Best 30 Places To Visit In Cuba - Updated 2024

best places to visit in cuba
Ibrahim
Ibrahim 
Updated
| 14 min read

Cuba is the largest of the Caribbean islands. It lies around 160 kilometers (100 miles) from the South of Florida. This beautiful island country is famous among avid travelers from around the globe and offers a paradisiac getaway for tourists. The region is known for its cigars, breathtaking beaches, distilleries, and sugar plantations. There are many fun places to go in this country, with all of them offering something unique and providing an unforgettable experience for visitors. Are you planning for a vacation? Then include this quaint country on your itinerary. From Havana to Trinidad and down to Florida, there is no shortage of fun places to have exciting experiences in this country. Here are the best places to visit in Cuba.

1. Santiago de Cuba

Parque Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, en Santiago de Cuba.

Posted by Jorge De Feria on Monday, 23 July 2018

Santiago de Cuba is a coastal city that lies in eastern Cuba. This beautiful region is renowned for its rich colonial history. The Spanish founded it in the 16th century, and to the locals, it is regarded as the “second city of Cuba.” There are loads of attractions to enjoy in this coastal city, the chief of which is the Parque Cespedes. Enjoy a stunning view of several ancient relics of Spanish colonial rule. It is an iconic location in Cuba because it was here that Fidel Castro announced his revolution to be a success. The town is also home to a 17th-century fortress, the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca.

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2. Camaguey


Camagüey is a city in central Cuba and the nation’s third-largest city – after Havana. It is regarded as the most sophisticated and pleasant city in the country. Here you will discover an “un-Cuban” variety of shopping centers and stores. You can buy souvenirs that will keep the memory of Cuba fresh in your mind. Camaguey is also home to several colorful and beautiful houses. It is delightful to turn a corner and be greeted with a street full of beautiful homes. It is no wonder that some of the roads and homes are listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Don’t forget to visit the Plaza del Carmen and enjoy the art galleries, bars, and more, found there.

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3. Bayamo

Parque Céspedes. Sgo de Cuba

Posted by Dom Bombo on Sunday, 18 February 2018

Bayamo is the capital of Granma Province of Cuba and is a lovely, beautiful place that retains the rich traditions of the people. This incredible town predates Havana as Spanish settlers in 1513 founded it. It used to be full of colonial splendor, architecture, and monuments. In 1868, Carlos Manuel de Cespedes became a hero when he and his army tried to chase out the Spanish colonial masters. The attempt was futile, but instead of surrendering, the city was set on fire, and almost all remains of Spanish rule; monuments, architecture, and mansions went up in flames. Today, it is a bustling town that has an exciting nightlife especially Saturday nights when the Cubana Party is celebrated. Explore the artifacts at Museo de Cera, unwind in the beautiful Parque Cespedes, and have a great time.

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4. Las Tunas

Posted by Ministerio de Turismo de Cuba on Sunday, 13 December 2015

Las Tunas might not hold plenty of appeal for many tourists the way other cities in Cuba do, but there is no denying that if you want to experience the real Cuban life, there’s no better place to go. It is considered the Oriental part of Cuba since it lies closer to Haiti than Havana. It has a rich culture and history, and you will enjoy a taste of rural Cuban life within its walls. There are several beaches – including Covarrubias Beach, which boasts of white sand, feen-blue waters, and a coral reef. Some of the activities you can enjoy in the town include swimming, scuba diving, cycling, sunbathing, and even taking dancing lessons.

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5. Trinidad (from USD 109.0)

Trinidad is one of the most popular cities in Cuba. After the capital city, Havana, it is arguably the most historical city in the country. The town also houses several attractions, with most of them offering a view into the history and culture of the region. The Old Town section of Trinidad is a UNESCO-listed World Monument and can only be accessed on foot or on horseback. Enjoy the sound of your feet walking on the ancient cobbled streets and the view of the brightly painted houses in the region. There are essential buildings you must explore – including the Plaza de Santa Ana, the Royal Jail, and the Holy Trinity Church.

