Travel to the island nation of Cuba and you’ll feel worlds away once you discover its colourful vintage cars, extravagant cabaret shows, paradise beaches, and countryside tobacco farms. This incredibly diverse destination is – quite fascinatingly – stuck in time, and with less commercial tourism on the cards than its Caribbean neighbours, those flocking to this spectacular isle want to know the best places to head. Well, as a team of Cuba specialists, we’ve highlighted some of the top things to do in Cuba while you’re here.
1. Tour Havana in a Vintage Car
Fancy exploring Cuba’s atmospheric capital from the back seats of a bright pink convertible Cadillac? Book a guided tour of Havana in one of Cuba’s trademark classic cars and discover the city’s rich history on four wheels. Aside from the fantastic photographs, it’s a great way to discover the local haunts, learn about iconic landmarks such as Revolution Square, swing by tobacco factories for a lesson on cigars, and stop to refuel at one of the popular local paladars – these family-run restaurants are famous for catering to your every need, serving up delicious authentic food and a glass or two of rum!
2. Visit Valle de Vinales
You can’t visit Cuba without exploring its most famous tobacco plantation. Located at the stunning Sierra De Los Organos mountains in the province of Pinar del Rio, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is backed by soaring pine trees and rugged limestone cliffs, boasting a slow-motion style pace of life when compared to the hustle and bustle of Havana. Cigar lovers can learn about the plantation and the traditional agricultural farming of its tobacco leaves, before taking a hike around the fields. You’ll also find that the Casa de Caridad Botanical Gardens is a tranquil place to visit, or perhaps you want to hop on a speed boat and explore the mysterious Indian Cave instead – a popular pastime for kids! Feeling peckish? Head to one of Vinales restaurants (or even one of the local’s homes) for mouth-watering farm-to-table fare and an organic cup of coffee.
3. Visit Trinidad
Want to step back in time to the 1700s? Discover the beautifully preserved colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trinidad. Famous for its baroque main square and Plaza Mayor, fringed by opulent buildings, mansions and cathedrals, this stunning settlement is often nicknamed the “living museum” and is a must-visit for any history buff out there. Once you’ve admired the spectacular architecture down its colourful streets, head to the Municipal History Museum which houses Cuba’s finest collection of colonial furniture or hop on its old-fashioned steam train and visit the Valle de los Ingenios (Sugar Mill Valley) just outside of town. Before you leave this wonderful city, visit the stunning natural swimming pools and waterfalls of El Nicho, in the nearby Topes de Collantes Nature Reserve – the perfect way to cool off in the midday heat.
4. Che Guevara’s Mausoleum
Located in the historic city of Santa Clara, stands the famous bronze statue of Che Guevara Mausoleum – a memorial housing the remains of Ernesto “Che” Guevara and 29 other guerrillas who died with him in Bolivia. Erected in 1987, the Mausoleum is a narration of the major figure’s life story and military campaigns, for anybody with a keen interest in the history of the Cuban Revolution. Wander the main town, visit the military train which was derailed by Che and his comrades, or head to the nearby Museum of Fine Arts.
5. Experience the world-famous Tropicana show in Havana
Elaborate sequin-covered costumes, full-on feather headdresses, over-the-top singers, and routine dance numbers are just a few of the things you can expect when you visit the most famous show in Havana – the Tropicana Cabaret! As with many of Cuba’s attractions, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back to the 1950s when you experience this dazzling dinner and show, located in the Miramar neighbourhood. With a backdrop of tropical palms and the spectacular sounds of the full orchestra, visitors can prepare themselves for the pizzaz that’s yet to come once the talented performers step foot on stage. It’s one of the best experiences you’ll have in Cuba, but we’ll let you make your own minds up…
6. Visit La Bodeguita Del Medio and drink a real Mojito
If you’re looking for a traditional dining experience in Cuba, La Bodeguita Del Medio, first established in 1942, was one of the most frequented cocktail bar and music restaurants by Cubans in the 1980’s – and is now one of Havana’s main tourist attractions. A whole host of celebrities have visited this colonial-style bar, including Ernest Hemingway, who had a special connection with the place where he enjoyed many of the venue’s signature Mojitos. You’ll have to join a lengthy queue though, as people come flocking to this cosy bar for a sip of its famous Cuban cocktail – with some even drinking it on the sidewalk!
