4 tourist attractions in cuba

17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Cuba

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Aug 30, 2023

Cuba, the Caribbean's largest island , drips with history, culture, and mystique. Live music wafts through the cobbled squares in Havana's World Heritage-listed Old Town , vintage cars still cruise the streets, and the beautiful old buildings in Cuba's colonial cities evoke the feel of a country frozen in time.

Cuba also abounds in natural beauty. This vast island has more than 5,000 kilometers of coastline, much of it rimmed by dazzling beaches. Coral reefs glimmer in the turquoise waters, and Cuba's lush countryside and sublime islands have played host to presidents; provided refuge to revolutionaries; and inspired writers from around the world, Hemingway among them.

With all this history and beauty, as well as superb diving and fishing, Cuba offers a depth and diversity few Caribbean islands can rival. Explore this captivating country with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Cuba.

1. Old Havana (Habana Vieja)

2. varadero, 3. trinidad, 4. guardalavaca, 5. playa paraíso, cayo largo del sur, 6. cayo coco, 7. parque nacional viñales (valle de viñales), 9. the malecon, havana, 10. che guevara mausoleum, santa clara, 11. museo nacional de bellas artes, 12. castillo de san pedro del morro, santiago de cuba, 13. peninsula de zapata (ciénaga de zapata), 14. el nicho waterfalls, 15. parque historico militar, havana, 16. plaza de la revolucion (jose marti memorial), havana, 17. fusterlandia.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Habana Vieja or Old Havana is a well-preserved slice of Cuban history. Strolling around the cobbled streets and gazing up at the grand Baroque and neoclassical buildings, it's easy to imagine what life in Cuba was like 200 years ago.

Extensive renovations are now breathing new life into the historic buildings. Major attractions here include the Plaza de la Catedral , home to the Cuban Baroque Catedral de San Cristobal ; the legendary restaurant and Hemingway hangout, Bodeguita del Medio ; and the military fortress, Castillo de la Real Fuerza .

Also in the Old Town, Plaza Vieja is one of the top places to visit in Havana . This vibrant gathering spot is home to some notable buildings, including the 18th-century Casa del Conde Jaruco , with beautiful stained-glass windows on the first floor. Nearby, the camera obscura offers fantastic views from its 35-meter tower.

The best way to explore Old Havana is to simply get lost along its cobbled streets. Colorful photo ops await around every corner, from the faded pastel-painted buildings to the clothes flapping in the breeze on washing lines and the candy-pink classic cars. Take time to watch kids play soccer in a square or listen to an impromptu musical performance. Allow at least a day to explore the Old Town and more if time permits.

Author's Tip: If you're seeking a more authentic Havana experience where you can connect with the locals, consider dining at paladars, small family-owned restaurants in private homes. They also tend to be cheaper than conventional restaurants. Similarly, if you're looking for an affordable place to stay, book a casa particulare. These homestays with Cuban families are another great way to save money and soak up the local culture.

Varadero is one of Cuba's most famous beach destinations, and home to one of the best beaches in the Caribbean . It stretches along the Peninsula de Hicacos, which juts into the sea off the north coast; a drawbridge connects it to the mainland.

More than 50 beach resorts line this popular palm-fringed strip, and its magnificent white-sand beaches draw visitors from around the world.

Varadero highlights include Parque Ecológico Varahicacos (Varadero Ecological Park) , and its two caves, Cueva de Ambrosio and Cueva de Musulmanes.

For more subterranean adventures, Saturno Cave (Cueva de Saturno) offers a cool respite from the sun-blasted beach. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear cenote, marvel at the giant stalactites and stalagmites, and jump off the surrounding ledges into the teal-colored pool below.

Also in Varadero, the peaceful Parque Josone is home to lush flower gardens, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a small lake where you can paddle about in rowboats.

Other popular things to do in Varadero, besides diving and snorkeling, are deep-sea fishing, golf, skydiving, and day trips to cultural attractions.

Exploring the town of Trinidad, Cuba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is like stepping back in time. The beautifully restored buildings and cobblestone streets in the city center exude a quaint colonial feel. Much of the architecture dates from the 17th to the 19th centuries, when Trinidad prospered from both the sugar and slave trades.

Today, Trinidad is one of the best cities in Cuba to visit, apart from Havana. You can soak up its lively ambience in the cobblestone Plaza Mayor , the city's central square. Above the square stands the neoclassical Church of the Holy Trinity (Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad).

Other Trinidad highlights are the Church and Monastery of Saint Francis (Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco), with its distinctive bell tower and the Palacio Brunet , a grand home built in 1812 and still featuring original frescoes and marble floors.

East of Trinidad, on the road to Sancti Spiritus , the lush World Heritage-listed Valle de los Ingenios contains numerous relics and monuments from the 19th century, when the sugar cane plantations and mills flourished. One of the best things to do in Trinidad, Cuba is simply drive or horseback ride through the beautiful scenery of green sugar cane fields, palm trees, and mountains.

Rimmed by glittering beaches, Guardalavaca, in the Holguin province , is quieter and more remote than Varadero. Lush foliage fringes the sweeping strand of beach here, providing plenty of shady patches for those seeking respite from the tropical sun. Divers and snorkelers can explore a plethora of sea life along the coral reefs.

Day trips from Guardalavaca include jungle adventures, sailing trips, and sightseeing tours of Santiago de Cuba .

West of Guardalavaca, Bahia de Naranjo encompasses a large slice of coast and three islands, including Cayo Naranjo with the popular Dolphinarium , which offers close-up encounters with these gregarious creatures.

Chorro de Maita is another side trip option from Guardalavaca, with a native Indian burial area and a recreated Taino Indian village.

In a country known for its beautiful beaches, Playa Paraíso (Paradise Beach), on the island of Cayo Largo del Sur, is one of Cuba's best. This sublime strand of powdery white sand and baby blue sea skirts the sheltered western edge of the island and merges with the equally ravishing Playa Sirena.

The island of Cayo Largo del Sur is truly a sun seeker's destination with a typically dry, sunny climate and few tourist attractions besides some of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba and many hotels and resorts.

Note that sections of these beaches are clothing optional.

Cayo Coco is another of Cuba's idyllic beach destinations and one of its most isolated. The island starred in Hemingway's novels, Islands in the Stream and The Old Man and the Sea, along with nearby Cayo Guillermo .

As part of the Jardines del Rey , the combined archipelago of Sabana-Camaguey , Cayo Coco is connected to the mainland by a bridge, though most visitors arrive by air.

Sun-splashed beaches are the prime attraction. Playa Los Flamencos, on the Atlantic side of the island, is a standout with its five-kilometer strand of sun-bleached sand, and the quiet and undeveloped Playa Prohibida offers a peaceful nature trail. The island is also known for its excellent birding.

Connected by a causeway to Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo also boasts a bevy of beautiful beaches, such as the ravishing Playa Pilar, as well as a string of all-inclusive resorts.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Parque Nacional Viñales is a beautiful, verdant valley in the Sierra de los Organos, north of Pinar del Rio. Steep limestone hills, called mogotes, slice through the valleys, creating a dramatic landscape, and the wildlife

The valley floors in the Parque Nacional Viñales are agricultural areas where tobacco, fruit, and vegetables are grown. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers fantastic hiking and horseback riding in the hills. You can also tour coffee plantations, explore caves, and go rock climbing or ziplining here.

Nearby, the charming town of Viñales is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Tour companies also offer day trips here from Havana.

One of the highlights of eastern Cuba is beautiful Baracoa, the oldest city in the country. It was founded in 1511 in the province of Guantanamo, and construction began on the first church here around that time. Cut off from much of the outside world until the 1960s, when the La Farola highway was built, the city still has a remote feel.

Today, visitors come here for the charming colonial architecture and lush countryside, where waterfalls and pretty beaches provide a cool counterpoint to the steamy jungle. The flat-topped peak of El Yunque presides over all this tropical beauty, beckoning hikers to take the guided ascent to its 589-meter summit. The hillside is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where rare birds and plants thrive.

To really appreciate the spectacular scenery, take a drive down the winding La Farola highway , a 49-kilometer stretch from Baracoa over the mountains to Cajobabo .

The Museo Municipal is also worth a look. Housed in the Fuerte Matachin military fortress, it provides a glimpse of Baracoa's fascinating history, and the fort itself offers great views over the bay.

About 20 kilometers northwest of Baracoa is one of the area's best beaches: picture-perfect Playa Maguana . If you're looking for something adventurous to do in Cuba, you can rent a bicycle in Baracoa and peddle out here. Flights to Baracoa depart frequently from Havana.

Conceived in 1901 and partly built in 1902 and beyond, the Malecon is Havana's famous seafront promenade. A walk along this top Havana attraction is a stroll through the history of the city.

The promenade runs seven kilometers from the Habana Vieja quarter to the Vedado, the central business district. Along the way, you will find an assortment of well-preserved 20th-century buildings that represent a mixture of architectural styles, including Art Deco and Neo Moorish. Painted in pastel pinks and yellows, the buildings are a photographer's delight, especially in the golden glow of dusk.

People-watching is a favorite pastime here. Young lovers saunter hand-in-hand, local fishermen cast their lines, and children clamber along the sea wall.

When beach towns and resorts all start to seem the same, and you're looking for unique things to do in Cuba, Santa Clara will add some depth to your Cuban itinerary. This is the famous site of the last guerrilla battle led by Che Guevara in 1958.

Che's body was laid to rest here, and his mausoleum (Mausoleo del Che Guevara) and monument, the Memorial Comandante Ernesto "Che" Guevara, are the town's big attractions. Etched on the bronze statue of Che Guevara in Plaza de la Revolucion is his final letter to Fidel Castro, while the mausoleum lies beneath.

Adjacent to the monument, the Museo Historico de la Revolucion exhibits some of Che's personal items. Che fans should also see the poignant Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado, a small boxcar museum and the site of the final battle between Che Guevara and the Batista troops.

If you're an art lover, don't miss Havana's Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts), with its vast and impressive collection of international and Cuban art.

The collection is housed in two buildings and includes works from ancient times to the present day. Clad in sumptuous Italian marble, the restored Spanish Renaissance-style Palacio del Centro Asturiano was designed in the 1920s by Manuel Bustos. It displays international art, including works by European Masters; ancient art from Greece, Rome, and Egypt; and works from Asia, the United States, and Latin America. The Spanish collection, in particular, is a highlight.

The striking marble sculpture, Form, Space and Light , greets visitors at the entrance to the second venue, which dates from 1959. This Rationalist-style Palacio de Bellas Artes building displays a thought-provoking collection focusing on Cuban Art from the 17th century to the present day, including sculptures, prints, and paintings.

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

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo del Morro is one of the best-preserved Spanish fortresses of the 17th century. It stands at the entrance to the Bay of Santiago, about 10 kilometers southwest of Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city.

Perched high atop a cliff, the structure was designed in 1587, but took decades to build and was finally completed at the end of the 17th century. It was originally intended to protect against pirate attacks, but also served as a prison in the late 1700s before being once again converted into a fortress.

Today, you can explore the many different levels of the fort, learn about pirates and the fort history in the small museum, and enjoy impressive views over the bay.