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Trinidad Highlights and Scenic Drive Tour

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

66 reviews

6. Varadero

Parque Josone Varadero Cuba http://www.cuba-junky.com/matanzas/varadero-home.htm

Posted by Cuba-Junky on Sunday, 24 July 2011

If you seek a place to relax in Cuba, there are plenty of locations, but perhaps none can compare to Varadero. This famous beach resort town is a short drive from the capital city and lies on the Hicacos Peninsula. Drop by and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as enjoy the feel of soft beach sand between your toes. Aside from the beaches and ocean views, the city has parks like Parque Josone that are replete with lakes, wildlife, and beautiful gardens. You should also explore the Bellamar Caves, as well.

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7. Nueva Gerona

Nueva Gerona!
Source: Photo by Flickr user Laurinha Lii used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Nueva Gerona is nestled between the Sierra de las Casas and the Sierra de Ceballos Mountains. It is a quaint, small, relaxed, and unhurried town that offers an exciting time for all guests and tourists. The location has some of the most beautiful resorts and a wide range of leisure activities. Walk along Calle Real Street and enjoy the culture on display. You can also visit top cultural places like the Natural History Museum, El Pinero Central Park, El Abra State Museum, and other areas of interest.

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8. Santa Clara

Che Guevara Mausoleum, Santa Clara.

Posted by Escape to Cuba on Sunday, 5 May 2019

Cuba has different provinces – including the Villa Clara Province. Santa Clara is the capital of this province and features various monuments and museums in the region. It was established in 1689, and the vestiges of the Cuba Revolution can be found all around it. The Che Guevara Mausoleum and the Museo Historico de la Revolución are just some of the museums dedicated to the revolution. There are other places to visit here like Parque del Carmen, La Caridad Theatre, and more. After checking them out during the day, you can enjoy Cuban nightlife at Club Mejunje.

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9. Penar del Rio

Valle de Viñales, Pinar del Rio

Posted by CUBA, qué lindos son tus paisajes on Thursday, 7 April 2016

Penar del Rio province is about 160 kilometers (100 miles) away from Havana, the country’s capital. It boasts of being the most western province in the country and is home to several attractions. For example, the area contains a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the El Valle de Vinales and is home to the Vueltabajo region, which grows some of the best tobacco in the world. There are several caves to explore here like the Cueva del Indio or Indian’s Cave, the Santo Tomas cave, and others. Aside from the caves, you can also take a tour of Cabo de San Antonio’s Roncalli lighthouse.

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10. Cienfuegos

Dolphin show at Cienfuegos Dolphinarium, Cuba, West Indies, Caribbean, Central America

Posted by Hali Media on Friday, 14 June 2019

Cienfuegos lies about an hour and a half to the west along the coast of the famous Bay of Pigs. It is a beautiful harborside town that is home to some of the most prestigious and alluring art in Cuba. The location is locally regarded as “ Pearl of the South” due to the gorgeous Bahia de Jagua bay. Visit and enjoy strolling around this town of wonder. It is a modern town with mostly westernized natives. All around the city, you will find evidence of French occupation from the architecture of the buildings to some of the cultures. Visitors comment on the friendliness and the beauty of the inhabitants.

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11. Matanzas

La Cueva de Saturno - Matanzas... Cueva de Saturno. También se conoce como la Cueva del Cepero, se encuentra cerca del pueblo de Carbonera, en Matanzas.

Posted by Cubamiga on Wednesday, 3 August 2016

Matanzas is a quiet, oft-forgotten town. However, it is a hidden gem that contains plenty of relaxing activities and fun for you and the entire group. The city lies a few hours from the capital – Havana, and just a few minutes from the beaches in the more popular Varadero. Not too many tourists have discovered this place; hence, it is effortless to walk around and has a relaxed atmosphere. Sit back and relax, enjoy unforgettable views of the beach, the local scenery, and the hustle of local life. Spend an active day, swimming at Cueva de Saturno or exploring the iconic San Severino Castle Museum Slave Route.