7. Try real Cuban food at Paladars
If you’re a foodie, Paladares are one of the best ways to enjoy the local cuisine in Cuba. But what is a Paladar? It’s an intimate, family-run restaurant that usually resides in a converted part of a home, where local families cook delicious homemade dishes for guests, from the comfort of their own kitchen. These private restaurants make for a truly authentic experience for visitors, with traditional food including creole, fresh lobster, black beans and more – although you can find a handful of Paladares that provide international cuisines such as Italian, Chinese, or Mexican.
8. Visit Cienfuegos
If you’re a fan of colonial-era buildings, the stunning seaport city of Cienfuegos on Cuba’s south coast is a must-visit. Popularly known as the “Pearl of the South”, the beautiful architecture, unique attractions, and national parks here have resulted in the area being crowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the awe-inspiring Palacio del Valle and visit its indoor museum, before heading to the rooftop bar for lunch overlooking the glistening sea. Wander the opulent Jose Marti Park square lined by majestic buildings including the City Hospital and Town Hall or explore the nearby Neo-Classical theatre Teatro Tomas Terry for its stunning architecture and orchestral music shows!
9. Visit Buena Vista Social club and listen to Live Cuban Music
Established in 1996, Havana’s Buena Vista Social Club is one of the most popular places to head to for an infectious atmosphere, where you can expect an evening of fantastic Cuban food, live music, and electrifying salsa, rumba, and bolero performances to shake your hips to! This iconic member’s club serves up a quintessentially Cuban scene, with nostalgic interiors and a host of local musicians sure to transport you back to the 40s and 50s with their music. Enjoy a club concert and dinner in the heart of Havana when you visit this iconic venue.
10. Visit The National Capitol Building
Crowned as Havana’s most grandiose building, El Capitolio or the National Capitol Building is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city – and it’s easy to see why. Established in 1926, this stunning piece of architecture called upon the efforts of over 5,000 workers and acclaimed artists to complete, where it would act as the seat of the Cuban Government until 1959. Today, this emblematic building houses the Cuban Academy of Sciences and the National Library of Science and Technology – making it a popular place to pop on your itinerary
11. Try a real Cuban cigar and visit a cigar factory
You can’t go to Cuba without visiting a traditional cigar factory. Cigar smoking is a popular pastime for locals, whether it’s taking advantage of a quiet moment to sink back in a chair and relax or spending quality time catching up with friends. There’s a fascinating history behind Cuba’s cigar industry, but have you ever wondered where they came from, why they’re so popular here and how they gained such a good rep?
Cuban cigars are made using locally grown and treated tobacco leaves from plantations (which benefit from excellent conditions due to the toasty climate) which are then expertly hand-rolled using impressive techniques by ‘Torcedors’. The industry’s popularity rose alongside Fidel Castro, who by 1960, had taken control and nationalised the factories and their brands, with Cohiba being the most sought-after.
There are a few must-visit factories here for those interested in learning more about Cuba’s most famous product, with Partagas Cigar Factory, Romeo y Julieta and La Corona Cigar Factory being a few of the most popular. Better still, book a cigar and rum tasting tour to experience the best of both worlds.
12. Take a Catamaran tour to Cayo Blanco
If you like to soak up the local sights, a catamaran tour is without a doubt one of the best ways to explore the stunning surrounding area. Leaving from Varadero, get ready to sail the calm Caribbean waters to the secluded white sands of Cayo Blanco – a small island in Western Cuba renowned for its paradise-like beach and amazing reef formations perfect for snorkelling. On this popular tour you’ll relax on the boat where a delicious local lunch and refreshments are included, before jumping off to spend time in the water – you can even enjoy an unforgettable encounter with dolphins, too! It’s perfect for adults and little ones, alike.
13. Try Cuba’s world-class rums and discover more with a museum and factory tour
Want to sample the local rum while you’re here? Luckily for you, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to do just that, since, besides the atmospheric shacks serving up the goods on the beach, there’s also a host of rum distillery tours to head out on too. For centuries rum production has been, and still is to this day, an important part of Cuban culture, with some of the finest rums in the world crafted here. Havana Club Museum of Rum in Havana, Bacardi Rum Factory in Santiago de Cuba and Appleton Estate are just a few of the most popular places to learn about and sample the local tipple – so be sure to line your stomach’s!
14. Visit a Jazz Bar like Cuba ila Zorra y el Cuervo
If you want to explore the hustle and bustle of the capital at its best, put on your dancing shoes and head out to La Zorra y el Cuervo – if you can find it, that it! A red phone booth at street level will lead you underground to this intimate yet atmospheric jazz lounge, where live musical performances from established and emerging local singers and pianist’s transport you back to yesteryear on a nightly basis. It may be a dark gritty space with low ceilings but believe us when we say it all adds to the authentic experience!
