With cities that sway to the beat of pulsating rhythms, boast captivating colonial architecture and pop with vibrant colour, Cuba has history and culture by the bucket-load.
In addition to world-famous beaches, exploring Cuba’s cities is a must – not only for their old-world charm and lively atmosphere but for the unique stories they tell – and so we’ve highlighted 10 of the best to add to your agenda on your next holiday to Cuba.
Havana
When it comes to local culture, compelling history, enthralling landmarks and overall charisma, the island’s capital effortlessly checks all the boxes. Each city has its own allure and Havana’s is that it serves up a superb fusion of past and present.
Its atmospheric Old Town, Habana Vieja, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, peppered with enchanting colonial buildings, narrow cobbled streets, boutique bars, and pavement-lined old American cars.
An unquestionable symbol of the city worth exploring (particularly at sunset) is the iconic seafront promenade of Malecón – which stretches 8km along the coast. Want to visit a museum? There’s over 40 of them. Experience the lively nightlife? The famous Tropicana Cabaret will transport you back to the glamour of the 1950s. Learn about the city’s history? Head to the Plaza de la Revolución. Fancy a beach day? The city has half a dozen of them. Whatever you want to see or do, this all-encompassing hub will have it.
Trinidad
Unchanged for several centuries, Trinidad resembles an open-air museum, where time stands still. Nestled between the towering Escambray Mountains and the twinkling Caribbean Sea, this old jewel is renowned for its meticulously preserved Spanish colonial architecture (including mansions, villas and churches financed by the region’s sugar plantations) and vibrant arts scene.
Wander along the cobblestone streets and you’ll likely pass locals engaged in a game of dominoes, local bars vibrating with the beat of Trinidad’s toe-tapping music scene, and family-run restaurants cooking up mouth-watering dishes ready for service.
Points of interest worth visiting during your stay include climbing the bell tower at the Museo de Historia Municipal for its ancient architecture and awe-inspiring views, exploring the crumbling church ruins in the Plaza de Santa Ana, navigating the central social hub of Plaza Mayor, or perhaps hitting the beach at Playa Ancón – just 12km from the city centre.
Camaguey
A labyrinthine of winding colonial streets once designed to thwart pirates, now invites exploration in Camagüey. Crowded as the third largest city in Cuba with more than 321,000 inhabitants, it is known for its many plazas, intricate terracotta pottery, and a collection of beautiful churches.
A popular haunt with art and culture lovers, the city exudes creative flair which is apparent in its selection of artist’s studios, ballet, theatres, and live music. Get lost in the historic centre, which earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, where you can admire intimate tree-lined squares – including the popular Parque Ignatio Agramonte – discover vibrant street art, watch energetic school kids playing baseball, and simply take in the sights.
Go to Cinema Street or La Calle de los Cines and catch a movie at one of the five retro cinemas for $2 USD, or attend a traditional ballet show at Teatro Principal.
Baracoa
Perched on the eastern edge of the country is Cuba’s oldest Spanish settlement, Baracoa. Boasting a spectacular landscape of lush tropical rainforests, cocoa plantations, archaeological sites and idyllic beaches, this corner of Cuba is a sight to behold.
Since it’s packed with plantations, it would be rude not to indulge in this hidden gem’s abundant chocolate offerings, right? When you’re not busy eating or drinking it (grab a hot or cold cup of chocolate from Casa de Cacao in Calle Maceo 121), take the time to learn about it. From harvesting the cocoa to toasting the seeds and producing the many variants of milk and dark – you can marvel over the entire process here.
Over-indulged and feeling a little guilty? Grab your trainers and embark on a hike up El Yunque. One of the most popular hikes in Cuba, this cone-shaped mountain is 500m above sea level and offers a scenic trail that takes approximately two hours to complete. At the peak, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views.
Santiago De Cuba
Founded by the Spanish in 1515, Santiago De Cuba is Cuba’s second largest city and often regarded as the birthplace of the Cuban Revolution. The many museums here allow history buffs to revisit key events from this important period of Cuba’s rich history, while modern architecture effortlessly rubs shoulders with historic forts and the city’s university brings a young and vibrant edge.
Highlights include the imposing UNESCO-listed Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca del Morro, or El Morro Castle, crowned as one of the best-preserved Spanish fortresses of the 17th century. At the heart of the city, popular Parque Cespedes is a bustling haunt worth wandering for its notable buildings, including the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and Casa de Diego Velazquez. With boutique coffee shops, street performers, lively tourists and local music dancing through the warm, fragrant, air, it’s an atmospheric spot to take a pugh.
