20 Best Places to Visit in Cuba

Cuba is unlike anywhere else I’ve travelled.

What do you think of when you think of Cuba? Classic cars rolling past colourful colonial buildings, with the scent of cigars and the sound of salsa music filling the air? Yep, it’s exactly like that!

But it’s much more than just that. Beyond Havana’s iconic streets, you’ll find layers of culture, history, and natural beauty that reveal themselves the longer you stay.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best places to visit in Cuba, you’re in luck.

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1. Havana

Havana is the kind of place where you’ll find something new around every corner. From the iconic 1950s cars to its colonial architecture, every street in Havana tells a story.

Old Havana sparkles with restored colonial buildings and lively street music. On my first day in the city, I wandered past Plaza de la Catedral and stumbled onto an impromptu salsa session. It felt so spontaneous and full of energy.

The Malecón, a long seawall along the Havana coastline, is a popular spot for sunset strolls. Locals gather here to socialise, dance, and enjoy ocean views.

I loved the vibe and energy there. You can sense the city’s spirit, especially when the sea breeze picks up and you hear laughter echoing along the promenade.

El Capitolio stands as a grand monument to Havana’s past and present. After a lengthy renovation, it’s now home to Cuba’s Parliament, and its striking facade reflects the city’s unique blend of influences.

The best time to explore Havana is during the winter months, from November to April, when the weather is mild. Though it’s also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

2. Viñales

Viñales feels like a breath of fresh air after the urban rhythm of Havana. The valley is wrapped in lush greenery, with tall limestone hills creating a dramatic backdrop.

I joined a small horseback tour and loved the slow pace, riding alongside tobacco fields while chatting with local farmers about their trade.

It’s rewarding to explore the area on foot too. You’ll come across dirt paths leading to hidden viewpoints and friendly folks who might invite you in to see how they roll cigars.

Enjoy the slow pace of life here and enjoy the scenery, with the striking “mogotes” (limestone hills) rising around you.

Cueva del Indio was another highlight for me. Exploring the cave with a headtorch and a guide is fun and exciting, and you can even take a boat ride along an underground river.

3. Trinidad

Trinidad is a charming colonial town known for its colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved architecture.

It feels like a step back in time, with a lively atmosphere that captures Cuba’s rich history and culture.

Plaza Mayor, the town’s main square, is surrounded by historic buildings and museums.

The Museo Romántico and Palacio Cantero offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Cuba’s colonial past.

For an evening of authentic Cuban music and dance, head to Casa de la Música. Here, you can enjoy live performances and even try a bit of salsa under the stars.

Just a short drive from Trinidad, Playa Ancón is one of the area’s most beautiful beaches. It’s a great spot to relax by the sea after exploring the town’s historic sites.

4. Varadero

Varadero is Cuba’s premier beach destination, famous for its pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters.

Varadero Beach stretches for miles, offering soft sand and warm water ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing.

Parque Josone, a tranquil park with gardens, lakes, and shaded pathways, is a lovely escape from the beach. You can rent paddle boats or simply enjoy a relaxing walk among the tropical flora.

Nearby, the Cueva de Saturno (Saturn Cave) is a hidden gem for those interested in cave swimming. This natural cave pool offers clear blue water and stalactites – a unique spot to cool off.

Spend a few days soaking up the sun and exploring the area’s natural attractions.

5. Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos, known as the “Pearl of the South,” is a coastal city celebrated for its French-inspired architecture and scenic waterfront.

Parque Martí, the city’s main square, is lined with elegant colonial buildings. Here, you’ll find the impressive Catedral de la Purísima Concepción and the stunning Palacio Ferrer, with its rooftop views over the square.

A visit to Palacio de Valle is a must. This unique building combines Gothic, Moorish, and Baroque styles, and its rooftop terrace is perfect for watching the sunset over the bay.

For a more immersive experience, take a boat tour of Cienfuegos Bay. You’ll get a new perspective on the city’s coastal beauty and learn about its maritime history.

6. Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba is a city rich in Afro-Cuban culture, music, and revolutionary history. It’s also the birthplace of Cuban son music.

Castillo del Morro, a 17th-century fortress overlooking the Caribbean Sea, provides stunning views and a fascinating look into Cuba’s colonial military history.

The Moncada Barracks, a key site in Cuba’s revolutionary history, now houses a museum detailing the events of the Cuban Revolution.

