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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Cuba

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50 Best Things to Do in Cuba + MAP with Attractions

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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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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Cuba

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

Popular Cities in Cuba

What travellers are saying

• Varadero Beach
• Jardines De La Reina
• Bay of Pigs
• Guardalavaca Beach
• Discover Vinales
• Travel in the Eastern Cuba
• Playa Paraiso
• Valle de Vinales
• Havacubvision
• Cubaoutings
• Free Walking Tour Havana

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

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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 2938 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 999 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 3483 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.

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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The 11 best things to do in Cuba

From blissful beaches to underground clubs (literally) check out our guide to the finest stuff to see and do in Cuba

Trying to keep a list of the best stuff to see and do in Cuba down to just 11 options is a pretty darn impossible task – but here at Time Out we’re nothing if not ambitious. This island remains something of a mystery to plenty of even the most seasoned travelers: despite being just 90 miles from the US , Cuba’s classic cars, pastoral living and natural beauty is still somewhat unexplored by foreign nationals.

A trip to Cuba is very much like stepping into an alternative present; this island’s defiant independence has fashioned it into one of the world’s most distinctive destinations. Stubbornly characterful in the face of global commercialism, in Cuba you’ll find lip-smackingly marvelous restaurants, drop-dead gorgeous architecture, unspoiled beaches and much more. Here are our essential highlights.

RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cuba 🛏 The best Airbnbs in Havana

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The best things to do in Cuba

1.  Playa Las Tumbas

What it is: A remote beach on the westernmost point of the island where you’ll rarely find anything other than palm trees, pure white sand, and crystal clear water. It sits at the very end of Peninsula de Guanahacabibes National Park, four to five hours from Havana. Nobody said having your own beach would be easy. Why go: Granted, there are more convenient, better-equipped beaches in Cuba. And many are beautiful. But none give you the feeling of having a slice of paradise to yourself like Las Tumbas. The drive might be long, but it’s an excellent way to see parts of the island most people don’t. So taking an overnight here is as much about the journey as the destination.

2.  Valle de Vinales

What it is: The Valle de Vinales tobacco plantation is a working plantation where they grow Cuba’s two most famous agricultural exports: Coffee and tobacco. It sits in the Unesco World Heritage Site of the Vinales Valley, where you can stroll the fields smoking a freshly-rolled cigar and sipping on Cuban coffee. Why go: It’s the freshest cigar you’ll ever smoke, and while not a big name like Paratagas or Romeo y Julieta, for the casual Cuban visitor the experience here is far better than at a cigar factory. It’s a popular stop on many tours, but even though it’s often crowded it’s still a fun place for pictures and an afternoon pick-me-up.

3.  Hemingway Museum

What it is : Finca la Vigia is Ernest Hemingway’s former home about ten miles outside Havana. It’s a sprawling estate on a hill with a swimming pool, Hemingway artifacts, and the Pilar, the author’s famous boat. The impressive home is also where he wrote The Old Man and the Sea and For Whom the Bell Tolls.

Why go: Is it touristy? Of course, it is, but it’s also among the best-preserved grand homes in the country, and there’s usually a Cuban band playing near the entrance with a full rum bar, of course. You’ll also hear clever anecdotes about Hemingway’s time here, like when he used to spy on Ava Gardner skinny dipping in the pool.

4.  Topes de Collantes National Park

What it is: A mountainous National Park about 25 minutes from Trinidad on the southern coast of the island. The park sits in the Sierra Escambray Mountains with short trails leading to underground caves, waterfalls, and hidden swimming holes.

Why go: Most American tourists don’t make it this far out into natural Cuba, and it’s the sort of tropical mountain scenery that is definitively Caribbean. It’s the perfect escape from the towns and cities, where you can hike a couple of miles and jump into a pristine pool under a waterfall.

5.  Drink a mojito somewhere in Havana

What it is: The quintessential Cuban drink that’s become ubiquitous in American bars made of rum, muddled mint, sugar and club soda. Hemingway made the ones at La Bodeguita del Medio famous, but sipping on one at the Hotel Nacional is the essence of 1950s celebrity. Or hit La Chanchullero , which many say makes the best in the city. Why go: It’s just one of those bucket list eating/drinking experiences everyone has, like getting a cheesesteak in Philly or wings in Buffalo.  And almost anywhere you go in Havana will make one better than any American cocktail bar because they use real sugar and not syrup.

6.  Finca Agroecologica El Paraiso

What it is: Finca Agroecologica El Paraiso is a small restaurant set atop a hill overlooking a vast agricultural valley with towering green mountains not far into the distance. Many of the U.S. government-approved tours take you here, so while you might not be alone you’ll definitely enjoy your lunch.

Why go: The food is literally farm-to-table, and in a country where great meals are few and far between this is an absolute must-visit. The setting is magnificent as most tables sit on a patio with stunning views of the countryside.

7.  Stroll the streets of Trinidad

What it is: A colorful colonial city of about 73,000 set near the Escambray Mountains. Trinidad is the best city in Cuba to see Spanish colonial architecture lining cobblestone streets, where the buildings are painted bright colors giving the feel of mountain villages one might find in Colombia or Ecuador. Why go: It might be the most photographed place in Cuba outside Havana, but that hasn’t ruined the small-town feel one bit. The people here are still unbelievably friendly, and while now they might ask you for a couple of dollars if you want to take their picture, they’ll still happily chat with you about anything you want to know about the town.

8.  Disco Ayala

What it is: This full-on dance club is 100 feet underground, where you’ll dance among stalactites, stalagmites, and giant video screens. It’s about a ten-minute walk up the hill from Trinidad, and admission includes a free drink. Why go: Even if you’re not big into dancing or nightlife it’s such a uniquely-surreal experience to go clubbing in a cave, Disco Ayala is worth a visit. And who knows, perhaps you’ll meet some fun-loving locals to give you an even better story.

9.  Tour Havana in a classic car

What it is: A trip through Habana Vieja and along the water in a bright pink convertible Cadillac or another of Cuba’s trademark classic cars. You won’t get much in the way of information over the roar of the engine and the wind in your hair. But education isn’t really the point.

Why go: It’s another ultra-touristy thing to do that’s absolutely worth the cliché. The photographs you’ll get from riding in a bright car through the classic architecture are uniquely Cuban. And when else will you get to ride around in a ’57 Chevy with the top down on a sunny day?

10.  Hit a live cabaret show

What it is: A complete time warp back to the nightclub variety shows of the 1950s, complete with elaborate carnival costumes, over-the-top singers, and full-production dance numbers. Why go: They say life on this island hasn’t changed much since the mid-twentieth century, and these old-style shows are the best example. The biggest show is at the famous Tropicana Club . Cabaret Le Parisien at the Hotel Nacional is a little more Moulin Rouge, but still a sight you’ll never see in America.  

Want to find the best food and drink in Cuba?

The 21 best restaurants in Cuba

There’s been an explosion of paladares (home-run restaurants) building up a buzz around “nouveau Cuban” cuisine. Havana leads the charge, offering everything from fine dining in palatial old apartments to hipster tapas bars.

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Home » Travel Guides » The Caribbean » Cuba » 15 Best Things to Do in Cuba

15 Best Things to Do in Cuba

The so-called Pearl of the Antilles and the largest island in the entire Caribbean Sea, Cuba can seem a world apart from the refined paradisaical holidaying spots that surround it.

For one, its history is still very much alive.

Revolutions and communism are still fresh on the mind, and the museums showcase weapons that helped overthrow the government only decades ago.

The hills are still marked by the footprints of men like Che Guevara and Castro, while sugar plantations belie the colonial boom and dark tales of slave driving.

Then there’s historic Old Havana, bursting with age-stained Baroque builds and glorious palazzos, the sounds of lively jazz and cabaret after dark.

Meanwhile, Cadillacs unchanged from the 50s whizz by down pot-holed roads, and the locals erupt in ad hoc fiestas of dance, song and barbeque.

Check out this selection of the best things to do in Cuba :

1. Stroll the Havana Malecon

The Malecon of Havana is the Pearl of the Antilles writ small.

It’s a place where leather-faced locals puff cigars the size of plantains, where Cadillacs bounce and bump over the uneven roads, where gloved boxers spar with the tropical airs and street entertainers coalesce with lovers amidst the salty sea breezes that roll in from Florida and the Key West straits to the north.

A whopping 7 kilometers from beginning to end, this bustling promenade is a veritable symbol of the city.

It’s gained historical status and oozes with Baroque and Art Deco styles, is painted in hues of Cuban pink and yellow, and throbs with Spanish chatter and energy.

It’s simply not to be missed!

2. Wander the streets of Old Havana

Ah, La Habana Vieja: a little enclave of Spain in the Caribbean.

This UNESCO-attested district that occupies the heart of the capital of Cuba is unquestionably one of the most authentic and earthy places in the Americas.

The architecture is striking, with rows of peeling baroque townhouses and Andalusian-style arcades fringing the roadways.

The facades ae stained by age (and pollution), and hide tequila cantinas and soukous rumba bars below their hatches.

The squares, from central Plaza de Armas to Plaza de la Catedral, are adorned with gorgeous historical churches and neo-classical palaces.

And then there are the fortifications, dominated by a trio of Fortaleza that tower over the urban canals with bulwarks and cannon holes courtesy of the 17th and 18th centuries.

3. Wonder at the works in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Another of the great and unmissable institutions to make its home in the midst of the historic streets of La Habana Vieja, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is loaded to the brim with masterworks that chronicle the various artistic periods of the island and its people.

Visitors can come and see the psychological portraiture of Federico Beltrán Masses, the politically infused paintings of Guillermo Collazo, and modern sculpture works by the likes of Rita Longa.

Another branch of the institution nearby offers a host of worldly art, from ancient Greek vases to canvasses by El Greco and other Spanish masters.

4. Keep company with a national hero at the Che Guevara Mausoleum

Smack bang in the heart of the island, between the streets of pretty Santa Clara (the site of one of the most pivotal battles in the Cuban Revolution incidentally), the great marble mausoleum to unquestionably the country’s most iconic son stands tall and proud.

The final resting place of Che Guevara and 29 of his fellow revolutionaries is marked with a great bronze statue of the man, and also includes a fascinating selection of exhibits that showcase his gun, binoculars, water bottle, countless photos and various architectural artworks intended to mirror the character of the radical himself.

5. See raw 20th century history at the Museum of the Revolution

Housed in the gorgeous neo-classical Presidential Palace in the heart of historic Havana, the Museum of the Revolution is a definite must for any history loving traveler making their way to the Pearl of the Antilles.

The collections include raw and fascinating first-hand artifacts from the political upheavals of the 50s, like the guns used by Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, and even the very boat that brought Castro to Cuban shores during the Granma expedition in 1956. There are also exhibits dedicated to chronicling the country’s communist rebuilding in the 60s and 70s, along with sections that detail the independence wars against Spain.

6. Wonder at the bulwarks of mighty Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca

Far away from the city streets of Havana and the capital’s own UNESCO-attested fortresses, this mighty citadel crowns the rugged cliffs on the island’s south-eastern edge.

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

Today, the complex of turrets and palisades, cannon batteries and artillery platforms is not only a World Heritage Site, but is also considered one of the finest remnants of the great power struggles that engulfed Cuba and the Americas throughout the colonial age.

(You can just imagine the pirate ships sailing away in fear!)

7. Hike the wilds of the Sierra Maestra

The mighty Sierra Maestra are the great anchor of the Cuban arc.

Set in the deep southern reaches of the country, they cascade dramatically to the Caribbean Sea, rising in steep bulwarks and rocky promontories from Cape Cruz to the estuaries of the Guantanamo River.

However, beautiful as they are, these hills rose to fame primarily for the totemic revolutionaries who trod their ridges in the 50s: Che, Fidel Castro et al! Today, visitors can come and take anything from single to multi-day hikes into the peaks, spying out the old secret headquarters of the rebels or simply wondering at the verdant cloud forests and tropical birds of Parque Nacional Turquino.