Other cultural highlights of Santiago de Cuba include the Diego Velazquez Museum and Cementerio de Santa Ifigenia , home to the remains of some of Cuba's most famous military figures.

Less than an hour from the city by car, Parque Baconao is a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve where you can tour coffee plantations, wander through beautiful botanical gardens, and enjoy stunning 360-degree views over the mountains and sea from the 1,234-meter summit of Gran Piedra, a large volcanic rock.

A haven for birders and nature lovers, the Peninsula de Zapata is a remote, sparsely populated area of Cuba with diverse landscapes and one of the largest wetlands in the Caribbean .

The Cienaga de Zapata, or the Zapata Swamp as it is affectionately known, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to approximately 150 different species of birds, including waterhens, parrots, and herons. Crocodiles are also common.

One part of the peninsula is a designated nature reserve, the Gran Parque Natural de Montemar , where you can see some of these creatures in their natural habitats.

At the mouth of the Bay of Pigs (Bahia de Cochinos) is Playa Giron , the famous site of the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion. You can explore this fascinating history at the small Museo Giron .

At the top of the Bay of Pigs, Playa Larga is home to a long beach backed by lush vegetation. Avid divers can explore the underwater wildlife at numerous dive sites here along the reef.

Boca de Guama is the peninsula's tourist center, and its main attraction is the Criadero de Cocodrilos , a crocodile farm.

If you're looking for a ravishing slice of nature in central Cuba, head to El Nicho waterfalls. About a 90-minute drive from Trinidad or Cienfuegos, in Parque El Nicho , these multi-tiered falls flow into several jade-green jungle pools — the perfect place to take a cool dip on a hot day.

Driving here along the twisty rutted roads is an adventure in itself, and the scenery is beautiful. Once you arrive and pay the entrance fee, take the 1.5-mile palm-lined trail to the park's most scenic spots. It meanders along a cool river and ascends through thick, tropical forest to the falls, where you can swim and sunbathe. Along the way, keep an eye out for the tocororo, Cuba's national bird, and the beautiful royal palm.

Walk beyond the falls, and you'll end up at a scenic lookout with breathtaking views across lush valleys.

Wondering about things to do with the family in Cuba? This is the perfect back-to-nature excursion. Best of all, the waterfalls gush year-round — even in the dry season.

The Parque Historico Militar encompasses two of Havana's famous fortresses: the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro , also known as El Morro, and Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana .

Presiding over the entrance of the Bay of Havana, El Morro was built in the late 16th century and early 17th century to fend off pirates, and looks much the same as it did back then. The lighthouse was replaced with one of stone in the middle of the 19th century, but its original lamp still shines out to sea. You can ascend to the top of the fort to admire impressive views of the ocean and city.

A short stroll from El Morro, Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana , constructed in the 1770s, was the biggest fort the Spanish ever built, as well as the most expensive. The fort became a military prison during the Batista regime and was later used as the headquarters for Che Guevara after the Revolution.

You can explore the museums here, which trace the history of this fascinating fort, but the most popular time to visit is at night when actors dressed in 19th-century costumes perform Ceremonia del Cañonazo, a cannon-firing ceremony, at 9pm.

Due to its important place in Havana's history, the Plaza de la Revolucion deserves at least a brief stop if only to absorb the events that transpired here. Castro delivered speeches in this vast square, attracting more than a million people at times. And in 1998, during a visit to Cuba, Pope John Paul II celebrated mass here.

In the center of the Plaza de la Revolucion stands a 109-meter gray tower, a memorial to the Cuban national hero, Jose Marti, while a large, white marble statue of him lies at its base. Below the statue is the entrance to the interior of the Jose Marti Memorial , which contains a museum on Marti. Ascend the tower for incredible views over Havana.

Opposite the memorial, the famous giant portrait of Che Guevara adorns the Ministry of Interior building. This is a popular spot for capturing Instagram photos, and you can also pose next to one of the colorful classic cars parked here.

A riot of color and bucketloads of artistic inspiration is what you'll find at Fusterlandia. Mosaics, paintings, and sculptures in every color of the rainbow decorate this small neighborhood, which is actually called Jaimanitas. It's located about a 30-minute drive from Havana.

Local artist José Fuster, often called the Picasso of the Caribbean, is the artistic mastermind who transformed the neighborhood. A painter and sculptor, he created this striking display as a reflection of his life and art, even taking the time to decorate local bus shelters and his neighbors' homes.

After you click away at all the colorful art with your camera, pop by his home studio. Many Havana tours include a visit to this famous neighborhood, but you can also take the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus for a small fee. And if you really want to splash out, you can take a tour in a classic car.

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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 .

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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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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 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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Must-see attractions in Cuba

Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón

Havana's main cemetery (a national monument), one of the largest in the Americas, is renowned for its striking religious iconography and elaborate marble…

Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca del Morro

Santiago de Cuba

A Unesco World Heritage site since 1997, the San Pedro fort sits impregnably atop a 60m-high promontory at the entrance to Santiago harbor, 10km southwest…

The Malecón, Havana's evocative 7km-long sea drive, is one of the city's most soulful and quintessentially Cuban thoroughfares, and long a favored meeting…

Capitolio Nacional

The incomparable Capitolio Nacional is Havana's most ambitious and grandiose building, constructed after the post-WWI boom ('Dance of the Millions')…

Plaza de la Catedral

Habana Vieja

Habana Vieja's most uniform square is a museum to Cuban baroque, with all the surrounding buildings, including the city's beguiling asymmetrical cathedral…

Castillo de los Tres Santos Reyes Magnos del Morro

Regla, Guanabacoa & the Forts

This wave-lashed fort with its emblematic lighthouse was erected between 1589 and 1630 to protect the entrance to Havana harbor from pirates and foreign…

Fusterlandia

Where does art go after Antoni Gaudí? For a hint, head west from central Havana to the seemingly low-key district of Jaimanitas, where artist José Fuster…

Museo Conjunto Histórico de Birán

Holguín Province

Fidel Castro Ruz was born on August 13, 1926, at the Finca Las Manacas near the village of Birán, south of Cueto. The sprawling ranch, bought by Fidel's…

Plaza Vieja

Laid out in 1559, Plaza Vieja is Havana's most architecturally eclectic square, where Cuban baroque nestles seamlessly next to Gaudí-inspired art nouveau…

Playa Sirena

Isla de la Juventud & Cayo Largo del Sur

Cayo Largo's (and, perhaps, Cuba's) finest beach is the broad westward-facing Playa Sirena, where 2km of powdery white sand is wide enough to accommodate…

Comandancia de la Plata

Granma Province

Topping a crenelated mountain ridge amid thick cloud forest, this pioneering camp was established by Fidel Castro in 1958 after a year on the run in the…

Plaza del Carmen

Around 600m west of the frenzy of República sits another sublimely beautiful square, one less visited than the central plazas. It's backed on the eastern…

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Spread over two campuses, the Bellas Artes is arguably the finest art gallery in the Caribbean. The Arte Cubano building contains the most comprehensive…

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes – Arte Cubano

The Bellas Artes' 'Colección de Arte Cubano' houses purely Cuban art. Works are displayed in chronological order, starting on the 3rd floor, and are…

Museo Nacional Camilo Cienfuegos

Sancti Spíritus Province

This excellent museum was opened in 1989 and is eerily reminiscent of the Che Guevara monument in Santa Clara. Camilo fought a crucial battle in this town…

Parque Histórico Militar Morro-Cabaña

This unmissable military park, included in the Habana Vieja Unesco World Heritage site, is arguably the most formidable defensive complex in Spain's…

Casa de Arte Jover

Camagüey is home to two of Cuba's most creative and prodigious contemporary painters, Joel Jover and his wife Ileana Sánchez. Their magnificent home in…

Playa las Tumbas

Pinar del Río Province

If they gave out Academy Awards for Cuban beaches, Las Tumbas might just win, edging out Playa Sirena on Cayo Largo del Sur (too many tourists) and Playa…

Moncada Museum

The museum inside the Cuartel Moncada is the best in town and one of the best in Cuba. Sometimes gory exhibits catalogue the details of the 1953 attack by…

Salto del Guayabo

At just over 100m in height, Guayabo (15km from the Villa Pinares del Mayarí) is considered the highest waterfall in Cuba. There's a spectacular overlook,…

Cementerio Santa Ifigenia

Nestled peacefully on the city's western extremity, the Cementerio Santa Ifigenia is second only to Havana's Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón in its importance…

Museo de la Revolución

This emblematic museum is set in the former Presidential Palace, constructed between 1913 and 1920 and used by a string of Cuban presidents, culminating…

Calle Mercaderes

Cobbled, car-free Calle Mercaderes (Merchant's Street) has been extensively restored by the Office of the City Historian and is an almost complete replica…

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Regla

As important as it is diminutive, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Regla, which sits close to the dock in Regla, has a long and colorful history. Inside on…

Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña

This 18th-century colossus was built between 1763 and 1774 on a long, exposed ridge on the east side of Havana harbor to fill a weakness in the city's…

Gran Teatro de la Habana Alicia Alonso

The neobaroque Gran Teatro de la Habana Alicia Alonso, erected as a Galician social club between 1907 and 1914, features highly ornate and even exuberant…

Presidio Modelo

Welcome to the island's most impressive yet depressing sight. Located near Reparto Chacón, 5km east of Nueva Gerona, this striking prison was built…

Conjunto Escultórico Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara

Santa Clara

The end point of many a Che pilgrimage, this monument, mausoleum and museum complex is 2km west of Parque Vidal (via Rafael Tristá on Av de los Desfiles),…

Catedral de la Habana

Described by novelist Alejo Carpentier as 'music set in stone,' Havana's incredible cathedral, dominated by two unequal towers and framed by a theatrical…

Parque Céspedes

One of Cuba's leafiest squares, Bayamo's central meeting point is surrounded by pedestrian-only streets, making it a rare and peaceful spot. In addition…

Alegría de Pío

Considered hallowed revolutionary ground, this is the spot where Castro's shipwrecked rebels were intercepted by Batista's army in 1956 and forced to…

Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Santiago's most important church is stunning both inside and out. There has been a cathedral on this site since the city's inception in the 1520s, though…

Teatro Tomás Terry

Sharing French and Italian influences, this theater on the northern side of Parque José Martí is grand from the outside (look for the gold-leafed mosaics…

Museo Hemingway

Outer Havana

In 1940 American novelist Ernest Hemingway bought the Finca la Vigía, a villa on a hill in San Francisco de Paula, 15km southeast of Havana, where he…

Loma de la Cruz

At the northern end of Maceo, a stairway built in 1950 ascends 465 steps to top a hill (275m) with panoramic views, a restaurant and a 24-hour bar. It's a…

Museo de la Ciudad

Even with no artifacts, Havana's city museum would be a tour de force, courtesy of the opulent palace in which it resides. Filling the whole western side…

Cuartel Moncada

Santiago's famous Moncada Barracks, a crenelated art deco building completed in 1938, is now synonymous with one of history's greatest failed putsches…

Parroquia de San Juan Bautista de Remedios

Villa Clara Province

One of the island's most interesting and oldest ecclesiastical buildings, Remedios' main church dates from around 1550, although much of the current…

Guantánamo Province

Baracoa's rite of passage is the 8km (up and down) hike to the top of this moody, mysterious mountain. Views from the summit (575m) and the flora and…

Antiguo Cafetal Angerona

Artemisa & Mayabeque Provinces

The Antiguo Cafetal Angerona, 5km west of Artemisa on the road to the Autopista Habana–Pinar del Río (A4), was one of Cuba’s earliest cafetales (coffee…

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• 13 Must Visit Attractions In...

