birdlife © Shutterstock

If you’re looking for a balance between high season crowds, warm weather and more moderate rainfall, April might be the best time for you to visit Cuba.

Sitting at the end of Cuba’s main high season — though Easter sees a spike in visitor numbers — April is quieter than January-March. It’s also cheaper and warmer than the preceding months, and drier than the months that follow.

Nature-lovers will also want to note that turtle-watching season kicks off at this time of year. For example, if you visit  Cayo Largo between April and September, you might just get to see loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles come ashore to nest.

A similar kind of balance can be had in October, which isn’t as hot and humid as June-September. Bargains can often be had in October, too.

Just be mindful of the fact that the official hurricane season runs until the end of November.

Playa los Cocos. Cayo Largo. Cuba © Shutterstock

While Cuba is eminently do-able on a modest budget around the year — especially if you stay in casas particulares  — May, June and September offer the biggest bargains.

With these months still sitting in turtle season, they especially suit nature-lovers who are keen to curtail costs. Also note that a second bird migratory season takes place from September to November. 

As a bonus, May sees Holguin stage Romerias de Mayo. Presenting performances from local and international musicians, along with parades, dance and art shows, it's fair to say this traditional religious festival has been given a modern makeover.

Meanwhile, the fabulously flamboyant Fiestas San Juaneras takes place in  Trinidad at the end of June.

Again, be aware these months sit within the wet season, so expect rain showers and high humidity. Also note that tropical storms and hurricanes are a possibility in June, and more so in September.

Trinidad, Cuba © Shutterstock

Though low season months for international tourism, July and August see an increase in domestic tourism. At the same time, temperatures rise to their annual peak. 

In terms of the numbers, average daily highs typically hit 32-34 º C in August.

Hosting two major cultural events, July is an especially great time to visit Santiago de Cuba . First up, Fiesta del Fuego — a three-day fire festival, which is held in early July.

Officially known as the Festival del Caribe, this sees the city transformed into the stage for all manner of costumed parades, performances, and giant congas through the streets.

Stick around until the end of July and you’ll also get to experience one of Cuba’s liveliest events — the Santiago de Cuba carnival.

Come August, Havana hosts its own carnival, while Varadero’s Josone Music Festival showcases the talents of top jazz and son Cubano  musicians. 

Santiago de Cuba © Vadim Nefedoff/Shutterstock

Whenever you decide is the best time for you to visit Cuba, wise up on the best things to do in Cuba , and get yourself The Rough Guide to Cuba to help plan your trip.

Not keen on planning? Browse our customisable Cuba itineraries , or talk to our local experts .

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Havana

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Karen Hastings traveled extensively around Cuba and loved soaking up Havana's history and culture.

History and Havana go hand in hand. The name Havana conjures images of Spanish conquistadors, revolutionary heroes, and the literati and glitterati who once basked on these sun-splashed shores. Today, the fascinating history of Cuba's capital awaits you at every twist and turn, in the cobbled streets of Old Havana ; in the beautiful Cuban Baroque buildings; in the historic forts, museums, legendary restaurants, and lively public squares.

A fiesta for the senses, Havana is a city made to stroll, with plenty of cultural attractions and unique things to do. Listen to live rumba music on a street corner, feast at restaurants where Hemingway once dined, or inhale the salt-soaked air along the famous Malecón.

But perhaps the best part of a visit to Havana is the people. Friendly and outgoing, the locals are proud of their culture-rich Caribbean city and happy to share its historic treasures and many hidden gems. Learn about the highlights and best places to visit with our list of top attractions in Havana, Cuba.

See also: Where to Stay in Havana

1. Old Havana (Habana Vieja)

2. the malecón, 3. plaza vieja, 4. plaza de la revolución (josé martí memorial), 5. el capitolio (national capitol building), 6. museo de la revolución, 7. playas del este, 8. museo nacional de bellas artes, 9. fusterlandia, 10. paseo del prado, 11. fortaleza de san carlos de la cabana, 12. gran teatro de la habana, 13. cojimar, 14. finca la vigia, san francisco de paula, cuba, 15. miramar, 16. museo napoleonico, 17. castillo de los tres reyes del morro, 18. national botanical garden of cuba, where to stay in havana for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in havana, more places to visit near havana.