There are plenty of trekking guides in the nearby city of Bayamo.

8. Join the Fiesta de la Cubania in Bayamo

Those pining for a bona fide Cuban fiesta should be sure to make a beeline for the aged town of Bayamo in the far-flung reaches of Oriente.

Here, between the sun-splashed streets and the gorgeous historic and colonial facades (the town actually pre-dates Havana, with a foundation around 1513!), the Fiesta de la Cubani erupts each week.

Visitors can expect Cuban dancers and Caribbean tunes played on wobbly honkytonks, taste fiery island dishes and chat to the mountain folk of the south.

Bayamo is also known for its accomplished chess players – so think twice before you settle down for a game with the locals!

9. Kick-back in Varadero

When the revolutionary history and the tooting traffic lines of Buicks and Cadillacs get just a little too much, it’s time to remember that Cuba is still a Caribbean paradise.

And for that, there’s perhaps nowhere better than the narrow spit of sand, dunes and uber-luxurious hotel resorts that is Varadero.

Jutting out of the north coast just east of Matanzas, along the edge of the Hicacos Peninsula, this patchwork of banyan trees and palms, ivory-white sand and lapping Carib swells is a top choice for kicking-back and relaxing.

Expect cocktails on the beach and oodles of tourist markets touting those ubiquitous reggae trinkets.

10. Enjoy cabaret at the Tropicana Club

Under the sparkling Caribbean stars, between the streets of Marianao on the western side of Havana, the nightly cabaret shows of the Tropicana Club have been going on since the 1930s.

Now a mainstay of the capital’s nightlife, the joint might not be cheap (entry is around $60!) but it’s known right across the planet for its bombastic dance shows and music nights, complete with showgirls clad in plumes of peacock feathers and shiny sequins.

Tropicana is also known for its onetime reputation as a hangout of the Floridian La Cosa Nostr.

11. See the haunting graves in the Colon Cemetery

One of the more off-the-beaten-track things to see in the capital of Havana, the Colon Cemetery is a work of art in itself.

Packed to bursting with elaborate Gothic tombs and grand sculptures, it’s right up there with Paris’ Père Lachaise and Buenos Aires’ La Recoleta.

The site is located just to the west of the historic heart of the city, demarked by one elaborate frontal gate designed by Calixto Arellano de Loira y Cardoso.

At the heart of the cemetery stands the main chapel, painted in gleaming ivory hues and topped with gorgeous terracotta domes, while the graves span out in sections on all sides.

The famous interred include the filmmaker Beatriz Azurduy Palacios, the poet José Lima and José Miguel Gómez, Cuba’s onetime president.

12. Wallow in the Spanish vibes of Trinidad

The lethargic little town of Trinidad is one of the veritable jewels of Cuba’s south coast.

Founded way back in 1514, it’s retained an authentic Spanish charm like few other towns in the Caribbean.

The roadways are lined with tiny pueblo cottages, each painted a different ice-cream hue and half-baked in their adobe shells under the sun.

The central plaza is shrouded by the Baroque tops of the Iglesia y Convento – a church that looks plucked from the hill towns of Andalusia (or, at least it would if it weren’t for the tropical jungles and peaks of the Sierra del Escambray in the distance). Simply wandering the cobbles, flitting between the old homes and palm-dotted Plaza Mayor, is an experience in itself!

13. Tour the Valle de los Ingenios

Once you’re done gawping at the glorious colonial edifices of pretty Trinidad, then be sure to make a beeline for the UNESCO-attested reaches of the Valle de los Ingenios (the Valley of Sugar Mills). Actually a trio of three valleys, the region was once the industrial powerhouse of the nation.

An estimated 30,000 slaves would have tilled the lands, harvesting the sugarcane each season in the countless mill houses and plantations that peppered the fields.

Today, travelers can ride the Baldwin Locomotive steam train through the area, climb leaning slave towers for panoramic views, and unravel the dark history of slave ownership at the Manaca Iznaga Estate.

14. Have a morning swim on Cayo Coco

Okay, so it doesn’t have to be a morning swim, but when the beating sun rises and casts its pearly light across the turquoise bays and lagoons here, the sight is simply to die for! Yes, Caya Coco is touristic to the T, but there’s a reason for that.

Think cotton-white sands and warm shallows, the occasional school of multi-coloured fish whizzing underfoot.

Think all the fabled beauties of the Jardines del Rey, and the pink-hued outlines of the local flamingos for company in the water.

Think sprawling luxury resorts with beachside infinity pools and manicured gardens of palm and fig and orchid.

15 Best Things to Do in Cuba:

• Stroll the Havana Malecon
• Wander the streets of Old Havana
• Wonder at the works in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
• Keep company with a national hero at the Che Guevara Mausoleum
• See raw 20th century history at the Museum of the Revolution
• Wonder at the bulwarks of mighty Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca
• Hike the wilds of the Sierra Maestra
• Join the Fiesta de la Cubania in Bayamo
• Kick-back in Varadero
• Enjoy cabaret at the Tropicana Club
• See the haunting graves in the Colon Cemetery
• Wallow in the Spanish vibes of Trinidad
• Tour the Valle de los Ingenios
• Have a morning swim on Cayo Coco

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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25 Best Things To Do in Cuba: A Local’s Ultimate Guide for Travelers [2024]

Cuba is so much more than just beaches, resorts, and vintage cars. The largest island in the Caribbean offers travelers so much more than just its stereotypes would imply , leaving the travelers that get to know it well ready to plan a return visit ASAP.

As locals, we’ve had the pleasure of exploring all the best places to visit in Cuba and having some of the most incredible travel experiences the island has to offer. Read on for our tips on the very best things to do in Cuba, whether you’re looking for an escape to the best beaches in Cuba or prefer a packed itinerary of cultural activities and events.

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

Best Time To Visit Cuba

There’s never a bad time to visit a Caribbean island that feels plucked from a postcard, as Cuba does! However, the best time to visit Cuba tends to be between December and May, when the skies are clear and the oceans warm and calm.

Cuba never feels packed with travelers, but these are the travel seasons to be aware of in Cuba:

• High Season:  December – March
• Shoulder Season : April – June, October – November
• Low Season : July – September

Keep in mind that Cuba sits within the Atlantic Hurricane Belt, and tropical conditions are possible during hurricane season, which lasts from June through November. Storms are rare, but wetter weather is common during these months.

Looking for even more details and a month-to-month breakdown of weather and travel conditions in Cuba? Check out our detailed guide to the best times to visit Cuba for all this and more.

Best Things To Do in Cuba

Looking for a quick few recommendations as you plan your Cuba itinerary? These are the experiences we, as locals, genuinely think you can’t skip as you plan your trip:

• Explore Old Havana
• Visit a tobacco farm in the Viñales Valley
• Hit the beach in Varadero
• Explore historic Trinidad
• Go diving in Jardines de la Reina

Read on for even more details about all the best things to do in Cuba during your stay, ranging from the most adventurous to the most relaxing!

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

Things To Do in Cuba

1. explore old havana.

There is no more fascinating area of Havana than its oldest neighborhood, Old Havana , home to beautiful but faded historic architecture, museums, cultural centers, fortresses, and grand plazas.

Unlike the historic centers of other cities in the Caribbean, Old Havana is unique in that people actually live here, and you’ll see real life happening around you as you walk the streets: children rushing to classes in their uniforms, fruit and vegetable markets, street vendors selling pastries.

People live, work, and study here, sometimes in buildings that are historical and interesting to visitors but are in desperate need of repair. Visit in a respectful way, and always ask before taking pictures of people.

Read More: A Local’s Guide to Exploring Old Havana, Cuba

2. Hike El Yunque

El Yunque – which means the Anvil in English – is a unique tabletop mountain outside of Baracoa , Cuba that is mentioned even in Christopher Columbus’ diaries upon his first sightings of the island.

An important part of the “skyline” of the small, historic city of Baracoa, hiking El Yunque is one of the best hikes in Cuba , and a very popular excursion.

Not a technically challenging hike except for a short steep section before reaching the tabletop, the journey will take you through lush jungles, past waterfalls and swimming holes, and through small farms where local families have made businesses out of making (delicious!) homemade meals for hikers. It’s an excellent hike, worth traveling here for.

Plan a Trip to Baracoa, Cuba

• Baracoa, Cuba: Ultimate Travel Guide
• 12 Best Things To Do in Baracoa, Cuba

3. Try (Real!) Cuban Food

Don’t come to Cuba looking for a Cuban sandwich. Guess what? José had never even heard of a Cuban sandwich before getting to the U.S. This sandwich was created in southern Florida – whether Miami or Tampa is the true city of origin is a source of hot debate.

Don’t worry, there is plenty of delicious Cuban food here you’ll love. Here are some of the best dishes to try in Cuba.

• Arroz con Frijoles (rice and beans)
• Tostones (fried plantains)
• Ropa Vieja (shredded beef)
• Yuca con Mojo (yuca with garlicky sauce)
• Congris (rice and beans, mixed)
• Seafood dishes like shrimp, lobster, and arroz imperial (rice with seafood)

Note: Smart restaurant owners in Cuba have caught on to this whole “Cuban sandwich” thing , and now you can find a fair number of restaurants selling them. 

4. Dive with Sharks in Jardines de la Reina

If you’re looking for adventure travel rather than rest and relaxation, a visit to Jardines de la Reina is for you. Jardines de la Reina is known as one of the most pristine protected areas of the Caribbean Sea, home to unique corals, beautiful tropical fish, and countless sharks , some known to grow larger than anywhere else on Earth.

Diving with sharks is one of the most popular activities here, though experienced guides can also lead you to shark-free areas if you’d like a more relaxing dive . Wherever you plan to dive, be prepared for stunning underwater scenery with canyons, caves, and unique formations wherever you look.

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

5. Visit Fábrica de Arte Cubano

You can’t visit Havana without visiting Fábrica de Arte Cubano. This mixed-use arts and performance space is simultaneously a fine arts gallery, concert hall, nightclub, movie theater, and cultural space in one, with a pop-up shop, restaurant, and five unique bars thrown in for good measure.

Open from Thursdays through Sundays, this space has a rotating group of exhibits and performances – every night of the week is different. It has hosted international performers, local celebrities, and even Michelle Obama, and was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Greatest Places in the World .

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. 

6. Hike Pico Turquino

If you’re looking for an adventurous and unexpected excursion in Cuba, consider hiking Cuba’s highest peak: Pico Turquino. In the heart of the Sierra Maestra mountain range in southeast Cuba, expect lush jungles and stunning views to reward your efforts.

The hike is moderately strenuous and doesn’t require any special gear, acclimatization, or training, so as long as you’re reasonably fit and active, it’s well within your reach.

The summit also includes an optional visit to the Comandancia de la Plata, one of Cuba’s most important revolutionary sites. This was the location of the guerrilla camp used by Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and their band of revolutionaries, from which they launched the first attacks against the Cuban government that launched the Cuban Revolution.

Today, visitors on their way to the summit of the peak can visit the site of the evolutionary radio station, field hospital, barracks, and even Fidel’s private camp office. It’s a fascinating stop on the way up to the summit.

7. Stroll the Colonial Streets of Trinidad

As a historic city in Cuba filled with colonial architecture, Trinidad is overshadowed by Old Havana in the number of visitors but not in beauty. Trinidad is known for having the best-preserved and most extensive colonial center in the Caribbean. It’s a gem that far too few travelers in the Caribbean visit.

While specific sites in the historic center are worth seeing – particularly the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco de Asis with its stunning mountain views from the rooftop, there is a simple and special joy in exploring the historic city streets.

Much of the old town is pedestrian-only, making it perfect for strolling, exploring, and getting lost. It’s the very best thing to do in Trinidad , though there is enough here to keep you busy for at least three or four days easily.