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12. Ciego De Avila

Manglares en Laguna La Redonda.. Ciego de Avila. CUBA.

Posted by Felipe Rodriguez Alonso on Thursday, 18 July 2019

Ciego de Avila is one of the fascinating provinces in the country. It is a melting pot of various cultures from around the Caribbean -including cultures from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, and Jamaica. Walk along the narrow streets of this province and be assailed at all sides by the different cultural oddities and curiosities. The province’s major plantation is sugar, although there are several other fruits, as well. There are popular feasts and celebrations you will enjoy here, including the dancing disputes. It is also home to the Jucaro to Moron military road, which is one of the essential military monuments in the region. Also, connect with nature at the Laguna La Redonda or unwind in the gorgeous sand of Isla Media Luna; a refreshing time awaits you.

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13. Placetas

El hermoso parque “Rafael Casallas” de Placetas se rejuvenece

Posted by Narciso Fernández Ramírez on Thursday, 17 October 2019

The municipality of Placetas is a quaint town that is renowned for the numerous plantations of laurel trees that are found in its surroundings. Each street tells a story, and each building is steeped in rich culture and history. Located in the central region of the country, it is home to several species of exotic birds, reptiles, and the lakes and rivers teem with many fishes. Aside from these, it is home to different parks – including Casallas Park. The historic center contains places of heritage like the Municipal Museum of Placetas and Culture House.

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14. Jiguani

Monumento q marca el sitio donde cayó José Martí. Dos Ríos, Jiguaní, Granma,Cuba.

Posted by Fotos De Mi Cuba y Mas on Friday, 25 November 2016

Jiguani sits on Granma province and about 25 kilometers (16 miles) east of the provincial capital, Bayamo. The name Jiguani means “height of the river,” and this municipality played a vital part in the independence war of 1895. Explore the historic Monument Q, where Jose Marti fell. Today, the region is the trading hub of an agricultural area and also boasts of a tobacco company and local markets to check out. Not only that, it has a mining site nearby (Sante Rica) where marble and Manganese ores are refined.

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15. Guanajay

La Provincia de Artemisa es una nueva provincia cubana establecida a partir del 1 de enero de 2011, derivada de la...

Posted by Ziomara Lamelas on Saturday, 29 November 2014

Cradled among hills, Guanajay is a town and municipality in the Artemisa Province. The surrounding hills make this town one of the places where you can enjoy splendid views. Climb to the top of some of these hills and enjoy a panoramic view of the area or go along with your friends or group and enjoy a picnic. The region used to be a major distribution point of the western end of the country. Till today, there are sugarcane and tobacco farms that you can visit. You can also explore some monuments as well, like San Hilarion Parrish.

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16. Jatibonico

Posted by Don Julio on Monday, 19 March 2018

Jatibonico is a town of sugar tradition and delicious Creole food. It is a tourist magnet as folks travel from far and wide to see the sugar mills and other attractions. The town is rich in culture and history and was established in 1904. Tourists especially love this town due to the plethora of restaurants, bars, and other eateries that offer some of the best Creole cuisines in Cuba - including Don Julio Ramen Restaurant. To the west of the city, you can enjoy the views of beautiful landscapes. The area also celebrates San Jose de Arroyo Blanco, which is considered the oldest festival in Cuba. You can also experience tournaments, competitions, and many types of local delicacies and drinks.