Must-Visit Attractions to See in Cuba

Cuba might be famous for its diamond-dust beaches, but a trip across the Caribbean island will take you to colonial cities including Trinidad, rum haunts along Calle Obispo in Old Havana and mountains like El Yunque. Here’s our rundown of the best ways to spend your time in the Republic of Cuba.

Sail the sights of Cuba by renting a boat with SamBoat .

1. Stroll along Calle Obispo in Old Havana

Market, Museum

2. Snorkel over war wrecks in the Bay of Pigs

Natural Feature

Pack your snorkel gear and head to the tiny coves along the fretted limestone coast of the Bay of Pigs. Colorful parrotfish, angelfish and sergeant major flit about the gin-clear waters off Punta Perdíz. Just below the vibrant marine life are a couple of shipwrecks from the failed US invasion of Cuba in 1961. Book a day on a yacht with SamBoat to explore the surrounding area – minus the crowds.

4. Visit Plaza Mayor in Trinidad

Stroll the cobblestone streets of the pretty city of Trinidad, where low-slung, pastel-colored homes line roads that gently slope in the foothills of the Escambray Mountains. The palm-tree decorated Plaza Mayor is the centre of this extraordinary sugar-boom town of palaces, mansions and churches. Its outsized wealth was created by captive African slaves who powered the sugar mills of the neighbouring valley, once the site of the largest haul of crystals in the world in the 19th century.

5. Go horseriding through the Valle de Viñales

Nature lovers will want to head to Unesco-protected Viñales Valley, three hours southwest of Havana. Mount a horse for a guided tour into this valley of tobacco fields, mogotes (haystack mountains) and limestone caves. Stop at a tobacco farm to learn about the world’s finest cigars and their journey from pin-head seed to luxury smoke. Dine on farm-to-fork food, then kick back with a cocktail in a chilled bar on Viñales’ village main strip.

6. Spend sundown on the Malecón in Havana

Architectural Landmark

Armed with a planchao (rum in a juice-sized carton), head down to the oceanside promenade in Havana. Take a perch on the Atlantic-facing sea wall and watch the locals talk, flirt, play music and fish. The Malecón ripples around the townhouses, apartments and hotels of the ocean road for 5mi (8km) and is affectionately known as Havana’s “sofa”. Laugh and crack jokes with Habaneros as the sun goes down behind the distant Hotel Nacional in the west.

7. Explore historic Cienfuegos and nearby El Nicho falls

Wander the breezy streets and porticoed main avenue of Cienfuegos, the only city founded by the French in the Spanish Americas. Visit the mosaic and marble Tomás Terry Theatre with its frescoed horse-shoe auditorium. Hop on a pedicab to visit the coloured timber homes of Punta Gorda, jutting out in the Bay of Cienfuegos, followed by a cocktail on the rooftop terrace of the nearby Moorish Palacio de Valle. Cool off out of town in the most appealing waterfall escape in Cuba – the terraced, teal-green pools of El Nicho.

8. Dance to live music in Santiago de Cuba

Santiago is the musical powerhouse of Cuba. By day, stroll its hot historic streets of churches, museums and parks. By night, follow the trail of soul-stirring live tunes drifting out of bars, venues and restaurants. From delicate choral works in converted churches, elegant Son Cubano danced in city patios, to rocking salsa thundering through late-night bars, Santiago is a sensation. Don’t miss the riotous summer carnival and the chance to conga with locals through the narrow streets.

9. Hike up El Yunque and marvel at the wildlife near Baracoa

Forest, Park

10. Cycle to the wild beaches of eastern Cuba

Hire a bike from Baracoa and pedal southeast to discover untarnished golden beaches and fresh seafood. Board a row boat to cross Boca de Boma bay, then cycle to Playa Manglito. Dig your feet into the sand and wait for lunch to be delivered to your table by Tato’s restaurant waiters. On your return journey, taste homemade candies at the Cuban cocoa farms in the “chocolate village” of El Jamal.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally written by Jack Guy .

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17 Best Things to Do in Cuba: What to See and Do in the Caribbean Island

• Updated on January 2, 2024
• Things to Do

What You Will Learn (Click to Expand)

Introduction, why visit cuba.

In all its audacity and raw flamboyance, the Caribbean island of Cuba is a place worth exploring.

From its timeless colonial architecture to the serenity of its pristine white-sand beaches, the island’s distinctive charm is a blend of vibrant Latino rhythms, smiling genteel people, and the seductive aroma of the world-famous Cuban cigars.

Couple these elements with the tropical island’s storied history, and you’ve got yourself a travel destination that promises to be unforgettable. You will never run out of reasons why you should visit Cuba.

So let’s explore the 17 Best Things to Do in Cuba .

Overview of Popular Destinations in Cuba

Cuba is an exotic location that carries the perfect blend of city, history, culture, and sun-kissed beaches.

The must-visit destinations include the historic, UNESCO World Heritage-designated city of Havana , with its vintage ambiance and glamorous street art.

Witness the pristine, sandy shores and azure waters of Varadero while lounging in luxury at world-class beach resorts.

Head to the timeless colonial city of Trinidad as you take a leap back in time into a vintage, post-colonial era with cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved architecture.

Don’t forget to check out the natural wealth of the outdoor paradise in Viñales , an idyllic valley offering spectacular vistas and several eco-friendly activities.

Lastly, for an offbeat experience, visit the bustling town of Sancti Spiritus , known for its colorful buildings, and the unspoiled island of Cayo Levisa, offering serene and tranquil beaches.

Soak Up the Culture

1. wander around old havana.

The charm and beauty of Old Havana , locally known as Habana Vieja, is as timeless as the vintage cars that cruise its streets.

Strolling around the cobbled lanes and getting lost amidst the grand aura of Baroque and neoclassical edifices, you’re sure to be struck by the glimpses of life in Cuba as it was 200 years ago.

Revitalization projects have resurrected life into many historic buildings in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Do visit the Plaza de la Catedral, where the Cuban Baroque-style Catedral de San Cristobal, and Castillo de la Real Fuerza, a historic military fortress, await to impress you.

The Plaza Vieja, another highlight, houses the 18th-century Casa del Conde Jaruco, which is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows.

Wandering around Old Havana allows you to capture colorful photo ops such as pastel-painted buildings, washing lines full of drying clothes, candy-pink classic cars, and folklore music and rhythms echoing through the streets.

It’s recommended to reserve at least one day for exploring Old Havana, but trust me, the more, the better.

2. Admire Trinidad's Architectural Beauty

The enchanting town of Trinidad , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is akin to stepping back in time to the 17th to 19th centuries.

Situated at the heart of Cuba, this quaint city boasts of vibrant, colorful colonial architecture and countless art galleries that narrate the tale of its glorious past.

The town is compact, and its center is pedestrianized, making it an ideal place to explore on foot.

As vehicles cannot enter the city center, you get the opportunity to fully cherish the cobblestone streets and the old-world charm that they embody.

• One of the prime attractions in Trinidad is the Plaza Mayor, a wonderful place to admire the city’s diverse architecture and interact with the locals.
• For an eye-catching view of the entire city, do climb the bell tower of the nearby Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco de Asis.
• The neoclassical, pastel-yellow church, Iglesia Parroquial de la Santísima Trinidad, that oversees the city square, is a beautiful sight to behold.
• Next to the church stands the Palacio Brunet, built in 1812, housing the stunning Museo Romantico that still retains and displays the Brunet family’s belongings.
• To enjoy panoramic views stretching to the lush Escambray mountains, you can get to its second floor at the cost of a few convertible pesos.
• Don’t miss a visit to Palacio Cantero, the biggest house in the city and now Museo Historico Municipal. While exploring the museum, do step out into the beautiful courtyard.

For more stunning vistas across Trinidad, you can climb the somewhat deteriorated staircase in the tower, but ensure to check their opening hours as it closes quite early.

These architectural marvels invite you into the rich history and soul of Trinidad, making it a destination that no photographer or history enthusiast should miss.

3. Ride Around Town in a Vintage Car

Riding in a vintage car through the colorful streets of Havana is one of the quintessential Cuban experiences that travelers should not miss.

Classic cars from the 1950s, painted in vibrant hues, cruising through the historic landscapes, add that unique flavor of nostalgia to the ambiance of the city.

These classic cars, mostly American models, started being used as taxis after the Cuban revolution, along with bici-taxis and motorbikes with sidecars, adding a fascinating layer to the country’s transport scene.

You can hail these “taxis particulares” for a ride, but remember to negotiate the fee beforehand.

Booking a guided tour in a vintage car enhances the experience as you can cruise leisurely through the popular routes of the city without worrying about the destination.

For a full-on immersive experience in Havana’s rich history and culture, commence your trip in a classic car tour.

The drives cover scenic routes passing by signature spots in the city like the Plaza de la Revolución and the Malecón.

Most guided tours are offered in convertible models, the ultimate way to soak in the city vibe. You can book your ride online in advance for hassle-free travel and to avoid carrying extra cash.

Exploring Cuba in a vintage car is an exciting way to capture the vibrant energy of the city and its timeless appeal, combining the thrill of the ride with an extraordinary journey through Cuba’s rich history.

Vintage cars in Havana are an iconic sight – a stark contrast to other flashy cities where old cars are unusual – underlining the uniqueness of the Cuban experience.

The chronicled past of Cuba, which rendered modern cars inaccessible to Cubans, showcased the locals’ knack for preserving and maintaining these vintage automobiles.

It’s fascinating to see how they have adapted and kept alive part of their history in such beautiful machinery. They didn’t just roll with it; they rode with it!

Hair Tools Travel Bag

Embrace the natural wonders, 4. enjoy the tranquil beaches - varadero and cayo coco.

Cuba, dubbed as the ‘Pearl of the Antilles’, is renowned for its series of picturesque beaches that stretch all along the island.

Amongst them, the beaches at Varadero and Cayo Coco have garnered international acclaim for their pristine beauty.

Best described as a sliver of paradise, Varadero is famed for its exquisite 20-kilometer stretch of white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters.

This resort town in Matanzas is considered to have one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Not only is it popular for relaxation, but it also provides opportunities for water sports such as scuba diving and kayaking.

Luxurious all-inclusive hotels, restaurants, and beach huts offer the distinctive resort atmosphere that the Caribbean is renowned for.

Explore the lush forest areas, historical attractions, and caves that are part of the town’s landscape.

Just sitting, soaking up the sun under a beach hut on the soft white sands of Varadero, is enough to make you lose track of time as you admire the stunning sunset.

Located in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, Cayo Coco is another gem in Cuba’s crown of beautiful beaches.

The powdery white sand and clear, shallow waters of its beaches make it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Cayo Coco is a haven of tranquility and a must-visit for any beach lover traveling to Cuba.

