19 Things to Do in Cuba

Cuba is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. The country is known for the colorful colonial cities that crawl with 1950s Cadillacs and turquoise-colored beaches. Below are 19 things to do in Cuba!

Fun Facts:

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean
Cuban cigars were made world-famous by the Spanish
Cuba has the second-largest reef in the Caribbean
The name Cuba means fertile land
Cuba is home to the smallest bird in the world
The flag represents freedom and independence, which is quite ironic

Things to do:

1: Visit Havana, Cuba-

The top three things to do in Havana are to visit the historic buildings, drive an old-fashioned 1950 Cadillac car, and have a cigar.

2: Enjoy a Cuban Cigar at a Tobacco Field in Vinales-

Do not purchase a cigar for $1.00 on the street, but rather visit a tobacco farm because you know the quality is pristine. The tobacco field is called Vinales. It is in rural Cuba on the west side of the island. Not only will you find tobacco fields, but you will also see great hiking trails, areas to go horseback riding, and caves to explore.

3: Walking Tour of Old Havana-

narrow pedestrian street between historic classic buildings — Photo by Ryutaro Tsukata on Pexels.com

A guided tour will take you to see points of interest in Old Havana, as they know where the main public squares, famous cafes, and churches are. A professional guide provides information about the history, culture, people, and landmarks.

4: Explore the Colonial Plazas of Havana-

A. Plaza Vieja is a historic square that dates back to the 16th century. You will find colorful colonial buildings that surround the square.

B. Plaza de Armas is the oldest square in Havana, surrounded by palm trees and a statue of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, the initiator of the Cuban independence movement. The cobblestone streets of Plaza de Armas are made of wood.

C. Plaza De La Catedral– This photogenic square is home to stone buildings inspired by Spain.

D. Plaza de San Francisco- Plaza de San Francisco is yet another beautiful place to stroll around in Havana because it is on the Harbour. You’ll try out many different cafes or visit an 18th-century Basilica in this area.

5: Visit the Turquoise Beaches-

The turquoise-colored white sand beaches in Cuba are super relaxing and quite perfect. The best beaches are Playa Jibacoa, Playa Ancon, and Varadero.

6: Vintage Car Tour-

A vintage classic car tour is a great way to explore Cuba’s neighborhoods. Witnessing or driving Havana’s 1950’s cars makes for a unique experience in the Caribbean.

7: Visit Fusterlandia-

Fusterlandia is a colorful area with mosaic tile and recycled art located about 20 miles outside Havana.

8: Cocktail Hour + Mojitos-

clear drinking glass with sliced lemon — Photo by Anna Pyshniuk on Pexels.com

Be sure to try a mojito in Cuba because the drink was invented in Cuba. The recipe is white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint!

9: Learn about the Cuban Revolution-

red vehicle — Photo by Nate Cohen on Pexels.com

Castro had a key role in the Cuban Revolution against Batista’s forces. Castro assumed military and political power as Cuba’s prime minister in 1959. He was the leader of Cuba until 2008 and under his administration, Cuba became a one-party communist state. Socialism does not work, as the people in Cuba are starving and there are severe food shortages!

10: Visit Trinidad, Cuba-

Trinidad is a Spanish colonial town with cobblestone streets. Every other corner is a picture-perfect photo opportunity. If you want to explore Trinidad at night, having a drink at Disco Ayala, a club inside a cave, is for you. Climbing the bell tower of the Trinidad Church should be added to your Cuban Bucket List, as the view is nothing short of spectacular.

11: Swim in a Cenote-

Cuba is home to Cenotes, perfect for a restful swimming experience. Cenotes have calm waters closed off by caves.

12: Swim in the Waterfalls of Topes de Collantes National Park-

Topes de Collantes is a massive park full of hiking opportunities and waterfalls to explore. The Vegas Grande Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls to go swimming!

13: Snorkel or Dive in the Bay of Pigs-

clownfish near coral reef — Photo by Tom Fisk on Pexels.com

Cuba has the most crystal clear water to go snorkeling or diving in. You can go scuba diving past the Bay of Pigs at Playa Giron.

14: Visit Santiago de Cuba-

Santiago de Cuba is the capital of Cuba, known for being founded by the Spanish in 1515. The focal point of the Spanish-American War was Santiago de Cuba. You will find colonial architecture throughout the city. The city has parades and festivals in July featuring colorful costumes and salsa dancing.

15: Visit Santa Clara, Cuba-

This small, colorful town is rich in history because it is over 500 years old. Santa Clara played a role in the Revolution. Che’s rebel army derailed a train carrying supplies to Batista’s troops in the east. Batista then fled Cuba.

16: Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara-

This memorial, in Plaza Che Guevara, is home to the remains of those killed in 1967 during Guevara’s attempt to spur an armed uprising in Bolivia.

17: Do Cacao Tour in Baracoa, Cuba-

Baracoa is the only place in Cuba that produces chocolate because of the climate in the area. The chocolate is super high quality and even Switzerland businesses use this chocolate. The city itself is super charming.

18: Hike the El Yunque in Baracoa-

El Yunque is a moderate to challenging 4-hour hike in Baracoa, leading to incredible mountaintop views.

19: See Flamingos at Laguna Guanaroca-

Laguna Guanaroca is a mangrove lake that leads to a viewing platform where flamingos and other birds reside. You can visit the viewing platform only by taking a rowboat.

Of course, we can add water sports, like jet skiing, kayaking, or paddle boarding to your list of things to do in Cuba! We listed 19 things to do in Cuba. Have you been to Cuba? We would love to hear about YOUR experience!!

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