Curious about the best places to visit in Cuba? Without much modern interference, Cuba has remained largely unchanged over the past few decades. It’s a unique destination where tourists can experience life as it was decades ago. You can enjoy the one-of-a-kind atmosphere and architecture in Cuba’s UNESCO-listed cities, take in the beautiful landscapes, swim in the blue waters, and relax on the beach with a drink in hand. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Cuba indeed has a lot to offer its visitors! But what exactly should you see in Cuba? To help you plan, we’ve created this list of some of the best places to visit in Cuba.
Most flights will land in Havana, Cuba’s capital city, where most tourists begin their Cuban adventure. Havana is a city of contrasts, where the grand National Capitol Building and colorful renovated colonial buildings stand in stark contrast to old houses on the brink of collapse. Explore Old Havana, which UNESCO considers the most impressive historical city center in the Caribbean. It’s a mix of Baroque and neoclassical monuments and colorful private houses, with some of the best-preserved history in Cuba. Old Havana and its Fortification System are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Stroll along the Malecón, a famous waterfront promenade and one of Havana’s most popular areas. Taking a tour of Havana in a classic vintage car is one of the best experiences. If you love music and dancing, you’ll enjoy Havana’s great vibe, brimming with nightclubs and live-music venues. Cuba is one of the most musically diverse countries on the planet.
Located about 320 km from Havana, Trinidad is a town in central Cuba and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trinidad is known for being a well-preserved mid-19th-century town. The most picturesque part of Trinidad is its center, where no motor vehicles are allowed. Explore its charming cobbled streets and soak in the colonial beauty. The buildings are well-preserved, and some even have original furniture and other colonial artifacts. Just 12 km from Trinidad, Playa Ancon is a great place for sun-seekers and beach lovers.
Valle de Viñales is a valley characterized by dramatic karst scenery. With its beautiful natural landscapes, Viñales Valley attracts many tourists and is one of the best places to visit in Cuba. Thanks to minimal traffic on rural roads, cycling is the best way to explore this area. Biking around Viñales Valley offers stunning views of dramatic limestone outcrops and green tobacco fields. The terrain is relatively flat, so you don’t have to be an experienced mountain biker to enjoy it.
Some of the most popular Cuban beaches are in Varadero. These long and wide beaches are tourist-heavy and backed by resorts and restaurants. For many, it may sound like a crowded place, but for others, it’s a paradise. If you don’t mind crowds or have limited time, Varadero is worth a visit. It’s located just a 2.5-hour drive from Havana. If you prefer quiet beaches, head to Península de Guanahacabibes, which is the complete opposite of Varadero. It lacks major tourist infrastructure and offers tranquil beaches and great diving spots. You’ll also find good beaches in Bahía de Cochinos (the Bay of Pigs), which is better known for some of Cuba’s best diving.
Founded in 1511, Baracoa is the oldest city in Cuba. Located near the eastern tip of Cuba, Baracoa is also the country’s most remote city. Unlike the tourist resort of Varadero, Baracoa has a secluded and quiet black sand beach. The city is known for its beautiful surroundings of rivers, waterfalls, and lush forests. Many travelers come to hike El Yunque, a mountain famous for its flat top and height of 575 meters.
Cienfuegos is a city on Bahía de Cienfuegos, a bay on Cuba’s south coast. Dubbed the “Pearl of the South,” Cienfuegos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination known for its grand eclectic French-inspired 19th-century architecture. But architecture isn’t the only reason to visit Cienfuegos. You can enjoy the beauty of Jardín Botánico de Cienfuegos, Cuba’s oldest botanical garden. Visit Laguna Guanaroca, a mangrove-rimmed saline lake southeast of Cienfuegos, which has lots of flamingos and is an excellent place for birdwatching. Don’t miss El Nicho, a stunningly beautiful waterfall, just a 1.5-hour drive from Cienfuegos.
Cayo Largo del Sur, a small resort island off Cuba’s southern coast, isn’t very “Cuban,” but it boasts some of the best beaches in the country. The island is only accessible by plane, making it an expensive option that’s not suitable for budget travelers. The beaches of Cayo Largo del Sur are quiet and undeveloped, with paradise-like white sands and blue waters. The island is perfect for beach relaxation, diving, and snorkeling. However, if you’re not interested in these activities, there’s little else to do here. Naturist-friendly beaches can be found in Cayo Largo del Sur, and sea turtles lay their eggs on Playa Tortuga. Cayo Iguana, off the northwest tip of Cayo Largo, is home to hundreds of iguanas. Playa Paraiso, voted the third most beautiful beach in the world in 2016 by TripAdvisor Travellers Choice, offers a serene and almost untouched environment with pristine white sandy coastlines and sparkling turquoise waters.