Plan a Trip to Trinidad, Cuba

• Ultimate Travel Guide to Trinidad, Cuba
• 8 Best Day Trips from Trinidad, Cuba
• Where to Stay in Trinidad, Cuba

8. See the Mogotes in Viñales

More than just a great day trip escape from Havana, Viñales is a top place to visit in Cuba . I’ll be honest; when I visited for the first time, I fully expected it to be overrated – I was SO wrong.

Viñales is stunning; its limestone “mountains” called mogotes soaring up from otherwise flat ground make this valley look almost otherwordly, leaving a lasting impression. Visiting just to bask in the beauty is more than enough of a reason.

However, Vinales also has so much to see and do. Horseback ride through the valleys, visit tobacco plantations, learn about the art of making cigars, and explore caves with underground lakes and rivers.

Plan a Trip to Viñales

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

9. Soak Up the Sun in Varadero

Cuba’s favorite beach getaway, both for international travelers and Cubans, is Varadero .

The convenience of Varadero – just two hours east of Havana – and its bevy of restaurants, bars, rental apartments and houses, and resorts – makes it a great, easy spot to enjoy one of the world’s best stretches of white sand.

Varadero is by no means off the beaten path, so if you’re looking for a hidden gem, consider Cayo Jutias near Viñales, Cayo Saetia in Holguin , or the beaches near Playa Girón. However, if you’re looking for some rest and relaxation, clear waters, and white sand, Varadero awaits.

Plan a Trip to Varadero

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

10. Visit Cuba’s Pristine Cayos

Some of Cuba’s most popular destinations aren’t actually on the Cuban mainland – they’re the tiny cays (cayos) that rim most of the island , sitting just offshore. While each cay is unique, t hey’re generally known for having Cuba’s most famous and luxurious resorts and are home to the island’s best beaches.

These are some of the most popular cays for visitors to Cuba:

• Cayo Coco: Located off Cuba’s north central shore, Cayo Coco is famous for its white sand beaches and stunning resorts.
• Cayo Guillermo : Connected to Cayo Coco by a causeway, Cayo Guillermo has more family-friendly resorts and similarly stunning beaches.
• Cayo Santa Maria: This is the new resort hotspot in Cuba. Cayo Santa Maria has stunning beaches and an increasingly impressive number of beautiful places to stay.
• Cayo Jutias : This natural, rugged cay near Viñales has stunning beaches but no accommodations. Cayo Jutias and nearby Cayo Levisa are some of the most popular day trips from Vinales.
• Cayo Largo del Sur : One of the most distant cays, Cayo Largo is known for having three of Cuba’s most beautiful beaches. This cay sits to the east of Isla de la Juventud and south of the mainland. 

A Guide to Cuba’s Cays

• Cayo Largo del Sur: Best Beaches in Cuba?
• Cayo Santa Maria: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• Cayo Guillermo: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

11. Stay in a Casa Particular

Before renting on Airbnb became a popular way to travel, Cuba did it first.

Called “casas particulares,” these “private homes” have long been the best place to stay in Cuba. Just like on Airbnb, you can find everything from a spare bedroom to a sprawling mansion with a private pool for rent – often significantly cheaper than the prices of a hotel.

The best part? You’ll often get a much more local, authentic experience than you would in a hotel. You’re also supporting local Cubans , many of whom make their livelihoods with these rentals. 

Check out our guides to some of Cuba’s best casas particulares here:

• Best Casas Particulares in Old Havana
• Best Casas Particulares in Vedado, Havana
• Best Casas Particulares in Viñales
• Best Casas Particulares in Holguin

12. Ride in a Vintage American Car

Would it be a trip to Cuba without taking a ride in a vintage car? While you’ll see vintage cars everywhere you look, the most impressive convertible models are usually used for giving car tours of the country’s major cities. 

If you’re planning on  taking a ride in a vintage American car  while in Havana, I recommend making this one of the first things you do in Havana. These rides are a great introduction to the city, and will take you around to some of the city’s most impressive spots, like the Plaza de la Revolución and along the Malecón.

You can  book online ahead of time , which saves you cash you’d need to carry to Cuba, and the hassle of negotiating a price with a driver. I’d certainly recommend booking ahead of time!

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.

13. Walk in Ernest Hemingway’s Shoes

Cuba is famous for being a second home to Ernest Hemingway, and the inspiration for much of his work.  Today, visitors to Havana can take a  guided Hemingway tour , or follow in his footsteps by visiting some of his favorite spots around Cuba:

• El Floridita: This famous Old Havana bar memorializes Hemingway with a large bronze statue at the bar; he was known to down several at a time at this very corner of the bar.
• Cayo Guillermo: This beautiful cay along Cuba’s north coast inspired the writer’s posthumous novel, Islands in the Steam . On the bridge onto Cayo Guillermo , you’ll see a Hemingway statue welcoming visitors, and the island’s most beautiful beach – Playa Pilar – is named after his yacht.
• Hotel Ambos Mundos: This Old Havana hotel  was Hemingway’s home away from home before he purchased his estate outside Havana. Today visitors can check out the small museum in this Old Havana hotel dedicated to the author in room 511, where Hemingway stayed.
• Casa Vigía: Hemingway’s estate outside of Havana is a popular destination and an easy spot to visit from the city. It is kept in much of its state in which the writer left it, with countless personal items on display. 

14. Hike Waterfalls in Topes de Collantes

Cuba is filled with fantastic places to get off the beaten path and hike through the stunning interior of the country. One of the best spots to explore on foot is the stunning Topes de Collantes area in the Escambray mountains just west of Trinidad .

Home to countless waterfall hikes like El Nicho, Salto de Caburní, and Vegas Grande, this is a great place to escape for a day trip to an impressive natural spot.

Make sure to bring your bathing suit – swimming beneath the waterfalls is highly encouraged!

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.

15. Explore Cuba’s Caves

A surprising number of destinations in Cuba are well known for having impressive caves systems, which make for unique day trips, and a great excursion to cool off on a hot day.

Among the mogotes of Viñales, you’ll find countless caves. A particularly impressive example is the Cueva del Indio, an important site for the indigenous peoples who lived in the area. While there are plenty of caves worth visiting in Vinales, this one is interesting in that you can take a speedboat inside the underground river in the cave for quite a distance.

From Varadero , you can plan an excursion to the Cueva de Saturnio or Cueva de Bellamar , both quite close to central Varadero and easily visited in a day trip. You can even swim here!

16. Take in the View from the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca

Located in Santiago de Cuba , the island’s eastern capital and second-largest city, the historic Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca is an impressive Spanish fortress you can’t skip. It’s lauded by  UNESCO  as “the most complete, best-preserved example of Spanish-American military architecture.” 

A visit to the fortress is impressive, but the view over the ocean, bay, and surrounding beaches is another highlight that makes the visit even more scenic. 

Read More: Santiago de Cuba: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

17. Take a Free Walking Tour

How could you get any better than free? Civitatis is an excellent tour company from Spain that offers free walking tours in cities around Cuba. Experienced, thorough guides lead these tours , so make sure to tip if you enjoy the tour!

Here are some of the most popular free tours in Cuba:

• Old Havana Free Walking Tour
• Modern Havana (Vedado) Free Walking Tour
• Viñales Free Walking Tour
• Trinidad Free Walking Tour

18. Visit the Countryside

A visit to Cuba just doesn’t feel complete if you stick to the major cities and coastal resort towns. Though these places have so much to offer, a visit to the countryside offers a whole new perspective on Cuba.

In Havana, you’ll find excursions to nearby farms for home cooking and to learn about Cuban agriculture – take advantage of these and prepare for the best Cuban food you’ll ever try. You’ll also find unique accommodations in the countryside where you’ll be immersed; we love MogoteArt if you’re looking for a countryside retreat.

One of the most accessible spots for visitors to visit in the Cuban countryside is Viñales . Though you’ll see that the town of Viñales has a fair amount of resources and business to cater to travelers visiting the national park, it’s an easily accessible countryside town well worth visiting.

19. Learn to Dance Salsa

Cuba is, of course, the best place to learn how to dance salsa. You’ll find dance schools in most cities in Cuba, and lessons are a popular activity no matter where you’re traveling.

I don’t have specific class recommendations for all cities in Cuba. However, if you’re traveling in Havana,  Civitatis has excellent salsa classes  I recommend for travelers on a quick  Havana itinerary .

If you want more than just a single class or want to learn the bachata, rumba, or countless other dance styles,  look into options for a series of classes at the much-loved  Salsabor  dance school in Havana.

20. Enjoy a Havana Sunset on the Malecón

There is nothing like a Havana sunset. The colors are spectacular, and watching the sunset seated on top of Havana’s famous Malecón sea wall is one of the best free things to do in Havana .

If you’re looking for another beautiful spot to watch the sunset in Havana, take a bus or taxi through the tunnel across the Havana harbor and to the Cristo de la Habana. Alternatively, take the Lanchita de Regla ferry across the harbor to the hill below the statue. The ferry costs just a few pesos and departs from Old Havana , at the dock across from the Russian Orthodox Church.

This Christ statue guards the Havana harbor, and its platform on the hill provides a spectacular spot overlooking Old Havana, the ocean, and the entire Malecón. This is our favorite spot to watch the sunset, so don’t tell too many others – we don’t want the secret getting out!

21. Drink Cuban Coffee

The famous Cuban coffee is strong, sweet espresso with a foamy top, a delicious treat you’ll be offered whenever visiting a Cuban home , maybe if you’re staying in a casa particular and meeting your host.

For true Cuban coffee, look for tiny local storefronts where locals sell tiny cups of this strong coffee for a few pesos. This is how Cubans drink it , and trying Cuban coffee is a must on any visit to Cuba.

Looking for the best places to drink coffee in Havana? Check out our guide to our favorite cafes in Havana and brunch spots in Havana .

22. Visit the Sierra del Rosario

The Sierra del Rosario mountain range in the province of Pinar del Rio is a unique protected biosphere, home to endemic flora and fauna in the stunning and lush tropical forest that makes for an unforgettable trip.

Within the Sierra del Rosario you’ll find Soroa, a popular destination for hiking in Cuba , and home to a beautiful orchid garden and stunning waterfall hikes.

Just an hour from Havana, it’s a popular and easy day trip escape from the city. If you’re looking to spend a bit more time here than you’d be able to on a day trip from Havana, consider stopping on the way to an overnight in Viñales .

23. Learn About the Cuban Revolution

Just stepping foot in Cuba is a lesson in the Cuban Revolution; you’ll see revolutionary imagery everywhere, from billboards and posters to major monuments. However, learning more about the Revolution in some of these places is an excellent way to get even more of the backstory.

Museo de la Revolución

The former presidential palace is now the Museum of the Revolution, where you’ll learn so much about the history of the Revolution, plus personal artifacts and more. Behind the building, you’ll see cars driven by Fidel , and a replica of the boat he used to arrive in Cuba from exile in Mexico at the start of the Revolution.

Be aware that the exhibits are all in Spanish, so consider visiting with a guide, or downloading Google Translate with its image translation feature if you can’t understand Spanish.

Plaza de la Revolución

Located in the heart of Havana, the Plaza de la Revolución is where Fidel gave many of his famous speeches in front of the monument of Cuban independence leader José Martí. You’ll see images of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos (another important revolutionary) on the buildings facing the square.

This is an obligatory stop on any ride through Havana in a vintage American car, so you’re sure to visit if you plan to ride through the city in style.

Comandancia de la Plata

If you’re headed up Pico Turquino in the Sierra Maestra mountains, make sure to stop at Comandancia de la Plata, the guerrilla camp where Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and their band of revolutionaries camped out as they launched their first attacks.

You’ll see their field hospital, barracks, and more – it’s a fascinating stop.

The Mausoleum of Che Guevara

In the central Cuban city of Santa Clara, travelers can visit Che Guevara’s tomb, a major destination for those interested in the Revolution.

• 40 Fun Facts About Havana
• 50 Facts About Cuba (You Won’t Believe!)

24. Spot Unique Wildlife in Ciénaga de Zapata

One of the most unique natural spots in Cuba is Ciénaga de Zapata on the southern coast of Cuba. Known for being one of the country’s best areas to witness wildlife, Ciénaga de Zapata is home to over 900 species of plants and over  175 species of birds  (many of which are only found in Cuba – some are found only in this park!).

