Cuba is a place that intrigues everyone’s imagination, and it’s no wonder why! Cuba offers an array of attractions, including some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
The former Spanish colony is now the most populous Caribbean country and one of the world’s last socialist states.
Cuba’s attractions include enchanting beaches, colonial architecture, Latin American-style buildings, vintage cars on the roads, the world’s best cigars, rum, and salsa music.
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Best places in Cuba
Havana
With its alleys, beautiful buildings, music, and decades-old cars, Havana is quintessentially Cuban. Spend a few days here and immerse yourself in the city’s wonderful life.
Malecón is an 8 km-long coastal road from Old Havana to Miramar, separated from the sea by a vertical wall. Be cautious when the sea splashes onto the walkway during high winds.
Habana Vieja, the old town, is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It features crumbling colonial buildings and vibrant mid-century structures with constant music. Its main square is Plaza Vieja, surrounded by many cafes and restaurants.
The district houses the Catedral de São Cristóvão, one of Cuba’s oldest churches. Climb the narrow staircase to the bells for a fantastic view of the city.
Havana suffered pirate attacks, leading to the construction of El Morro. This fortress symbolizes the city’s maritime past, dating back to the late 16th century, offering great views.
El Capitolio, a smaller replica of the Washington Capitol, is a Havana icon. It houses one of the world’s largest indoor statues.
Plaza de la Revolución is Havana’s most famous square, hosting massive parades during festivals. Its key features are the 109-meter-tall José Martí memorial offering beautiful views and the Ministry of the Interior building adorned with a Che Guevara image.
No visit to Cuba is complete without exploring cigars! The oldest cigar factory, Partagas, founded in 1827, offers guided tours to witness workers hand-rolling cigars.
For a wide selection of cigars, visit the Romeo Y Julieta store, which also sells various rums.
Rum is another Cuban „specialty”. The Museo del Ron Havana Club is both a bar and museum. They introduce rum-making on tours, followed by tastings at the bar.
For a drink, head to El Floridita Bar, the birthplace of the famous cocktail daiquiri and a favorite haunt of the American writer Hemingway, who lived in Havana.
For entertainment, don’t miss Tropicana Cabaret. Enjoy about a 2-hour revue with rum and cocktails. It’s not cheap, with ticket prices starting at $100, including dinner.
Varadero
Cuba’s most famous seaside resort, located about 100 km east of Havana.
Its approximately 20 km long sandy stretch and crystal-clear water make it a magnificent attraction. The sea gradually deepens, with a soft sandy seabed.
Visit Josone Park, a stunning park filled with botanical gardens, lakes, amazing wildlife, and bridges. You can also find caves with indigenous Indian murals.
A popular activity is a catamaran trip to Cayo Blanco. Enjoy music and drinks on the boat, with the opportunity to pet dolphins in a large enclosed area. Cayo Blanco is a beautiful small island with fine sandy beaches, perfect for snorkeling and sunbathing in the afternoon.
Cayo Coco
Along with Havana and Varadero, Cayo Coco is a major tourist draw. The island is geared exclusively for tourism.
Many consider it better than Varadero for its quieter relaxation opportunities and more beautiful flora and fauna. Its best beach is Playa Pilar.
The island has a nature reserve (El Bagá), where guided group tours showcase dolphins, iguanas, non-venomous snakes, flamingos, crocodiles, pelicans, and fascinating mangrove landscapes.
Vinales
Located in the western part of the country (Pinar del Río Province), this stunningly beautiful valley is part of UNESCO’s natural World Heritage. It’s often considered the best of Cuba’s attractions by visitors!
The valley, surrounded by mountains and tobacco plantations where tobacco for the iconic Cuban cigars is still grown, offers a breathtaking view with its mogotes (limestone hills) covered with palms and other vegetation.
When visiting, definitely try horseback riding! Visitors are led through tobacco plantations on horseback, and a local grower explains tobacco cultivation.
There are also many caves in the area. The most popular is Cuevas del Indio, or Indian Caves, where you can explore the cave system by boat.
Pinar del Río
This rural city is known for rolling the best cigars. Factory tours are available.
This region of Cuba provides the perfect conditions for quality cigars: high humidity, sufficient rainfall, high average temperatures, and good soil.