Old Havana, Cuba, a UNESCO World Heritage site, oozes the charm of days gone by. Elegant neoclassical and Baroque buildings border cobbled squares and narrow streets, and many have been carefully restored to their former beauty.

If you're wondering what to do in Old Havana, start your sightseeing tour by heading to one of the popular public squares: Plaza Vieja and Plaza de Armas . The latter is where the splendid Palacio de los Capitanes stands, home to the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) and a delightful leafy courtyard.

Other highlights of Old Havana include the magnificent Catedral de San Cristobal , a celebration of the Cuban Baroque style, and the stout Castillo de la Real Fuerza , an impressive military fortress.

To tap into the lively vibe of Havana, take a walk along Calle Obispo . By day, you can browse the shops and art galleries and admire the colorful Cuban Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. By night, live music lures you into buzzing restaurants and entertainment venues. Here, you'll also find the famous El Floridita restaurant, a must-do on most tourists' sightseeing lists.

After soaking up all the history of this captivating quarter, check out the 35-meter tower of the camera obscura. When open, it offers a breathtaking overview of these well-aged jewels.

Finally, if you're looking for places to eat in Havana, the former Hemingway hangout, La Bodeguita del Medio , serves up succulent seafood and ice-cold drinks.

Strolling along the Malecón (El Malecon) at sunset is a wonderful way to soak up the feel of this evocative city and see some sights along the way.

Havana's famous seafront boulevard runs about seven kilometers from Habana Vieja (Old Havana) to the Vedado and Plaza area. Overlooking the boulevard is a colorful collection of well-preserved 20th-century buildings in a mix of architectural styles, from Art Deco to Neo Moorish. In the golden glow of the setting sun, they make a beautiful picture .

The Malecón is also a great place to meet the locals. Anglers come here to cast their lines, and families and young couples saunter along the seafront enjoying the fresh air and ocean breezes.

Those seeking to rest their weary feet should stop by the historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba , a World Heritage Site and a National Monument with a long list of glamorous former guests, including Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, and Marlon Brando.

It's easy to see why Plaza Vieja is one of the most popular places to visit in Havana. Set in the heart of Old Havana, this landmark square is lined by colorful buildings depicting a variety of architectural styles. Whether you're a fan of classic, Baroque, or Art Nouveau, you'll find something to love in this historic square, which dates to 1559.

Tourists love visiting this bustling plaza because it is packed with fun things to do. Enjoy a meal al fresco, grab a coffee in a café, enjoy the view from the Camera Obscura , or ogle the impressive stained-glass windows. Families and couples alike could spend hours here, and they do. Be sure to arrive hungry!

Once known as Plaza Nueva, which means New Square, Plaza Vieja (Old Square) has been recently revamped, becoming one of the most visited places in the city.

The Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square), formerly the Plaza Civica before the Revolution, is worth a brief stop due to its historical significance. During a 1998 visit to Cuba, Pope John Paul II celebrated mass in this famous square, and more than a million people have gathered here for Castro's speeches.

Overlooking the square is the José Martí Memorial with a 109-meter gray tower and white marble statue of the Cuban national hero. You can browse the small museum here or take the lift up the tower for panoramic city views.

Government buildings surround the square, including the Ministry of the Interior building adorned with the iconic image of Che Guevara.

Address: Paseo y Calle 39, Havana, Cuba

Travelers to Havana who have visited Washington, D.C. may do a double take when they see beautiful El Capitolio, inaugurated in 1929. Rising from the city skyline, this grand building is reminiscent of the American Capitol building, but it was the Panthéon in Paris, which reputedly inspired its distinctive cupola.

The structure displays a blend of neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles and was the seat of government until 1959, after the Cuban Revolution.

For a small fee, you can take a guided tour of the recently restored building, with headsets provided in the language of your choice. Highlights include the grand hallways, beautiful inlaid marble floors, and massive dome.

Atop the dome is a replica of the bronze sculpture Mercury, originally created by the 16th-century Florentine sculptor Giambologna. Below the dome is a replica of a 24-carat diamond. This reputedly marks the point from where all highway distances between Havana and other destinations in Cuba are measured.

El Capitolio remains a striking landmark for those wandering around Havana; its huge dome is visible from almost anywhere in the city.