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17. Artemisa

Posted by Escuela Internacional de Cine y TV. San Antonio de Los Baños, CUBA on Friday, 27 April 2018

After you leave Havana, Artemisa is a breath of fresh air in Cuba. It is a beautiful province that features, among other things, a fertile plain. It might not be prevalent among tourists, but it is famous as a weekend getaway location for the locals. There are several coffee plantation ruins shrouded in mystery. The province is home to San Antonio de Los Banos, who has established a well-known film school - International School of Film and TV. If you are in for some adventure, you can visit the north coast of this province and enjoy the interesting back roads and beaches around it.

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18. Vertientes


Vertientes is a Cuban district that lies in the center, south of the province of Camaguey. It sits about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the city of Camaguey and is one of the three largest districts in the country. It was the location of some of the most eventful occurrences in Cuban history. Some of these events include the battle of Las Guasimas and the rescue of Brigadier Julio Sanguily. There are several scenes of natural beauty in this region. It is home to Vertienties Harmony Orchestra. You can also take a walk back in history at the Municipal Historical Museum.

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19. Jovellanos

Jovellanos DSC08168 Cuba
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Christian Pirkl used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Jovellanos is a business city, replete with large and small factories. Till today, you can find sugar cane cultivated in the surrounding areas. It lies within the Matanzas Province of Cuba and offers a quiet respite from the loudness of the cities around it. Referred to as “Bemba” by the locals, it is a place that showcases a rare unity between the black and white populace. The natives are friendly and welcome visitors warmly.

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20. Jaguey Grande

best places to visit in cuba | jaguey grande
Source: instagram

Jaguey Grande is found in the Mantanzas Province of Cuba. The town is north of the Bahia de Cochinos and lies along the A1 motorway. It derives its name from the Ficus citrifolia tree found in the area. There are no major tourist attractions in the region; however, due to its location, it is home to several inns and hotels. Thus from Jaguey Grande, you can easily access other exciting cities in the surrounding area.

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21. Guisa


Guisa is in the Granma Province of Cuba and is full of flora and wildlife. It is smack in the middle of Santiago de Cuba, Bay Arriba, Jiguani, and Guama. With a population of around 18,000, it is a rather crowded town. If you are a tourist seeking to have a taste of the local life and customs of Cubans, Guisa is an excellent place to go. Enjoy a historical and recreational time at the Arroyo Golondrina river or relish the beautiful scenery at the Jardín botánico Cupaynicu, a site dedicated to preserve native flora.

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22. Palma Soriano


Palma Soriano is a small town that lies about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) away from Santiago de Cuba. It is not exactly a tourist destination, but if you find yourself there and you love to party, you will feel right at home. During festivals, you can join the thousands of inhabitants of the area as they take to dancing in the streets and drinking beer out of tanker trucks. You can also enjoy playing music at Casa de la Trova. If you want some peace, walk by the beautiful beaches.

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23. Guines


Founded by the Spanish in1737, Guines is located some 50 kilometers (31.1 miles) southeast of the country’s capital – Havana. It is a city that has a rich culture and intriguing history. There are a few exciting things you can do in this region. The Guines Municipal Museum is the main attraction in the city. It boasts of a collection of art, history, weaponry, and numismatics (which is the analysis and study of how money has been used through history). With a lovely climate, it is a nice city to stroll around in the afternoon or evening.

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24. Caibarien


If you seek a location to catch a view of cayos and their beaches without paying a fortune, Caibarien makes for a cheap and excellent alternative location. The town used to be a busy shipping port on the Cuban Atlantic coast, but now, it relies on tourism for survival. The area is home to ruins of abandoned piers and sugar mills. It is renowned for the several hotels found in it and the most delicious species of crab in Cuba. Spend the evening at La Taberna, a bustling bar, or explore old sugar mill artifacts at Museo de Agroindustria Azucarero Marcelo Salado. Lodge at any of the impressive hotels and enjoy a pleasant time with family or the group.

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25. Mayari

#Cubatravel. El Hotel Gaviota Villa Pinares de Mayarí en el noreste de #Cuba brinda uno de los parajes naturales más pintorescos y más frecuentados de la geografía cubana.

