Pack a sun hat and some loose-fitting clothes, and get ready to uncover the buoyant and sophisticated magic of Cuba.
In recent years, fewer restrictions on private enterprise have led to an explosion of creativity, while globalization’s culture-dampening effects have yet to dilute the local charm.
Isolated yet eager to advance, the country buzzes with ideas – here, a free-spirited, student-filled café; there, an avant-garde art factory where live music, exhibitions, DJ sessions, and creative gastronomy collide with electrifying results.
Here are the top activities that encompass all this country has to offer – and embody Cuba’s essence.
Escape to the Beach
Uncrowded, extremely varied, and loaded with tropical beauty, Cuba’s beaches are world-famous for a reason. Search around long enough, and you’re sure to find your own slice of nirvana.
The long, wide, tourist-heavy beaches abound with massive resorts, while sea turtles lay their eggs on the wild, deserted beaches of the Península de Guanahacabibes.
On the little-visited black-sand beaches on the Isla de la Juventud, pirates once roamed – and the nudist beaches of Cayo Largo del Sur offer a relaxed atmosphere where visitors lounge with mojitos.
Spend a Night at a Casa Particular
Staying in a private homestay reveals the nuances of everyday Cuban life. Picture rocking chairs on the porch, a bottle of rum on the dresser, a front room full of family heirlooms, and animated breakfast conversations that often end with the words “no es fácil” (it ain’t easy).
Casas particulares in places like Havana and Viñales are positively palatial, while others maintain a refreshingly down-to-earth charm. All of them offer an uncensored view of Cuba that no hotel could ever replicate.
Go Birdwatching
Aside from crocodiles, Cuba’s fauna doesn’t make much of an impression – except for its abundance of birdlife. Approximately 350 avian species inhabit this unique archipelago, with roughly two dozen being endemic.
Look out in particular for the colorful tocororo (Cuban trogan), the zunzuncito (bee hummingbird), and the critically endangered ivory-billed woodpecker. The Gran Parque Natural Montemar is one of many birdwatching highlights.
Enjoy Cuba’s Ebullient Festivals
Through war, austerity, rationing, and hardship, Cubans have retained their infectious joie de vivre. The feisty festivals never stopped, demonstrating the country’s capacity to put politics aside and engage in the essential business of living.
The best shows involve fireworks in Remedios, folklórico dancing in Santiago de Cuba, movies in Gibara, and an array of musical genres in Havana. Arrive prepared to party.
Dive and Snorkel in the Caribbean Sea
Cuba has some of the best diving in the Caribbean. The unrivaled water clarity, pristine reefs, and sheltered Caribbean waters teem with exotic fish.
Diving accessibility varies, from the swim-out walls of the Bahía de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) to the secluded underwater wonders of the Jardines de la Reina archipelago.
Punta Francés on Isla de la Juventud is renowned for its underwater photography, with rich coral reefs, caves, and shipwrecks near Guardalavaca Beach.
Admire Cuba’s Eclectic Architecture in Old Havana and Beyond
Cuban architecture, often spectacular yet rarely consistent, carries a definable cubanidad (“Cuban-ness”) that is always recognizable.
Many of the older buildings were constructed with the wealth from sugar production, offering an uncomfortable reminder of the country’s complex culture and challenging history.
More recent architecture showcases influences from French classicism to art deco and art nouveau. Visit the UNESCO-listed cities of Havana, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, and Camagüey to explore these details.
Soak up Cuba’s Live-Music Scene
If you’ve been in Cuba for more than a day and still haven’t heard any live music, you’re likely in the wrong spots.
Welcome to one of the most musically diverse countries globally, where melodious guitars prevail and singing is simply another form of conversation.
The diverse musical genres represent just a fraction of a lively scene that Cuba has cultivated for decades. Cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba have given rise to talent that continues to enchant the world.