Address: Paseo de Marti, (Prado) Havana, Cuba

Housed in a former presidential palace, the Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution) is worth seeing even if only from the outside. The old presidential palace was designed by the Belgian architect Paul Belau and was built in the early part of the 20th century in a sumptuous version of neoclassical architecture.

Those who do venture inside are treated to a multitude of displays on Cuba's struggle for independence, colored with a revolutionary spin. Of note are the life-size wax figures of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos.

Behind the museum is an interesting display of the yacht Granma. It was this boat that brought Fidel Castro and his gang to Cuba from Mexico. Also on display is a plane shot down during the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion.

Address: Calle Refugio 1, Havana, Cuba

A short drive from Havana's city center, Playas del Este is a long stretch of palm-fringed beach that runs for miles. This is a great alternative for travelers who are unable to visit the more remote beach resorts in other parts of Cuba.

Along Playas del Este sightseers will find hotels, restaurants, and all the regular tourist facilities. The beach is divided up into sections, with one of the best stretches at Santa Maria del Mar , a popular tourist spot. Another beautiful section and a locals' favorite is Guanabo , although this area offers fewer tourist services.

Spread across two buildings, Havana's Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts) is a must-see for art lovers.

The restored Palacio del Centro Asturiano, designed in the 1920s by Manuel Bustos, houses Art from European Masters and a collection of more than 600 works of Ancient Art, from the Egyptian to Roman ages.

Dating from 1959, the Rationalist-style Palacio de Bellas Artes building is dedicated to Cuban Art from the 17th century to the present day. Here, you can admire an impressive collection of paintings, prints, and sculptures. One of the highlights is the unique marble sculpture "Form, Space and Light" at the museum entrance.

The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sundays from 10am to 2pm.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Address: Trocadero Street e/Zulueta y Monserrate, Old Havana

Palacio del Centro Asturiano

Address: San Rafael, e/Zulueta y Monserrate, Old Havana

Calling all art lovers! If you're looking for some inspiration, this whimsical wonderland is one of the must-see places to visit in Cuba . Decorating a small village on the outskirts of Havana, Fusterlandia is a complex of three-dimensional neighborhood art and a rhapsody of color and creativity.

Local painter and sculptor José Fuster created this kaleidoscopic display of mosaics, sculptures, and paintings throughout the neighborhood to represent his life and art. Affectionately known as the "Picasso of the Caribbean," Fuster even decorated neighbors' homes and bus shelters.

Stroll through the streets to see the vibrant creations popping out of houses and public areas, then visit Fuster's home studio, and see where he creates this multi-hued feast for the eyes.

Considered by many to be the most beautiful street in Havana, the tree-lined Paseo del Prado bordering Old Havana deserves a leisurely stroll.

The terrazzo, marble benches, bronze lions, and iron lampposts impart the feel of a grand boulevard from a bygone era, and indeed the street was once home to some of Havana's wealthiest families.

Elegant old cinemas, mansions, and hotels from the 19th and 20th century line the street, many of which have been carefully restored. Highlights include the Hotel Sevilla , with its Moorish styling; the home of Dr Carlos Finlay, the man who discovered that mosquitoes spread yellow fever; and Havana's most famous wedding chapel, the Palacio de los Matrimonios .

The Paseo del Prado is a popular meeting place and people-watching spot at any time of day.

About a 15-minute walk from El Morro in the Parque Historico Militar , the huge Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana, also called the Castillo de San Carlos de la Cabana, sits atop La Cabana hill.

At the time of its construction in the 1770s, it was the largest fort the Spanish had ever built, as well as the most costly. Following the British occupation, the Spanish set about building this imposing fort, which dominates the entrance to the Bay of Havana.

La Cabana, as it is usually referred to, was used as a military prison during the Batista regime and later became the headquarters for Che Guevara following the Revolution.

Today, the fort houses a few museums. The most impressive is the Museo de Comandancia del Che , with the office of Che Guevara preserved as it was during his time here. Some of his personal items are also on display.

During the day, the fort offers splendid views over the city and the sea. And if you're looking for things to do in Havana at night, come here for the Ceremonia del Cañonazo, when actors clad in 19th-century costumes perform a cannon-firing ceremony at 9pm each evening.

