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Cuba is a novel island the place traditional vehicles nonetheless purr like well-loved cats, the place historical past is lengthy and never forgotten, and the place each road is full of the sounds of the rumba.
Cuba is what I’d describe as a technicolor nation – the pastel façades peel off the historic houses with pleasure, sounds of salsa spilsl from open home windows, and the odor of sturdy espresso proclaims the day earlier than the solar. Whereas there are such a lot of thrilling locations to go to in Cuba, there are additionally some locations to keep away from.
The Capital of Havana is the place a single stroll can span centuries, the sugar-soft sands of Varadero beckon seaside bums to have a seat, and the tobacco-scented valleys of Viñales beckon extra than simply cigar followers. From Trinidad to Santiago de Cuba, each place in Cuba has its personal rhythm.
In the event you’re trying to sip mojitos and discover the sights of Cuba, then listed below are a few of our favourite place in Cuba to go to, and one to keep away from, so you can begin mapping out your journey.
1. Havana
In the event you don’t come to Havana whenever you go to Cuba, you’re doing this nation an injustice. Havana is among the most great cities we’ve ever visited. And by that, I don’t imply ‘oh isn’t this glorious, darling.’ Havana actually is filled with surprise and attraction.
From the crumbling buildings to its curious slender streets brimming with life and ingenuity, Havana is Cuba’s capital for a purpose. Right here you get the right screenshot of a tradition the remainder of the world has just about ignored for therefore a few years.
Our greatest recommendation is to take a strolling tour of Outdated Havana (Habana Vieja). You’ll hear a number of the wonderful historical past and tradition that’s alive right here and uncover components you’d miss for those who weren’t instructed about them.
Issues to do in Havana
- El Capitolio – Nationwide Capitol Constructing
- Rooftop bar of Resort Ambos Mundos
- Drink mojitos within the storied bar of Bodeguita del Medio
- The Malecón – esplanade and sea wall
- Almacenes San Jose market
- The Cathedral Havana (plus the sq. of the homes of the 4 richest households in Cuba)
- Plus in case you have time, go to the fort – Castillo el Morro – on the opposite aspect of the harbour. It’s filled with historical past and an actual icon of the town.
The right way to have a memorable 4-day weekend in Havana, Cuba
2. Viñales
A tiny city with an enormous affect over the remainder of the nation, Vinales is the place the perfect tobacco is grown for the most important cigar manufacturers. Cohiba, Montecristo, Cuaba – all of them use the leaves grown on this valley. From the mountains surrounding it to the little dance membership behind the principle sq., Viñales epitomizes regional Cuban life.
Issues to see in Viñales
- Cuban dance membership
- Hike by tobacco plantations
- Go to the natural farms
- Lunch at El Olivo Restaurant
- Folks-watching from anyplace you may!
3. Cienfuegos
About an hour and a half west alongside the coast from the Bay of Pigs, this harbourside city is filled with artwork, tradition, and historical past. Cienfuegos is named the Pearl of the South because of its stunning bay – Bahia de Jagua.
There’s a lot to do right here – even when it’s simply strolling across the city’s streets. The locals appear essentially the most westernized and the town itself has a way more European really feel to it. That is because of the sturdy French affect within the city’s customs and structure. Different Cubans say the individuals from Cienfuegos are essentially the most stunning and essentially the most cultured.
Issues to do in Cienfuegos
- Have dinner in El Tranvia
- Stroll alongside the waterfront to Punta Gorda, the oldest and most stunning constructing
- Plaza de Armas and the monument to the Cuban hero José Martí
- The artwork galleries across the Plaza de Armas
- The Arch de Triumph in Jose José Martí Park – the final remaining within the nation
- The Bahia de Jagua – the bay that makes Cienfuegos the Pearl of the South
Learn extra: What’s the meals like in Cuba?
4. Trinidad
Aside from Havana, Trinidad must be essentially the most historic metropolis in Cuba.
Much like Havana, the Outdated City part right here is UNESCO World Heritage Website (as a World Monument), however not like Havana, this a part of city is just accessible on foot or on horseback. Carts are additionally allowed and generally seen.
The slender cobbled streets and the low, leaning, brightly coloured homes are iconic of this metropolis. Trinidad is a spot of unmatched magnificence on this nation already effectively represented within the photogenic stakes.
Issues to do in Trinidad
- Roam the cobbled streets of Outdated City
- Go to the Museo Romántico reverse the Plaza Mayor. The view out over the town is definitely worth the entrance price.
- Go to the opposite essential buildings just like the Holy Trinity Church and Plaza de Santa Ana and the Royal Jail in-built 1844.
- Casa de la Musica – bar and sq. for drinks within the day and stay music and dancing at evening
- Stroll by the road markets
- Go to Playa Ancon seaside at sundown
- Disco Ayalu – a nightclub in an enormous cave!
