Cuba is a definite must-do country for your bucket list. Whether you spend a month exploring the island, or just a weekend in Havana, make visiting Cuba a priority. Cuba boasts a wide range of sights, scenery, and things to do. For example, you can walk in the footsteps of a revolutionary all day and then dance the night away. Or, you can soak in the sun at one of Cuba’s many magnificent beaches and then watch the sun set over the ocean. In short, Cuba truly offers something for everyone! Despite what some believe, it is totally possible to Legally Visit Cuba from the U.S.
Check out these Top 5 Cities to Visit in Cuba!
5. Varadero
Varadero is a popular beach town located on the Hicacos Peninsula. There are many magnificent beaches across the island, but Varadero is a short drive from Havana. It is close enough for a day trip from the capital if your itinerary is too tight for an overnight stay. Consequently, it is one of the easiest resort areas to visit in Cuba and one of the top 5 cities you must see in Cuba. The white powdery beaches and beautiful blue waters are a draw to visitors. This picture-perfect beach is popular with both Cubans and tourists, so you won’t enter a “tourist bubble.” In addition, Varadero has shopping, fine dining, nightlife, and other entertainment.
What to do in Varadero
Day visitors can access any public beach for free. Or, you can use resort spaces if you rent chairs and umbrellas. You can purchase a day pass if you want access to all resort amenities. There are a host of things to do in Varadero! You can ride on a catamaran, swim with dolphins, take a classic car tour, or a million other things. There are also several dive shops in town if you want to go snorkeling or scuba diving. You can also opt to explore the Cuevas de Bellamar, or spend a day at Parque Josone. Parque Josone features gorgeous botanical gardens, lakes, and wildlife. They even offer camel rides for the kids! If that is not enough, you will also enjoy music and vendors on your visit.
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4. Trinidad
Trinidad is a well-preserved and picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a lot for tourists. You will find cobbled streets lined by artisanal workshops, churches, and colorful colonial buildings. Most of the historic sites are within two blocks of Plaza Mayor. This square is surrounded by neo-Baroque buildings. The plaza extends north to the Casa de los Conspiradores, named for the anti-Spanish conspirators who once met in the home.
Several museums are located on and near Plaza Mayor. For example, including the Museo de Arquitectura Colonial, Museo de Arqueología, and Museo Romántico. The Museo Histórico, dedicated to the history of the region, is particularly worthwhile and offers a magnificent view of the city. After your museum fix, visit Antiguo convent de San Francisco de Asis. This is a former colonial convent located in the Plazuela Real del Jigüe. Their campanile (bell tower) is used as the symbol of the city. The convent now houses the Museo de la Lucha Contra Bandidos (Museum of the War Against the Bandits).
There are a several other sites to see and enjoy in Trinidad, but save time for shopping. The city is well-known for its pottery. You may want to have your Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) ready for souvenirs! At the end of a long day, soak your feet in the waters at Playa Ancon.
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3. Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos, known as La Perla del Sur (Pearl of the South), was founded by French settlers from Louisiana in 1819. As a result, it is the only city in Cuba not founded by the Spanish. As the youngest city in Cuba, it has a clean and modern feel and is often called the quirkiest city in Cuba. The Historic Center of the city is UNESCO Heritage certified. Many of the key sites of Cienfuegos are located in the historic center. These include the cathedral, Parque Jose Martí, Cemeterio la Reina, Teatro Tomas Terry, and Museo Histórico Provincial. History buffs will particularly enjoy visiting the Necrópolis Tomás Acea and the Museo Histórico Naval.
Don’t miss the Castillo de Jagua, Jardín Botánico, or Rancho Luna beach. Take the “funky ferry” to get there. Also El Nicho, located amid the Sierra del Escambray mountains, is a popular day trip from Cienfuegos. El Nicho is a series of spectacular waterfalls along the Rio Hanabanilla. Visitors enjoy swimming in the cool water and admiring the scenery.
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2. Santiago de Cuba
The historic center of Santiago de Cuba (referred to as the Second City of Cuba) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by the Spanish in 1514, it has witnessed much of Cuban history. Despite being only one-sixth the size of Havana, Santiago de Cuba boasts several tourist sites to draw tourists earning its place as one of the top 5 cities in Cuba. Parque Céspedes, where Fidel Castro declared the revolution a success in 1959, is surrounded by Spanish colonial structures. Be sure to visit the Casa de Don Diego Velazquez, Museo Municipal Emilio Bacardi Moreau, and San Juan Hill.
The Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca is a 17th century fortress overlooking the bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the outskirts of the city. The fortress, with its imposing bulwarks and citadel, was built to protect the city from pirates. It is one of the best-preserved examples of Spanish-American military architecture in the Caribbean. The castle contains a piracy museum that is quite interesting. When visiting, plan to linger for sunset and the cannon-firing ceremony.
The city boasts several museums including the Museo Municipal Emilio Bacardí Moreau (Bacardí – as in rum), the Museo de Carnaval, and the Museo del Ron (again, rum). There is definitely a party vibe to some of these museums. Also don’t miss the Museo Lucha Clandestina (Museum of the Clandestine Struggle) commemorating the fight against Batista.
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1. Havana
Havana ranks #1 on the list of Top 5 Cities in Cuba. Founded in 1519, Havana is the capital city of Cuba and the primary transport hub. Plan on spending at least three days in Havana.
In La Habana Vieja (Old Havana) is the center of life in the city. This charming area is filled with restaurants and bars where you can enjoy refreshments, people-watch, and soak up the atmosphere. Around the squares, you will see old and new collide as crumbling colonial buildings sit side-by-side with mid-century structures. Be sure to check out the magnificent architecture of the Catedral de San Cristóbal de la Habana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Revolutionary Sites
Just west of Old Havana, toward the Atlantic shoreline, you will find El Capitolio (the National Capital Building). You can easily recognize the capital building. It is a replica of the US Capital Building – only a little larger! Check out the Museo de la Revolución, housed nearby in the former dictator Fulgenico Batista’s presidential palace. Adjacent to the palace you can view artwork at the Museo de Bellas Artes while in the area.
Plaza de la Revolución is one of the largest city squares in the world. The plaza is surrounded by grey administrative buildings housing Cuba’s large governmental bureaucracy. A favorite spot for political rallies, the Castro brothers and other government leaders have used the square to address citizens. The mural of Che Guevara, Cuba’s revolutionary hero, is located on the Ministerio del Interior. This mural has become an iconic symbol of Cuba and the revolution.
Cool Classic Cars and Sunsets
Be sure to take a cruise in one of the classic cars you will find in the city. These colorful American cars from the 1940s and 50s are the well-maintained remnants from before the revolution. Since the 1959 revolution, and subsequent embargo, not even a single replacement screw has come from the US (at least not legally). Take a site-seeing ride in these private taxis. It’s a great way to see the sites.
While in Havana, you must also take time to stroll along the Malecón, particularly at sunset. Famous for its view, this seawall is a favorite spot for lovers to take a walk. Don’t forget, Havana is the best place to see cigars rolled by hand and to taste local rum fresh from the distillery. Havana has wonderful nightlife and you will forever remember a Night in Havana!
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What Cities in Cuba Make Your Top 5 List?
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