The 15 things to do in Cuba

Visit Cuba: what are the best things to do and see on this island in the Caribbean? Discover our selection of must-see places.

From the softness of Caribbean waters to the rhythms of salsa, from hot beaches to Ice mojitos , from the colonial splendour to the passion of a revolution, Cuban cigars to American cars of the fifty years...

It is the largest island in the Caribbean and certainly the largest island in character. In Cuba, you can attend a baseball game, national sport, or a boxing fight; be captured by a classical dance ballet; give you in magnificent luxury hotels or choose to stay at home; go to the mountains where Fidel Castro plotted his revolution or led a 1957 Pontiac in the streets of Havana; strolling through the alleys of colonial villages across the island or delivering you to the sweets of the farniente on the beaches of white sand...

What about Cuba? What are the must-sees of the island? Here are the places to visit in Cuba that promise you safe, a unique journey of its kind.

1. Havana

One of the most evocative capitals you are likely to visit. Havana , it is colonial dwellings, sunny places, car collections. It is also the podium on which Castro preached the revolution, the cabaret Tropicana , the vet factory dedicated to the production of cigars and the waves that come to crash on the Malecón.

A mythical city full of history, Havana is undoubtedly the number 1 destination of the travellers she makes dream. Visiting Cuba is therefore discovering it to capture the whole atmosphere. To imbue it, let yourself be carried in the old town at the foot of the alleys, go to meet the premises renowned for their warm welcome, walk on Ernest Hemingway’s steps (author of the book “Le Vieil Homme et la Mer”), visit its flagship monuments such as the Cathedral of San Cristobal or the cemetery of Christopher Columbus, taste local specialties the time of a gastronomic visit and give yourself a few steps of salsa in one of the Cuban dance schools. You will have understood it, Havana lives instead of telling herself if you ask that you do in Cuba, you will find in the capital a lot of answers.

2. Playas del Este

On the beaches east of Havana, visit the hot waters where local culture still welcomes you, the large open arms. And because of this, it is the favorite beaches of the locals while most tourists go to the destinations known as Varadero or Cayo Coco. Playas del Este include beaches Bacuranao , Tarará, El Mégano, Santa María del Mar Boca Ciega and Guanabo. If they are still caught (don’t wait for the deserted beaches), they have this little something that the others, more bling bling, don’t really have: a certain authenticity that, with sure strokes, will literally plunge you into Cuban life, the true.

3. Trinidad

What if visiting Cuba was to travel in time? Direction la Trinidad For a few years. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is often chosen by the travellers who meet it. Renowned for its historic centre with colourful houses and typical calèches, the colonial city symbolizes Cuban life in all its splendour.

Here, the music beats the paved streets of a local chorus, street musicians always give him LA and local music concerts of the Casa de la Musica and the Trova are full every night. For a more historical and heritage overview, visit the Museum of Architecture Plaza Mayor or the Convent Saint-François d’Assisi. Finally for a nature trip, waterfalls Tops of Collantes , the El Rocio Falls and the Valley of Sugar Mills promise you a parenthesis as heavenly as luxuriant.

4. Valley of Viñales

What to do in Cuba to discover its natural treasures? Prised by hikers and other nature lovers, the Valley of Viñales houses the most beautiful landscapes in the region of Pinar del Rio: lush and preserved, it offers a whole other face to the destination in the middle of tobacco and coffee plantations. The time for a hike or a horse ride, go to the discovery of the botanical garden of Viñales, initiate yourself to the origins of the legendary cigars of Havana and above all, enjoy the splendid panorama on the famous mogotes , the famous limestone mountains that are part of the symbols of the valley.

5. Baracoa

Few people know the treasures of Baracoa . Small fishing town located in the Orient at 4 o’clock in Santiago de Cuba (on the other side of the island), Baracoa is an address for the preserved moment of mass tourism. Nestled in the middle of a lush nature, the city is a raw and authentic diamond that makes it a must for a trip to Cuba.

Its quiet living environment, its archaeological sites, its breathtaking view of the mountain El Yunque , its Boca de Yumuri, its small preserved beaches and its terraces with appetizing odors diffuse a particular atmosphere, of those who just call to be carried. In short, Baracoa promises above all to visit Cuba through a small corner of paradise.

6. Santiago de Cuba

Santiago , it is the city that breathes life. A former capital of Cuba, it is the portrait of a whole heritage where life flows at the rhythm of the cultural scene. If it hosts its own carnival each year, Santiago does not wait for the event to sing and dance its inhabitants. Theatre of concerts taken by the local population and visitors, we come here to immerse ourselves in this unique life.

In addition to its artistic talents, Santiago is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you will discover the reason when you visit it: the Maison de Diego de Velazquez , the Cathedral of the Asunción, the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery (where Fidel Castro and José Marti rest) or the Park Cespedes suffice for themselves to testify to the richness of the place. In the east, there are the picturesque ruins of French coffee plantations nestled in the high mountains, while the Castle of San Pedro de la Roca and the Moncada barracks are also part of the enlivened history of the island.

7. Les Cayes

Are you wondering if you'd make Cuba for a fierce parenthesis? One ♪ (or cayo in Spanish), plural Cayes , is a small low island mainly composed of sand and coral, several of them were discovered along with the New World. Los Canarreos, Jardines de la Reina , Jardines del Rey... Perfect for a few heavenly days, they each promise in their own way, white sand, turquoise waters, snorkeling sessions of dives and of course, beautiful sunsets.