- Discover the mountaineering trails in El Cubano Pure Park and uncover the waterfalls
5. Santiago de Cuba
The city of Santiago de Cuba is the second largest metropolis in Cuba and provides wonderful seashores, stunning structure, thrilling adventures, and a path far much less trodden. It has the same vibe to Havana however it’s loads much less touristy and extra genuine.
It’s additionally situated on the coast, with a bay off the Caribbean Sea proper within the metropolis middle. It’s one of the stunning locations in Cuba for many who like to get pleasure from vibrant cities, however be shut sufficient to nature and solitude.
The town has a whole lot of Spanish colonial structure because it was based in 1515 by the Spanish. The town has a particular Afro-Cuban vibe. It’s most well-known for its Carnaval, which is a competition with drum-beating, son dancing, and parades with colourful costumes and floats.
Issues to do in Santiago de Cuba
- Go to the unbelievable fortress of Castillo de san Pedro de la Roca
- Go mountaineering in The Sierra Maestra mountains
- Try the close by nationwide parks of Turquino Nationwide Park and Desembarco del Granma
- Go horseback using at Rancho El Dajao
- Keep in a colonial Casa Particulars
- Attend Carnival in July
6. The Islands of Cayo Largo del Sur
For these trying to go to Cuba for its solar, sea, and tropical vibe, you’ll need to head to the small resort island of Cayo Largo del Sur. The climate is thought to be sunny all 12 months spherical and that is the place you’ll discover a number of the finest seashores and resorts in Cuba.
One other common island to go to in Cuba is Cayo Coco, however it’s rather more remoted. It’s well-known for being the island that starred in Ernest Hemingway’s novels, Islands within the Stream and The Outdated Man and the Sea.
Issues to do on Cayo Largo del Sur
- See the Sea Turtles lay their eggs on Playa Tortuga
- Dive the barrier reefs lower than a mile off the shore
- Go to the beautiful white sand seaside, Playa Sirena
- Try the Playa Blanca Seashore
- Pay a go to to the Heart of Turtle Safety
7. Santa Clara
Santa Clara is a metropolis within the central province of Cuba and is known for being the positioning of the final battle of the Cuban Revolution in 1958.
As such, the town has many revolutionary landmarks, such because the Che Guevara Mausoleum, which is the resting place of Che Guevara and different well-known fighters. In the event you’re inquisitive about studying extra about political historical past, then Santa Clara is one of the best place in Cuba to go to for historical past lovers.
Issues to do in Santa Clara
- Go to the Che Guevara Mausoleum
- Go to the Museo Histórico de la Revolución
- Go to the Taking of the Armored Prepare monument
- Calm down in Parque Leoncio Vidal
- Discover the LGBT neighborhood of El Mejunje
- Make a journey to Cayo Santa María
8. Baracoa
A spot for historical past lovers is Baracoa, which is the oldest colonial metropolis in Cuba. It’s thought of the First Metropolis of Cuba, due to its colonial roots. The town is surrounded by stunning nature and seashores, and the within of the town is filled with historic landmarks.
Based in 1511 by Diego Velázquez, underneath the identify of “Our Woman of the Assumption of Baracoa,” the city shortly rose to wealth due to the connection between the Spanish and natives. It’s a sleepy city with slender, cobbled streets, outdated Spanish mansions, and fortresses.
Issues to do in Baracoa
- Uncover El Yunque, a 575-metre-high mountain outdoors the town middle
- Go to the Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt (Alejandro de Humboldt Nationwide Park)
- Try the town’s fortresses, Fuerte la Punta (Fort La Punta) and Fortaleza de Matachin (Matachín Fortress)
- See the Castillo de Seboruco (Seboruco Citadel)
- Find out about Cuban historical past at Museo Municipal
- Admire the views from Bahía de Baracoa
- Drive La Farola, a spectacular, winding mountain highway resulting in Guantánamo
9. Cayo Guillermo, Jardines del Rey
Cayo Guillermo is a small, distant island off the northern coast of Cuba. It’s a part of a bunch of islands referred to as the “Jardines del Rey” (King’s Gardens) and is thought for its idyllic, powdery white sand seashores and turquoise waters teaming with marine life.
Cayo Guillermo is uninhabited, so the one strategy to go to the island is to remain on the resort. Because it’s situated simply 27 km off the shore of Cuba, it’s simple to get to by boat from Morón, simply outdoors Santa Clara.
The largest attraction to Cayo Guillermo is the distant island life. Merely chill, and benefit from the seaside, snorkel on the coral reefs, and benefit from the quietness.
Issues to do in Cayo Guillermo
- Completely nothing. Get pleasure from it!
- Go diving and see the thriving marine life
- Swim with dolphins
Locations to keep away from in Cuba
There are usually not many locations to keep away from in Cuba, however ensure you keep away from…
Varadero
Traditionally fascinating however unethical in its tourism, the Varadero peninsula stretches into the Caribbean on the northernmost level of Cuba. It’s about 2 hours east of Havana.