Here you’ll see the world’s smallest bird, flamingos, Cuban crocodiles, and much more – and there are some great hikes to see it all.

A trip to this part of Cuba – one of the best places to visit in Cuba ! – is perfect to combine with a trip to Playa Girón, where you can swim at off-the-beaten-path beaches and unique swimming holes similar to Mexico’s famous cenotes.

25. Dance the Night Away at the Tropicana

Havana’s Tropicana has been the stage for some of the most important and historic performances in Cuba, with everyone from Celia Cruz to Frank Sinatra, Joséphine Baker, and Nat King Cole gracing the stage.

For an unforgettable night in Havana, head to the Tropicana for a cabaret show with incredible live music, dancers with elaborate costumes, food, and drinks. It’s a great time, and you’ll feel the immense history of this cultural institution the second you step through the doors.

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.

30 fun things to do in Cuba on your vacation

January 13, 2022 | Posted in: Cuba

For many people, Cuba still speaks to the imagination: the old cars, the omnipresent history… The island definitely has a lot to offer.

Not convinced? Wondering what to do in Cuba? Here are… 30 fun things to do in Cuba on a holiday.  

30 fun things to do in Cuba

1. sea, sand, and so much more.

Located in the Jardines del Rey chain off Cuba’s central coast, the tropical island of Cayo Coco is popular and easily accessible by plane. From Havana to Cayo Coco, it's a little over an hour's flight. Beautiful white sand beaches and warm turquoise waters are the major attractions, but the island is also known as a natural reserve for marine birds.

One of the things to do in Cayo Coco Cuba is to go to the lagoon areas near the coast to see the large populations of flamingos. There are modern tourist amenities and sports facilities for those interested in diving and other water sports.

2. Have a Cigar

3. Get Lost in the Fifties

So join in the throng of vintage American cars to tour Havana, either by driving a rental yourself or by hiring a tour guide to drive you through the streets lined with beautiful, vintage colonial buildings and other sights. Either way, convertibles are recommended so you don’t miss a single detail. Check out this tour which takes you around Havana in a classic 1950s convertible.  

4. Learn the History of Cuban Sugar

A train trip to the Valley of the Sugar Mills provides some amazing scenery as well as an idea of the scope of the Trinidad area’s harvesting and processing capabilities. A hike in the Escambray mountains, followed by a cooling dip in the Caburni Waterfall makes for a relaxing afternoon.  

5. Enjoy a Spectacular Sunset

The contrast of the crashing waves on one side and some downright decadent buildings on the other, combined with the setting sun provides a great atmosphere in which to relax.  

6. Listen or Dance to Traditional Cuban Music

7. Visit a Fort/Prison/Museum in Santiago

Due to financing issues and a vicious attack by British privateer Henry Morgan, the fort wasn’t built until the early 1700s. By then the pirate threat had diminished, so the fort became a prison in the 1800s.

Today, the building houses a museum dedicated to the history of piracy in the area as well as a room depicting the battle that took place in the harbor in 1898 between the U.S. and Spanish naval forces. The fort provides a breathtaking vista of the Santiago coastline.

8. Visit Old Havana

The first stone fortification built in the Americas, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, is still the main attraction. The Museo de la Revolucion and Museum of Fine Arts are definitely not be missed for history buffs and art aficionados. To avoid missing some of the major sights in Habana Vieja, the best idea is to engage a tour guide and be ready to be awestruck.

This private tour with a local gets great reviews.

If you rather go on a group tour, this one comes highly recommended .  

9. Experience a Very Special Hotel

During the Cuban Missile Crisis in the 1960s, the Nacional served as the main base of operations for Fidel and Raul Castro, as well as another important member of the Castro government, Che Guevara. The beautiful look of the art deco architecture and the magnificent views are famous throughout Cuba.  

10. Party in a Cave

A night spent in Trinidad de Cuba is not complete without a visit to an underground club called Disco Ayala. In addition to music, dancing, and a very unique location, they provide live shows as well, including legendary fire dancers.  

11. Pretend to Be Ernest Hemingway

12. Check Out “The Other” Beach

13. Immerse Yourself in Cuban Works of Art

14. Learn About the Cuban Revolution

15. Pamper Yourself in a Seaside Resort

16. Take a Trip to the Theater

The front of the theater features symbolic marble sculptures by Giuseppe Moretti. This magnificent theater hosts a number of international events every year, as well as ballets.  

17. See How the Bay of Havana Was Secured

Currently, this picturesque piece of architecture is surrounded by a beautiful plaza that has some of the best views of the bay available. It's one of the must-see places in Cuba.  

18. Take a Hike

This is the area where the Revolutionary Army of Fidel Castro set up their headquarters which makes it one of the interesting places to visit in Cuba if you want to combine history with nature.  

19. See What the Locals are Eating

20. Pick Up Some New Dance Moves

21. Take a Load off at the Plaza

In the center of the Plaza is an amazing fountain, a re-creation of the original plaza fountain done by Italian sculptor Giorgio Massari which was destroyed by what was essentially an urban renewal project ordered by Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1952.  

22. Visit a Different Side of Cuba

Until the 1960s a boat was required to get to Baracoa, but now roads allow for vehicle traffic including buses. Lodgings are almost entirely “casas particulares”, a rough equivalent to a Bed & Breakfast.

The biggest products of the area are coffee, coconuts, and cacao, which each show up regularly in the local cuisine. Gorgeous Maguana Beach is one of the must-see attractions in Baracoa. This is definitely one of the more special places in Cuba to vacation.  

23. Enjoy Baseball Cuban Style

Like the U.S., Cuba loves baseball. Through the years, many Major Leaguers have come from this island country and visitors can enjoy professional ball games while sipping strong Cuban coffee. The game is the same and even the ballparks are MLB size.  

24. Grab a Cup At a Historic Plantation

Roughly a half day’s journey from Santiago de Cuba is Cafetal la Isabelica, one of the oldest coffee plantations in the New World. A lot of Cuban history has been made over a cup of coffee from this plantation and they still serve it up to this day.  

25. Enjoy the Art and Architecture of Classic Churches

If you're interested in learning more about the roots of Afro-Cuban religions, this 2-hour walking tour takes you to the homes of local believers, giving you unique insights in this part of Cuban culture.  

26. Take Part in a Different Kind of Cuban Revolution

27. Enjoy a Taste of France in the Caribbean

Visitors can explore the Punta Gorda Peninsula with its breathtaking 50s style homes, take a tour of the harbor, and much more. Just be sure to leave yourself time to wander around the historic city center as well.  

28. See The Site of One of the United States Biggest Political Catastrophes

29. Get a Preview of Cuba's Coming Economic Growth . . . While Enjoying a Cocktail

30. Get the Deal of a Lifetime on a Lobster Dinner

It is one of the quirky bonuses to a visit to Cuba, but the price for lobster, either at a fancy restaurant or at a casa particular, is incredibly low. A visitor could enjoy lobster for every meal, but of course, that would mean missing out on some of the other outstanding Cuban cuisines.  

And that's it! I hope this post gave you a good idea of what to do in Cuba. If you know of more fun activities in Cuba to try, please share them in the comments. Let's help each other plan a great trip!  

Don't forget travel insurance

Plan for the best, prepare for the worst. Travel insurance has you covered in case (part of) your trip gets canceled, you get sick or hurt abroad, and sometimes even when your electronics break or get stolen. I always make sure I'm covered every trip I go on.

Don't have travel insurance yet? Check out SafetyWing. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. Their customer support team is great and I can personally recommend them.  

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17 Best Things to Do in Cuba

The largest island in the Caribbean Sea, Cuba is a fascinating place to visit that boasts a rich history, heritage, and culture. Long shaped by communism, Castro, Che Guevara, and the Cold War, Cuba is now an increasingly popular destination with a rapidly expanding tourism industry.

Visitors to the island and its surrounding archipelagos will find beautiful beaches, breathtaking natural tourist attractions, crumbling forts, and gorgeous colonial towns. With iconic streetscapes full of pastel-colored buildings and classic old Cadillacs, Cuba’s capital of Havana is one of the most magical and atmospheric places and offers some of the best things to do in Cuba.

17. Punta Gorda, Cienfuegos

Home to gorgeous 1950s houses, the peninsula of Punta Gorda is one of the prettiest and most picturesque parts of Cienfuegos. Jutting out into the bay, the upscale neighborhood sports stunning seafront scenery, with fabulous views to be enjoyed over the surrounding sparkling waters.

It is most known, however, for the eclectic, elegant, and extravagant collection of palaces that line its waterfront. Built by wealthy Cubans, they lie amidst groves of gently waving palm trees, with the sky-blue Palacio Azul and magnificent Moorish style Palacio de Valle being the pick of the lot.

16. Colonial Camaguey

Set in the center of the country, Cuba’s third-largest city, Camaguey, boasts a heart-wrenchingly beautiful colonial centre. Rebuilt and redesigned as a maze to confuse attackers following the city’s sacking in the 17th century, its labyrinth of streets are a delight to explore.

Its pretty plazas and narrow winding streets are lined by charming pastel-colored buildings, with brilliant Baroque churches, excellent art galleries, and atmospheric restaurants and bars dotted about. It also exhibits astounding architecture, with colonial-era creations lying alongside more modern Art Deco and Art Nouveau edifices.

15. Alejandro de Humboldt National Park

Home to some of the most diverse, delightful, and dramatic landscapes in the Caribbean, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is a nature lover’s dream. Named after the famous German naturalist, explorer, and scientist who visited the island in 1800, the park lies in the far east of the country and protects some fantastic flora and fauna.

Within its mountainous confines, you can find pristine forests, mangroves, and lagoons, with flocks of brightly colored birds flitting overhead. Wandering along the scenic hiking trails that snake through the untouched wilderness is the best way to see its endemic species and astonishing ecosystems up close.

14. Varadero Beach

One of the most popular and picturesque beaches in Cuba, Varadero’s blindingly bright white sands and turquoise waters make for a spectacular sight. Lined by upmarket hotels, restaurants, and resorts, the 20-kilometre-long beach has everything you could want from a holiday destination, with fine dining, nightlife, and entertainment options on offer.

Besides this, there is also some great shopping to be had, as well as sailing, swimming, and scuba diving. While it’s quite touristy and can get crowded due to its proximity to Havana, Varadero Beach and its sumptuous sun, sea and sand is a slice of paradise that shouldn’t be missed out on.

13. El Nicho Waterfalls

Set amid the Sierra del Escambray mountains of Cienfuegos Province, El Nicho is a stunning series of waterfalls that lie along the Hanabanilla River. Hidden among dense undergrowth with mountains rearing in the background, the sparkling falls and glimmering pools below really do look a treat.

Due to the outstanding beauty, El Nicho makes for a popular day trip from the city of Cienfuegos, with the road and trail to the falls just as scenic. Once you arrive, you can bask in the divine views, swim in the cool pools, and snap photo after photo of the splendid scenery.

12. Presidio Modelo

Now a museum, a national monument, a school, and a research center, it’s somewhat ironic that Presidio Modelo was designed to be a ‘model prison’. Erected between 1926 and 1928 by Cuba’s former dictator, Gerardo Machado, its five circular blocks are set on Isla de la Juventud, the second-largest of Cuba’s islands.

Both Fidel Castro and his brother Raul were held here in squalid conditions alongside countless other prominent political prisoners until it was closed in 1967. Visiting the dilapidated and decaying site makes for an eerie yet interesting experience as you wander around the old cells and learn about the former inmates’ lives.

11. Bay of Pigs

Contrary to its great renown and historical importance, the Bay of Pigs is actually a small, scenic, and secluded inlet that lies along Cuba’s southern coastline. Famed around the world for the failed American-backed invasion of 1961, it is now a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, interesting historic sights, and superb snorkeling and scuba diving.