Visit Varadero and Cayo Coco not just for their pristine beaches but also for the quintessential Caribbean resort atmosphere that they offer.

Endless swaying palm trees, azure waters, exotic cocktails, and beachside cabanas – what more can one ask for in a perfect beach vacation?

These beach getaways are loved by international travelers as well as Cubans for their stunning natural beauty and the convenience they offer.

From watersports for the adventurous to the laid-back lifestyle for the relaxed, these beaches have something for everyone.

Stick to Varadero and Cayo Coco for a more commercial experience, or head off the beaten path to Cayo Jutias near Viñales, Cayo Saetia in Holguin.

Here is my Complete List of the Best Beaches in Cuba .

5. Hike El Yunque

Uncover the captivating beauty of nature as you hike El Yunque , an iconic flat-topped mountain near Baracoa.

The trail is perfect for beginners and pros alike, with a gentle slope that elevates you 500 feet above sea level.

Licensed guides stationed at the trailhead ensure your safety and enrich your hiking experience with insights into the local flora and fauna.

The trail culminates at enchanting waterfalls and natural pool areas, making for ideal spots to cool down, so don’t forget to pack a swimsuit!

To ensure you have everything you need, here is my Complete Cuba Packing List .

6. Explore the Valle de Vinales

Escape to the tranquil expanses of the Viñales Valley , a UNESCO World Heritage Site enveloped by verdant farmland and artful limestone mogotes.

Viñales is a snapshot of Cuba at its most bucolic, with local farmers employing age-old agricultural methods, especially in their famed tobacco plantations.

Get on horseback, cycle, or lace up your hiking boots to tour the plantations, taste some of the world’s best tobacco, and learn about Cuba’s rich agricultural traditions directly from the locals.

The rocky landscapes are reminiscent of Vietnam’s Halong Bay and house fascinating cave systems waiting to be explored.

Experience the Classic Cuban Lifestyle

7. smoke a real cuban cigar.

Ignite your Cuban adventure by embracing a classic part of Cuban culture – smoking a genuine Cuban cigar .

Cuba’s fertile lands produce some of the world’s premium-quality cigars, and the tradition of cigar smoking is embedded deeply in the country’s history.

Once you head to Viñales, the tobacco-growing region of Cuba, roll your own Cuban cigar under the guidance of local farmers.

You’ll get to know first-hand the craftsmanship and dedication it takes to produce each cigar.

Famed brands like Cohiba are definitely worth trying, but exploring other lesser-known brands also adds to the experience.

Please note that these authentic Cuban cigars are best purchased from state-run cigar shops or hotels to avoid counterfeit products.

Enjoy your Cuban cigar with a backdrop of a stunning sunset or while sipping a traditional Cuban rum.

8. Drink Cuban Coffee and Rum

Embrace Cuba’s flavorful passions with a sip of their world-renowned coffee and rum.

Each sip of Cuba’s coffee elicits a strong, sweet espresso taste with a pleasingly foamy top.

Savor this delightful drink from local storefronts frequented by locals for just a few pesos. It’s a must-try experience when you visit Cuba.

When it comes to rum, Cuba excels. The country boasts an array of delicious cocktails, chiefly the Daiquiri, Mojito, and the Cuba Libre, each resonating with Cuba’s famous rum.

Havana Club rum tops the popularity chart in most bars; however, should you desire a local, economical flavor, give boxed rum a try!

Hangovers aside, the party scene on the streets with your rum-filled juice box will be one to remember.

9. Have A Meal In A Local Cuban Cafeteria

Experience the authentic taste of Cuba at a local cafeteria — a gateway to explore locals’ day-to-day dining habits.

While tourist restaurants offer a curated menu, these modest kitchens serve a humble, tasteful gastronomic journey truly reflective of Cuba’s flavorful heritage.

Cuban cafeterias are inexpensive and operate with the local currency CUP. Don’t be surprised if you receive CUP as change when paying with CUC (the currency more commonly used by tourists)!

This change doubles up as a nifty souvenir of your Cuban culinary adventure.

Get ready to ditch commonplace ham sandwiches, black beans, and hot dogs.

Make space instead for dishes made with exotic ingredients concocted with a Cuban twist, like baby wild boar rib chops, lobster carpaccio salad, and pineapple sorbet.

While quality varies across these establishments, a bit of research or asking fellow travelers will lead you to the best spots such as Chachahca, El Dandy, and El Biky, all located in Havana.

Don’t forget to dig into the renowned local lobster, shrimp or octopus in flavorful coconut sauce — it’s a palate showstopper.

Tap into Cuban Art and History

10. visit fábrica de arte cubano.

Welcome to the wonder that is Havana’s Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC).

Founded by Cuban musician X-Alfonso, this vibrant art space is a strikingly versatile combination of a fine arts gallery, concert hall, nightclub, movie theater, and cultural space — all under one roof!

A walking tour of FAC unfolds like a cultural magic box. One moment you could be swaying to a live jazz performance, and the next you might find yourself exploring an intriguing art exhibition.

With exhibits and performances rotating every three months, every visit to FAC is a fresh sensory delight.

Indulge your gastronomic cravings at FAC’s pop-up restaurant or enjoy a drink or five at their unique bars. The drinks are reasonably priced, so don’t hesitate to treat yourself while appreciating the arts.

The international popularity of FAC is undeniable. Global figures like Michelle Obama have reveled in the glory of FAC, and it was fittingly named one of the “100 Greatest Places in the World” by Time Magazine.

To avoid potential queues, it’s best to arrive early (between 8 pm and 9 pm) on open days from Thursdays through Sundays.

FAC is undoubtedly a must-visit when in Havana for an unforgettable mix of Cuban art, music, and life.

Here is my list of the Best Things to Do in Cuba .

11. Immerse Yourself in Cuban History at Museo de la Revolución

Submerge yourself in Cuba’s riveting historical timeline at the Museo de la Revolución in Havana .

This iconic museum, housed in the impressive neoclassical Presidential Palace, reveals some of Cuba’s most dramatic moments from the 15th to the 21st centuries.

A highlight of your visit will be exploring the museum’s exhibits dedicated to the country’s communist rebuilding in the 60s and 70s, alongside sections explaining the independence wars against Spain.

Your journey through the museum’s corridors will illuminate personal artifacts, documents, and real-life objects, like the yacht used in one of the attempted coups.

Learn about Cuba’s revolutionary struggles, including the 1950s Cuban Revolution, and gain insight into the local perspective on these events.

An essential tip: since most exhibits are in Spanish, it may be worthwhile hiring a tour guide or a translation app to enrich your experience and understanding.

Whether you’re a history lover or just curious, you’ll find the Museo de la Revolución absolutely fascinating, and a trip to Havana is incomplete without spending a day here.

12. Walk in Ernest Hemingway’s Shoes

Immerse yourself in the legacy left behind by Ernest Hemingway , one of America’s greatest literary figures who lived in Cuba for several decades.

Hemingway’s time in Cuba inspired him to create many of his celebrated novels, and visiting these sites offers a unique perspective into his life and work.

Start by visiting his home, Finca Vigia, nestled in San Francisco de Paula, where you can voyage into his world, from the preserved artifacts to the tower overlook.

It’s a great spot to feel the inspiration that created seven of his renowned books.

Relive Hemingway’s leisurely days by dropping into the classic Havana bars, El Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio.

These vibrant bars with the aura of an old-world charm are adorned with memorabilia hailing Hemingway’s legacy, creating an atmosphere similar to the author’s heyday.

Cap off your Hemingway tour with a visit to the mesmerizing Cayo Guillermo, where you stumble upon the island’s most beautiful beach, Playa Pilar, named after his yacht.

Experiencing life in Havana through Hemingway’s eyes and in his footsteps is a once-in-a-lifetime narrative of a rich and compelling slice of Cuba’s history.

Indulge in Local Festivities

13. participate in cuba's ebullient festivals.

Soak up Cuba’s vibrant atmosphere at traditional festivals that take place across the country.

Regardless of its history of socialism and crippling embargos, the Cubans revel in their fiestas like no other nation.

The streets come alive with imbued spirit, music, dance, and radiant smiles that complement the picturesque backdrop of colonial architecture, azure water, and palm trees.

From the Havana and Santiago de Cuba Carnivals to the 26th of July celebrations marking Cuba’s National Revolution Day or even prestigious gatherings like the Havana Ballet Festival or Film Festival — you get to experience the real essence of Cuba in its festivities.

Of particular interest to many travelers is the world-famous Ballet Nacional de Cuba, where you can enjoy awe-inspiring ballet performances at a tiny fraction of international prices when they are home in Havana.

You can even stumble upon many smaller local festivals throughout the year.

Preplanning and aligning your trip dates around these significant festivals will transport you into a universe of unique and memorable experiences, where the excitement is turned way up, and the celebrations resonate in every corner of Cuba.

So put on your dancing shoes and let the rhythm of Cuba take over your heart and soul.

14. Catch a Live Cabaret Show

Dress up and step into the glitz and glamour of Havana’s lively cabaret scene.

It’s the perfect way to experience the authentic Cuban nightclub environment, dating back to the flamboyant 1950s variety shows.

A trip to the island is incomplete without attending one of these captivating performances.

Arguably the most famous is the Tropicana Club show. Under a canopy of Caribbean stars and amidst fragrant tropical gardens, immerse yourself in a breathtaking spectacle of sequin-studded dancers and over-the-top singers.

The bombastic dance shows and music nights create an unforgettable experience embellished with plumes of peacock feathers and shiny sequins. Tropicana, with an entry fee of around $60, isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every nickel for the extravaganza you experience.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a more Moulin Rouge-style cabaret at the Hotel Nacional’s Cabaret Le Parisien. Both options guarantee an exclusive and exhilarating taste of Cuban nightlife.

Going to these shows will offer you a piece of living Cuban history, a night of colorful costumes, and thrilling entertainment. You might just find yourself salsa dancing before the night is over!

Test Your Spirit of Adventure

15. dive and snorkel in the caribbean.

Experience the fantastic underwater world of Cuba with a day of diving or snorkeling.

The pristine turquoise Caribbean waters offer some of the best visibility, creating an underwater photographer’s paradise.

Make your way to Jardines de la Reina, an underwater reservoir considered one of the world’s best-preserved marine areas.

Here, you can dive and marvel at massive coral formations while swimming alongside sea turtles, rays, and schools of snapper.

The site is also home to the grand Goliath grouper and various sharks. Be warned — only venture to dive in such spots with a credible guide for your safety.

If you prefer snorkeling, head to the Bay of Pigs , a beloved spot for its stunning underwater caves, bright and vibrant marine life, and beautiful waters.

Playa Larga and Caleta Buena are excellent picks for this sport. Remember the rule of thumb – leave only bubbles, and don’t touch anything underwater.

Every dive and snorkel trip promises a unique encounter with Cuba’s fascinating marine life, making it an unmissable adventure.

16. Check Out Che Guevara Mausoleum

Immerse yourself in the local history by paying a visit to the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara, a symbol of the nation’s respect for their revolutionary hero, Ernesto “Che” Guevara.

Constructed in 1997, the mausoleum is a blend of a monument and a museum. It presents an intriguing journey into some unknown aspects of the Revolutionary War.