Feel the Rhythm of Folklórico
There’s nothing quite as transcendent as the hypnotic beat of the Santería drums summoning the spirits of the orishas (deities). While many Afro-Cuban religious rites are restricted to initiates, the drumming and dances of Cuba’s folklórico troupes welcome everyone.
Established in the 1960s to preserve African culture in Cuba, folklórico groups enjoy strong governmental support, and their vibrant shows in Santiago de Cuba remain spontaneous and true to their roots.
Understand Cuba’s Revolutionary Heritage
The revolution’s events might read like a movie script, yet they unfolded in real life. Visitors can explore revolutionary sites to grasp this intriguing history.
Little has changed in more than 60 years at the disembarkation point of the Granma yacht and Fidel Castro’s wartime HQ at Comandancia de la Plata. For a deeper understanding of revolutionary struggles, visit Museo de la Revolución in Havana.
Unlock the Secrets of Matanzas
Travelers have long overlooked the city of Matanzas on their way to nearby Varadero’s resorts, but that is changing.
Amid the bridges and rivers, the city’s cultural legacy is gradually reemerging with revived classical-music venues and cutting-edge art installations.
While Varadero may boast stunning beaches, Matanzas offers a rich historical legacy that provides deeper insight into the real Cuba.
Step Back in Time in Trinidad
The city of Trinidad has largely remained unchanged since 1850. This quirk makes it a captivating destination for modern travelers, allowing them to freely explore this perfectly preserved mid-19th-century sugar town.
Despite its time-warped charm, it still vibrates with the fun and foibles of contemporary life, featuring grand colonial homes and an exciting live-music scene.
Get Lost in the Maze-like Streets of Camagüey
Getting lost is a savvy piece of advice for any traveler in Camagüey, known for its clay pots, churches, and rich history.
With a street grid that deviates from the norm, Camagüey’s labyrinthine lanes hold hidden Catholic churches, triangular plazas, and a burgeoning collection of boutique hotels in restored colonial buildings.
Hike Pico Turquino
The trek up Pico Turquino, Cuba’s highest mountain, mixes endurance, natural beauty, and fascinating historical insights.
Guides are mandatory for both an intense one-day round-trip route and the two- to three-day trek through the Sierra Maestra cloud forests, culminating at the 1974m (6476ft) summit, where a bronze bust of national hero José Martí awaits.
Experience the Next Wave of Cuban Culture at Fábrica de Arte Cubano
Welcome to the “new” Cuba – an independent, cutting-edge art “factory” where visitors can wander through and take in innovative music, fabulous paintings, and vibrant discourse.
Founded by Cuban musician X-Alfonso, Havana’s Fábrica de Arte Cubano has emerged as Cuba’s foremost art collective, providing an inspiring hub for creativity and excitement.
Cycle Through Valle de Viñales
Cuba’s quiet roads make it an ideal cycling destination, and Valle de Viñales is the perfect spot to enjoy this activity.
The valley offers picturesque views with craggy mogotes (limestone monoliths), lush tobacco fields, and welcoming viewpoints around every corner.
The terrain is relatively flat – your biggest decision will be where to stop for a sunset mojito.
Taste Cuba’s Evolving Food Scene
Since 2011, when new privatization laws were introduced, a culinary revolution has been underway in Cuba.
A nation that once offered little more than rice and beans has rediscovered its gastronomic flair, with an explosion of restaurants experimenting with spices and fusion while reevaluating traditional dishes.
Havana leads the way in terms of the number and variety of dining options, with regional diversity from fresh crabs in Caibarién to exquisite chocolate in Baracoa.
Tap into Santa Clara’s Youthful Energy
Leave your preconceived notions about Cuba behind when visiting Santa Clara. The city is everything you thought this country wasn’t: progressive, creative, and welcoming.
This university town pulses with youthful energy, evident in its vibrant LGBTIQ+ shows at Club Mejunje and artistic gatherings at the Casa de la Ciudad.
This article was first published Aug 22, 2012 and updated Jan 13, 2024.