The American mafia needed to construct a stretch of casinos from this peninsula all the way in which to Havana – so naming it the On line casino Coast. Nonetheless, when Castro took management of the corrupt Batista, he kicked the mafia out, who then began Las Vegas in Nevada.
This peninsula has a number of the most beautiful coastlines within the nation, and ordinarily, we’d be voting for this one to be a precedence to go to.
The issue is the all inclusive resorts lining the seaside right here completely spoil it. All-inclusive bundle offers hold unwitting and unwelcome vacationers of their complexes the place the seashores are guarded and locals are usually not allowed. There may be even a increase gate at first of the peninsular stopping Cubans from coming into.
Apparently, outdoors the confines of those large resorts, Cuban life does stick with it in Varadero with relative normality. There are traditional American vehicles, casa explicit, little retailers and bars. It’s simply tainted by the legacy the Cosa Nostra left behind. But it surely’s a matter of but then by no means!
What’s Cuba well-known for?
In each city, village, countryside, and metropolis in Cuba, there’s a sure vitality is woven into the very material of what makes Cuba. It’s vibrant and colourful, and never simply in its structure.
It’s identified for its cigars, rum constituted of sugar cane, jazz bars with salsa dancing, Fifties traditional American vehicles, Spanish colonial buildings, and a political historical past that’s each tumultuous and interesting. You’ll see footage of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara all around the nation.
It’s additionally identified for being just a little tough to get round for vacationers. Public transport is nearly non-existent, hitching shouldn’t be really useful and for those who’ve solely actually pushed in locations just like the UK, Australia, and North America, self-drive isn’t an ideal possibility both.
Is Cuba secure to go to in 2026?
Cuba is typically thought of secure for vacationers to go to, with low violent crime directed at them. As with many locations in Central America, petty theft, scams (jineteros), and mosquito-borne illnesses are the most important dangers to vacationers, however you may also run into issues comparable to energy outages and transport security, particularly in Havana’s vacationer hubs. More often than not the road scams you may see coming a mile off.
Because the Pandemic, Cuban on Cuban crimes have elevated, and opportunism is rising as a result of financial hardship. It’s actually simply individuals attempting to get by, as poverty continues to be a problem in Cuba.
Whereas it shouldn’t cease you from visiting, it is best to take precautions and ensure to protect your belongings, keep away from darkish streets, use registered taxis or Ubers, and carry passport copies.
Usually talking, the native individuals are extremely pleasant and can need to discuss to you however hold your wits about you. In the event you’re apprehensive about touring alone, there are some wonderful small-group tour corporations like Globus and G Adventures that basically ship and ensure you’re secure. And extra importantly, you’re not losing helpful journey time ready for a bus that’s gone MIA.
Try G Adventures excursions to Cuba
The place to remain in Cuba
Cuba is a big island, and so you have to to separate your time between cities and keep in just a few locations.
In fact, you should keep in Havana sooner or later, it’s Cuba’s beating coronary heart made up of cobblestone streets, atmospheric bars, and traditional vehicles.
For a historic however extra chilled vibe, Trinidad is filled with Spanish colonial structure, cobbled streets, vibrant plazas and a captivating city vibe.
While you need that rural escape, head to Viñales within the tobacco-growing valley of dramatic mogotes, the place lodging is generally small casas particulares, supplying you with an opportunity to stay with locals and expertise Cuban hospitality firsthand.
You possibly can view lodging choices in Cuba within the following interactive map:
Greatest time to go to Cuba
Cuba’s is a year-round vacation spot, however peak season runs from December till April. That is when temperatures hover pleasantly within the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F), humidity is decrease, and rain is uncommon.
To flee the crowds, the shoulder season (Might and November) have loads of solar and fewer individuals.
The wet season runs from June to October, and whereas it’s scorching, it may be stormy and there’s a hurricane threat this time of 12 months.
Getting round Cuba
For dependable, long-distance journey, Cuba’s Viazul bus community is the easiest way across the island for vacationers. They’re air-conditioned, comparatively punctual, and connecting most main cities comparable to Havana, Viñales, Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba.
Renting a automobile offers you freedom, however you do run the chance of driving into the mistaken neighborhood or getting caught up in Cuban driving chaos (they’re notoriously quick drivers in Cuba). Roads between main cities are typically good, however rural routes will be tough and poorly signposted and gas will be scarce in distant areas.
Personal transfers or “almendrones” (shared rides in classic vehicles) are handy for intercity journeys.
Closing ideas
Cuba is small, however it makes up for its measurement with its large persona. With heat, charismatic locals, colonial structure, and traditional vehicles on each road – there actually is nowhere else on this planet prefer it.
The life, the color, the standard music…it’s all right here – a pulsing, heartbeat that sweeps you up and carries you off in its bohemian salsa tempo. The persona of this fascinating nation is magnetic, infectious, and inconceivable to say no to.
This unbelievable vibrancy is all over the place you go to in Cuba. We hope this information helped you choose one of the best locations to go to, and keep away from, so you can begin mapping out an superior journey!
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