Santiago De Cuba is Cuba’s second city; full of history this picturesque destination faces a bay off the twinkling Caribbean Sea and is surrounded by the stunning Sierra Maestra mountains. The city is known for its impressive colonial architecture and revolutionary history, plus its strong Afro-Caribbean roots – which is spectacularly displayed at the famous July Carnival – helps to differentiate it from most cities in Cuba.
The Santiago De Cuba Carnival
The city has a calendar bursting with exciting festivals and events, ideal for those who like to let their hair down and soak up the local culture in the best way possible. The Santiago De Cuba Carnival is the largest in the country and by far the most famous, serving up a sea of colour, dazzling costumes, history, community, and of course, music – which plays an important part in Cuba’s culture. Other popular events in this party town include the annual Fiesta del Fuego (Fire Festival) and Festival de Rumba, sure to have you shaking those hips!
Art and History
You’ll find a mixture of old meets new in Santiago De Cuba, so you can expect modern architecture and contemporary art galleries to rub shoulders with crumbling historic forts and colonial guesthouses – all while maintaining a vibrant atmosphere. History buffs will be in their element since there are so many fascinating buildings to explore, with many notable landmarks found in and around Parque Cespedes. Discover iconic buildings such as the Casa de Diego Velazquez and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption here. Similarly, you can head to the residential area of Vista Alegre, where you can marvel over Neoclassical mansions and grand buildings that date back to the 1920s – the rich and famous would once live down these tree-lined streets.
What to See and Do
When you’re not ticking off the beautiful buildings, enjoy a leisurely stroll down the quaint pedestrian Jose A Saco Street. Bursting with colour, you’ll find plenty of little shops and markets to browse here. Or perhaps you want to escape the hustle and bustle for an hour or two? If so, the Gran Piedra (Jardin Botanico) is a huge volcanic rock perched atop a mountain offering the most spectacular 360° views over the city. Located just 25km from the city, you’ll take the coastal road in Parque Baconao (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) to reach the top, which is totally worth it for the verdant tropical forests and blonde pockets of beach you’ll pass along the way.
Santiago De Cuba Nightlife
In the evening, make your way to Casa de las Tradiciones in the Tivoli district for some of the best live music in Santiago de Cuba. Settle into this dainty venue and you’ll have front row seats to a variety of live bands and ensembles throughout the evening, with plenty of dancing thrown in too! It’s a fantastic way to soak up the atmosphere amid an intimate setting and get a taste for how the locals live – the mojitos are a highlight, too!
Our dedicated team of experts at Love Cuba are on hand to help you experience the most enchanting and traditional corners of Cuba, from planning your itinerary to finding the best accommodations to relax in after a day of exploration.