Address: 4MW2+R5R, La Habana, Cuba

You might not expect to find one of the world's largest opera houses in the middle of the Caribbean, but the magnificent Gran Teatro de La Habana is just that.

Designed by Belgian architect, Paul Belau, the theater faces Parque Central and was built as part of a larger complex in 1915. Art aficionados will be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful Baroque façade, which features four stunning sculptures created by the master, Giuseppe Moretti.

Over the years, the Gran Teatro de La Habana has hosted a wide variety of performances by some of the most famous celebrities in the world. Today, the theater is home to Cuba's National Ballet and Opera.

Try to catch a performance while you're here to truly appreciate its grandeur and excellent acoustics. Guided tours are also available.

Address: Prado e/ San jose y San Rafael, Havana, Cuba

Hemingway fans should visit the small fishing village of Cojimar, about 20 minutes east of Havana by taxi. During the 1950s, Hemingway visited Cojimar often and made it the setting for his novel, The Old Man and the Sea. He also kept his boat the "Pilar" here, and could often be seen socializing with locals in the streets.

These days, tourists come here to visit the square named in his honor and see the statue of the famous scribe. Perhaps inspired by Hemingway's legacy, many artists from Havana and other parts of Cuba are drawn here.

About 16 kilometers east of Havana in the town of San Francisco de Paula, Finca La Vigia was the part-time residence of Ernest Hemingway for 20 years. He lived here between 1939 and 1959, despite all the turmoil in Cuba during that period.

Upon Hemingway's death, Finca La Vigia was turned into a museum, the Museo Hemingway . The house remains as Hemingway left it, with more than 8,000 books on display, as well as artwork, hunting trophies, the author's typewriter, and other personal belongings.

Visitors are not allowed inside, but it's possible to peek in through the windows, unless the house is closed up during rainy weather. You can also wander through the garden to see Hemingway's fishing boat, "Pilar," which he had kept in Cojimar. The garden is also home to a pet cemetery, the final resting place for some of his beloved cats.

The museum is open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Friday and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays. Admission is 125 CUP per person.

Address: 3P93+3WX, Finca Vigía Km. 12 ½, J Sosa, La Habana, Cuba

Lying to the west of Havana's historic city center, Miramar has traditionally been an upscale area. Today, it maintains this reputation with the addition of upper-end hotels and restaurants.

You can cruise the wide, tree-lined avenues here and admire the stately homes, some of which have become embassies and government offices after the original owners fled during the Revolution.

The main street in Miramar is Avenida 5 , with its Miami-style Art Deco mansions and grand homes. The Avenues are numbered; Avenida Primera (First Avenue) is closest to the ocean.

Another worthwhile tourist attraction in Miramar, other than the general ambiance of grandeur, is the Maqueta de La Habana with a scale model of the city.

Address: 5ta Ave y calle 112, Havana, Cuba

Near the impressive Universidad de La Habana (University of Havana), the Museo Napoleonico in Havana displays the private collection of Julio Lobo, who was a collector of all things Napoleon.

Lobo hired people to find and purchase Napoleonic mementos and memorabilia for his personal collection. When Lobo left Cuba in 1959, his collection was purchased by the Cuban government and is now housed in a beautiful building styled on a Florentine palace.

On display are personal items belonging to Napoleon, including one of his teeth and a lock of his hair. The Museo Napoleonico also contains Napoleon's death mask, a library of related topics, weaponry, and two portraits of the famous French military leader by Andrea Appiani and Antoine Gros.

In total, the collection contains more than 7,000 pieces. It is one of the finest collections of Napoleon artifacts outside of Europe.

Address: San Miguel 1159, Havana, Cuba

Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro , also known as El Morro, stands proudly at the entrance of the Bay of Havana in the Parque Historico Militar .

El Morro was built in the late 16th century and early 17th century to guard against the constant threat of pirate attacks. It was designed by Italian engineer, Giovanni Battista Antonelli and looks much the same as it did in the 17th century.

One of the main changes to the fort is the lighthouse. It was rebuilt several times and then finally replaced in the middle of the 19th century with a new lighthouse constructed of solid stone. Today, its original lamp still shines, and the fort is open to tourists. You can enjoy beautiful views over the ocean and the city of Havana from its upper reaches.