The memorial houses the remains of Che and his comrades killed in Bolivia in 1967 and displays a collection of Guevara’s personal belongings, including his gun, binoculars, water bottle, photos, and various architectural artworks.

In this somber yet remarkable place, you’re not just traveling through time but also getting introduced to the essence of Cuba’s spirit and Guevara’s iconic role.

The Che Guevara Mausoleum stands as another impressive testament to Cuba’s unwavering character that has shaped its history and identity as a nation.

TIP: It’s advisable to arrive early to avoid long lines, and remember to dress respectfully as it’s a burial site.

17. Ride a Bull

Experience a thrilling ride in Cuba unlike any other: riding a bull!

A refreshing break from traditional horse rides, this bull-riding activity brings you closer to the country’s agricultural roots.

Watch the world turn a little slower as you find yourself amidst tranquil countryside, rolling tobacco fields, and fellow travelers equally eager to embark on this unique adventure.

Animal lovers, this might just become your most memorable moment from the trip!

Though a mix of livestock and people is common in Cuba, this exotic adventure is particularly popular in Vinales.

Opt for a tobacco tour and journey through tobacco fields either by a bull cart or horseback. Sound interesting, right?

Both kids and adults can experience this adventurous ride.

Bulls are domesticated animals, and under the watchful eyes of professionals, they make for a safe and unique mode of touring.

Riding a bull isn’t just about enjoying a fun activity — it’s an experience that slowly immerses you in the authentic, rural, slow-paced lifestyle that is classic Cuba.

Ensure you book your bull ride with a responsible agency. Though not as streamlined as other tourist offerings, the experience is still safe and enjoyable.

If nothing else, you’ll certainly be striking a pose atop a bull, which will spark some fun reactions back home!

What is the Best Time to Visit Cuba?

The best time to visit Cuba is from late November to mid-April.

During these months, Cuba enjoys relatively warm and pleasant weather while avoiding the rainy season.

This period also coincides with the peak tourist season.

Expect more crowded attractions and slightly higher prices during this time. It is essential to consider that even in these months, occasional tropical showers can occur.

However, they usually don’t last very long and can be quite refreshing.

Can I Stay Overnight in Cuba's Casas Particulares?

Yes, staying overnight in Cuba’s casas particulares is not only possible but also highly recommended.

It provides an authentic, affordable option that allows tourists to gain firsthand experience of the local way of life.

Many of these homes offer comfortable accommodations, home-cooked meals, and warm hospitality.

Guests can book through Airbnb or contact the hosts directly.

However, ensure to confirm your reservation before your arrival because sometimes casas particulares may get overbooked.

What is Cuba popular for?

Cuba is globally renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history.

Some of the island’s most iconic features include its famous Cuban cigars, rum, the captivating cha-cha, salsa and mambo dances, and intricate Latin jazz music.

Cuba’s historic architecture, particularly in Old Havana and Trinidad, attracts history and architecture enthusiasts from around the world.

Moreover, Cuba boasts natural beauty with pristine beaches, lush mountains, and impressive biodiversity.

It’s this blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that makes Cuba a unique and popular destination.

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Conclusion: Things to Do in Cuba

Cuba’s magnetic charm is nothing short of a paradise caressed with soulful music, vibrant culture, white-sand beaches, tantalizing cocktails, and fascinating history.

Every corner of this beautiful island sings a captivating tale of resilient spirit and sheer joy.

Whether you’re exploring Cuba’s countryside on a bull ride, hiking through El Yunque, or immersing yourself in the bustling nightlife of Havana, every moment of your Cuban journey will generate a memory worth cherishing.

The amalgamation of old and new, rural and urban, and the striking contrasts of Cuba will leave you speechless yet yearning for more.

This collective list of things to do in Cuba provides a peek into the boundless opportunities that this Caribbean jewel offers.

Step out of your comfort zone, embrace the Cuban pace of life, and you’re sure to fall in love with this exceptional destination.

Here’s wishing you the most magical experiences as you explore and navigate the vibrant labyrinth of life called Cuba! Adiós and safe travels!

And if I missed anything, let me know in the comments below!

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Cuba

Things to do in cuba, explore popular experiences, top attractions in cuba.

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• Varadero Beach
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Best things to do in Cuba

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For the last two decades, the popular refrain on visiting Cuba has been “Go now before it changes forever”. There have been some startling developments in that time, but the Cuban story, and the country itself, never ceases to captivate and enthral. Here's our list of the best things to do in Cuba.

1. Relax at the Villa Clara northern cays

2. enjoy the white sands of jardines del rey.

• 3. Explore Cuba's history at Museo Presidio Modelo

4. Visit La Habana Vieja — one of the best things to do in Cuba

5. alejandro robaina tobacco plantation for fine tobacco, 6. viñales valley for its remarkable nature, 7. diving off the southern coast, 8. hike the la plata mountain trail, 9. punta gorda, cienfuegos — for a different flavour, 10. take a trip to santiago in july.

• 11. Visit Trinidad's old town — one of the best things to do in Cuba

12. Witness National League Baseball

13. drive in american classic cars, 14. havana jazz festival — a must-see, 15. exploring baracoa’s countryside - one of the best things to do in cuba for hiking, 16. browse plaza de armas book market.

• 17. Havana's Malecón: the city's defining image

18. Hotel Nacional

19. fábrica de arte cubano for arts, 20. ecotourism in las terrazas, pinar del río, 21. discover the labrynth of colonial camagüey, 22. visit che guevara mausoleum, santa clara, 23. the abandoned refineries of valle de los ingenios, trinidad, 24. relaxing at cayo coco beaches - one of the best things to do in cuba.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Cuba , your essential guide for visiting Cuba .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Cuba, created by local experts

15 days  / from 2914 USD

Cuba - Family, Beach, and Culture

Enjoy a 2-week family adventure visiting highlights and hidden gems of Cuba. Marvel at the colonial architecture in Havana, enjoy a ride in a Classic Car, explore the forests close to Trinidad, and relax on white sandy beaches of Cayo Levisa - this trip packs it all into one itinerary.

5 days  / from 991 USD

A moderately challenging cycling holiday through Cuban countryside visiting the tobacco fields of Viñales Valley and a pristine Caribbean beach in Cayo Jutias.

13 days  / from 3455 USD

Western and Central Cuba by E-bike

Combine a leisurely activity with an insight into some of Cuba’s most fascinating cultural highlights on this new e-biking tour of Western and Central Cuba. Explore the tobacco region of Viñales, cycle along the Bay of Pigs and relax on the fine sandy beaches of Cayo Las Brujas.

Tailor-made trips for   Cuba

The cays' stunning white-sand beaches sit in isolated splendour at the end of a narrow causeway. Cayo Las Brujas is the most suitable for non-package visitors. Cayo Santa Maria, and its smaller counterpart, Cayo Ensenachos are largely the exclusive domain of hotel guests. Though a couple of commercial “villages” have been built on Cayo Santa María in the last few years.

The drive down the 48km causeway from just outside Caibarién to the islands is quite spectacular. The drive itself is half the fun of a visit. The dark, deeper waters nearer the land give way to shallow turquoise around the cays. They become almost clear as the network of islets increases in number and complexity.

This tailor-made trip to Cuba will take you beyond Havana's city limits, with its cigar-smoke-filled jazz bars, to discover other towns, rural villages and plantations across Cuba, not to mention the idyllic Varadero Beach.

Santa Maria beach, Villa Clara key, Cuba © BobNoah/Shutterstock

One of Cuba's most popular resorts has miles of beaches, including one of the country's best — Playa Pilar. This is Cuba's largest coral reef and its top kitesurfing spot. Two of the islands – Cayo Coco and smaller Cayo Guillermo – have a string of all-inclusive hotels planted along their northern shores.

On the western tip of Cayo Guillermo, gorgeous Playa Pilar is named after Ernest Hemingway’s yacht, Pilar. This beach was the author’s favourite Cuban hideaway. With limpid clear shallows and squeaky-clean sand, Playa Pilar is, without a doubt, the top beach choice on Guillermo, if not in the entire cays.

You will find more beach destinations in our guide to the best beaches in Cuba .

Pilar beach, cayo Guillermo, Cuba © Kako Escalona/Shutterstock

3. Explore Cuba's history at Museo Presidio Modelo

Tour the isolated prison where Fidel Castro and his cohorts were incarcerated. The looming bulk of the Museo Presidio Modelo lies 2km east of Nueva Gerona. Although this massive former prison has housed a fascinating museum for over thirty years and is now one of the most-visited sights on the island, its forbidding atmosphere has been preserved.

Surrounded by guard towers, the classically proportioned governor’s mansion and a phalanx of wardens’ villas mask the four circular cell buildings that rise like witches’ cauldrons from the centre of the complex.

Prison Presidio Modelo © Danita Delmont/Shutterstock

Remarkably unmarred by modernity but famously ravaged by time and climate, Habana Vieja (Old Havana) remains a true vision of the past, making it a must-see destination for those looking for things to do in Cuba. Cobbled plazas, shadowy streets, colonial mansions, leafy courtyards, sixteenth-century fortresses and, at its core, hardly any motorized traffic, make it a real living museum.

But though its central streets are heaving with visitors, Habana Vieja is no sanitized tourist attraction, and the area buzzes with a frenetic sense of life.

Plaza Vieja Havana, Cuba © Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock

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As the Carretera Central heads southwest from the provincial capital, it cuts through the famed Vuelta Abajo region, one of the most fertile areas in the country. Here is the source of the finest tobacco in the world. There are countless vegas (tobacco plantations) in this zone, but one, the Alejandro Robaina, has an edge over the rest.

The owners have gone further than any other vega in their efforts to attract tourists, offering engaging guided tours of the plantation, product sampling opportunities and even the chance to meet members of the Robaina family.

Tobacco farm, Cuba © best time photos/Shutterstock

An official national park and by far the most visited location in Pinar del Río, the jewel in the province’s crown is the valley of Viñales. With its fantastically located accommodation, striking landscapes and an atmosphere of complete serenity. The valley feels very remote, with a lost-world quality. That’s mainly due to the unique mogotes, the boulder-like hills that look as if they’ve dropped from the sky onto the valley floor.

The valley supports its own microclimate. From roughly June to October, it rains most afternoons, making it a good idea to get your sightseeing done in the mornings. Mosquitoes are also more prevalent at this time of year and insect repellent is a definite must for any visit.

Take this tailor-made Highlight Tour of Western Cuba to explore the main areas: From Havana over the Viñales valley to Trinidad and Che's monument in Santa Clara. This fast-paced itinerary is packed with highlights.

Vinales, Cuba © RudiErnst/Shutterstock

Cuba is a scuba-diving paradise. Most of the major beach resorts, including Varadero, Cayo Coco, Santa Lucía and Guardalavaca have at least one dive centre, with numerous others all over the island, including several in Havana. The most reliable dive sites are generally off the south coast where the waters tend to be clearer, away from the churning waves of the Atlantic Ocean, which affect visibility off Cuba’s northern shores.

The Rough Guides to Cuba and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Among the marine life you can expect to see in Cuban waters are nurse sharks, parrotfish, turtles, stingrays, barracuda, tarpon, moray eels, bonefish, snapper and tuna. The best time to see whale sharks, arguably the highlight of any diving trip to the island, is in November, while in the spring the fish are in greater abundance.

