Cuba tops many a curious world traveler’s bucket list for its intriguing history and culture. Wander throughout UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from Old Town Havana to the Castilla del Moro in Santiago de Cuba. You’ll feel transported to earlier centuries, whether in the bustling cities or out in the lush countryside, where time stands still on traditional tobacco farms and deep in the jungle, where tropical birds flit and flutter. Offering more than your typical Caribbean beach vacation – and don’t worry, there are plenty of gorgeous white-sand beaches here, too – Cuba will delight all of your senses.
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1. Old Havana (Habana Vieja)
Start your Cuba visit with a full day in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Havana, a well-preserved microcosm of Cuban history and culture. You’ll be transported 200 years in the past as you walk along cobblestone streets past Baroque and neoclassical architecture. Don’t miss the Plaza de la Catedral, where you’ll find the Catedral de San Cristobal, the restaurant where Hemingway hung out – the Bodeguita del Medio, where it also said the mojito was born – and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza fort. Spend time wandering about the buzzing Plaza Vieja with the local crowd. Notice the beautiful stained-glass windows of the 18th-century Casa del Conde Jaruco.
Start your Cuba visit with a full day in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Havana, a well-preserved microcosm of Cuban history and culture. You’ll be transported 200 years in the past as you walk along cobblestone streets past Baroque and neoclassical architecture. Don’t miss the Plaza de la Catedral, where you’ll find the Catedral de San Cristobal, the restaurant where Hemingway hung out – the Bodeguita del Medio, where it also said the mojito was born – and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza fort. Spend time wandering about the buzzing Plaza Vieja with the local crowd. Notice the beautiful stained-glass windows of the 18th-century Casa del Conde Jaruco.
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2. Havana
Move beyond Old Town in Havana to see what else the city has to offer. One of the most insightful places to start is Revolution Square, a huge open plaza, where you’ll find artworks depicting Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. Move inside to the Museum of Revolution to learn about the country’s recent history and how Cuba became a socialist country. For a different view of Cuban culture, attend a ballet performance at the Gran Teatro de La Habana to see why the world recognizes Cuban ballerinas as some of the very best. Be sure, too, to take a walk along Havan’s famous seafront promenade, the Malecon, first conceived in 1901. The promenade runs for 4.3 miles from Old Town to the Vedado (central business district). Check out the 20th-century buildings with a range of architectural styles from Art Deco to Neo Moorish, particularly beautiful at sunset.
Move beyond Old Town in Havana to see what else the city has to offer. One of the most insightful places to start is Revolution Square, a huge open plaza, where you’ll find artworks depicting Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. Move inside to the Museum of Revolution to learn about the country’s recent history and how Cuba became a socialist country. For a different view of Cuban culture, attend a ballet performance at the Gran Teatro de La Habana to see why the world recognizes Cuban ballerinas as some of the very best. Be sure, too, to take a walk along Havan’s famous seafront promenade, the Malecon, first conceived in 1901. The promenade runs for 4.3 miles from Old Town to the Vedado (central business district). Check out the 20th-century buildings with a range of architectural styles from Art Deco to Neo Moorish, particularly beautiful at sunset.
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3. Varadero
Make it a fabulous beach day at one of Cuba’s best white-sand beaches and one of the top beaches in the Caribbean. A drawbridge connects the Peninsula de Hicacos – where the beach is located – to the mainland. Swim, snorkel, dive, deep-sea fish and explore the Varadero Ecological Park and its two caves, Cueva de Ambrosio and Cueva de Musulmanes. Take a break from the waves at the serene Parque Josone, where you’ll find flower gardens, a small lake where you can row boats, a swimming pool and a restaurant.
Make it a fabulous beach day at one of Cuba’s best white-sand beaches and one of the top beaches in the Caribbean. A drawbridge connects the Peninsula de Hicacos – where the beach is located – to the mainland. Swim, snorkel, dive, deep-sea fish and explore the Varadero Ecological Park and its two caves, Cueva de Ambrosio and Cueva de Musulmanes. Take a break from the waves at the serene Parque Josone, where you’ll find flower gardens, a small lake where you can row boats, a swimming pool and a restaurant.