Address: 5J2V+34X, La Habana, Cuba

About 10 kilometers south of Havana, the Jardin Botanico Nacional encompasses 1,500 acres of botanical wonders from around the globe. The garden lies near Parque Lenin , a popular recreational area, and is divided into geographical zones.

You can hop aboard a train to enjoy an effortless two-hour tour through the gardens. Highlights of the park are the Jardin Japones (Japanese Garden) with a pond, waterfalls, and gazebos, and the Pabellones de Exposicion with cactuses and tropical plants. For a look at local flora, check out the Caribbean section, which contains about 3,500 species native to Cuba.

Address: Carretera del Rocio Km 3, Calabazar, Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, Cuba

Exploring Havana is one of the top things to do in Cuba. To truly soak up the history and culture of Havana, the best place to stay is in or close to Old Havana, with its historic buildings and cobbled plazas. Areas of Central Havana and the eastern end of the waterfront promenade called the Malecón are within walking distance to Old Havana, and also make a convenient base. Most of these hotels include breakfast but keep in mind that Havana hotels tend to be pricey, and a five-star hotel here would generally be rated much lower elsewhere. Here are some highly rated hotels in these convenient areas:

Luxury Hotels:

• Overlooking the Malecon and the ocean, a short taxi ride from Old Havana, the iconic Art Deco Hotel Nacional de Cuba is the grande dame of Havana hotels. Former guests include Hemingway, Winston Churchill, and Rita Hayworth.
• In a fantastic location right in the center of Havana, close to El Capitolio, the Museum of the Revolution, and Old Havana, the Iberostar Parque Central occupies a Spanish colonial-style building and an adjoining modern tower. You can enjoy beautiful views over the city from the rooftop pool.
• Also with a rooftop pool, Hotel Saratoga sits across the street from El Capitolio and is only a short walk from Old Havana highlights.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Steps from the Museum of Fine Arts, the historic Hotel Telegrafo overlooking Parque Central was a former press haunt. Its renovated guest rooms are large and comfortable, with high ceilings and huge windows.
• In the heart of Old Havana, the Baroque and Art Nouveau-style Hotel Raquel has an impressive stained-glass dome in the lobby and a beautiful rooftop garden.

Budget Hotels:

• Elegant colonial-style architecture and a convenient location opposite Parque Central are the best features of the historic Hotel Inglaterra , Cuba's oldest hotel.
• On a pedestrian-only street, a stone's throw from Plaza Vieja in Old Havana, Hotel Los Frailes has a great location and a quirky monastic theme.

Head to the Coast: Besides the rich history of Havana and Old Havana , the island of Cuba has more than 5,700 kilometers of picturesque coastline. Craving some beach time? Varadero , about a two-hour drive away, flaunts one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean , 20-kilometer-long Varadero Beach.

Cuban Culture: Drive south from here for about four hours to soak up the colonial history of World Heritage-listed Trinidad . From here, you can also take day trips to waterfalls; more beautiful beaches; and the lush Valle de Los Ingenios, another World Heritage site. On Cuba's southeastern side, Santiago de Cuba , is the country's second-largest city, with a rich Afro-Caribbean heritage.

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What You Need To Be Aware Of As A Tourist Visiting Cuba

B eaches with white sand as fine as sugar, vintage American cars cruising down streets lined by colorful aging buildings, and the chance to puff on a fine cigar while watching people dance the salsa in the warm night air: It's not hard to understand the picture-postcard allure of Cuba. It's a country in the throes of rapid change as it emerges back onto the world stage after decades of stagnation following the 1959 revolution. So now is a wonderful time to pack your dancing shoes and visit the Caribbean's largest island.

However, Cuba isn't an uncomplicated tropical paradise and there are several things you need to be aware of before you visit as a tourist. Like, as an American, is it even legal for you to visit Cuba as a tourist? What's with the money situation? And can you access the internet or are you going back to the Stone Age (also known as the early 1990s)?

Can Americans Visit Cuba?

Cuba is just 103 miles from the tip of Florida making it the ideal winter getaway for sun-seeking Americans. However, the U.S. imposed restrictions on travel to Cuba in 1963 and while the level of restrictions has varied over the years, as of July 2023, Americans can't visit Cuba purely for tourism purposes.

