Cuba Attractions

Cuba is too vast, and there are too many highlights and attractions to see them all in just two weeks. I traveled on my Cuba tour for three weeks. The following places impressed me and were my personal highlights. Cuba's culture and people are incredibly wonderful. The diverse landscapes are just as amazing.

There are beautiful beaches, Caribbean islands, and exciting cities. In this article, I will quickly share the most beautiful attractions from my trip through Cuba.

⚠️ Looking for tips for Varadero? Unfortunately, you're in the wrong place. I avoided this touristy city. There are much more authentic places in Cuba's Caribbean to experience the true life of the island (with all its downsides).

Make sure to include these cities in your travel itinerary:

You can't miss Havana, the capital of Cuba. A visit is a must. The famous waterfront promenade Malecón, the partially restored old town Habana Vieja, the Museo de la Revolución, beautiful colonial hotels, and other magnificent buildings shape the city's landscape. The old town, Habana Viejo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is still "well" preserved. 2.1 million people live here. Taking a ride in a vintage car is also a must-do.

Learn more about Havana here: Travel report and attractions in Havana

Trinidad is a stunning Spanish colonial city with many colorful houses, alleys, and lively music. Visiting the famous Casa de la Musica is an absolute must. Not only locals but also tourists dance here to Cuban rhythms through the night.

You have the best view from the tower of the Museo Nacional de la Lucha. Read more about it in my tips for Trinidad.

For relaxation, you can drive to Playa Ancón, only 7 km away. If you're feeling active, you can hike or take a horseback ride in Cuba's second highest mountain range, the Sierra del Escambray.

Hot dances and music in the Casa de la Musica (Casa de la Trova, where the Buena Vista Social Club performed) from Santiago de Cuba. The fortress Castillo del Morro, recognized as a protective UNESCO World Heritage site. The Moncada Barracks, where Fidel Castro's revolution started, and the place where the world-famous Bacardi family founded their first distillery.

Read all my tips for Santiago de Cuba here.

The Viñales Valley is located in the western Cuban province of Pinar del Rio and is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Cuba. It can be reached in just 3 hours from Havana. The area is known for its tobacco, fruit, and vegetable plantations. I recommend visiting a cigar factory and a tobacco and vegetable farm. Did you know that over 80% of Cuban tobacco comes from Pinar del Rio?

My reports and travel tips for Valle de Vinales and Pinar del Rio

Following in Fidel Castro's footsteps in the mountains of the Sierra Maestra. This includes a hike to the hidden rebel camp. You can even see Fidel's bed and toilet here. Incredibly exciting, thrilling, and also somewhat strenuous.

The climb to Radio Rebelde - the former pirate station - is steep. It's worth it!

The city of Santa Clara in the center of Cuba stands as a symbol of the success of the Cuban Revolution. It is mainly associated with the national hero Che Guevara, whose remains are kept in the mausoleum in Santa Clara.

A museum about Che Guevara is also housed at the back of the monument. Here, you will find many personal items and letters of the hero.

You can find dreamlike Caribbean beaches on every coast of Cuba. At Cayo Levisa, we enjoyed the tranquility and the beach all to ourselves. Playa Ancon was touristy, but for relaxing outside Trinidad, the beach was perfect. Playa Jibacoa is the non-touristy alternative to Varadero.

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