15 Amazing Things to Do in Cuba
Cuba is famous for its diverse natural beauty and iconic Spanish colonial architecture. Much of the country’s history is well preserved in its cities, but even behind dilapidated exteriors is a culture bursting with life. We’ve collected a list of the top ten things to see and do in this one-of-a-kind country.
Visit Remedios, an authentic Cuban city
Explore the Valle de Viñales
Party on the Malecón
Marvel at the El Nicho Waterfalls
Visit Trinidad
Eat the tasty, cheap street food
Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark
Try a sampling of Caribbean cuisine with the cheap, quick, and delicious options from Cuba’s street vendors. Try a grilled pork patty topped with a pineapple ring or cream cheese and strawberry marmalade for a filling meal on the go. For a dish that you’ll need to sit down to enjoy, try the popular meal of tender goat meat served with white rice and black beans and a side of yucca and salad. Guava milkshakes make the perfect mid-day pick-me-up, and a freshly made coconut pie will never go amiss.
Hike through Parque Guanayara in the Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes
Natural Feature
Located about an hour from Trinidad, Guanayara Park is a sub-tropical wonderland of lush plant life, tranquil pools of clear turquoise water, and varied wildlife. Located in Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes, you’ll be able to take a guided tour through the rolling hills and cool, dark caves to learn about the native plants like banana trees, wildflowers, bamboo, and more. Guides will also help to point out the many birds and other critters that live in the park, like the tocororo.
Attend a Cuban festival
Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark
Cuba is world-renowned for its numerous festivals throughout the year, including well-known events like the Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano (a ten-day Latin American film festival) or the main carnival. But there are also plenty of smaller affairs that are just as much fun to attend, including a ballet festival, a salsa festival, a jazz festival, book fairs, and other celebrations of Afro-Cuban culture. Don’t miss out on these fun events filled with dramatic parades, elaborate costumes, and live music.
People watch on the Plaza Vieja
Watch the sunset from Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca
Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark
Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, also known as Castillo del Morro, is a 17th-century fortress just southwest of the center of Santiago de Cuba. Built to protect the important port city of Santiago, the massive structure overlooks the sparkling water on the south coast of Cuba. The fortress became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 when it was recognized as the best-preserved and most complete example of Spanish-American military architecture.
Stroll along Calle Obispo in Old Havana
Market, Museum
Snorkel over war wrecks in the Bay of Pigs
Natural Feature
Pack your snorkel gear and head to the tiny coves along the fretted limestone coast of the Bay of Pigs. Colorful parrotfish, angelfish and sergeant major flit about the gin-clear waters off Punta Perdíz. Just below the vibrant marine life are a couple of shipwrecks from the failed US invasion of Cuba in 1961. Book a day on a yacht with SamBoat to explore the surrounding area – minus the crowds. Recommended by Claire Boobbyer
Kick back on the white sands of Varadero
Natural Feature
Looking for a party vibe or private getaway? Find luxury resorts with beautiful beachfront hotels along the eastern tip of Cuba’s longest sweep of golden sand. Cheaper spots, as well as bars, shops and restaurants are found at the western end threaded through Varadero town. Use the budget hop-on-hop-off bus tour to visit the 13km (8mi) stretch. Alternatively, hire a chrome-festooned classic convertible for a glam, private ride. Recommended by Claire Boobbyer
Hike up El Yunque and marvel at the wildlife near Baracoa
Forest, Park
Cycle to the wild beaches of eastern Cuba
Architectural Landmark
Hire a bike from Baracoa and pedal southeast to discover untarnished golden beaches and fresh seafood. Board a row boat to cross Boca de Boma bay, then cycle to Playa Manglito. Dig your feet into the sand and wait for lunch to be delivered to your table by Tato’s restaurant waiters. On your return journey, taste homemade candies at the Cuban cocoa farms in the “chocolate village” of El Jamal. Recommended by Claire Boobbyer