With Spanish colonial plazas, buzzing music venues, artists’ studios, and ancient streets concealing museums, restaurants and bars, Cuba’s must-visit cities, are scattered across the length of the island. All were founded by the Spaniards over the last 500 years, bar one. And, all are easy to explore on foot with a few taxi rides needed for the larger cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba.
Hemmed in by a seaside promenade, beautiful Havana faces the Atlantic Ocean. A castle built for her defence against pirates stands at the head of the harbour. Come for the music, classic cars, cigars, cocktails, new dining scene, art, and dazzling architecture. Much of Havana’s Old City has been painstakingly restored.
Matanzas is sandwiched between the Yumurí and San Juan rivers on Cuba’s north coast. It gets few visitors as most are in a rush to head to the beach resort of Varadero. But linger a while. Explore the artists’ studios down on the renovated San Juan riverfront, the exquisitely preserved 19th-century French pharmacy, and the handmade books at Ediciones Vigía. Don’t miss rumba in the streets and at festivals.
Matanzas
Cienfuegos, the only city founded by the French in Cuba, enjoys a breezy spot on Cuba’s southern Caribbean coast. Find elegant architecture, a Moorish palace, artists’ studios, fabulous theatre, and a walk to the mojito bar that juts into a bay passing colourful ancient wooden homes on the way.
Santa Clara, founded in 1689, has a large student population. So, after exploring the impressive Che Guevara mausoleum and Che-related sites, look out for events and festivals and don’t miss Club Mejunje – for singers, performances, and drag.
Sitting between the cool heights of the Escambray Mountains and the sparkling Caribbean Sea is Trinidad, the jewel in Cuba’s Spanish colonial crown. Immense wealth reaped from African slave-powered sugar plantations found its way into city mansions, villas, and churches. Today, Trinidad is famous for its lively live music and arts’ scene.
Rarely visited Sancti Spíritus is a colonial city of pretty streets and a handsome central plaza. Go for the quieter atmosphere, its church – the oldest in Cuba, the extraordinary interior of the city library, a stone bridge arcing over the river, and the fascinating colonial art museum.
Sancti Spiritus
At the heart of church-filled Camagüey are winding colonial streets – said to have been built that way to deter attacking pirates. This fine city is perfect for culture lovers with artists’ studios, theatre, ballet, and live music.
Camaguey
Santiago de Cuba is a musical powerhouse. Yes, come for the ancient history, the 1959 Revolution museums, Fidel Castro’s grave, and the rum history and museum. But stay for the live music and the folkloric dance companies. Search for performances in city centre venues. Visiting in summer? Don’t miss the city’s two riotous July carnivals.
Santiago De Cuba
Few travellers stop in Guantánamo. Not only famous for the US naval base down the road, the city hosts cultural events worth stopping for, too. Find Tumba Francesa performances – a Haitian-influenced country dance, and music at the Casa del Changüi, where you can catch a performance of this Guantánamo-rooted music.
Guantanamo
Perched on the eastern edge of Cuba, tiny Baracoa was the first city founded by the Spaniards in 1511. Come for the spectacular setting, the history, and to hear the city’s wonderful myths and fables. Explore wild beaches, waterfalls, mountains and archaeological sites by day, and the live music, festivals, and great dining scene by night.
Baracoa
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