Diving is one of the exciting things to do in Cuba© wildestanimal/Shutterstock

Bring Cuba’s recent history to life with a day of mountain trekking to explore Fidel Castro’s revolutionary base camps, a unique and exciting addition to your list of things to do in Cuba. The trail is well marked and you can complete the reasonably strenuous climb in around four hours return.

The headquarters are spread over two or three sites, the first of which is the very basic hospital that Che Guevara founded and ran. The second site comprises the guard post, a small but worthy museum and the grave of a rebel who fell in battle.

La Plata, Sierra Maestra, Cuba © David Evison/Shutterstock

The southern part of the city, Punta Gorda, has a distinctly different flavour from the rest of Cienfuegos. Open streets and spacious bungalows – unmistakeably influenced by the United States of the 1940s and 1950s – project an image of affluence and suburban harmony.

Other than the magnificent Palacio de Valle, Punta Gorda has no museums and few historic monuments, but does feature the Club Cienfuegos leisure complex and boat trips from the marina.

Discover the charismatic country of Cuba. Begin in the iconic city of Havana, where you'll explore the old town, and enjoy our tailor-made trip to the Highlights of Cuba: Havana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos .

Palacio del Valle Punta Gorda, Cienfuegos, Cuba © DeepGreen/Shutterstock

July is the best time to visit Cuba’s second city. This is when its vibrant music scene boils over and the annual carnival brings fabulous costumes, excitement and song to the town. The extravaganza that is Santiago’s carnival has its origins in the festival of Santiago which is held annually on July 25.

Carnaval takes place every year from around July 18 to July 27. The main parade is on the first day and is followed by smaller parades on the second, third and fourth days. On the 25th, there’s a general parade from 10 pm in honour of the city’s patron saint; the 26th sees a grand parade, and there’s prize-giving on the 27th.

View to the city centre with old houses and Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba © Vadim Nefedoff/Shutterstock

11. Visit Trinidad's old town — one of the best things to do in Cuba

This much-visited sixteenth-century town is packed with colonial mansions and churches, threaded together by cobbled streets and compact plazas. The beautiful Plaza Mayor is the heart of Trinidad’s colonial old town, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a glimpse of Cuba's rich history and culture on their list of things to do in Cuba.

The fabulous Museo Romántico is an essential part of Trinidad’s delve into the past. With one of the country’s finest and most valuable collections of colonial furniture packed into its fourteen rooms, this 1808-built mansion, formerly owned by Count Brunet, is well worth visiting.

Trinidad, Cuba © rphstock/Shutterstock

Take a seat alongside the exuberant crowds at one of the country’s timepiece baseball stadiums. For some outsiders, the national Cuban baseball league, the Serie Nacional de Béisbol, is not only one of the best leagues outside of the US to see world-class players in action. It also represents a nostalgic version of the game, harking back to a time when the sport elsewhere wasn’t spoiled by celebrity and commercialism.

Cuba Baseball © ygor/Shutterstock

Ride around Havana or Varadero in one of Gran Car’s classic 1950s cars, a testament to Cuban ingenuity. Perhaps the most clichéd image of Cuba is of a classic American car rolling past a crumbling colonial building, and you don’t have to spend long in the country to see why this image has become so ubiquitous.

There are said to be around 60,000 vintage American cars in Cuba. Known as almendrones, most of them are still on the road. Almost all of them were imported from the factories of Detroit during the 1940s and 1950s when the US was Cuba’s most significant trade partner.

Take the family a step back in time: Explore Havana in classic cars and on foot, take a boat trip to the Cueva del Indio in Viñales and relax on the white, sandy beaches of Cayo Levisa on this tailor-made Family Trip to Cuba .

Old school American car in Cuba © Julian Peters Photography/Shutterstock

This lively festival is the perfect showcase for Cuba's jazz musicians. Organized by the Cuban Institute of Music and featuring performances by jazz legend Chucho Valdés, this event is a highlight in the international jazz calendar and a must-see for music enthusiasts looking for unique cultural experiences on their list of things to do in Cuba.

It consistently attracts an excellent line-up: Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Haden and Max Roach have all played in the past, alongside Cuban luminaries such as Bobby Carcassés, Roberto Fonseca and of course Chucho Valdés himself. Venues across the city include Teatro Mella, Teatro Karl Marx, Teatro Amadeo Roldan, Teatro América and the Casa de la Cultura de Plaza.

Trumpet, Havana, Cuba © AlfredoLopez/Shutterstock

Cradled by verdant mountains smothered in palm and cacao trees, and threaded with swimmable rivers, the Baracoan countryside has much to offer. El Yunque, the hallmark of Baracoa’s landscape, can easily be climbed in a day. While if you have a car and a little time to spare you could take a drive east along the coast and seek out some quintessentially Cuban fishing villages, including Boca de Yumurí.

Alternatively, just head for the beach – there are a couple of good options northwest of town.

Try this moderately challenging cycling tailor-made trip through the Cuban countryside visiting the tobacco fields of Viñales Valley and a pristine Caribbean beach in Cayo Jutias.

Baracoa el Yunque, Cuba © Haico Stegink/Shutterstock

The colourful stalls set around this lovely Old Havana square offer a feast of fabulous vintage and pre-and-post-revolution magazines, postcards, photos, posters and vinyl, from Cuba and the US. Havana’s largest book market, which for many years dominated the Plaza de Armas, has relocated around the corner.

Among the revolutionary pamphlets, Che Guevara tomes and the occasional novels you can find vintage Cuban and US tourist brochures, postcards and lifestyle magazines. Some reflect on life before Castro. You can also find copies of rare books and all sorts of other collectors’ items — like revolutionary posters and Cuban film art. Starting prices are high – be prepared to haggle.

Plaza de Armas, Havana, Cuba© Maridav/Shutterstock

17. Havana's Malecón: the city's defining image

The most picturesque way to reach Vedado from Centro Habana or Habana Vieja is to stroll down the famous Malecón sea wall, which snakes west along the coastline from La Punta for about 4km. It’s the city’s defining image, and ambling along its length, drinking in the panoramic views, is an essential part of the Havana experience.

But don’t expect to stroll in solitude: the Malecón is the capital’s front room and you won’t be on it for long before someone strikes up a conversation. People head here for free entertainment, particularly at night when it fills up with guitar-strumming musicians, vendors offering cones of fresh-roasted nuts, and star-gazing couples, young and old alike.

If you are looking forward to explore local cuisine - read our guide to the best restaurants in Havana .

Malecon, Havana, Cuba © Diego Cervo/Shutterstock

Set on a bluff above the Taganana cave and with a magnificent view of the ocean, the Hotel Nacional is a landmark. Home to a princely tiled lobby, and an elegant colonnaded veranda looking out to sea across an expanse of well-tended lawn commandeered by tame guinea fowl.

The perfect cinematic backdrop for a mojito, it was built in 1930 and quickly became a favourite with visiting luminaries. Among them are Ava Gardner, Winston Churchill, Josephine Baker and John Wayne – and more. Recently it has added the likes of Naomi Campbell and Jack Nicholson to its clientele.

Aerial view of the Hotel Nacional in Havana © Kamira/Shutterstock

Few venue openings have caused the stir that this avant-garde arts-centre-cum-club has, with profiles in international papers including The New York Times and The Guardian. Housed in an old peanut oil factory in the far reaches of Vedado, and decked out with sleek lines, minimal shades and multiple rooms, Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC) follows the tried and tested route of counter-culture colonization of industrial spaces.

FAC is a unique blend of cosmopolitan culture and traditional Cuban spirit, offering a diverse array of contemporary art and live music. It is a must-see stop on any list of things to do in Cuba for those seeking an authentic experience.

Mojito, Havana © Ivan Novelo/Shutterstock

A wonderfully harmonious resort and small working community, Las Terrazas, 74km southwest of Havana, is one of the most important ecotourism sites in the country. About 2km beyond the tollbooth on the main access road, where you pay your entry fee unless you’re staying at the resort’s solitary hotel, there are right- and left-hand sideroads in quick succession.

The right turn leads to the Rancho Curujey visitor centre. Meanwhile, the left turn leads several hundred metres down to the village, a well-spaced complex of red-roofed bungalows and apartment blocks. They are beautifully woven into the grassy slopes of a valley, at the foot of which is a man-made lake. Below the housing, you can see the compact Las Terrazas village buildings dotted around the lake.

Las Terrazas, Cuba © Tupungato/Shutterstock

The most overlooked of the country's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the 500-year-old heart of Camagüey, is a great place to wander around. You'll want to explore its tangle of streets, abundant churches and lovely squares. It is also a great place to stay, with an outstanding set of boutique hotels and casas.

On first view, Camagüey is a bewildering place to negotiate, with a seemingly incomprehensible labyrinth of roads that were laid out in a futile attempt to confuse marauding pirates. An aimless wander along the narrow cobbled streets, overhung by delicate balustrades and Rococo balconies, is one of the delights of a visit. Round corners onto handsome parks and happen upon crumbling churches.

Camaguey, Cuba © Julian Peters Photography/Shutterstock

The Che Guevara Mausoleum is a memorial in Santa Clara that contains the remains of revolutionary leader Ernesto "Che" Guevara. It was built in 1997, on the 30th anniversary of Guevara's death. The mausoleum is a simple concrete structure that houses a bronze bust of Guevara, as well as an eternal flame that burns in his memory.

The remains of Guevara and his comrades, who were killed in Bolivia in 1967, were exhumed and brought to Santa Clara in 1997, where they were interred in the mausoleum.

Che Guevara Monument, Plaza de la Revolution, Santa Clara, Cuba © Shutterstock

The Valle de los Ingenios is a sprawling, open valley bordered by the eastern slopes of the Sierra del Escambray. It was once one of Cuba’s most productive agricultural areas. In its heyday, it was crammed with dozens of sugar estates and refineries on which Trinidad built its wealth during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Today just one functioning refinery remains. However, the remnants and ruins of the manor houses and mills that occupied the estates remain dotted throughout the valley. The most intact example is Manaca-Iznaga – though San Isidro de los Destiladeros is also worth visiting,

Valle de los Ingenios near Trinidad, Cuba © Shutterstock

With 22km of creamy-white sands and cerulean waters, Cayo Coco has some of the best beaches in Cuba, hands down, and effortlessly draws holidaymakers to its shores. The best beaches are clustered on the north coast, dominated by the all-inclusive hotels whose tendrils are gradually spreading along the rest of the northern coastline.

Cayo Coco’s big three beaches, home to the all-inclusive and packed with boisterous activities, hog the narrow easternmost peninsula jutting out of the Cay’s north coast. For a pocket of tranquillity, escape the main beaches and head to Playa Los Flamencos. The beach offers 3km of fine sands and transparent waters where tangerine-coloured starfish float through the shallows. There’s also good snorkelling out to sea.

Arrive in Havana and make your way all throughout the island with stops in Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Cayo Coco, Camaguey and Santiago before returning to Havana on this tailor-made trip to Complete Cuba - Nature, Tradition and Sights of the Revolution .