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4. Trinidad
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinidad feels like a Cuban history book come to life. Feel like part of the local fabric when you hang out at the lively Plaza Mayor, the central square overshadowed by the neoclassical Church of the Holy Trinity. The surrounding architecture dates back to the 17th through 19th centuries. Visit the Church and Monastery of Saint Francis, the Museum of Colonial Architecture, the art gallery at the Casa de Aldeman Ortiz and the grand Palacio Brunet, a home from the early 19th century with original frescoes and marble floors.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinidad feels like a Cuban history book come to life. Feel like part of the local fabric when you hang out at the lively Plaza Mayor, the central square overshadowed by the neoclassical Church of the Holy Trinity. The surrounding architecture dates back to the 17th through 19th centuries. Visit the Church and Monastery of Saint Francis, the Museum of Colonial Architecture, the art gallery at the Casa de Aldeman Ortiz and the grand Palacio Brunet, a home from the early 19th century with original frescoes and marble floors.
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5. Viñales Valley
Learn how Cuban cigars are made at the tobacco farm-dominated Viñales Valley, a couple hours west of Havana in the Sierra de los Organos. The landscape is known for its steep mogotes, limestone karst formations jutting up from the valley floor. The tobacco farms here are maintained by a rich, multi-ethnic community and still rely on traditional techniques. There are amazing caves to explore here, as well as opportunities for hiking and horseback riding.
Learn how Cuban cigars are made at the tobacco farm-dominated Viñales Valley, a couple hours west of Havana in the Sierra de los Organos. The landscape is known for its steep mogotes, limestone karst formations jutting up from the valley floor. The tobacco farms here are maintained by a rich, multi-ethnic community and still rely on traditional techniques. There are amazing caves to explore here, as well as opportunities for hiking and horseback riding.
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6. Guardalavaca
If you’re seeking a quieter beach scene than popular Varadero, head to Guardalavaca in the Holguin province. The white-sand beach is frinched with lush flora, creating shady spots as a reprieve from the hot tropical sun. Divers and snorkelers particularly enjoy Guardalavaca for its pristine coral reefs. From here, there are several day trip options, including jungle tours, visits to Santiago de Cuba and sailing trips. Consider, too, a side trip to Chorro de Maita, with a recreated Taino Indian village and native Indian burial site.
If you’re seeking a quieter beach scene than popular Varadero, head to Guardalavaca in the Holguin province. The white-sand beach is frinched with lush flora, creating shady spots as a reprieve from the hot tropical sun. Divers and snorkelers particularly enjoy Guardalavaca for its pristine coral reefs. From here, there are several day trip options, including jungle tours, visits to Santiago de Cuba and sailing trips. Consider, too, a side trip to Chorro de Maita, with a recreated Taino Indian village and native Indian burial site.
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7. Baracoa
Visit the oldest city in Cuba, also one of its most stunning. Dating back to 1511, Baracoa is in the province of Guantanamo. It wasn’t until the 1960s, however, when the La Farola highway was constructed, that most people could get to and from the city. Even today, it has an off-the-beaten-path feel to it. Take the opportunity to get away from the frenetic pace of Havana and visit for the colonial architecture, lovely countryside, waterfalls and beaches. Hike to the flat top of El Yunque and visit the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to are birds and plants. If you have a rental car, take a drive on the windy La Farola highway from Baracoa through the mountains to Cajobabo.
Visit the oldest city in Cuba, also one of its most stunning. Dating back to 1511, Baracoa is in the province of Guantanamo. It wasn’t until the 1960s, however, when the La Farola highway was constructed, that most people could get to and from the city. Even today, it has an off-the-beaten-path feel to it. Take the opportunity to get away from the frenetic pace of Havana and visit for the colonial architecture, lovely countryside, waterfalls and beaches. Hike to the flat top of El Yunque and visit the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to are birds and plants. If you have a rental car, take a drive on the windy La Farola highway from Baracoa through the mountains to Cajobabo.
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8. Castillo del Morro
Yet another of Cuba’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Castillo del Morro has the distinction of being one of the best preserved Spanish forts of the 17th century. It is set in Santiago de Cuba, the country’ second-largest city, at the entrance to the Bay of Santiago. Originally built as defense against pirate attacks, it later served as a prison before once again converting to a fortress. Explore the different levels of the fort and get a history lesson on pirates while enjoying the great bay views. While you’re in Santiago de Cuba, consider visiting the Diego Velazquez Museum and the Cementerio de Santa Ifigenia.
Yet another of Cuba’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Castillo del Morro has the distinction of being one of the best preserved Spanish forts of the 17th century. It is set in Santiago de Cuba, the country’ second-largest city, at the entrance to the Bay of Santiago. Originally built as defense against pirate attacks, it later served as a prison before once again converting to a fortress. Explore the different levels of the fort and get a history lesson on pirates while enjoying the great bay views. While you’re in Santiago de Cuba, consider visiting the Diego Velazquez Museum and the Cementerio de Santa Ifigenia.