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Top 10 Things You Must Do While In Cuba
On your way to Cuba or thinking of a trip to Cuba? We’ve put together this list of the 10 best things to do while you’re there!
Whether you don’t have lots of time on your holiday or you want to make sure you tick the main things to do off your list, you’ve clicked on the right article!
Havana is popular among tourists and rightly so since it’s the capital and there are lots of touristy things to do.
Not to worry though, because in this article we’ll cover not only things to do and see in Havana but also things you can do in other parts of Cuba for a full Cuban experience.
Now let’s delve into the top 10 things you must do while in Cuba!
Visit Old Havana
If you’re going to Cuba, you’ve got to see Havana – Cuba’s capital, especially Old Havana!
Stroll around and explore the streets to experience the culture and get to know the history, as well as admire the architectural beauty.
Why go here?
Old Havana is one of the World’s Heritage Sites as noted by UNESCO. You’ll get to see baroque houses, urban canals, historical buildings, and neoclassical buildings – some of which date as far back as the 17th or 18th century.
What should I visit?
Best time to visit?
Weather-wise it’s best to visit Cuba during the dry season which is from November to April.
Hike and swim in Topes de Collantes National Park
Topes de Collantes National Park is a nature reserve well worth seeing – it’s a great way to get away from the city and immerse yourself in nature!
Why go here?
To put it simply – hike, swim in pools of waterfalls, and explore caves! It’s an ideal spot for hiking and walking lovers. The beautiful hiking trails lead to stunning rivers, waterfalls in which you can swim and caves you can explore.
What should I visit?
Within Topes National Park there are smaller parks that all have their own trails. These include:
- La Batata Trail in Codina Park – a 3km long trail that brings you to a small waterfall with a pool you can swim in. You’ll also see caves here
- Alfombra Magico Trail also in Codina Park starts in what was once a coffee estate. Here you can grab a bite to eat but note that it’s not the most accessible trail since you’ll need a 4×4 to get here
- Centinelas del Río Melodioso Trail in Guanayara Park – another 3km trail that starts you off at a coffee plantation and then brings you to El Rocio Waterfall where you can swim
- Caburní trail starts close to Villa Caburni (a hotel in Topes de Collantes). This trail also brings you to a 200 feet tall waterfall where you can swim
- El Nicho Park is beautiful and this is where you’ll find the renowned El Nicho waterfalls where you can of course swim
- Sendero Cimarrones de Javira in Parque el Cubano – a 6km round trail that brings you to Javira waterfall where you can swim
Where is Topes de Collantes National Park?
It’s located in the Escambray Mountains, approximately 15km from Trinidad.
Best time to visit?
From January to May since it’s the best tourist season. Otherwise, you may encounter inclement weather.
Read also: Here’s All You Need To Know About Cuba Before You Travel
Go and see Trinidad
Trinidad is a city filled with beautiful buildings, cobblestone streets, and unsurprisingly lots of history.
Why go here?
After Cuba’s capital city Havana, Trinidad is one of Cuba’s greatest gems. So this should certainly be on your list as one of the cities to see on your getaway to Cuba.
You can see Trinidad on foot or rent a bike to cover more of the city in less time.
What should I visit?
Places to see in the city include:
- Plaza mayor in the city centre – not only the centre of Trinidad but also a historical point
- Museo Romántico – you’ll see art, sculptures, kitchenware and furniture from the 19th century
- Museo Histórico Municipal – a museum on Trinidad’s history and the areas that surround it
- Santa Ana church – ruins of a church from the 18th century
- Valley of the Sugar Mills – get to know more about the sugar production in Trinidad and see the beautiful scenery from the valleys. Note that you can get here by train
For more perspective on Cuban’s way of life, you’ve got to go on the backstreets. The best backstreets are from Calle Amarguar up to Plaza de las Cruces. Here you’ll often see the locals, children playing football, and people playing dominoes on fold-out tables.
Where is Trinidad?
In the centre of Cuba, Sancti Spiritus province. Approximately a four-hour drive by car from Havana.
If you’re staying in Havana and want to get to Trinidad, you can do so by bus, but note that there is no direct bus so it’ll take longer than if you’re going by car.
Best time to visit?
If you want to catch good weather and avoid the wet season, November through April are great months.
Party in a cave at Disco Ayala
One of the fun things to do in Cuba is to spend a night at Disco Ayala. It’s a place where both tourists and locals love to spend their weekends, enjoying a mix of music.
Why go here?
Is it actually a disco in a cave? Yes! It’s a disco that was built in a cave. This is a unique experience that should certainly be on your must-do list while you’re in Cuba!
Not big into dancing? It’s still worth a visit! As well as dancing the night away, you can catch one of the various live shows, where acrobats and fire dancers perform among stalagmites, stalactites and huge video screens.
Where is Disco Ayala?
It’s located in Las Cuevas, Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus.
Best time to visit?
This place is known to be busy but of course, it’s the busiest during the tourist season which is from January to March. So it really depends when you are visiting and if you don’t mind a crowd.
Entry fee?
The entry fee is five CUC which includes a drink.
Opening hours
It’s open every day of the week:
Monday to Saturday – 11pm to 3am
Sunday – 11pm to 12am
Have a Cuban cigar at Valle de Vinales
Up in the mountains, you’ll find the picturesque sight of Valle de Vinales. You’ll find tobacco, fruit, vegetables and coffee growing within these valleys.
You can choose to hike around here or you can rent a bike.
Why go here?