15. Try your hand at Salsa
The flamboyant dresses, twinkling sequins, pulsating music and unmatched energy are what make salsa dancing such an important part of Cuban culture. Whether you want to observe the professionals with a cocktail in hand, or step back in time to the 1960’s and give this popular dance a whirl for yourself, there are plenty of places to admire this popular performance while you’re in Cuba. La Casa de la Musica in Miramar, Casa de la Amistad in Vedado and Café Cantante Mi Habana in Plaza de la Revolucion, and Hotel Inglaterra Rooftop in Old Havana are among a list of popular venues that host salsa performances, so be sure to swing by if you’re up for a lively evening!
16. Taste real Guarapo at a Sugar Factory
If you’ve been to Cuba before, you may have heard of Guarapo. This traditional drink (which has been around for almost two centuries) is sure to be a hit with anyone with a sweet tooth since it’s made by extracting freshly cut sugarcane juice. Locals used to be able to purchase this drink for just pennies, and its high-calorie count made it a popular choice for low earners in the population. Head to one of Cuba’s sugar factories today and you’ll be able to sample this age-old drink for yourself!
17. Visit Peninsula De Zapata
If you’re a nature enthusiast, a visit to the exotic Peninsula De Zapata is an absolute must. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of Havana’s colonial capital, this shoe-shaped marshy area located in the Matanzas Province plays host to the stunning Cienaga de Zapata National Park, where you’ll find an ecosystem of lush mangroves, underwater canyons, coral reef barriers and swampy wetlands – plus an abundance of wildlife, including flamingos! Here is where you’ll also find the Bay of Pigs, between Playa Larga and Playa Giron, a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling amid a variety of colourful fish, including barracuda! There’s a selection of different tours available for those eager to visit this paradise peninsula, so be sure to note it at the top of your list.
18. Visit the Museum of the revolution
History buffs should visit the Museum of the Revolution, located near Parque Central in Old Havana. Housed in what was the Presidential Palace, upon visiting you’ll uncover the story of the 1959 Cuban Revolution and the country’s struggle to end the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, guided by rebel army leader Fidel Castro. Inside, visitors can marvel over a collection of graphic art weapons and preserved relics that help to summarise the event in great detail, in addition to heroic sculptures of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, and other general historic pieces dating back to the 15th century! An insightful day out for all.
19. Walk along the Malecon in Havana
This one’s ideal for tourists who love nothing more than to lap up the sights, sounds and surroundings of a new destination on two feet. This broad esplanade and seawall stretches 8km along Havana’s calm Caribbean coast and quintessential thoroughfares, starting at Havana Harbor and passing through Old Havana, the Centro Havana and Vedado neighbourhood, before winding up at the Almendares River. Whether you want to stretch your legs, grab a drink at an al-fresco bar and people watch or simply admire the sunset, the Malecon is an attraction you won’t want to miss.
20. Visit some of the beaches in the world at Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria, Jibacoa, Cayo Coco and more!
We don’t need to tell you that Cuba plays host to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches, boasting paradise-worthy sands, calm transparent waters and exotic coral reefs teeming with multi-coloured fish. Whether you prefer isolated stretches ideal for an afternoon of serenity or bustling beaches brimming with rum bars and water sports, you’ll find a position along Cuba’s coast to suit you. Varadero, Santa Maria, Jibacoa and Cayo Coco are where you’ll find some of the most sought-after stretches in Cuba – discover our guide on Cuba’s best beaches and you’ll be reaching for your flip flops in no time.
21. Try Cuban Coffee
Can’t function without your morning cup of coffee? We hear you. If you thought coffee back home tasted good, you’ll be blown away when you order a cup of the good stuff in Cuba. Recognised for its distinctive flavour and unique preparation techniques, the coffee culture here goes back 300 years or so. If you ordered a traditional cup of Cuban coffee, you could expect a dark roast espresso that’s quite bitter, usually made in a stove-top Moka Pot. There’s a handful of fabulous coffee shops dotted around Havana including Café El Escorial, Café Galeria Mamaine, Café Neruda and more, so you can get your fix while admiring the busy city life.
22. Visit Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro
If you like to tick off the local architecture of a place, the wave-washed Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro won’t disappoint. Named after the three biblical Magi, this fortress – also known as Morro Castle – can be found standing proud guarding the entrance to Havana Bay. Constructed between 1589 and 1630 by Italian engineer Juan Bautista, the castle fort was built as a defence system to protect the harbour from hostile ships – and is one of the most visited landmarks in Cuba. Many tourists like to visit for the Faro del Morro lighthouse, which offers fantastic views along the Malecon.