While both Playa Larga and Playa Giron are perfect for lounging lazily on the beach, there are a couple of museums and monuments worth checking out documenting the events surrounding the Bay of Pigs invasion.

10. Cayo Saetia Island

Connected to the mainland by a small bridge, Cayo Saetia is a lovely little island home to a national park of the same name. Located in Holguin Province in the southeast of Cuba, the former government game reserve now protects exotic animals, with camels, zebras, and ostriches spotted alongside water buffalo and deer.

Lined by secluded coves and hidden beaches, the cay is covered in grassy plains, lush forests, and intriguing swamps. Visitors to Cayo Saetia can stay at its one resort and take jeep safaris to the bush or beach. Catamaran and helicopter tours are only available from the resort town of Guardalavaca.

9. Classic American cars

Once one of the largest importers of American cars in the Americas, the Cuban Revolution of 1959 and the subsequent embargo and Cold War saw not a single screw or spare part cross the Florida Strait. As they were essential for everyday transportation, Cubans ingeniously kept their old cars running, repairing them with whatever they had on hand.

To this day, thousands of classic American cars can still be seen around the island. Taking a tour around Havana in one is a quintessential Cuban experience. These colorful vintage cars from the 40s and 50s make for some fabulous photos, and Havana’s stunning streetscapes just wouldn’t be the same without them.

8. Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca

Perched atop a rocky outcrop, Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca lies on the outskirts of Santiago de Cuba, overlooking and guarding the entrance to its bay. Completed in 1700 after decades of work, the imposing fortress and its large bulwarks and citadel were designed to protect the nearby city from pirates and freebooters.

From its towering walls and turrets, which are still dotted with age-old cannons looking out to sea, visitors can enjoy commanding views over the surrounding area. Now a popular tourist destination, Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca is widely considered to be one of the best and most well-preserved examples of Spanish-American military architecture in the Caribbean.

7. Havana’s Malecon

Stretching for seven kilometers along Havana’s gorgeous seafront, the Malecon is one of the city’s standout sights. Bustling with life, the busy promenade and boulevard passes several different neighborhoods. Delightful yet decaying old buildings and classic Cadillacs and Chevrolets are wherever you look.

A popular place to meet for locals and tourists, the Malecon has a magical and romantic air, particularly at sunset when its fading facades are bathed in the soft light. Housed in its charming Neoclassical and Art Deco buildings are lively bars and cafes, while fishermen, families, and street entertainers congregate along the waterfront.

6. Playa Paraiso

Surrounded by the shimmering waters of the Caribbean Sea, the small resort island of Cayo Largo del Sur is home to one of Cuba’s most spectacular sights: Playa Paraiso. Blessed with blindingly bright white sands and sparkling turquoise waters, it regularly features among the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Delightfully untouched and undeveloped, its sun-kissed sands are perfect for lounging on, with swimming and snorkeling to be enjoyed in its warm waters. In addition to its scattering of bars, restaurants, and hotels, visitors can also stop by the gorgeous Playa Sirena which lies nearby.

5. Trinidad Old Town

Set in Sancti Spiritus in central Cuba, the small city of Trinidad boasts one of the most popular, pleasant, and picturesque old towns in the country. Located just inland from the Caribbean coastline, with rolling hills lying all around, its mesmerizing mess of cobbled streets are lined by colorful colonial buildings, artisanal workshops, and Baroque churches.

Fascinating to explore, the historic center has a lively yet laidback feel, with salsa music ringing out from every corner. Besides basking in the ambience and visiting the handful of museums, visitors to Trinidad can take a trip to the nearby Playa Ancon and the mountains and waterfalls of the Sierra del Escambray.

4. Alejandro Robaina Tobacco Plantation

While Cuba is famed around the world for its cigars, it’s the Alejandro Robaina Tobacco Plantation that is considered to produce the best tobacco. Named after its former owner, who was dubbed the ‘Godfather of Cuban tobacco’, the plantation and its fertile fields lie in Pinar del Rio province in the extreme west of the island.

Visiting the scenic and secluded farm is a great way to learn everything there is to know about Cuba’s most famous export, with tours showing you how plants are cultivated and cigars produced. Before heading off, it’s worth buying some Vegas Robaina as a memento.

3. Viñales Valley

Nestled among the soaring Sierra de los Organos mountain range, the lush and fertile Vilanes Valley is home to some of Cuba’s most delightful and dramatic landscapes. Located in Pinar del Rio province, the valley’s picturesque farmland and national park are lovely to hike, cycle, or horseback ride around.

Cave exploring and rock climbing are also popular due to the magnificent mogote rock formations and limestone cliffs that dot the region. Interspersed among its charming countryside and numerous natural wonders are scenic and secluded villages and farms where visitors can stay.

2. Habana Vieja

The historic heart of Cuba’s capital, Habana Vieja – or ‘Old Havana’ – boasts lots of lovely architecture and is the center of life in the city. Founded all the way back in 1519 by the Spanish, Old Havana is a delight to the senses, with new sights, sounds, and smells wherever you go. While some parts are well-preserved and freshly painted, others feature fading facades and crumbling colonial buildings.

Dotted about are lots of interesting and impressive sights, with the superb Catedral de San Cristobal, the iconic National Capitol, and terrific Museum of the Revolution counting among its highlights.

In addition to this, its ancient streets and pretty plazas have plenty of atmospheric restaurants and bars for visitors to check out, as well as a number of imposing forts and fortifications.

1. Jardines del Rey

Home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country, the Jardines del Rey are a sublime string of islands that lie just off the northern coast of Cuba. Encompassing numerous cays and islands, the archipelago stretches over 200 kilometers in length, with sparkling waters and colorful coral reefs lying all around.

For the most part untouched and undeveloped, the islands are a very popular tourist destination due to their beautiful beaches, pristine nature, and abundant marine life. As they are home to the most hotels and resorts, as well as some of the most breathtaking beaches, both Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco attract the most visitors; even Ernest Hemingway once vacationed here!

Map of Things to Do in Cuba

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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Havana

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

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

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

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

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

See also: Where to Stay in Havana

1. Old Havana (Habana Vieja)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Those seeking to rest their weary feet should stop by the historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba , a World Heritage Site and a National Monument with a long list of glamorous former guests, including Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, and Marlon Brando.

It's easy to see why Plaza Vieja is one of the most popular places to visit in Havana. Set in the heart of Old Havana, this landmark square is lined by colorful buildings depicting a variety of architectural styles. Whether you're a fan of classic, Baroque, or Art Nouveau, you'll find something to love in this historic square, which dates to 1559.

Tourists love visiting this bustling plaza because it is packed with fun things to do. Enjoy a meal al fresco, grab a coffee in a café, enjoy the view from the Camera Obscura , or ogle the impressive stained-glass windows. Families and couples alike could spend hours here, and they do. Be sure to arrive hungry!

Once known as Plaza Nueva, which means New Square, Plaza Vieja (Old Square) has been recently revamped, becoming one of the most visited places in the city.

The Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square), formerly the Plaza Civica before the Revolution, is worth a brief stop due to its historical significance. During a 1998 visit to Cuba, Pope John Paul II celebrated mass in this famous square, and more than a million people have gathered here for Castro's speeches.

Overlooking the square is the José Martí Memorial with a 109-meter gray tower and white marble statue of the Cuban national hero. You can browse the small museum here or take the lift up the tower for panoramic city views.

Government buildings surround the square, including the Ministry of the Interior building adorned with the iconic image of Che Guevara.

Address: Paseo y Calle 39, Havana, Cuba

Travelers to Havana who have visited Washington, D.C. may do a double take when they see beautiful El Capitolio, inaugurated in 1929. Rising from the city skyline, this grand building is reminiscent of the American Capitol building, but it was the Panthéon in Paris, which reputedly inspired its distinctive cupola.

The structure displays a blend of neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles and was the seat of government until 1959, after the Cuban Revolution.

For a small fee, you can take a guided tour of the recently restored building, with headsets provided in the language of your choice. Highlights include the grand hallways, beautiful inlaid marble floors, and massive dome.

Atop the dome is a replica of the bronze sculpture Mercury, originally created by the 16th-century Florentine sculptor Giambologna. Below the dome is a replica of a 24-carat diamond. This reputedly marks the point from where all highway distances between Havana and other destinations in Cuba are measured.

El Capitolio remains a striking landmark for those wandering around Havana; its huge dome is visible from almost anywhere in the city.

Address: Paseo de Marti, (Prado) Havana, Cuba

Housed in a former presidential palace, the Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution) is worth seeing even if only from the outside. The old presidential palace was designed by the Belgian architect Paul Belau and was built in the early part of the 20th century in a sumptuous version of neoclassical architecture.

Those who do venture inside are treated to a multitude of displays on Cuba's struggle for independence, colored with a revolutionary spin. Of note are the life-size wax figures of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos.

Behind the museum is an interesting display of the yacht Granma. It was this boat that brought Fidel Castro and his gang to Cuba from Mexico. Also on display is a plane shot down during the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion.

Address: Calle Refugio 1, Havana, Cuba

A short drive from Havana's city center, Playas del Este is a long stretch of palm-fringed beach that runs for miles. This is a great alternative for travelers who are unable to visit the more remote beach resorts in other parts of Cuba.

Along Playas del Este sightseers will find hotels, restaurants, and all the regular tourist facilities. The beach is divided up into sections, with one of the best stretches at Santa Maria del Mar , a popular tourist spot. Another beautiful section and a locals' favorite is Guanabo , although this area offers fewer tourist services.

Spread across two buildings, Havana's Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts) is a must-see for art lovers.

The restored Palacio del Centro Asturiano, designed in the 1920s by Manuel Bustos, houses Art from European Masters and a collection of more than 600 works of Ancient Art, from the Egyptian to Roman ages.

Dating from 1959, the Rationalist-style Palacio de Bellas Artes building is dedicated to Cuban Art from the 17th century to the present day. Here, you can admire an impressive collection of paintings, prints, and sculptures. One of the highlights is the unique marble sculpture "Form, Space and Light" at the museum entrance.

The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sundays from 10am to 2pm.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Address: Trocadero Street e/Zulueta y Monserrate, Old Havana

Palacio del Centro Asturiano

Address: San Rafael, e/Zulueta y Monserrate, Old Havana

Calling all art lovers! If you're looking for some inspiration, this whimsical wonderland is one of the must-see places to visit in Cuba . Decorating a small village on the outskirts of Havana, Fusterlandia is a complex of three-dimensional neighborhood art and a rhapsody of color and creativity.

Local painter and sculptor José Fuster created this kaleidoscopic display of mosaics, sculptures, and paintings throughout the neighborhood to represent his life and art. Affectionately known as the "Picasso of the Caribbean," Fuster even decorated neighbors' homes and bus shelters.

Stroll through the streets to see the vibrant creations popping out of houses and public areas, then visit Fuster's home studio, and see where he creates this multi-hued feast for the eyes.

Considered by many to be the most beautiful street in Havana, the tree-lined Paseo del Prado bordering Old Havana deserves a leisurely stroll.

The terrazzo, marble benches, bronze lions, and iron lampposts impart the feel of a grand boulevard from a bygone era, and indeed the street was once home to some of Havana's wealthiest families.

Elegant old cinemas, mansions, and hotels from the 19th and 20th century line the street, many of which have been carefully restored. Highlights include the Hotel Sevilla , with its Moorish styling; the home of Dr Carlos Finlay, the man who discovered that mosquitoes spread yellow fever; and Havana's most famous wedding chapel, the Palacio de los Matrimonios .

The Paseo del Prado is a popular meeting place and people-watching spot at any time of day.

About a 15-minute walk from El Morro in the Parque Historico Militar , the huge Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana, also called the Castillo de San Carlos de la Cabana, sits atop La Cabana hill.

At the time of its construction in the 1770s, it was the largest fort the Spanish had ever built, as well as the most costly. Following the British occupation, the Spanish set about building this imposing fort, which dominates the entrance to the Bay of Havana.

