10 Best Things To Do In Holguin, Cuba

1. Visit the exclusive Campina Taina Historical Village

Campina Taina is the recreation of a historical village that will take your back in time. This not just a tourist stop, this is a trip back in history. You get to walk through the historical village, check out sculptures and artefacts that showcase olden traditional, and you get to enjoy an interactive experience of dancing and face painting, making this a really unique experience. This is a must-do activity when you’re in Holguin, especially if you’re interested in history and traditions.

Campina Taina Historical Village

Address: Campina Taina, Holguin, Cuba

2. Enjoy the views from Loma de la Cruz

Loma de la Cruz, also known as Hill of the Cross, is a very popular tourist attraction and landmark in Holguin. Think of this as a little workout, where you climb a few steps to get to the top, from where you get to enjoy panoramic views of the city as well as the surrounding hills. A beautiful sight indeed, make sure to take your camera along because the views are absolutely picturesque. Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry a bottle of water! Try to go in the morning or afternoon, when the light is good.

Loma de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross)

Address: Loma de la Cruz, Holguin, Cuba

3. Spend a sunny afternoon at Las Flores Park

Las Flores Park, commonly known as Parque Peralta by the locals, is another popular destination in Holguin, frequented by both tourists and locals alike. With a beautiful church on one side, clean and beautiful statues, a lot of 50’s architecture and a small little park with lots of flowers, this spot is worth visiting. You’ll see families basking in the sun, kids playing around, tourists roaming around and just a whole lot of hustle-bustle. If you’re visiting Holguin with your kids, then Las Flores Park is a must on your list!

Las Flores Park

Address: Aricochea, Holguín, Cuba

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Explore Parque Calixto Garcia

Parque Calixto Garcia is a park in Holguin that is great for kids and families. Actually, Parque Calixto Garcia is more than just a park. Think of this as a beautiful and scenic plaza that is filled with museums, shops, restaurants and of course, beautiful architecture. This park is located in the heart of the city, making it one of the most popular parks in Holguin. Since most city events take place in this park, you might even come across live performances and events!

Parque Calixto Garcia

Address: Maceo, Holguín, Cuba

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Take in the architecture of Iglesia San Jose

Iglesia San Jose is a beautiful and picturesque catholic church that is in the heart of the city. This is one of the most popular attractions in Holguin. This church is known for two things - its prominent church clock and its notable interiors. With stained glass and beautiful statues, the interiors of the church are beautiful indeed! This church is located in a park, which is very popular among tourists and locals alike.

Iglesia San Jose

Address: Iglesia San Jose, Holguín, Cuba

Website: Iglesia San Jose

6. Museo Conjunto Histórico de Birán

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Museo Conjunto Histórico de Birán is the birth home of Fidel Castro, the former president of Cuba. So, is your trip to Cuba really complete without visiting this marvel? While the place is not very crowded, nor is it marketed much in Cuba, it is certainly a place worth visiting. There are many photographs and souvenirs of Castro’s younger days, making this visit to his former house a rather interesting one. If you have the slightest bit of interest in Cuban history, Conjunto Histórico de Birán should be on your bucket list.

Museo Conjunto Histórico de Birán

Address: Biran Biran village between Cueto and Alto Cedro, Holguin 80100 Cuba

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 3:30pm; Sun: 9am - 12pm (closed on Mon)

Price: CUC 10 (USD 10); Camera/Video: CUC 10 (USD 10)

7. Casa Natal de Calixto Garcia

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Casa Natal de Calixto Garcia is a museum in Holguin that showcases artefacts and details of the local hero, Calixto Garcia. Calixto Garcia was a Cuban general who was a big part of the Cuban War for Independence which eventually led to the Spanish–American War, finally leading to independence for Cuba. While there is a lot of history attached to this museum, it is important to note that this is actually the birthplace of Calixto Garcia! From special antiques to personal belongings of Calixto Garcia, you can see it all at Casa Natal de Calixto Garcia.

Casa Natal de Calixto Garcia

Address: Calle Miro 147, Holguin 80100 Cuba

Website: Casa Natal de Calixto Garcia

8. Provincial Museum of History

Provincial Museum of History, commonly known as Museo Provincial La Periquera, is a very popular attraction among tourists. If you’re interested in learning about the history of Holguin, its culture and its traditions, then you must visit the Museo Provincial La Periquera. Located next to the Holguin centre market, this museum is literally in the heart of the city. From historic pieces to a beautifully restored courtyard, from a shrine for Fidel to artefacts from olden times, this museum has it all. Mark out one hour of your vacation to visit this museum; you won’t regret it.

Provincial Museum of History

Address: Museo Provincial La Periquera, Holguin, Cuba

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 9pm; Sat: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

9. Teatro Comandante Eddy Suñol

Teatro Comandante Eddy Suñol is a performing arts theatre in Holguin, Cuba. It has been open since 1993, making it one of the oldest art theatres in all of Holguin. Don’t take it lightly, Teatro Comandante Eddy Suñol is known for its opera, orchestra, dances performances, ballet performances and Spanish musicals both nationally and internationally. This performing arts theatre also hosts Teatro Lírico Rodrigo Prats as well as Ballet Nacional de Cuba.

Teatro Comandante Eddy Suñol

Address: Teatro Eddy Suñol, 197 Martí, Holguín 80100, Cuba

10. Restaurante & Bar

1910 Restaurante & Bar is one of the most popular and most visited bars in Holguin, by locals and tourists alike. Known for its great cocktails, lovely ambience and great food, this bar is ranked as one of the best bars in the city! If you’re interested in trying out the local cuisine, while sipping some delicious and unique cocktails, then 1910 Restaurante & Bar is the place for you. Some of the most recommend items on the menu are the pork, the shrimp, the potatoes and of course, a special mention to the universal favourite, chargrilled octopus.

1910 Restaurante & Bar

Address: 143 Mártires, Holguín, Cuba

Website: 1910 Restaurante & Bar

Opening hours: 10am - 11:45pm (daily)

What's on your list?

Everyone has a list of places that they want to visit when they travel to a new destination. You might like visiting museums, maybe you like finding nature trails, maybe you just like to walk around the city or try the local cuisine. Here’s hoping, this list of some of the best things to do in Holguin, Cuba, adds value to your research!