11 Amazing Places to See and Things to Do in Cuba
There are so many things to do in Cuba. It's a country with an amazing history and beautiful landscapes. It can be hard to choose what to do with your limited time!Here are the top eleven things you should see and do in Cuba.
1. Explore Old Havana
To soak in one of the biggest things to see in Cuba, head to this UNESCO Heritage Site. There are tons of historic sites to see in Old Havana, like the castle Castillo de la Real Fuerza, along with amazing bars and restaurants all over the place. Old Havana is definitely a Cuba must-see while you're in the area.
2. Come To The Cabaret
In the immortal words of Liza Minelli, life is a cabaret, old chum! Havana, in particular, is home to some of the world's best cabaret shows. Feathers, singing, and dancing galore — a cabaret is an art form you'll have to see to believe.Be aware, though, that some clubs require a reservation, some include dinner and some only include drinks in the price of admission. The historic Tropicana, for example, offers a reservation with a three-course meal, or one with just the show and rum!
3. Natural Beauty
Cuba features tons of different ways you can explore the great outdoors. You can head to Topes de Collantes National Park, with plenty of places to hike and waterfalls to gawk at. If you're up for a trek, Maria La Gorda on the Guanahacabibes Peninsula is one of the most famous diving spots in the world.And the Desembarco del Granma National Park is a more unusual landscape then you'll normally see anywhere, plus its amazing cliffs. These are just some of what to see in Cuba if you love nature — there's so much more!
4. See More On Two Wheels?
Do you know what the best way to see Cuba? A Cuba bike tour itinerary. On a bike tour, you can see more of the sights in a shorter amount of time. You can even see multiple cities faster! You won't just be limited to the big cities, either — you'll be able to see smaller, less popular cities, like Gibara or Cueto. Plus, it's a great way to get your exercise in, in between sampling the local cuisine.
5. Head to (the City of) Trinidad
Cuba's Trinidad is yet another of the country's UNESCO Heritage Sites. The town's Spanish colonialist heritage is clear in its brightly colored houses and architectural designs. Trinidad is home to landmark churches and squares, art galleries, and libraries. It's a great place to contemplate Cuba's history and evolution to today.
6. Hit The Beach
How could you have a list of the top things to do in Cuba without featuring the amazing beaches? Cuba is home to incredible sandy beaches all over the country. For example, Playa Jibacoa, on the north side between Varadero and Havana, is one of the quieter options but no less beautiful than any of the busy, tourist-filled beaches. It's also a great place to try out your snorkeling skills.
7. Learn While You Play
It's important to take in the culture and history when you visit a new country, and Cuba is no exception. Depending on your interests, there's a variety of museums and other cultural sights for you to learn more about the country. The Museo Giron, for one, explores the Cuban side of the Bay of Pigs invasion.The Museum of the Revolution, in Havana, goes through the history of the 1959 Cuban Revolution. If you're a big reader, you can head over to the Hemingway Museum. That's just a sampling of the incredible museums you can learn from while you're visiting Cuba — if those don't pique your interest, there are plenty more out there.
8. Stroll Down the Malecon
The Malecon is an area of Havana along the coast, known historically as a meeting place for the arts. It also features monuments to a variety of people and events. The incredible boardwalk on the Malecon features tons of local food, drinks, and entertainment for you to take in. There is no question that checking out the Malecon is one of the top things to do in Cuba.
9. Relax in the Plaza
If you need a break from the hustle, there are many squares in Cuba where you can take a load off while still taking the country in. Plaza Vieja, in Havana's old city, is one of the best places in the country to enjoy the local color while relaxing in the sun.Plaza de Armas often hosts concerts and also features the Museo de Ciudad. And the Plaza de San Francisco is home to the Fuente de los Leones, perfect for your Instagram stories.
10. Party on the Playa
Don't just go to the beach — when in Cuba, party as the locals do! Drink mojitos, play beach volleyball, or just dance all night. There's always a party to find, whether you're at one of the all-inclusive resorts or looking for more local color. Hey, you're on vacation, right?
11. Eat on the Streets
Cuba is well known for its eclectic and delicious array of street food. If it's getting too hot for you, try a batido de guayaba (basically, a guava milkshake). You may have had a churro before, at a hockey game, but you should definitely try the authentic product.Same goes for a Cuban sandwich or Hawaiian pizza — and as a warning to non-meat eaters, many Cuban foods are pork heavy. If you're looking for a snack on the go, try tostones (fried plantains), cajitas (rice and beans with toppings), malanga fritters, or tamales. There's so much to try, and so little time!
Thing To Do In Cuba
These aren't the only things to see in Cuba - just a jumping-off point! Cuba is a diverse country with a rich history, and there is no shortage of amazing things to see and do there. There's, even more, to explore if you just keep an eye out.Did you enjoy this article? Check out some of our other blog posts!