La Cabana, as it is usually referred to, was used as a military prison during the Batista regime and later became the headquarters for Che Guevara following the Revolution.

Today, the fort houses a few museums. The most impressive is the Museo de Comandancia del Che , with the office of Che Guevara preserved as it was during his time here. Some of his personal items are also on display.

During the day, the fort offers splendid views over the city and the sea. And if you're looking for things to do in Havana at night, come here for the Ceremonia del Cañonazo, when actors clad in 19th-century costumes perform a cannon-firing ceremony at 9pm each evening.

Address: 4MW2+R5R, La Habana, Cuba

You might not expect to find one of the world's largest opera houses in the middle of the Caribbean, but the magnificent Gran Teatro de La Habana is just that.

Designed by Belgian architect, Paul Belau, the theater faces Parque Central and was built as part of a larger complex in 1915. Art aficionados will be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful Baroque façade, which features four stunning sculptures created by the master, Giuseppe Moretti.

Over the years, the Gran Teatro de La Habana has hosted a wide variety of performances by some of the most famous celebrities in the world. Today, the theater is home to Cuba's National Ballet and Opera.

Try to catch a performance while you're here to truly appreciate its grandeur and excellent acoustics. Guided tours are also available.

Address: Prado e/ San jose y San Rafael, Havana, Cuba

Hemingway fans should visit the small fishing village of Cojimar, about 20 minutes east of Havana by taxi. During the 1950s, Hemingway visited Cojimar often and made it the setting for his novel, The Old Man and the Sea. He also kept his boat the "Pilar" here, and could often be seen socializing with locals in the streets.

These days, tourists come here to visit the square named in his honor and see the statue of the famous scribe. Perhaps inspired by Hemingway's legacy, many artists from Havana and other parts of Cuba are drawn here.

About 16 kilometers east of Havana in the town of San Francisco de Paula, Finca La Vigia was the part-time residence of Ernest Hemingway for 20 years. He lived here between 1939 and 1959, despite all the turmoil in Cuba during that period.

Upon Hemingway's death, Finca La Vigia was turned into a museum, the Museo Hemingway . The house remains as Hemingway left it, with more than 8,000 books on display, as well as artwork, hunting trophies, the author's typewriter, and other personal belongings.

Visitors are not allowed inside, but it's possible to peek in through the windows, unless the house is closed up during rainy weather. You can also wander through the garden to see Hemingway's fishing boat, "Pilar," which he had kept in Cojimar. The garden is also home to a pet cemetery, the final resting place for some of his beloved cats.

The museum is open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Friday and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays. Admission is 125 CUP per person.

Address: 3P93+3WX, Finca Vigía Km. 12 ½, J Sosa, La Habana, Cuba

Lying to the west of Havana's historic city center, Miramar has traditionally been an upscale area. Today, it maintains this reputation with the addition of upper-end hotels and restaurants.

You can cruise the wide, tree-lined avenues here and admire the stately homes, some of which have become embassies and government offices after the original owners fled during the Revolution.

The main street in Miramar is Avenida 5 , with its Miami-style Art Deco mansions and grand homes. The Avenues are numbered; Avenida Primera (First Avenue) is closest to the ocean.

Another worthwhile tourist attraction in Miramar, other than the general ambiance of grandeur, is the Maqueta de La Habana with a scale model of the city.

Address: 5ta Ave y calle 112, Havana, Cuba

Near the impressive Universidad de La Habana (University of Havana), the Museo Napoleonico in Havana displays the private collection of Julio Lobo, who was a collector of all things Napoleon.

Lobo hired people to find and purchase Napoleonic mementos and memorabilia for his personal collection. When Lobo left Cuba in 1959, his collection was purchased by the Cuban government and is now housed in a beautiful building styled on a Florentine palace.

On display are personal items belonging to Napoleon, including one of his teeth and a lock of his hair. The Museo Napoleonico also contains Napoleon's death mask, a library of related topics, weaponry, and two portraits of the famous French military leader by Andrea Appiani and Antoine Gros.

In total, the collection contains more than 7,000 pieces. It is one of the finest collections of Napoleon artifacts outside of Europe.

Address: San Miguel 1159, Havana, Cuba

Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro , also known as El Morro, stands proudly at the entrance of the Bay of Havana in the Parque Historico Militar .

El Morro was built in the late 16th century and early 17th century to guard against the constant threat of pirate attacks. It was designed by Italian engineer, Giovanni Battista Antonelli and looks much the same as it did in the 17th century.

One of the main changes to the fort is the lighthouse. It was rebuilt several times and then finally replaced in the middle of the 19th century with a new lighthouse constructed of solid stone. Today, its original lamp still shines, and the fort is open to tourists. You can enjoy beautiful views over the ocean and the city of Havana from its upper reaches.

Address: 5J2V+34X, La Habana, Cuba

About 10 kilometers south of Havana, the Jardin Botanico Nacional encompasses 1,500 acres of botanical wonders from around the globe. The garden lies near Parque Lenin , a popular recreational area, and is divided into geographical zones.

You can hop aboard a train to enjoy an effortless two-hour tour through the gardens. Highlights of the park are the Jardin Japones (Japanese Garden) with a pond, waterfalls, and gazebos, and the Pabellones de Exposicion with cactuses and tropical plants. For a look at local flora, check out the Caribbean section, which contains about 3,500 species native to Cuba.

Address: Carretera del Rocio Km 3, Calabazar, Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, Cuba

Exploring Havana is one of the top things to do in Cuba. To truly soak up the history and culture of Havana, the best place to stay is in or close to Old Havana, with its historic buildings and cobbled plazas. Areas of Central Havana and the eastern end of the waterfront promenade called the Malecón are within walking distance to Old Havana, and also make a convenient base. Most of these hotels include breakfast but keep in mind that Havana hotels tend to be pricey, and a five-star hotel here would generally be rated much lower elsewhere. Here are some highly rated hotels in these convenient areas:

Luxury Hotels:

• Overlooking the Malecon and the ocean, a short taxi ride from Old Havana, the iconic Art Deco Hotel Nacional de Cuba is the grande dame of Havana hotels. Former guests include Hemingway, Winston Churchill, and Rita Hayworth.
• In a fantastic location right in the center of Havana, close to El Capitolio, the Museum of the Revolution, and Old Havana, the Iberostar Parque Central occupies a Spanish colonial-style building and an adjoining modern tower. You can enjoy beautiful views over the city from the rooftop pool.
• Also with a rooftop pool, Hotel Saratoga sits across the street from El Capitolio and is only a short walk from Old Havana highlights.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Steps from the Museum of Fine Arts, the historic Hotel Telegrafo overlooking Parque Central was a former press haunt. Its renovated guest rooms are large and comfortable, with high ceilings and huge windows.
• In the heart of Old Havana, the Baroque and Art Nouveau-style Hotel Raquel has an impressive stained-glass dome in the lobby and a beautiful rooftop garden.

Budget Hotels:

• Elegant colonial-style architecture and a convenient location opposite Parque Central are the best features of the historic Hotel Inglaterra , Cuba's oldest hotel.
• On a pedestrian-only street, a stone's throw from Plaza Vieja in Old Havana, Hotel Los Frailes has a great location and a quirky monastic theme.

Head to the Coast: Besides the rich history of Havana and Old Havana , the island of Cuba has more than 5,700 kilometers of picturesque coastline. Craving some beach time? Varadero , about a two-hour drive away, flaunts one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean , 20-kilometer-long Varadero Beach.

Cuban Culture: Drive south from here for about four hours to soak up the colonial history of World Heritage-listed Trinidad . From here, you can also take day trips to waterfalls; more beautiful beaches; and the lush Valle de Los Ingenios, another World Heritage site. On Cuba's southeastern side, Santiago de Cuba , is the country's second-largest city, with a rich Afro-Caribbean heritage.

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• 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.

Top 9 Things to Do in Cuba

Roberto Machado Noa / Getty Images

While Cuba is known for its historical architecture, vintage cars, and white sand beaches, adventure also awaits around every corner. Water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing are favorite visitor activities in this Caribbean destination . On land, you can explore caves, hike through tropical forests and up mountains, and bike all over the island. Then, engage in some culture and natural history while you're at it, with a trip to Old Havana, or a wildlife tour through a national park. This bucket-list destination offers something for everyone, complete with a look into the country's unique culture, history, and charm.

Visit Old Havana

xavierarnau / Getty Images

Walking the narrow streets of Old Havana makes you feel like you've stepped back in time, with its Baroque-style architecture and vintage cars. Consisting of four squares (Plaza Vieja, San Francisco Square, Plaza de la Catedral, and Plaza de Armas), this neighborhood boasts gothic cathedrals, culturally rich museums, streetside cafes, and authentic restaurants. Don't miss the Museum of the Revolution , once the site of a failed 1957 assassination attempt on Batista. The museum details the history of Cuba, complete with revolutionary costumes on display. El Capitolio, a replica of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C, is now the home of Cuba's parliament and worth a visit. And don't forget to have a mojito in the drink's birthplace, the famed restaurant bar, Bodeguita del Medio. 

See the Sea Turtles on Cayo Largo del Sur

anzeletti / Getty Images

Off the southern coast of Cuba sits the resort island of Cayo Largo del Sur, known for its long, white-sand beaches and sea turtle population. From April to September, the beaches of Cayo Largo become a nesting site for hundreds of sea turtles, including species like the Loggerhead Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle, and the Green Turtle. During the night, female sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs (sometimes even on hotel beaches), dig a nest to bury them, and then return to the sea. A visit to Centro de Rescate de Tortugas Marinas (the Sea Turtle Rescue Center) will educate you on the rescue efforts of the declining sea turtle population, as well as give you a sneak peek at their everyday efforts. The most popular activity to witness and take part in is the release of baby sea turtles to the sea.

Climb Pico Turquino

If you're looking to stretch your legs after a long plane ride, take a hike up Pico Turquino to take in the cloud forest's beauty. Encounter endangered animals along the way, as well as wild orchids and giant ferns. This mountain is the tallest peak on the island, with an elevation of 1,974 meters (6,476 feet) above sea level. The routes to the top take about two to three days to complete, depending on your fitness level and hiking speed. The preferred route at Santo Domingo (with the trailhead located at Alto de Naranjo) finishes at Las Cuevas and features a gradual ascent, showy views, and huts along the way. You can climb the mountain any time of the year, but for the best experience, go during the dry season of October through May, when the temperature and humidity are more moderate.

Surf the Coastline

Cuba isn't considered a popular surfing destination, as it has a short consistent swell window, with surf breaks found only at river mouths or on sharp, rocky reefs. Still, the most consistent surfing experience can be found along the country's eastern seaboard, where tropical lows create fickle swell from August through mid-November. Better conditions can be found on the north side of the island from December to March. The surf scene in Cuba is relatively small, but it is growing quickly, and often, you can have a "mysto" spot to yourself. Plus, the "underground" nature of the surf culture here gives it a "cool factor" that is tough to top.

Take a Cycling Tour

Linda L. Baker / Getty Images

Biking the island of Cuba offers a great way to explore the country's natural beauty, as bikes are a popular mode of transportation here, among both locals and foreign visitors. It's also a wonderful activity to do if you want to interact with the locals. Travel companies, like Canadian-based G Adventures , offer eight-day cycling itineraries that start in Havana and take you by sites like the Garden Province of Pinar del Río, the historic Cueva de los Portales (once used by Che Guevara), and pristine beaches on the Ancón peninsula coastline.

Explore a Cave

Cuba is home to several extensive cave systems , some of which are contained and protected inside national parks, like the 79 seaside caves in Caguanes National Park. Visitors who choose to explore these caves will see a unique side of Cuba that not everyone chooses to experience. The Viñales Valley has some of the best spelunking opportunities on the island, with Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás standing out for both its size (It's 46 kilometers long!) and its giant opening. Visitors are provided headlamps and are allowed to access the first kilometer of the cave on a guided tour that features bats, stalagmites and stalactites, underground pools, and a replica of an ancient indigenous mural.

Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

Cuba has a reputation as a snorkeling mecca, with its giant coral reefs and diverse array of sea life. The Bay of Pigs, once the infamous sight of a failed U.S. invasion, is now a park that contains the Caribbean’s largest wetland ecosystem. The most popular snorkeling spots are Playa Larga and Caleta Buena, known for their turquoise water, bright and colorful fish, and underwater caves.

If you want to go deeper, the scuba diving scene in Cuba is top-notch, as well. Don't miss the spectacular Jardines de la Reina, a remote archipelago in the southern part of the country that remains virtually untouched by humans. Plan well in advance if you'd like to sneak this dive onto your itinerary, as only one dive center, Avalon Cuban Diving Centers , has access to this sacred spot and only 1,200 people are allowed to visit in any given year, making a reservation hard to come by.

View Wildlife at Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, the famous Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt is a true paradise for wildlife lovers. Named after the famous explorer, Alexander von Humbolt, this park consists of the largest and best-conserved forested mountain ecosystem in the Caribbean. It is home to 16 species of endemic plants, as well as an array of parrots, hummingbirds, lizards, and the rare Cuban solenodon. Thickly forested and featuring numerous rivers, the park is known as the most humid place on the island. If you visit, dress appropriately and bring plenty of water, as hiking can be uncomfortable during the hottest days of the year.

Take a Sailing Adventure

Cuba has long been a sailing destination, dating back to the 15th century when the Spanish first arrived here. Today, that nautical tradition continues, with massive cruise ships making stops at the country's ports of call. For a truly adventurous sailing experience, leave the big ships behind, and charter a boat from one of the 20 marinas or nautical centers located around the island. Then, set out to explore the Cuban coastline, as well as some of the archipelago's cays and islets. If you prefer to leave the sailing details to someone else, book a trip with a tour company, like Dream Yacht Charter . Their fleet of catamarans will take you to Cuba's famed cities, in addition to white-sand beaches and remote snorkeling spots.

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42 Fantastic Things to do in Havana, Cuba

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: September 11, 2023

We’re showcasing the very best things to do in Havana, Cuba from two points of view. This Havana guide takes the best of two different trips to help you plan the best trip possible.

Many people only spend a day in Havana taking a tour from their all-inclusive hotels, but we highly recommend spending several days in this exciting city. When visiting Havana, you’ll probably be spending most of your time in Old Havana and Centro. But here are other places you will visit in Havana as well.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Havana, Cuba

Cuba is an amazing country. It has topped many a travelers’ bucket list, and the Cuba’s capital city of Havana is one of the most exciting places to visit in the Caribbean. Originally named San Cristóbal de la Habana in 1519 Havana has enticed travelers to experience its old cars, vibrant nightlife and historic city center. Read: 11 Fun Facts About Cuba You Never Knew

• Old Havana / La Habana Vieja – Classic car tours, Hemingway tours, nightlife and Havana Viejo
• Malecon – Waterfront, sunsets, views, and Grand Packard Hotel, Taxi Particular
• Vedado – Revolution Square, Hotel Nacional,
• Centro Havana – Great architecture, historic restaurants, Paseo Del Prado, photography tours
• Chinatown – Chinatown Gates,
• Downtown Havana – Capitol Building, Parque Central, Gran Teatro De La Habana, museums
• Casablanca – El Cristo, The Morrow, Che Guevera, Cuban Missle Crisis
• Cuban Culture and Music – Salsa, Cigars and Dancing
• Where to Stay in Havana – Iberostar Grand Packard, Casas Particular

Being cut off from America for decades has added to the appeal and attraction of Havana and it lives up to the hype! We have broken down the best things to do in these Havana neighborhoods to help you better understand the city. Now let’s take a look at more Havana attractions.

Old Havana / La Habana Vieja Neighborhood

The Old City of Havana, La Habana Vieja is filled with plazas and squares. La Habana Vieja is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is worth spending a day exploring each of the plazas of Old Havana. No motorized vehicles are allowed in this area and it is beautifully restored with cobblestone streets weaving through colonial buildings. Old Havana is a great place to start when looking for things to do in Havana.

1. Take a Classic Car Tour

When arriving in Havana one of the best things to do in Havana is to book a classic car tour to see all the major sites. These impeccable vintage cars are the best way to see Havana. Being isolated from the world due to the American Embargo, time has stood still since the 1950s when America left and left its old cars to the locals.

Havana’s classic cars make it one of the most unique destinations to visit in Latin America. We went on a with Cubatur and had fantastic guides to take us from our hotel at the Iberostar Grand Packard all around the city. Visitors will get an excellent introduction to Havana taking us through all the city’s neighborhoods and driving along the waterfront to Havana Harbour. It is definitely a bucket list ticket for anyone visiting Havana.

• Book your own 2-Hour Classic American Car Tour

2. Walking Tour of Old Havana

Our walking tour of the Old City with  CubaTur  took us around the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town where we explored all of the squares, the famous cafes, and churches. This tour will show you all the Old Havana points of interest so you can return in the coming days to explore further.

• Heading to Havana? Check out the best 20 Cuban Dishes to eat when you get there!

3. Mojito Mojito

Mojitos were invented in Cuba and are one of the island’s oldest cocktails. The recipe consists of white rum, (a lot of it in Havana cocktails), sugar (traditionally sugar cane), lime juice, soda water, and mint. We recommend the restaurant Mojito Mojito, we were told its claim to fame is that the Mojito was invented there!

4. El Floridita for Hemingway Daiquiri

One of my bucket list items when visiting Havana was to follow the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway spent much time in Havana and wrote many of his great novels including Old Man and the Sea while living outside the city.

He frequented many a bar in Havana and no place is more famous than El Floridita. He drank at El Floridita so often, there is a statue of him sitting at the end of the bar with his namesake on the bar. Walking from Parque Central towards Old Havana, you’ll easily spot El Floridita. It’s packed with tourists visiting on day trips, but head out later at night and you’ll be able to go in with less of a crowd.

5. La Bodeguita del Medio

Another Hemingway Bar is La Bodeguita del Medio. There is a note from Ernest Hemingway himself where he apparently wrote “My Mojito in La Bodeguita, My Daiquiri in El Floridita”

There are many spots in Havana Vieja to have cocktails and Hemingway frequented many. You can follow the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway on the Day in Hemingway tour where you’ll trace his life through the Hemingway Museum, Fina Vigía, his home from 1939 to 1960, Hotel Ambos Mundos, the village of Cojimar and his many drinking spots.

6. Los Van Van

Located in Old Havana, we loved the bar Los Van Van. It seemed that everyone else did too! We saw many of the same people night after night! The Mojitos were delicious and strong. (and yet there was no hangover) and the live music was outstanding and entertaining.

7. Plaza Vieja

Our favorite square in Havana, Plaza Vieja is a historic square dating back to the 16th century. Colorful colonial buildings surround the square that is alive with bustling activity. This is a great place for a frozen lemonade or cocktail to take a break from sightseeing.

8. Plaza de Armas

This is the oldest square in Havana has a lovely garden and a picturesque line of royal palms surrounding the white statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. He was the initiator of the Cuban independence movement.

The City Museum and the lovely book market in its center are also located at the Plaza de Armas.

When walking along the Plaza de Armas, be sure to look down when walking here, the cobblestone street is actually made of wood . It is said that the wooden walkway kept carriages quiet so the governor would not be disturbed.

9. Plaza De La Catedral

The Catedral de San Cristobal (also known as Catedral de la Habana) stands at the head of the Plaza de la Catedral. This photogenic square is lined with stone buildings and covered porticoes making for nice shaded walking within the square. The entire atmosphere will make you feel as if you have been transported to a city in Spain.

10. Plaza de San Francisco

Plaza San Francisco is yet another beautiful square to wander through in Havana. Located at the Havana Harbour, it is one of the first plazas in Havana welcoming ships arriving from Spain to trade in the West Indies. It houses an 18th-century basilica, the old Havana stock exchange, an imposing tower, and many cafés.

Malecon Neighborhood

The Malécon is a Five Mile Long waterfront Promenade stretching from Havana Viejo to Vedado.

11. El Malecon

El Malecon spans 5 miles (8km) all the way from Old Havana to the chic neighborhood of Miramar. You can walk the entire way! During sunset, it is very busy with locals going to relax after a day at work.

12. Sunset at Iberostar Grand Packard 6th Floor

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

13. Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta

El Malecon spans the waterfront, but the best place for sunset is at the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta. This old fortress dating back to 1590, juts out from the coastline offering full views of the waterfront of Havana and El Morrow across the bay.

14. Fabrica de arte cubano

The newest hippest hot spot in Cuba’s capital city is The Cuban Art Factory is open from Thursdays to Sundays from 8pm to 2 am. It is a multisensory display of art galleries, performance art, cultural center, and nightclub all in one.

Fabrica de Arte Cubano is a must for people wanting to immerse in Cuban culture. Its aim is to promote Cuban artists of all kinds from musicians, and and photographers to writers and film makers. The display changes weekly.

Vedado Neighborhood

Vedado is the residential neighborhood of Havana that houses ex-pats and has a much more upscale feel to it than Centro.

15. Hotel Nacional

Further along the Malecon, in the Vedado District is the historic Hotel Nacional. Dating back to 1930, it is a mammoth hotel that has seen celebrities and dignitaries grace its doors including Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Rita Hayworth. It is still a popular hotel and we suggest popping in for sunset on the terrace to listen to music while enjoying a mojito.

16. Revolution Square / Plaza de la Revolución

Also located in Vedado is the Plaza de la Revolución. Revolution Square is a must stop in Havana to see monument to the people and the facades of Che Guevara and The Ministry of Interior.

Plaza de la Revolución was here that Fidel Castro made many of his long-winded speeches to the people. We were told that thousands of people would sit for up to three hours in the heat listening to what he had to say.

Centro Havana

Centro is the perfect location in Havana for capturing those classic car photographs in front of crumbling

17. The architecture of Centro Havana

Our hotel was located right beside Centro Havana and we loved wandering the streets for amazing photography moments. The buildings are literally crumbling before our eyes.

We took a pedicab through Centro Havana to cover the distance quickly, but the joy of walking through here is getting lost in the streets. It is safe and people are friendly. When walking home at 3 am one evening the streets were alive people.

18. La Guarida for Dinner

La Guarida in Centro Havana is also a popular spot for sunset. It is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city with meals costing only around $40 per person. Made famous by the Academy Award-nominated movie Fresa Y Chocolate.

It’s not easy to find as it is on the third floor of an old mansion. When you are there, have one of their Pina Coladas, they claim to have the best in the city, and we can attest, they are tasty!

19. Paseo Del Prado

This walking street stretches from the Malecon to Parque Central and is a relaxing shaded walk. It also divides Havana Viejo with Central Havana. At night many locals will be hanging out dancing, listening to music or playing sports.

Downtown Havana

20. parque central.

It is probably the first place you’ll venture to in Havana. Parque Central is where everything happens. This is the spot where you’ll see all the old cars lined up waiting for tourists to take a taxi particular ride. Central Park is surrounded by grand hotels like the Iberostar Parque Central and The Kempinski.

26. Visit The Capitol Building (el Capitolio)

The Capitol Building is one of the best places to visit in Havana. Built-in 1926 – 1029 it is often compared to the United States Capitol building. And it’s true, it really does look like it.

27. Gran Teatro de La Habana

The Gran Teatro de la Habana (Grand Theatre of Havana) dates back to 1838. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Make sure to go inside and either see the Cuban National Ballet or take a tour to see the grand stage, and we recommend taking a walk downtown at night to see it lit up.

28. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Arguably one of the finest art galleries in the Caribbean, this is a must-visit for art lovers. This incredible museum houses international art from 500 AD onwards. The museum is now divided into two buildings, one is dedicated to Cuban art and another dedicated to art from around the world.

29. Museum of the Revolution

If you want to learn more about the Cuban Revolution, the Museo de la Revolucion (Revolution Museums in the 1950s, this is the place to go. Located in Old Havana, it is housed in the old Presidential Palace.