Calle Heredia, one of Santiago’s liveliest streets, is filled with music venues, cafes, and local culture. Spend an evening enjoying live music and soaking up the city’s unique spirit.

Visit Santiago in July if you can, when the city hosts Cuba’s largest Carnival celebration, bringing music, dance, and energy to every corner.

7. Camagüey

Camagüey charmed me with its winding alleys that seem to twist and turn on purpose. Locals say they were built to confuse pirates, and I certainly lost my way in the best possible sense.

Plaza San Juan de Dios is of the city’s best-loved squares, surrounded by colourful colonial buildings. It’s a wonderful place to sit and watch daily life unfold.

Parque Ignacio Agramonte, named after a Cuban independence hero, is another key spot. The surrounding architecture and local art galleries make it an interesting area for an afternoon stroll.

Camagüey has a thriving art scene, with many galleries showcasing local talent. Stop by these galleries to admire contemporary Cuban art and perhaps bring home a piece as a unique souvenir.

8. Baracoa

Baracoa feels like a secret tropical hideaway. It’s said to be Cuba’s oldest city, and its remote location rewards visitors with dramatic mountains, dense forests, and quiet beaches.

El Yunque Mountain, a flat-topped mountain just outside the city, is a popular hiking spot. Trails lead through dense forests and offer panoramic views of Baracoa’s lush landscape.

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to unique flora and fauna. A guided tour provides insights into the area’s biodiversity and local conservation efforts.

Baracoa is also known for its cacao farms. You can visit these farms to learn about traditional chocolate-making processes and sample fresh, locally made chocolate.

9. Cayo Coco

Cayo Coco is a tropical paradise island, with white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and colourful marine life.

Playa Los Flamencos is one of Cayo Coco’s most beautiful beaches, offering calm waters and soft sand. It’s an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and beach strolls.

The island’s clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and diving, with colourful coral reefs and thousands of tropical fish and other creatures just offshore.

Birdwatching is another popular activity, as Cayo Coco is home to flamingos, herons, and other native birds. Exploring the island’s trails offers a chance to spot these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

10. Santa Clara

Santa Clara is a city steeped in revolutionary history, most famously known for its connection to Che Guevara.

It’s a meaningful stop for anyone interested in Cuba’s revolutionary past.

The Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum is the city’s main attraction, housing Che’s remains and an extensive collection of his personal items.

This site offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of one of Cuba’s most iconic figures.

Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado, or Armoured Train Monument, commemorates the 1958 battle in which Che’s forces derailed an armoured train, a pivotal moment in the Cuban Revolution.

The site includes original train cars and exhibits on the battle.

Parque Vidal, Santa Clara’s main square, is a lively spot where locals gather to socialise. It’s a great place to relax and observe everyday life in the city.

11. Holguín

Holguín, known as the “City of Parks,” offers scenic viewpoints, lush green spaces, and nearby beaches.

Loma de la Cruz is a popular viewpoint accessible by climbing over 450 steps. The effort is rewarded with sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

Parque Calixto García is a central gathering place, surrounded by shops, cafes, and colonial buildings.

Playa Esmeralda, a nearby beach with soft white sand and clear water, is ideal for a relaxing day by the sea. It’s one of Holguín’s hidden gems and a great escape from the city.

12. Cayo Largo del Sur

Cayo Largo del Sur is a peaceful island with pristine beaches and abundant marine life.

This tranquil spot is perfect for snorkelling, diving, or simply unwinding in a serene setting.

Playa Paraíso and Playa Sirena are the island’s main beaches, known for their crystal-clear water and soft sands.

Cayo Largo is a top diving destination. Its coral reefs are teeming with tropical fish.

The island is also home to nesting sea turtles, and you can sometimes spot these magnificent creatures during nesting season (April–October).

13. Matanzas

Matanzas, often called the “City of Bridges,” is known for its rich arts scene and scenic riverside setting.

Bellamar Caves are one of Matanzas’ top highlights, offering an underground wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites, and unique rock formations.

Parque Libertad is the heart of Matanzas, surrounded by historic buildings and cafes. It’s a lively spot to relax and enjoy the local vibe while admiring the city’s colonial architecture.

The riverside promenade is perfect for a peaceful stroll, offering views of the Yumuri River and the city’s bridges.

14. Isla de la Juventud

Isla de la Juventud, or the “Isle of Youth,” is a secluded island ideal for a quiet escape.