8. Sierra Maestra

Eldorado des randonneurs, Sierra Maestra is a preserved park where a lush fauna and flora can be found. Today, its landscapes are also one of the most unbelievable in the entire island, but also the most famous: in addition to its green nature, Sierra Maestra hosts the Pico Turquino, the highest mountain in Cuba. It is also in this superb setting that Fidel Castro and Barbudos have been refugees during the Cuban Revolution, and that the American exploiters were expelled (and many will be the Cubans happy to tell you).

9. Santa Clara

Santa Clara is mysterious enough to attract you to her alone. And if you are interested in the history of the Cuban revolution and you ask that Cuba do so, then consider this city as a must. And for cause, the last operation of the revolution was carried out here! Today, Santa Clara is a sanctuary for amateurs and enthusiasts because it also houses the impressive mausoleum of Che Guevara erected in the memory of the revolutionary.

During your visit, extend your walk to the Cathedral of Santa Clara de Asis, but also the Park Leoncio Vidal , or the theatre La Caridad. Lose yourself in the small streets in the sound of street musicians, you will discover a typical architecture in which small cafes and other terraces have elected home.

10. Baie des Cochons (Bahia de Cochinos)

Sadly famous, the Cochon Bay First of all, the story of an attempt to invade Cuba in April 1961 by Cuban exiles, supported by the United States. It was in this place, apparently quiet, that this famous landing took place.

Today, she portrays a very contrasting place, which attracts as much as he can push back. Somewhat disfigured by its history, the Bay of Pigs still hides, little corners of paradise that deserve the detour. Among them, we note Punta Perdiz and Caleta Buena, (natural pools connected by the sea), the Boca lagoon of Guama and La Cueva de los Peces .

11. Cienfuegos

Located in the Bay of Jagua and not far from the Bay of Pigs, is in turn considered one of the most beautiful colonial cities of the island. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005 and nicknamed “La Perle du Sud” , it is an unmistakable stop for all travellers who come to visit Cuba.

His houses, his downtown, his botanical garden the 1600 species, its Parque José Martí, theatre Tomás Terry and its Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción are just as many places that seduce those who discover it.

12. Isla de la Juventud

This is not a legend, snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will always find to do in Cuba! Uncontournable of practice among others, the Isla de la Juventud is often referenced as LE spot to be added in its travel itinerary. Rich in an unspoiled fauna and flora, the island is renowned for hosting a sumptuous marine heritage, including Cayo Largo , natural paradise recognized for its simple and welcoming life, away from mass tourism. On the programme between two diving sessions: beautiful beaches of fine sand, limpid waters, friendly meetings and above all, comfort without pretension.

13. Laguna de la Leche

Vast natural lake near Morón (the largest of Cuba), the Laguna de la Leche is a small corner of paradise for all fishing enthusiasts: many are the species that live in this curious freshwater and seawater wedding.

Rich in an aquatic fauna that is worth its reputation, the lagoon also houses a beautiful variety of aquatic birds. A heritage that gave rise to a tradition: the aquatic carnivals. Each summer and for several years, boat owners decorate their boat and scroll along the canal in front of a jury that, according to several criteria (choreographies, aesthetics, originality), elect the 6 most beautiful in the competition.

14. Holguín

Province housing among the most beautiful parks of the island, Holguín enjoys a superb natural heritage that makes it the third tourist hub of the country. At the heart of ecotourism, the destination enjoys all those who want to visit Cuba a little off the beaten paths.

With the beautiful beaches of the province like Guardalavaca and Esmeralda , the natural parks Cristóbal Colón, National Monumento Bariay, Bahía de Naranjo or Calixto García promise when they juggle between treasures of nature, the discovery of cities and villages like Gibara. Also take advantage of your trip to try on horseback riding, opt for a dive session, discover the mountains, falls and rivers the time of a trek or visit the Cathedral of San Isidoro of the capital.

You will have understood it, there is to do in Cuba on the side of Holguín, so don’t hesitate to integrate it into your journey.

15. See also in Cuba

If after discovering the essentials of our list, you still have time to visit Cuba, here are some bonuses:

• Ciénaga de Zapata : marsh classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
• Camagüey : classified city, Camagüey is taken for its colorful houses and its talented artistic scene.
• Los Ingenios Valley : valley imprinted in the history of Cuba, from slavery to revolution.

When do you leave Cuba?

Visiting Cuba is also planning its travel period. So when do we go to Cuba? Everything depends on your priorities: time, world, budget... To need you in your choice, here are some information to consider:

- From November to May, tourists flock to Cuba due to the ideal time. However, the holiday budget costs more. - From May to October, the season is quieter due to the humid climate. On the other hand, the weather remains very favorable, and in no way prevents visiting Cuba in due form. - From December to March, the climate remains favourable and is the ideal time to enjoy Cuba out of season. - In terms of temperature, attention to heat: from April to October, it is very hot in Cuba, but it is also the preferred period for swimming.

How do I go to Cuba?

Cuba is a favourite destination, so companies like Air France offer direct and affordable flights to Havana, from Paris Charles-de-Gaulle. Iberia also provides daily flights from Paris and the province, with stopover in Madrid. Attention, however, to the choice of the starting period that necessarily varies up in high season (November to May). To find a flight at the best price, visit our partner's website Ulysses .

Where to stay in Cuba?

Through your trip to the largest island in the Caribbean, you will need to plan your hotel reservations in advance to have nothing to think about. Which city favors, which neighborhood for what experiences? After taking a look at our article « In which city house in Cuba? ", turn your feet to the ground. Accommodation at home, hotels, lodgings or even bungalows on the waterfront... For a dream stay, there is something for everyone! If you opt for a hotel, go to this Compare hotels which lists the best offers. Finally for more atypical housing, visit the platform Airbnb .