Bridge over the green water of Cayo Coco © Shutterstock

If you are inspired by Cuba and its attractions read our guide to the best things to do in Puerto Rico . Also, Cuba is one of the best places for a family holiday. In our guide to the best places to go with kids , you will find other attractive family-friendly destinations.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Cuba without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

Ready for a trip to Cuba ? Check out The Rough Guide to Cuba . If you travel further in Cuba , read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit in Cuba. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Cuba and our local travel experts . A bit more hands-on, learn about getting there , getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

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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.

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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.

• Last Updated On
• August 22, 2023

25 Best Things to Do in Cuba — Top Activities & Places to Go!

Cuba, the Pearl of the Antilles, is more than just a destination; it’s an experience I’ve lived and loved. 

It’s a place where history and modernity blend seamlessly, where every view is a snapshot waiting to be captured. 

From chasing the perfect sunset to exploring preserved buildings with a vintage charm, Cuba offers a rich tapestry of culture and natural beauty.

But what are the best things to do in Cuba? 

I’ve been there, and I’ve felt the pulse of its streets and the warmth of its people. 

I’ve put together a list of must-see spots and activities that will make your Cuban adventure unforgettable. 

Come explore with me.

Best Things To Do In Cuba Compared 

Ready to spice up your family vacation? 

Dive into our hand picked treasures for the ultimate Cuban experience.

Editor’s Choice

Valle de los Ingenios

Valle de los Ingenios is a picturesque destination that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Family-Friendliness: 3/5
• Affordability: 4/5
• Accessibility: 3/5
• Fun Factor: 3/5
• Educational Value: 4/5

#2nd Best Choice

When you’re in Cuba, staying indoors should be a crime when you can enjoy the most gorgeous natural scenery like the Cayo Coco.

• Family-Friendliness: 5/5
• Affordability: 3/5
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Fun Factor: 5/5
• Educational Value: 2/5

#3rd Best Choice

Cueva de Saturno

Cueva de Saturno, or Saturn Cave, is a gorgeous cenote cave located near Varadero, Matanzas Province, Cuba.

• Family-Friendliness: 4/5
• Fun Factor: 4/5
• Educational Value: 3/5

Here are the top 25 things to do in Cuba.

1. Valle de los Ingenios (Editor’s Choice)

Sancti Spíritus Trinidad, Cuba 62600 Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Historical Significance: Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a unique glimpse into Cuba’s colonial history
• Scenic Beauty: The valley is surrounded by lush landscapes, rolling hills, and scenic vistas, making it a picturesque destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. 
• Limited Activities: While the historical and natural aspects of Valle de los Ingenios are appealing, there might be limited activities and attractions available for visitors compared to more modern tourist destinations.
• Accessibility: Travelers might need to plan transportation and accommodations in advance, potentially leading to logistical challenges.

Why You Should Go

Learn about the darker history of this scenic and lush valley, which had an estimated 30,000 slaves that tilled the lands, and harvested the sugarcane each season in the countless mill houses and plantations that peppered the fields.

Today, locals and visitors alike can ride the Baldwin Locomotive steam train through the area, clamber through leaning slave towers for gorgeous panoramic views, and learn all about the dark history of slave ownership at the Manaca Iznaga Estate.

2. Cayo Coco

Ciego de Avila Moron, Cuba 67210 Open in Google Maps

• Stunning Beaches: Cayo Coco is renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
• Marine Life and Diving: The diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs provide an unforgettable underwater experience.
• Isolation: While Cayo Coco’s isolation can be a pro for those seeking a tranquil escape, it might be a drawback for those looking for a more immersive Cuban cultural experience, as the island is primarily focused on catering to tourists.
• Weather and Hurricanes: The region can be susceptible to hurricane activity during certain times of the year, potentially impacting travel plans and the overall vacation experience.

Cayo Coco offers the most serene turquoise bays and lagoons, cotton-white sands, warm shallows, and the occasional school of multi-coloured fish roaming about; which all coincide to comprise the perfect escapade when in Cuba.

Whether it’s staying at all the nearby luxury resorts with beachside infinity pools and manicured gardens of palm trees, or just stopping by to enjoy a swim in the pristine cool waters, Cayo Coco is a safe bet for everyone.

Related: Best Restaurants in Cuba

3. Cueva de Saturno

Matanzas Varadero, Cuba 42200 Open in Google Maps

• Natural Wonder: Exploring this natural wonder offers a unique adventure and the chance to cool off from the Cuban heat.
• Photographic Opportunities: The cave’s otherworldly formations and striking blue waters make for fantastic photo opportunities, especially for those interested in capturing the beauty of unique geological features.
• Crowds and Tourists: Depending on the time of day and year, Cueva de Saturno can become quite popular and crowded with tourists, potentially diminishing the tranquility and natural atmosphere.
• Limited Accessibility: Exploring a cave environment might not be suitable for everyone due to physical limitations or claustrophobia.

The cave consists of a large opening, the denote, and some offshoot caverns with beautiful arrangements of stalactites shooting overhead, alongside blind cavefish and cave shrimp roaming the ombré of colorful waters underneath.

Diving deep into the cenote, a natural pit or sinkhole which resulted from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater, of the Cueva de Saturno is definitely a mesmerizing experience unlike anywhere else.

4. Trinidad de Cuba

La Vida Trintaria, Sancti Spiritus Trinidad, Cuba 62600 +53 5 8191203 Open in Google Maps

Founded all the way back in 1514, Trinidad de Cuba is one of the most picturesque places in Cuba which has retained an authentic Spanish charm dating a few centuries back.

Unproblematic and relaxing, the little town of Trinidad is a hidden gem of Cuba’s south coast; complete with roadways lined with tiny pueblo cottages, each painted a distinct ice-cream hue and half-baked in their adobe shells under the scorching sun.

Trinidad de Cuba is sort of like the downtown area of Cuba that’s filled with all the greatest attractions, landmarks, and sights to see as you walk and stroll across the historical roads and pavements.

5. Museum of the Revolution

Refugio Street 1, Avenida Bélgica La Habana, Cuba 10600 +53 7 624091 Open in Google Maps

The Museum of the Revolution is an iconic destination that is housed in the gorgeous neoclassical Presidential Palace in the heart of historic Havana.

Whether you’re a history buff or someone who just enjoys learning new things, you’ll definitely revel in all the different collections inside this museum which include raw and fascinating first-hand artifacts from the political upheavals dating all the way back to the 1950s.

Enjoy an educational trip across this museum as you explore the different exhibits dedicated to chronicling the country’s communist rebuilding in the 60s and 70s, along with sections detailing the independence wars waged against Spain.

6. Havana Malecon

La Habana Centro Habana, Cuba 10200 +53 52823586 Open in Google Maps

Spanning over a lengthy distance of 7 kilometers from beginning to end, the Havana Malecon is a bustling promenade that offers a ton of stuff to do when in Cuba.

Havana Malecon can easily be described as the heart and soul of the city.

It’s the place where locals gather to puff cigars the size of plantains, where Cadillacs dance over uneven roads, and where street entertainers brighten up the streets filled with the cool refreshing air from the sea.

Taking a walk, strolling down the different art galleries, vibing with the locals, and so much more can be done in this thriving destination which is surely not to be missed if you’re looking for the best places to visit in Cuba.

7. Old Havana

La Habana Plaza de la Revolución, Cuba 10400 Open in Google Maps

The Old Havana is a UNESCO-recognized district that is nestled at the heart of the capital of Cuba.

Old Havana features some of the most remarkable feats of well-preserved architecture, with rows and rows of peeling baroque townhouses alongside Andalusian-style arcades riddling all the different roadways for a natural aesthetic like no other.

Explore and wander around Old Havana where you get the opportunity to see all the best attractions in Cuba; from gorgeous historical churches and neoclassical palaces to urban canals with bulwarks and cannon holes dating all the way back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Related: Best All Inclusive Resorts in Cuba

8. Che Guevara Mausoleum

Villa Clara Santa Clara, Cuba 50100 +53 42 205878 Open in Google Maps

Located right at the heart of the island of Cuba, the Che Guevara Mausoleum is a unique glimpse of the past.

Nestled in the historical streets of Santa Clara, the site of several pivotal moments in the Cuban Revolution, this mesmerizing marble mausoleum pays homage to the country’s most iconic son and pride: Che Guevara.

Explore the final resting place of Che Guevara and 29 of his fellow revolutionaries which showcases a fascinating selection of exhibits that features his personal belongings including a gun, binoculars, water bottle, countless photos, and his various architectural artworks.

9. Cristobal Colon Cemetery

Calle 12, La Habana Marianao, Cuba 11500 +53 7 8321050 Open in Google Maps

If you’re in the capital of Havana and are looking for unique and unconventional places to visit, then the picturesque Cristobal Colon Cemetery may be the perfect destination for you.

Located just west of the historic heart of the city, this iconic landmark is packed with elaborate Gothic tombs and grand sculptures, alongside gorgeous interior designs and an iconic frontal gate that was designed by Calixto Arellano de Loira y Cardoso.

Walk around this peaceful cemetery where you get the golden chance to witness the handiwork of the different renowned Cuban sculptors in the past.

10. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

La Habana La Habana Vieja, Cuba 10100 +53 7 8633763 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Located on the historic streets of La Habana Vieja, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is a destination you shouldn’t miss.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is an educational excursion filled to the brim with a plethora of masterworks that chronicle the various artistic periods of the island of Cuba through the handiwork of notable artists and its reflection towards its people.

Pay this art museum an informative visit as you roam and see the psychological portraiture and mastery of Federico Beltrán Masses, the politically infused paintings and pieces of Guillermo Collazo, and modern sculpture works done by the likes of Rita Longa.

Also See: Belize: Things to Do What to Do in Costa Rica

11. Tropicana Club

72 A, Marianao La Habana. Cuba 11500 +53 7 279147 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re looking for things to do in Cuba tonight, definitely consider dropping by the Tropicana Club for a thriving nightlife experience you won’t forget.

Tropicana Club has become a staple to the capital’s nightlife; known to attract visitors from far and wide with its bombastic dance shows and music nights, complete with showgirls clad in plumes of peacock feathers and shiny sequins for entertainment unlike anywhere else.

Enjoy a fun-filled night with family, friends, or your significant other under the sparkling Caribbean stars, between the streets of Marianao on the western side of Havana, as you savor the nightly cabaret shows of the Tropicana Club.

12. Varadero

Located just off the edge of the north coast just east of Matanzas, along the edge of the Hicacos Peninsula, Varadero in Cuba is a picturesque town offering the most relaxing and gorgeous getaway.

Varadero features a patchwork of banyan trees and palms, ivory-white sand alongside wide expanses of dunes, and uber-luxurious hotel resorts that are nothing short of the perfect place for sitting back and spending relaxing day in the Caribbean sun.

Savor cocktails on the beach, or wander around the myriad of tourist markets boasting ubiquitous reggae trinkets for amazing finds to take back home.

13. Fiesta de la Cubania

Granma Bayamo, Cuba 85100 Open in Google Maps

Fiesta de la Cubania is a Cuban cultural staple that takes place between the sun-splashed streets and the gorgeous historic and colonial facades featuring boisterous celebrations each week.