Punta del Este Caves contain ancient indigenous pictographs and other rock art, offering a glimpse into the island’s pre-Columbian history.

Playa Bibijagua, with its unusual black sand, is a tranquil beach perfect for a day of relaxation and swimming.

Presidio Modelo, a former prison where Fidel Castro was once held, now serves as a museum. This historic site offers insights into Cuba’s political past.

Access the island by boat or small plane from Havana, and enjoy its off-the-beaten-path charm.

15. Remedios

Remedios is an attractive colonial town best known for its vibrant “Las Parrandas” Christmas festival, one of Cuba’s oldest and most colourful celebrations.

The town’s central square, Plaza Martí, is lined with historic buildings and the beautiful Iglesia Mayor. This unique church features twin towers and stunning baroque details.

The Museo de la Música showcases Remedios’ rich musical heritage, with exhibits on traditional Cuban music and local instruments.

December is the best time to visit Remedios to experience the Parrandas festival, a celebration filled with fireworks, music, and elaborate floats.

16. Bayamo

Bayamo, one of Cuba’s oldest cities, played a pivotal role in the Cuban independence movement.

Parque Céspedes, the city’s main square, is a central gathering place surrounded by colonial buildings.

Casa Natal de Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the birthplace of the “Father of the Cuban Nation,” is now a museum dedicated to his life and Cuba’s fight for independence.

The museum provides an in-depth look at Bayamo’s revolutionary heritage.

17. Cayo Guillermo

Cayo Guillermo is a tranquil island that’s something of a hidden gem. With its stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters, it offers a peaceful retreat on Cuba’s northern coast.

Playa Pilar, one of Cuba’s most beautiful beaches, is the highlight of Cayo Guillermo. Its soft white sand and calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing by the sea.

The island is also a great destination for water sports, with opportunities for snorkelling and diving among colourful coral reefs. Its pristine waters provide excellent visibility.

Cayo Guillermo’s sand dunes are among the highest in the Caribbean, adding a uniqueness to the landscape.

18. Las Terrazas

Las Terrazas is an eco-village nestled in the mountains of the Sierra del Rosario, known for its focus on sustainable tourism and lush green landscapes.

The area is famous for its coffee plantations, where you can take guided tours to learn about traditional coffee production and enjoy freshly brewed Cuban coffee. It’s a treat for coffee lovers and a great way to experience the local culture.

Río San Juan, a natural swimming area with clear pools and small waterfalls, is perfect for a refreshing dip. Surrounded by forest, it’s a beautiful spot to relax and connect with nature.

For a bit of adventure, try the zip-lining tour over the village. This exhilarating activity offers a bird’s-eye view of Las Terrazas’ lush landscape and provides a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty.

19. Jardines de la Reina

Jardines de la Reina, or “Gardens of the Queen,” is a protected marine reserve off Cuba’s southern coast, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

This secluded archipelago is a top destination for diving and ecotourism.

The coral reefs here are among the healthiest in the Caribbean, with an abundance of colourful fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks.

Snorkelling is also popular, with shallow reefs allowing you to see a wide range of marine species. The clear, turquoise water makes it easy to spot the vibrant coral formations and tropical fish.

Jardines de la Reina is typically accessed through a dive tour operator, as the area is remote and visitation is regulated to preserve its ecosystem.

This exclusivity adds to its appeal for those seeking a pristine natural setting.

20. Playa Girón (Bay of Pigs)

Playa Girón, located on the Bay of Pigs, is known for its historical significance and beautiful underwater world.

The Museum of the Bay of Pigs provides insight into the failed 1961 invasion, offering exhibits on this pivotal moment in Cuban history. It’s a small but informative museum.

Playa Girón’s clear, shallow waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving, with coral reefs teeming with fish just a short distance from the shore. It’s one of Cuba’s top spots for accessible snorkelling.

In addition to snorkelling, the nearby Cueva de los Peces is a unique natural pool perfect for a swim. This freshwater cenote is surrounded by lush vegetation – it reminds me a bit of the cenotes of the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Every corner of Cuba, from the streets of Havana to the remote beaches of Cayo Guillermo, reveals a unique piece of the island’s character and history.

It’s a fascinating, beautiful country, full of life and soul. I’d love to go back to Cuba and spend more time there.

Check out some of my other posts on Cuba and let me help you plan an unforgettable trip!

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