Posted by Infotur Cuba on Wednesday, 14 January 2015

Mayari is one of the most beautiful and stunning ecological areas in Cuba. The region also referred to as Pinares de Mayari, is lush with green pines, impressive rock formations, and some breathtaking waterfalls. One of such falls – the Salto del Gayabo is almost 2000 feet (609 meters) above sea level. This attribute makes it one of the highest waterfalls in the country. Enjoy pleasant hikes, unforgettable scenes of natural beauty, admire wildlife and different species of plants, and so much more. You can reside at the eco-lodge – Villa Pinares de Mayari, and enjoy your vacation in comfort.

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26. Sagua de Tanamo


Located in Provincia de Holguin, or the Holguin Province, Sagua de Tanamo is a town that plays host to several significant festivals in the region. It lies 790 kilometers (491 miles) east of the country capital Havana. There are several UNESCO World Heritage sites around Sagua de Tanamo. One such area is Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, which lies just 29 kilometers (18 miles) south-east of the city. There are other locations you can visit as well – including Moa, Palenque, and Cayo Mambi.

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27. Moa

Transport in Moa (Cuba)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Maxim Nedashkovskiy used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The region of Moa is renowned for nickel extraction, but not too many folks realize that it has a wealth of flora and fauna, rich and fertile soil, and home to beautiful rivers and mountains. The name Moa translates to “Place of Water’. As you take a trip around Cuba, add spices to your getaway by making a trip to this lovely region. It is a long coastal strip bounded by the Sagua and Baracoa mountain range. The area makes for an incredible and awe-inspiring sight. There are several parks in the region, with the most popular being the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park.

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28. Florida

Amelia Peláez, Vaso 1957.

Posted by Pintores Cubanos on Wednesday, 3 July 2013

Florida (Land of Flowers) is a municipality and town found in Camaguey Province of the country. Established in 1907, it lies 40 kilometers (25 miles) north-west of Camaguey. The city is the third-largest in Cuba. Several cultural institutions lie across the face of this region. Some of these institutions include the Florida House of Culture, which lies in the center of the town. You can also visit the Florida Municipal Museum, as well as other cultural institutions.

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29. Havana (from USD 45.0)

best places to visit in cuba | havana

If you visit the beautiful country of Cuba without visiting Havana, then you have missed out on an essential part of your trip. Havana is the capital of Cuba for a reason, and visiting this beautiful city will help you understand why. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and contains several attractions of wonder and excitement. You will see ancient buildings and walk along curiously narrow streets. Everywhere you turn, there is something to excite and interest you. In this town, you will get a perfect reflection of the culture of Cuba. There are several places to explore – including the National Capitol Building, the Cathedral Havana, The Malecon, and so much more.

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Havana by E-bike

Duration: 5 hour

23 reviews

30. Vinales (from USD 330.16)

best places to visit in cuba | vinales

Vinales might be a tiny town in the country, but it wields plenty of influence over the rest of the country. Cuba is known for its cigars, and Vinales is where you can find the best tobacco brands in the country. From Montecristo to Cuaba, these companies derive their tobacco from the leaves found in this region. Several attractions epitomize Cuban life here in this town. Some of the things to see and enjoy include the Cuban dance club, tobacco fields, food from the popular Casa Alta Restaurant & Bar, and more.

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Sunny Viñales Day Tour From Havana

Duration: 1 day

52 reviews

Enjoy the vibrant lifestyle of Cuba

best places to visit in Cuba
Source: Pixabay

As you plan on visiting Cuba, you are bound to be spellbound and blown away by the beauty and ambiance of this lovely island country. There is no escaping the vibrant culture that permeates this country. Tour these top places in Cuba and enjoy an unforgettable time!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Ibrahim is a passionate writer with a keen interest in traveling. He not only travels to discover the world but also himself. And when it comes to writing, Ibrahim loves to keep it simple with a...Read more

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