If you’re searching and pining for a bona fide Cuban fiesta experience, one of our favorite recommendations is undoubtedly making your way to the aged town of Bayamo in the far-flung reaches of Oriente for a celebratory experience with the locals.

Walk around the festive streets and places where you’ll witness Cuban dancers and Caribbean tunes played on wobbly honky tonks, taste fiery island dishes, or maybe even sit down and chat to the mountain folk of the south that comes down to join the festivities.

14. Sierra Maestra

Granma Santiago de Cuba, Cuba 90100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Sierra Maestra is an infamous mountain range that runs westward across the south of the old Oriente Province in southeast Cuba.

Sierra Maestra is a picturesque destination set in the deep southern reaches of the country, with wide expanses of gorgeous landscapes cascading dramatically to the Caribbean Sea, rising in steep bulwarks and rocky promontories from Cape Cruz to the Guantanamo River.

Enjoy a multi-day hike into the peaks, spy out the old secret headquarters of the rebels, or simply wander at the verdant cloud forests and tropical birds of Parque Nacional Turquino while being accompanied by expert guides for an unforgettable experience.

15. Castillo del San Pedro de la Roca

Santiago de Cuba, Cuba 90100 +53 22 691569 Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca is a mighty fortress located on the coast of the Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba, overlooking the magnificent sight of the bay.

Nestled a stone’s throw away from the tactical and historical port town of Santiago de Cuba, this gorgeous and marvelous castle was raised by revered Italian engineer Giovanni Battista Antonelli in the first half of the 17th century.

Discover and explore the remnants of this once feared fortress filled with a complex of turrets and palisades, cannon batteries, and artillery platforms which are considered to be one of the finest remnants of the great power struggles that engulfed Cuba throughout the colonial age.

Also See: Things to Do in The Dominican Republic Things to See in Chile Top Panama Activities

16. Acuario Delfinario Cayo Santa Maria

Pedraplén a Cayo Sta. María, Cuba Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Delfinario en Cayo Santa Maria is a large dolphinarium in Cuba that opened in 2011.

It offers interaction and shows with dolphins and sea lions.

Delfinario en Cayo Santa Maria in Cuba is a unique experience that stands out from other attractions in the area. 

While nearby beaches and historical sites offer their own charm, this dolphin facility brings you closer to nature in a gentle, family-friendly way. 

Here, you can interact with dolphins, watch them perform, and even learn about their behavior. 

It’s not just about entertainment; it’s an educational experience that both kids and adults will appreciate. 

Compared to the hustle and bustle of city tours, this is a serene and joyful escape.

At Delfinario en Cayo Santa Maria, you don’t just watch dolphins – you connect with them. 

It’s a place to learn, laugh, and let go. 

Swim with these graceful creatures, feel their energy, and take a moment to appreciate the simple joys.

17. Plaza Mayor

16 C. Real del Jigüe Trinidad, Cuba 62600 Open in Google Maps

Located right in the historical center of Trinidad, Cuba; Plaza Mayor is an ideal place to start a sightseeing tour of the city, especially for those who are looking for free things to do in Cuba.

Home to a number of pretty colonial mansions and museums, this palm-studded square also features nearby restaurants and alfresco cafés, alongside live salsa which fills the tropical air with music creating an ambient atmosphere, especially at night.

Visit this historical park and all the nearby landmarks and attractions including the fascinating Museo Historico Municipal, the famous Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad, and other museums and architectural gems.

18. Fusterlandia

Jaimanitas Havana, Cuba +53 7 2712932 Open in Google Maps

If you’re looking for something to spice up your trip to Cuba this weekend, then definitely consider visiting Fusterlandia.

Fusterlandia is a wide-open space transformed into an artistic area through extensive public-art installations made and crafted by local artist José Fuster, with colorful and whimsical mosaics riddling the whole place.

Snap the perfect photo, and revel in the different thought-provoking pieces and mosaics with every nook and crevice, as you savor a worthwhile visit to this fascinating destination.

19. Bay of Pigs

Cuba Open in Google Maps

The Bay of Pigs is an inlet of the Gulf of Cazones featuring pristine cool waters and is located just off the southern coast of Cuba.

Bay of Pigs is one of the most versatile and captivating spots in Cuba where you can observe a natural phenomenon and get the chance to see a million crabs emerging from the forest and making their way to the sea.

Take out your trunks & swimsuits and enjoy the cold embrace of the refreshingly cool waters of the Bay of Pigs for an unparalleled swimming experience in Cuba.

20. Old Town Square

San Ignacio La Habana Vieja, Cuba 10100 Open in Google Maps

Opened all the way back in 1559, the Old Town Square is a masterpiece in the heart of the city that has stood strong against the test of time.

Old Town Square is a public square in Cuba complete with a centerpiece fountain, which also showcases gorgeous buildings and impressive infrastructures which derive their architectural design from baroque to art nouveau.

Take a nostalgic step back in time as you wander around the Old Town Square in Havana for a taste of Cuban history with a mix of modern touch as you visit all the different local shops and restaurants that line the public square.

21. Morro Castle

Parque Morro La Habana, Cuba 10100 +53 7 8619727 Open in Google Maps

Opened all the way back in 1589, the Morro Castle is an iconic landmark in Cuba that has been preserved throughout the years.

Built to serve as a fortification against the strong waves, the Morro Castle was named after the three biblical Magi, and presently serves as a fortress that guards the entrance to Havana bay in Havana, Cuba.

If you’re looking for cheap but worthwhile things to see in Cuba, dropping by and strolling around this historical landmark as you get a glimpse of preserved remnants of the past is something we recommend for everyone.

22. El Floridita Bar

Obispo La Habana, Cuba 10100 +53 7 8671300 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

El Floridita Bar is a renowned historic fish restaurant and cocktail bar nestled deep in the older part of Havana, Cuba.

Dropping by El Floridita and taking a sip of their infamous daiquiri, a Cuban staple that was invented all the way back in the early 1930s in Havana, is a perfect way to enjoy the culture and taste of Cuba.

Even when it’s raining or cold, swinging by this restaurant where you can order and taste the daiquiri, a Hemmingway favorite, is undoubtedly a must-try for the complete Cuban experience.

Also See: Top Peru Activities Places to Go in Punta Cana

23. Playa Jibacoa

Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba 32900 Open in Google Maps

If you’re looking for top things to do in Cuba with kids , consider taking them out on a day filled with sunshine and fun at the Playa Jibacoa.

Located between the historic towns of Havana and Varadero, Playa Jibacoa is a captivating white sand beach that not many know about which makes it a great alternative to Cuba’s popular beaches for an intimate time together with the whole family.

Jump straight to the cool and clean waters, enjoy a fun-filled day in the white sands and sunbathe while the kiddos build sand castles, maybe even stay a while longer to get the most jaw-dropping views of the night stars glowing brightly in the night.

Related: Best Hotels in Cuba

24. Disco Ayala

Unlike any other bar in the country, Disco Ayala is something we definitely recommend to those looking for unique and quirky things to do in Cuba for couples, groups of friends, and even the whole family.

Watch the sun go down and stay up late in Trinidad as you head on over to Disco Ayala after midnight to go to a club inside a real cave where you can enjoy cocktails and watch a show complete with fire dancers and even acrobats!

Dance the night away and enjoy all the entertaining performances in this one-of-a-kind bar in Cuba for an unforgettable experience.

25. Topes National Park

Sierra de Escambray, Trinidad-Sancti Spiritus Topes de Collantes, Cuba 60147 Open in Google Maps

The Topes National Park is a picturesque and majestic wide expanse of wilderness right outside of Trinidad which also serves as a massive nature preserve.

The Topes National Park is a hiker’s dream come true with all the different nature trails and waterfalls to explore.

From Trinidad, you can traverse the park by horse or ride vehicles of your choice that will tour you all around the park.

All the best things to do in Cuba are neatly found at this park. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and wander around this natural wonder where you can hike, walk, stroll, and maybe even have a swim at the different bodies of water underneath the numerous waterfalls.

Activity Guide 

Comparing attractions: which one is right for you.

Cuba’s Valle de los Ingenios is a peaceful escape into history, where the old sugar mills tell tales of the past. 

It’s a place to wander and reflect.

Cayo Coco, on the other hand, is all about relaxation. 

Imagine soft sand and gentle waves. 

It’s a beach day with the family, pure and simple.

Then there’s Cueva de Saturno. 

A dip in a crystal-clear cave? 

It’s different, and it’s fun. 

So, what’s right for you? 

If you’re like me, a local who loves a bit of everything, you’ll find joy in each place. 

But if you’re choosing, think about what your family loves most. 

History, beach, or a unique adventure – Cuba’s got it.

How I Picked The Activities

Living in the state and having experienced these activities firsthand, I’ve also taken the time to chat with fellow locals and travelers. 

This isn’t just a list; it’s a collection of Cuba’s finest, curated through personal exploration, research, and genuine conversations. 

Trust me, I’ve dug deep to bring you the real gems of this island.

Our Rating Method 

I rate these attractions based on the following criteria: 

• Family-Friendliness: I use this criterion to assess the family-friendly appeal of every activity. Is it suitable for families with kids? Is it safe, engaging, and fun for children? I ask myself these questions in order to rate family-friendliness. 
• Affordability: This is used to evaluate the attraction’s affordability. Will visitors get a lot of bang for their buck? Is it free or cheaper compared to the other options? Does it offer discounted rates, special promotions, or free entry? I consider these factors when rating affordability.
• Accessibility: This evaluates the activity’s accessibility. Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Are there plenty of parking spaces available? Is it wheelchair accessible? I ask myself these questions when assessing the attraction’s accessibility.
• Fun Factor: I use this to evaluate how enjoyable the attraction is for visitors. Will it create positive and memorable experiences? Is it engaging, fun, and exciting? I use these questions to evaluate this criterion. 
• Educational Value: This assesses the educational benefits of the activity. Does it provide learning opportunities to kids? Will it teach visitors lessons in science and history? I ask myself these important questions when rating educational value. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best beaches in cuba.

Varadero stands out as one of Cuba’s most famous beach destinations, with its pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters attracting tourists for relaxation and water sports.

What Is A Must-Visit Natural Attraction In Cuba?

Viñales Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning limestone landscapes, tobacco plantations, and unique “mogotes” (karst hills).

How Can One Explore Cuban History?

The Museum of the Revolution in Havana offers a comprehensive look at Cuba’s history, including its revolutionary struggle. The exhibits include artifacts, documents, and even a preserved yacht used in an attempted coup.

Conclusion 

After exploring every vibrant corner of this country, I can honestly say that the best things to do in Cuba are as diverse as they are captivating. 

From the historical richness of Valle de los Ingenios to the sun-kissed beaches of Cayo Coco, each place offers a unique flavor of Cuban life. 

But if I had to pick one, Valle de los Ingenios would be my top choice. 

Its blend of scenic beauty and historical significance is unmatched. 

Additionally, the valley boasts stunning landscapes, including lush green hills and picturesque rivers. 

Visitors can also experience the local culture through traditional music and dance performances, as well as sampling some of the region’s famous rum and sugarcane juice. 

It’s genuinely a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Cuba’s rich history and culture.

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.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

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.

You May Also Like

Cuban Food: 23 Cuban Dishes You Can Try at Home

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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.

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