Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in Cuba

From gorgeous cities swaying to the beat of tropical rhythms to unspoiled, lush forests, Cuba delights travelers with a wide variety of contrasting places.

Travelers will find eclectic architecture, white-sand beaches, and prime wildlife-watching spots across the country. Here are 10 places worth adding to your Cuba itinerary to truly experience the Caribbean’s biggest and most fascinating island.

1. Havana

Best city for art and architecture

The Cuban capital of Havana is packed with vintage cars, embellished with old-world cobblestone plazas, and is beautifully silhouetted against the sea drive known as the Malecón.

Make sure you visit Habana Vieja’s old squares for a glimpse of the colonial architecture that shaped the city in the 1700s and 1800s, where you can admire the palatial mansions that now operate as museums and hotels.

A walk along pedestrianized Calle Obispo offers art galleries, shops, music venues, and incredible architecture, showcasing buildings that span periods from the 1700s to the late 1900s.

Planning tip: Art is everywhere in Havana, with numerous galleries and outdoor areas such as San Isidro Art District. For an in-depth session on Cuba’s artistic history, spend a day at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

2. Valle de Viñales

Best for tobacco plantations

About 180km (100 miles) west of Havana, Viñales is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes of red soils and distinctive limestone outcrops called mogotes.

Viñales has the best casas particulares (private homestays) in Cuba, where friendly owners can help coordinate local activities. Options include cycling, horseback riding, or hiking.

Planning tip: Touted as the growing spot for the world’s best tobacco, don’t miss the opportunity to tour local tobacco plantations.

3. Varadero

Best Cuban beach resort

Even if every tourist in Cuba decided to meet in Varadero, there’s still room for more. Varadero is Cuba’s best beach resort, featuring 20km (12 miles) of white, powdery sand and impossibly crystalline waters.

Accommodations range from top-end all-inclusive resorts to beautiful casas particulares, making Varadero a favorite for families and revelers alike.

Planning tip: When you tire of the beach (if that is possible), spend an afternoon at Mansión Xanadú’s rooftop bar, sipping cocktails while gazing out at the peninsula.

4. Santiago de Cuba

Best for understanding Cuba’s revolutionary history

Considered the second capital of Cuba, Santiago de Cuba is rich in Caribbean rhythms, tropical flavors, and vibrant festivals. Begin with a visit to Cuartel Moncada, one of Cuba’s best museums.

Continue your historical journey at the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Cobre, Cuba’s most venerated church, which displays offerings from revolutionary figures.

Planning tip: Santiago bursts with a constant party-like atmosphere, particularly during the renowned Carnavales after National Rebellion Day on July 26.

5. Baracoa

Best for wildlife spotting

Located at the easternmost tip of Cuba, Baracoa is reached by the picturesque La Farola road. Expect a three-hour scenic drive through lush mountains.

Planning tip: Río Duaba and El Yunque offer fantastic hiking opportunities, and for a deeper immersion in semi-virgin forests, consider tours through Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt.

6. Trinidad

Best for shopping handmade arts and crafts

Made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Trinidad is noted for its cobblestoned streets and colonial-era mansions, making it an ideal spot for discovering handmade crafts.

Planning tip: Look for local markets on pedestrianized streets near Plaza Mayor and also at the base of Torre Manaca Iznaga, just outside the city.

7. Matanzas

Best for live music and dancing

Touted as the Athens of Cuba, Matanzas is the birthplace of rumba and a hub for live music performances, especially at venues like Museo Histórico Provincial – Palacio de Junco.

Local tip: For a more authentic Cuban experience, explore the stunning architecture and historical landmarks throughout the city.

8. Cienfuegos

Best spot for water sports including kayaking, fishing, and windsurfing

Cienfuegos, often referred to as the Pearl of the South, boasts a beautiful natural bay suitable for various water sports, including excursions to Laguna Guanaroca to see flamingos.

Planning tip: Whether it’s kayaking or fishing, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the diverse marine life in the surrounding waters.

9. Camagüey

Best city for strolling maze-like alleys

Camagüey is known for its artistic charm and youthful energy, featuring a uniquely intricate street pattern. Visitors should stroll through its maze-like alleys to discover quaint plazas.

Planning tip: Check out Cuba’s narrowest and shortest streets while you’re in Camagüey, such as Callejón del Cura and Callejón de la Miseria.

10. Playa Girón

Best for swimming, diving, and birdwatching

Playa Girón, located south of Matanzas province, is known for its exceptional diving sites that offer impressive visibility and a colorful variety of marine life.

Additionally, this area is renowned for birdwatching, as part of the Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata, home to about two-thirds of Cuba’s diverse bird species.

Planning tip: On the way from Playa Larga to Playa Girón, stop at Cueva de Los Peces, among Cuba’s few cenotes.