Chinatown in Havana

30. barrio chino – havana chinatown.

There is a Chinatown in Havana. But there are no Chinese people there. In fact, there once was a huge Chinese community in Cuba. What’s left today is just about 2 blocks of Chinese restaurants. Still interesting to see. I enjoyed it for sure.

Casablanca Neighborhood

Casablanca is located across the bay from Old Havana. here is where you’ll find the Fort El Morrow, Christo, and Che Guevera’s headquarters.

31. El Cristo de La Havana

Havana has its own Christ the Redeemer. It is second in size only to Rio. Take a taxi, a ferry, or a tour across the bay from to Casablanca Pier to see El Christo. This Christ of Havana stands 20 meters (66 ft) high and is located on an outcrop overlooking the city of Havana.

El Christo’s location offers excellent panoramic views of the Havana Skyline. It’s not far from El Morro, so you can stop here and then make your way to the fort for the nightly canon.

32. Visit the Morro

El Morro is the castle dating back to 1589. It’s Havana’s most prominent landmark and can be seen from the Malecon. Located across the bay, it offers some great views of the Havana skyline.

El Morro was initially built to protect Havana from pirates, in later years it was used to protect Cuba during the Spanish American War. You can tour the fort and explore the many guard boxes and tunnels.

33. el Cañonazo de las Nueve

Havana used to be surrounded by a city wall (much of it can still be seen today) and at 9 pm the canon was shot to warn people that the gates would be closing. Every night in the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña (aka La Cabaña), the ceremony of “el Cañonazo de las Nueve” takes place reenacting that tradition that dates back to 1774. El Morro Soldiers dress in traditional costumes and shoot the cannons at 9pm sharp.

34. Che Guevera’s Headquarters

Just across from El Christo statue is the headquarters of Che Guevara that you can tour the museum for about $6. This is where Ché Guevara held many meetings when planning his revolution.

35. Cuban Missile Crisis Relics

It was the beginning of the entire isolation of Cuba. The Soviet Union pointed missiles directly at America from Cuba. The missiles that have been moved from their original locations are now on display at the museum of La Cabana fortress in Havana.

Cuban Culture and Music

The joy of traveling to Havana is to enjoy the music and entertainment. Home to the Afro Cuban Allstars and incredible musicians, you’ll really be missing out if you don’t get out at night to enjoy live music and listen to the street performers by day.

36. Cuban Music

Cubans are very musical. At every corner in Havana Vieja, someone will be playing some great tunes. Most bars and restaurants in Havana also have live music, at just about any time. If you go into a restaurant for a drink, chances are a band will start playing.

• Note: They will come up to you to ask to buy one of their CDs. We bought one for as low as $5 and we spent $20 on a set of two another night. The prices range quite a bit. I suggest paying more around $5-10 tops.

37. Learn to Salsa

One of the best things to do in Havana is to dance. There are endless possibilities to go dancing in Cuba’s capital. Claudia took a salsa lesson in Havana and it made for good afternoon fun. There are several places to learn salsa in Havana, all you need to do is Google “Salsa Lessons Havana.”

Or you can do what we (Dave and Deb did) just go up and dance with the band, they’ll lead the way for you. The nightlife doesn’t stop in Havana and you can go bar hopping and dancing all night long. They even dance in the streets.

38. Cuban Cigars

Cuba  is so famous for its tobacco and cigars you must explore the culture of cigars even if you are not a smoker. Visit Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás (one of the oldest and most famous cigar factories and Cuba to learn how they are made and buy some souvenirs for friends.

• Did you know cigars are best kept in the fridge, on a wet cloth? When you take your cigars home from Cuba make them last this way. 

39. Bonus Tip: Try G uarapo

I find the heat exhausting and at times I need a good dose of sugar to recharge my batteries. Nothing beats Guarapo for this: it is pure sugarcane juice, freshly squeezed. Add some lime to cut the sweetness for a refreshing drink.

40. playas del este

If you are looking for a bit of beach time in Havana, Playas del Este is the closest beach town to Cuba’s capital city just 20 minutes out of town. This 6km long (4 miles) stretch of sand makes for the perfect escape. There are even a few tourist hotels if you want to spend the night.

Suggested Havana Tours

• A walking or driving tour is one of the best ways to get your bearings.   Get Your Guide  is a company we have used for city tours around the world and it is easy to book last-minute tours or cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Private Half-Day Tour of Havana  – Book a private walking tour, up to 6 people for your own introduction to Cuba’s capital.
• Havana City Tour  – A more affordable option is to join a group and take a city tour of Havana as you check out all the sights.
• Vinales Valley  – This 5-hour guided tour takes you out of Havana to visit a local tobacco factory, plantations, and a cruise the Cueva del Indio by boat.
• Tropicana Cabaret – Admission to the historic Tropicana Cabaret. Includes welcome drink, Cuban rum and more!

Getting Around Havana

When staying in the Old City or at the Iberostar, you really don’t need a lot of transportation, we could walk anywhere. But if we were going to a bar or restaurant that was a little out of the way, we took taxi particular. And you really must do this!

41. Take Taxi Particular

One of the best ways to get around Havana is to take a taxi particular. Taking a taxi particular is an excursion unto itself. You’ll have great conversations, make new friends and spend a fraction of the price of a tour. Taxi particular  (privately owned taxi) rides are shared taxi rides. Meaning that when you got in one, other people can also get in.

The old classic convertibles are the pride of the drivers and for just $5 or $6, they will take you to where you need to be. (within a reasonable distance)

42. Go on a Pedi Cab tour

We also hired pedicabs that were a lovely way to see the back streets. They charge about $6 (6 Cuban pesos) as well. This is a fun way to take a tour around Centro Havana.

Where to Stay in Havana

Iberostar Grand Packard – The 5-star hotel overlooking Malecon between Old and Centro Havana It has an excellent location, great sunset views, infinity pool, spa, and luxurious rooms.

The Iberostar Grand Packard surpasses the three-star experience, (that Cuban 5-star hotels are guilty of) but it is not quite up to European or American standards as far as five-star service and amenities. Check out reviews and rates on  Havana Trip Advisor

Casas Particular

If you are traveling on a budget, one of the best ways to save money is to stay in a Casas Particular. it is easy to book private accommodations around Havana. These are known as Casas Particulares. We met many people staying in a Casa Particular and they loved it. They paid anywhere from $20 – $40 per night. You can see the hostels that are open to tourists by looking for the umbrella/anchor above the door.

A beautiful boutique AirBnB we visited was Malecon360. I was in an excellent location and had great views of the Malecon.

• TripAdvisor  has many options for booking vacation rentals in Havana.
• Airbnb is a popular booking site for Havana and this is a great choice because the money goes into the local Cubans pockets.
• CubaAccommodation.com is another popular booking site.

Cuba Resources & Information

• 1 Cuban Peso = 1 USD. Be sure to select CUC (not CAC) CUC is the tourist Cuban Peso. The other is for locals only.
• Bring US cash with you in small bills to be able to change at your hotel upon arrival.
• Are you a U.S. Citizen? Learn more about the legality of traveling to Cuba as an American by visiting the  Treasury Department’s Cuba FAQ .
• Make sure you have travel insurance. In Cuba, you may be asked to show it when landing at immigration. We recommend  World Nomads  for short term trips. If you are looking for something more long-term check out  Allianz Travel . Read more about  the value of Travel Insurance here.
• Looking to plan your trip? We recommend checking out  Lonely Planet Cuba
• Don’t forget that the water in Cuba is not drinkable. We recommend bringing along the  Lifestraw Go Waterbottle . We bring this with us everywhere.
• Be sure to download offline maps before traveling to Cuba. The Internet is terrible there and it helps to have maps stored on your phone.
• Internet: It is available through the ETECSA telecom company and you can buy prepaid cards for around $2-3 per hour.

Have you ever been to Havana? What were the best things you did there?

Enjoy What to Visit in Havana? Why not pin this to Pinterest for future reference.

Do you have other suggestions of things to do in Havana that I may have missed?

Note: This post was originally published by contributor Claudia Tevani. Since publishing, we have been to Havana ourselves. Dave and I have updated this with our Havana travel tips and recommendations a comprehensive guide to visit Havana.

Claudia Tavani is from Cagliari (Sardinia). A former human rights lawyer and academic, after devoting her life to the protection of cultural identity, Claudia decided to give in to her biggest passion and started traveling. You can follow her adventures at My Adventures Across the World and on Facebook and @Claudioula

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

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

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

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

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

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

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24 thoughts on “42 Fantastic Things to do in Havana, Cuba”

Nice list. Hope to get to visit Cuba soon.

I think i’d just end up looking at all the cars and miss everything else! It’s a beautiful country!!! On the bucket list for sure.

hi, havana is my favourite place because here my cousin live here and i want to go there in2020. i will give to all information.

Is Cuba next to Jamaica? I never heard of that combination before. I know Jamaica is not far from South Florida though.

I can only imagine of what’s there to do after traveling to Cuba.

Great Post! I visited Havana and a few other places back in 2014 and wish I had done a lot more with my time. I’ll hopefully be going back as I currently live on the neighbouring island of Jamaica.

Amazing post thanks for sharing.

Nice article except for the bad advice on cigar storage. Never put cigars in the refrigerator. They will pick up all the flavors of the fridge and may dry out or get way too moist while sitting on the wet cloth. Store them in a Tupperware container with a Boveda pack. Boveda packs are sold at any cigar store. Cuban cigars cost $10 each and up so it’s worth it to take proper care of them.

Thanks for your post Claudia! We have just received our Cuban Visa Cards and will be traveling soon! We have done avid reading of all the books we could find and even attempted to learn some Spanish! And just about everything you write about is on our list to visit or see! Dying to ride in a Coco Taxi…..Can we take our Cell phones & iPads with us and also Canon DLS camera. Great post! Will sure add our experiences here in the New Year!…

Great list but i was a little disapointed about the topic “Not so obv things”. Pretty much all except #7 is the super standard things to do there..

As said, still a good list ??

In this world, there are many places to visit, explore the culture and people of their land. However, the dominant condition is money and health.

Really a great place to visit. I Have to say that you have really explained this Cuba in a very truthful manner.

Interesting list for visiting Havana and thanks for your sharing. It seems that the trip will be full of surprises!

Great post.

http://www.cubahipster.com/index.html – our personal honest reflection on traveling and exploration around Cuba – we wish this platform was made by someone else before our trip. But it wasn’t.

So having a tight time/budget frame it is important to know how things work there, because 8 times out of 10 locals won’t be the ones to help. At least not without 5 CUC.

Does Cuba take credit cards? Do we need our money exchanged?

Thanks for the great tips! We’re hoping to head that way in March this year and can’t wait to explore Havana and Vinales!

Did you get a chance to visit Veradaro? Wondering if its worth a day trip from Havana.

I hope cuba gets liberated it was a beautiful country till communism took over. I would like to open a luxury car rental office in Cuba

Havana is the place where i definitely visit in the near future. Cuba will be the first destination for my southern america trip.

I have had a great desire to visit Cuba, but because I am from the United States, it has been closed for us to travel there for many decades. However, thanks to President Obama, the country is open to us again. I can’t wait to visit there. I have heard much about the Cuban cigars and although I do not smoke (I quit many years ago), I may still want to try one. I have heard that Cuba’s living conditions have become stagnant and declined since the 1950s. Even if this is so, I still would like a chance to see this place.

I am glad you enjoy this post. I definitely enjoy Havana! 🙂

I have always wanted to go to Havana and now I feel that time is truly running out, with the gates of Cuba having officially been thrown open it seems to me that this is a country, much like Myanmar in 2011 or Iran now, which needs to be visited asap before it changes forever…

I simply loved Claudia Tavani’s post…. Some not so obvious but fun things to do in Havana……and rightly so…. walking on El Malecon, having a good cocktail and listening to some great music look really interesting things to do in Havana for me…