That said, there are 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba, and the one that most Americans visiting the island use is the "support for the Cuban people" category. You'll need a passport with six months validity at the time of entry and two blank pages. You also need a Cuban Tourist Card, which you can usually get from your airline for as little as $50.

Speaking of airlines, you can fly direct to Cuba from several U.S. cities, including Miami, Tampa, New York City , and Houston. Most direct flights from the U.S. land in the Cuban capital of Havana, though there are several nonstop flights from Miami to other destinations in the country, including Santiago de Cuba and the popular beach resort of Varadero.

Cuban Currency

There's good news and, let's say, tricky news when it comes to paying for things in Cuba. The good news is that there is now one currency used by residents and visitors alike in the country: the Cuban peso (CUP). The Cuban convertible peso (CUC), which used to be the currency used by tourists, was eliminated in 2021.

The only official place you can exchange currency in Cuba is at Cadeca exchange houses. You cannot get CUP outside of Cuba, nor should you take the currency home with you. Spend or exchange anything you have left over before you go to the airport (after security, you should pay in foreign currency).

What about credit cards? U.S. credit and debit cards won't work in Cuba. Credit cards from major financial institutions like Visa and Mastercard from other countries should be accepted by certain businesses and ATMs. However, cash is king in the country and it's always a good idea to keep some with you for tips to service workers.

The Internet In Cuba

Cuba is the perfect place to go on a digital detox. We're going to be honest: Getting online isn't as easy as in the U.S. and internet speeds can be sluggish. However, if you need to connect to the internet, you can. The most common way to access the internet in Cuba is via hotspots in places like public parks and on the Malécon in Havana. (They are also perfect for people-watching, so embrace the experience!) Many hotels and some other businesses also have Wi-Fi.

To access the internet in most places you're going to need a NAUTA card, which you can purchase from ETECSA offices around Cuba. Be prepared to stand in line to buy the card and take your passport along with you. Our advice? Be patient and make the most of your offline moments to fully immerse yourself in the Cuban experience. And plan to latergram your posts on Insta.

Sleeping And Eating

When it comes to accommodation in Cuba, you'll find a range of options. From all-inclusive beach resorts to cozy casas particulares, you'll find somewhere to suit your preferences and budget. Our pick for independent travelers is a casa particular, a privately owned guesthouse which offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Cuban hospitality firsthand. Many places offer breakfast and an evening meal, so you can taste home-cooked Cuban food. It's also an excellent way to support the Cuban people (this is likely the stated purpose of your visit, after all) as the money you pay goes directly to the guesthouse owners. In contrast, the Cuban government holds at least a 51% share in all hotels in Cuba. Hotel star ratings are often on the generous side, so be discerning.

As far as food goes in Cuba, your best bet is to go to a paladar, a privately run restaurant that serves excellent versions of classic Cuban dishes like roast pork, shredded beef, and suckling pig (the cuisine is pretty meat-forward). A note on cultural sensitivity: Many products that are widely available in the U.S. might not be in Cuba and even basic products often disappear from Cuban shops at short notice. Savor what's put on your plate and enjoy the often simple but tasty food.

How To Support And Respect The Cuban People

Staying in casas particulares and eating at paladares are just two ways that you can support the Cuban people on your trip. Consider taking a salsa class run by a local, buying locally made handicrafts, and whiling away the steamy nights sipping rum and listening to musicians put on a fabulous show. By patronizing local businesses, not only are you financially supporting the Cuban people, but you're also going to have an authentic Cuban experience.

We touched on the unavailability of some food items earlier, but shortages extend to many consumer products in Cuba. Bring everything you think you'll need for your trip, including medications. You may also want to bring a roll of toilet paper (glamorous, we know), as public bathrooms often don't have it. Power cuts are common; while they might be frustrating, remember that you're only there for a short time and, for Cubans, power cuts are infuriating, so keep your complaints to yourself. This goes for everything, really; if you're not prepared for some minor inconveniences, don't visit Cuba. If you want to take a memorable trip to a country steeped in history with a vibrant culture, stunning urban architecture, and beautiful natural landscapes, it'll all be worth it.

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