Santiago de Cuba
The capital of Eastern Cuba and Cuban culture. This is evidenced by two significant events: the Santiago Carnival and the Fire Festival are both held here.
The main attraction is the San Pedro de la Roca Fortress (also known as Castillo del Morro). Located slightly southwest of the city, at the entrance of a bay on its eastern shore, it has been part of the World Heritage since 1997. It’s considered the most beautifully located fortress in Cuba.
The fortress houses the Pirate Museum, opened in 1978. Its exhibition rooms display, among other things, memorabilia related to the 1898 Spanish-American War’s naval battles.
Parque Céspedes is the city’s neoclassical central square, surrounded by the main attractions.
Moncada Barracks (Cuartel Moncada) is a special site. In 1953, the Cuban Revolution began with an attack on the barracks, led by Fidel Castro.
Fidel Castro’s grave is located in the Santa Ifigenia cemetery.
Camagüey
Cuba’s third-largest city. Its historic center, with 18th-century buildings, is part of UNESCO’s cultural world heritage.
While quite atmospheric, the city doesn’t have many attractions. Its center is Ignacio Agramonte Park, where a monument to the local hero of the independence war stands.
Trinidad
Until the mid-19th century, Trinidad was a major center for the sugar industry in Cuba. Since 1988, the city and the nearby Los Ingenios Valley have been part of the World Heritage.
The main attraction is Plaza Mayor, which evokes the colonial era. All significant museums are around Plaza Mayor. The buildings around the square date from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Characterized by terracotta roofs, the houses are painted in pastel colors, highlighting wooden elements in contrasting colors.
Overlooking the square is the Church of the Holy Trinity (Iglesia Parroquial de la Santísima Trinidad). Inside the church is an 18th-century Christ figure, „The Lord of the True Cross” (El Señor de la Vera Cruz), highly revered by locals.
The Guamuhaya Archaeological Museum (Museo de Arqueología Guamuhaya) is located on the east side of Plaza Mayor. The museum displays pre-Columbian and Spanish conquest-era artifacts.
Another famous building is the Cantero Palace, now the Municipal History Museum (Museo de Historia Municipal). It’s decorated in neoclassical style, with original frescoes in the entrance hall.
Playa Ancón
Located 12 km from Trinidad, this beach area extends along a peninsula into the sea.
Unlike Varadero, it’s a quiet beach with white sands, palm trees, and turquoise waters.
Cienfuegos
Known as „La Perla del Sur” (The Pearl of the South), it was founded by the French, not the Spanish.
Cienfuegos retains its colonial charm and elegance with beautiful buildings, palaces, and castles.
The main square is Parque Martí, also known as Parque Central, where you can admire a statue of José Martí and six other busts. An arch was erected to honor the heroes of the Cuban revolution of 1902.
Baracoa
Christopher Columbus first landed here in 1492. It was also the first city founded by the Spanish in 1512, led by Diego Velázquez.
Less touched compared to other tourist destinations, as a connecting road was built only in the latter half of the 20th century. Many say the real Cuba can be found here.
Nearby is El Yunque mountain, a popular hiking destination. However, national parks, waterfalls, and mountain trails are only accessible with a local guide.
One of the most popular routes is the Boca de Yumuri tour. During this, you can learn about cocoa production and visit the Yumuri Gorge.
Maria la Gorda
One of Cuba’s favorite diving paradises.
Experts consider the seabed of Maria La Gorda to be among the top ten in Latin America. The underwater world is rich with stunning corals.
Ciénaga de Zapata
An important ecological area on the Zapata Peninsula. Dense mangrove forests in this marshland are home to a variety of birds. The tocororo, Cuba’s national bird, is the most notable.
There’s also a crocodile breeding site where you can even taste crocodile meat.
Santa Clara
Ernesto „Che” Guevara fought his final battle against the Batista regime here. The city’s capture by Guevara signaled the victory of the revolution in 1959, commemorated by an exhibition train.
The main attraction is the Che Guevara Museum, which showcases his life and his famous diary. There’s also a mausoleum and a monument in his honor.
Cayo Largo
An island off Cuba’s southern coast, where beaching, snorkeling, and diving are the main activities.
The most popular beach is Playa Sirena, with several restaurants and bars available.
Another beautiful beach is Playa Paraiso, considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Cuba.
