Cuba is the largest Caribbean island, and it offers a mix of 1950s tradition with modern tourism. Cubacenter selected for you 10 things you absolutely have to see in Cuba!
Located in the region of Sancti Spiritus, the city of Trinidad in Cuba is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here visitors can see colonial homes, visit the local countryside, and enjoy local live music. Once a centre for local slave trade, Trinidad is now a center with cafes, coffee shops, art galleries, craft shops, and numerous casa particulares and private restaurants.
Old Havana, is the most historical and traditional region in Havana. You should allow at least two full days to fully explore everything that Old Havana has to offer. Plaza Vieja has been restored to offer visitors a stunning look at how Havana was in the past, and you should take the time to stop and enjoy a drink of local rum in on of the famous bar of this area.
Like many of the cigar factory and other heritage based tours on offer in Cuba, you need to buy tickets to the Partagas cigar factory tour from a hotel or a tourist desk, because the tickets aren’t for sale at the factory itself. Once you have a ticket, you can discover the whole process involved in growing the tobacco and how the Habana cigars are made. You can also buy samples of these globally renowned Cuban cigars from the factory shop.
The Che Guevara Memorial in Santa Clara includes a giant bronze statue of Guevara himself and, if you’re willing to hike, you can visit the rebel army HQ in the Sierra Maestra where Guevara ran the infirmary.
Although relationships have been strained between the US and Cuba, there is considerable evidence of US influences all over the island. Many of the taxis in Cuba, especially in Havana, are classic 1950s cars, including Chevys and Cadillacs. You can also hire a convertible vintage car, although you should book in advance in order to ensure that you don’t miss out on this opportunity.
Christmas in Cuba is unique. Not only you can enjoy a great weather, but you can also enjoy one of the best and biggest fireworks competitions in the world. The Parrandas de Remedios is actually one of many carnivals, that take place throughout the year but is perhaps the largest and most spectacular of them all. If you are staying in Cuba during Christmas time then it is definitely worth making the trip to Remedios.
La Cabana Fortress in Havana is not only an incredible focal backdrop for any time spent in the city, but it is also an attraction. During the day, you can visit the fortress to enjoy views across the city and the sea. At night, it is home to a military re-enactment that is certainly worth visiting if you are interested in the history of the country or in military history, in general.
The Zapata swamps in Ciénaga de Zapata are one of the few places where you can enjoy looking at indigenous species. More than 250 of the country’s species of birds can be seen here, along with crocodiles and manatees. A lot of work has been conducted to try and reintroduce rare and endangered species into the area, and you can even see the world’s smallest bird, the zunzuncito or bee hummingbird. You can even see Flamingos here as well.
The Hotel National de Cuba takes in account the Cuban history, culture, and identity. The National Capitol Building of Cuba was declared a monument and was nominated with the World Register of Memory.
With its picturesque location in the center of Vedado, the structure is build on a hill a couple of meters from the ocean, giving a wonderful view of the port of Havana. The building is distinguished by its refined class and its ancient splendor, that since 1930 has attracted an variety of people from the arts , sciences, and politics, including British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
The Morro Castle is named after the three biblical Magi. It is a fortress guarding the entrance to Havana and considered one of the most important symbols of Cuba. The walls are still well preserved and you can visit a small underwater archeology exhibition there. The current harbor master's office is still housed in the fortress.
Cuba is a beautiful island, offering everything from vibrant nightlife to a rich, and somewhat dark, history. Now that you know which are the most important thing to see in Cuba, you can start organizing your trip! Read all our Cuba travel tips and book your stay with Cubacenter!