Cienfuegos
Known as the “Pearl of the South”, Cienfuegos is a charming seaside city characterised by its French-influenced architecture. This breezy spot on Cuba’s Bahia de Cienfuego, a bay on the south coast, serves up stunning sea views in districts such as Punta Gorda, while the iconic Palacio de Valle dazzles with its architectural diversity.
The central square of Parque José Martí is a particular highlight, home to the ornate Tomás Terry Theater draped in gold-leaf mosaics and intricate ceiling frescoes – which costs just $2 USD to enter. Similar to Havana, this city also has a Malecon where you can swap the beating heat for a pleasant sea breeze, or, if you fancy escaping the city hubbub altogether for a day, hop over to neighbouring El Nicho and explore part of Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes – otherwise known as one of the most beautiful places in the region.
Remedios
Also known as San Juan de los Remedios, this central municipality is located 3 miles from the northern coast of Cuba in the province of Villa Clara. This quiet colonial town also offers a clutch of historic attractions such as the Iglesia Parroquial Mayor de San Juan Bautista (Church of St. John the Baptist) founded in 1692, plus a quaint central plaza ideal for leisurely afternoons.
This lesser-known destination follows a slower pace than some of the more prominent cities, made up of spectacular buildings, scenic walks, schools, and monuments. The peace is only broken during the popular and old-age festival of Las Parrandas, which peaks on Christmas Eve when well-lit floats, dance performers, and fireworks fill the streets in celebration.
Santa Clara
The capital of Villa Clara, this is a city of significant historical relevance. Founded in 1689, Santa Clara is best known for hosting the mausoleum of revolutionary icon Che Guevara, plus other notable Che-related sites in honour of the major figure.
Be sure to visit the Che mausoleum, monument, and memorial on the west side of the city – it’s free to enter. Similarly, the Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado (Derailed train monument) is also worth visiting, memorialising the place where Che and his men derailed an armoured railway car in 1958 during the Battle of Santa Clara.
Other attractions to tick off while you’re here include the beautifully restored Teatro la Caridad, Parque Leoncio Vidal Santa Clara and Loma del Capiro viewpoint.
Holguin
Remaining relatively untouched by tourism, Holguin has, unsurprisingly, earned the nickname “City of Parks”. You can’t miss the sprawling Parque Calixto Garcia at the heart of the city, designed over 300 years ago by Gregorio Franci, while there are also the likes of San Jose Park and Peralta Park (Parque de las Flores) to wander.
The picturesque landscapes don’t stop there, since there are also a handful of beaches to sink your toes into in Holguin. Playa Esmeralda, Playa Guardalavaca and Pesquero Beach are a few of the most popular stretches for locals and tourists alike, each bringing a unique charm, virgin white sands and turquoise waters.
If you can tear yourself away from the tranquility of the lush parks and beaches, go on a walking tour or be your own guide and soak up the city’s landmarks, from the San Isidro Cathedral to climbing the famous Loma de la Cruz, and visiting the Casa de la Trova (House of Music) for a live serenade as the sun sets – there’s no end to this city’s beauty.
Matanzas
Sandwiched between the Yumuri and San Juan rivers on Cuba’s north coast, Matanzas – aptly known as the “City of Bridges” – boasts remarkable architecture and a rich Afro-Cuban culture. Its close proximity to tourist hotspot Varadero means many visitors overlook this wonderful city in a bid to reach the neighbouring resort’s beaches, but if you take a moment to stop and look – you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you see.
Wander in and out of artist studios down on the renovated Suan Juan riverfront, check out the famous 19th century Museo Farmaceútico (Pharmaceutical Museum) awarded the status of a National Monument, or catch a ride on the Hershey train. Please note, we cannot guarantee complimentary helpings of everybody’s favourite peanut butter cups on this locomotive – commissioned by the founder of one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world, Milton Hershey – but be sure to try your luck!
Well, there you have it. Each of these Cuban cities offers a unique slice of the country’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and historical charm – some of which you may have never considered visiting before. Want to learn more about somewhere we’ve mentioned or get advice on which city to travel to and when? Our dedicated team of Love Cuba experts is on hand to help, on 0207 071 3636 or enquiries@lovecuba.com.