It’s another World Heritage Site which you can visit, hike and best of all have a fresh coffee and a cigar. It’s a special place to visit since most Cuban cigars come from the tobacco grown here!
What should I visit?
There are different farms you can visit to experience the growing of cigars, but most offer a similar experience so don’t worry about which one you go to!
To visit these farms you can go on a group tour.
Where is Valle de Vinales?
It’s in Sierra de Los Organos mountains. It’s approximately three hours away by bus from Havana.
Best time to visit?
Visiting Valle de Vinales is best between January to April.
Is there a fee?
If you are going on a tour, there is typically a fee.
Spend time in Varadero
A lively spot with plenty of things to do and see! There are over 50 hotels in the area, so there is no shortage of places to stay while you’re here.
Why go here?
It’s one of the biggest resort destinations in the Caribbean and it’s known as one of the most renowned beaches in Cuba, so you can imagine there are plenty of things to do in Varadero, Cuba.
Water activities are plentiful here! You can do things like windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving.
What should I visit?
There are plenty of things to see while you’re here, such as:
- Cueva de Ambrosio – a cave that’s around two million years old with pre-Columbian drawings
- Cueva de Musulmanes or Cave of the Muslims – another very interesting cave to visit
- Cueva de Saturno or Saturn Cave – has a small lake where you can swim. You’ll see stalagmites and stalactites here
- Parque Josone – has a neoclassical mansion with a swimming pool, restaurants, river and beautiful gardens
- Varadero street markets – a great spot to buy souvenirs
Of course, you can also relax at the beach in Varadero with a cocktail in the sun!
Where is Varadero?
It’s located in Matanzas province in Cuba.
Best time to visit?
To catch the best weather, December to March is the best time to visit Varadero.
Immerse yourself in Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Did you think we were going to leave out art on this list? Of course not!
Whether you’re an art lover or just someone that appreciates art, visiting Museo National de Bellas Artes (also known as the National Museum of Fine Arts) is a must!
Why go here?
You’ll be brought through Cuba in art form from the 17th century to the modern day, whether that be through paintings, prints or sculptures.
You’ll also see international art, from places like Rome, Greece, Asia, Egypt and more!
Where is Museo National de Bellas Artes or the National Museum of Fine Arts?
It’s located in Avenida de las Misiones in Old Havana.
Note that this art museum has two buildings.
Is there a fee?
Yes, the entry fee is eight convertible pesos.
Opening hours
It’s closed from Monday to Wednesday. Opening times are as follows:
Thursday to Saturday – 9am to 5pm
Sunday – 10am to 2pm
Visit or stay in Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Spending some time at the historical Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a must on your trip!
The hotel is a Spanish neoclassical building that looks out on Malecon harbour in Havana.
Why go here?
Walt Disney, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando and Ava Gardner – do any of these names sound familiar? Well, this hotel had these famous people roaming around once upon a time. So it’s certainly a place to see!
It’s also a World Heritage Site due to its history – another reason to tick it off your list.
Even if you don’t book a room, having at least dinner here can make for an interesting night and there are plenty of things to learn about its history.
Where is Hotel Nacional de Cuba?
The address for this hotel is Calle 21 y O, Vedado,
Plaza, La Habana, 10400, Cuba.
Is there a fee?
If you’re going to stay in a hotel room the cost differs depending on when you’re staying. During the tourist season, you may find it’s more expensive per night. Costs often vary from $100 to over $150.
Read Also: How to get a Cuba Tourist Visa?
Travel back to the 17th century at Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca del Moro
Castillo de San Pedro del Moro is a fortress with a beautiful view of the coast.
Surprise, surprise… it’s also a World Heritage Site!
Why go here?
It’s a piece of history that came to life in the 17th century with a breathtaking view of the bay.
What should I visit?
The museum! The castle has a museum where you’ll find out about pirate history.
Where is Castillo de San Pedro del Morro?
It’s located in Santiago de Cuba city – the second largest city in Cuba.
Is there a fee?
To tour Castillo de San Pedro del Moro, there is usually a fee that can be anywhere from $2 to $6 CUC – it all depends on what you’d like to see.
10 . Complete your trip to Cuba with a dance to live Cuban music
No trip to Cuba is complete if you don’t listen and/or dance to live Cuban music!
If you’re making the trip to Santiago, this is the perfect spot for Cuban music since it’s a massive aspect of the city.
The traditional music in Santiago is called ‘Son Cubano’ – a mix between Spanish and African music.
Why go here?
To get the full Cuban experience and embrace the fun that comes with Cuban music!
What should I visit?
You’ll find people playing Cuban music on street corners of Santiago, but there are also some great venues you can go to.
There’s Casa de la Trova which is the oldest club in Cuba for traditional music. Local bands often play here – so it’s a great spot for the real experience!
Another renowned venue for live Cuban music is Casa de las Tradiciones – also has local bands playing and will give you a traditional experience.
Where are these places?
Casa de Trova is located in Bartolomé Masó Street, Santiago de Cuba, and Casa de las Tradiciones is also in Santiago de Cuba.
With this, we’ve completed the list of the 10 things you must do while in Cuba!
We hope that you found this article useful for your travels to Cuba.
Ready to get a visa to Cuba?
You can apply for a Cuba tourist visa on your own or you can apply with an agent who will, of course, take the stress off your shoulders.
At Visa First, we increase your chances of a successful outcome so you can set out on your trip with peace of mind!
Why Visa First?
- We’ve got the experience – providing visas for people all over the world for 20 years!
- We’ll guide you throughout the entire visa application process
- There are no hidden fees or costs – so no guesswork!
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