23. Visit Baracoa
Baracoa is a quirky yet beautiful eastern city and municipality in Guantanamo Province discovered by Christopher Columbus upon his voyage to the Americas. Upon his findings, he submitted a new diary entry stating: “This country, is so enchantingly beautiful that it surpasses all others in charm and beauty… I was so astonished at the sight of so much beauty that I can find no words to describe it.” And boy, we totally get it. This stunning coastal town boasts verdant forests, a collection of rivers, rolling hills bursting with a variety of trees, a medley of record-breaking wildlife (see if you can spot the world’s smallest frog) and, of course, a city centre packed with historical buildings boasting French architectural flair and three crumbling fortresses. You can spend hours and hours here without getting bored.
24. Hiking Pico Turquino and the Sierra Maestra
If you’re a hiking enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. If you’re feeling brave, grab your walking boots and head for the highest point in Cuba – Pico Turquino. Turquino National Park in the Santiago de Cuba Province is situated within the stunning Sierra Maestra Mountain Range – a haven for tourists with a passion for trekking. Strutting out from the Caribbean Sea, Cuba’s highest peak sits at a whopping 1,974m (6,476ft), so you can guarantee panoramic views from the top! The Turquino National Park also houses the portion of the UNESCO-listed ‘Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the Southeast of Cuba’, a handful of tropical forests and the Marea del Portillo beach.
25. Visit Camaguey
Crowned as Cuba’s third-largest city, Camaguey is the place to visit if you’re interested in the country’s rich colonial past. Adorned with awe-inspiring architecture, the cobbled streets and plaza here are fringed by baroque churches (no less than 15, to be precise) and galleries, but the most popular portion of the city is its historic centre – which is officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you’re not marvelling over the grand buildings or browsing the shopping areas, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Parque Agramonte.
26. Try a night or 2 in a Casa Particular
You can’t get much more authentic than staying in a Casa Particular during your holiday to Cuba. Extremely popular with tourists looking to lap up local life, this personal experience invites visitors to stay in a local’s house in the heart of the city. Not only are they much cheaper than hotel accommodation, but it’s also a fantastic way to experience the real Cuba – living with real families, eating home-cooked food at their table, and roaming the local areas as if you, well, actually lived there. Me Casa, Su Casa…
27. Visit Las Terrazas
Located in the Sierra del Rosario Mountains (designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1984), Las Terrazas is a small community and nature reserve near the bustling capital of Havana. A pioneering ecovillage, pretty Las Terrazas is the result of a 1968 reforestation project led by Fidel Castro, whereby a variety of over 6 million trees were planted to restore the land damaged by Spanish conquistadors and coffee plantations. Be sure to pack your binoculars, because you’re likely to spot over 117 different species of birds that now call Las Terrazas home.
28. Ballet at the Gran Teatro de La Habana
If it’s a rainy day in Havana or you’re looking to spend an evening out, get tickets for a performing arts show at the stunningly beautiful Gran Teatro de La Habana. Home to the National Ballet, this grand theatre in the heart of the capital looks as though it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairy-tale, thanks to its Baroque Architecture. Every two years the theatre hosts a week-long festival of ballet, welcoming talent from around the world – including the London Royal Ballet.
29. Visit Sancti Spiritus
Located on the Yayabo River in central Cuba, Sancti Spiritus was one of the original seven Cuban cities founded by the Spanish in 1514. If you’re looking to uncover the real Cuba this is the place to do so, however, this colonial corner of the country is often overshadowed by its livelier neighbour Trinidad. If we can give any advice, it would be to visit this authentic jewel for its friendly locals, rich history, fantastic food and limited crowds.
30. Visit Nacional De Cuba
Nestled amid the Vedado district of Havana is the famous Hotel Nacional De Cuba. Boasting an Art Deco elegance and prime position overlooking the harbour, sea wall and city, this 1930’s hotel makes an ideal base for those wanting to explore the city – and revel in luxury after a day of exploration, of course. Having played host to a handful of celebrities and politicians, this 5-star property is firmly on the map of places to see in Cuba, even if you pop in for dinner.
For more information, please feel free to Contact Us any time, one of our team of dedicated Cuba Specialists will be happy to create a tailor-made holiday just for you so that you can discover more about this fascinating country.