Los mejores hoteles de 5 estrellas de Cuba en 2025: dónde alojarse

An island in the Caribbean Sea is a unique combination of colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and resort areas with transparent waters of the Atlantic and a tropical climate.

Each region of the country offers an original blend of historical values and natural beauty, turning a vacation into a full-fledged journey through eras and landscapes. Below are the main attractions that allow tourists to understand what to see in Cuba when planning a visit to the heart of Latin America.

Havana – a city of contrasts, nostalgia, and art

A vivid example of what to see in Cuba for a tourist is Havana, the capital and cultural center. The Old Town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is abundant with buildings in the Spanish colonial baroque style, narrow streets with retro cars, and lively street music. Main points of interest: Capitolio, Malecon waterfront, Morro fortress, Revolution and Rum museums, Plaza de la Catedral square.

Interest in Cuban culture is vividly expressed in architecture, painting, music, and literature, whose traces are present on every corner. Havana combines the past and the present – from the grandeur of the colonies to the energy of street salsa.

Trinidad – a gem of colonial heritage

The city seems frozen in time, preserving cobblestone streets, 18th-19th century palaces, old mansions with wrought-iron balconies. Here you can find the Museum of Architecture, the Sanchez Ibarra House, as well as bustling craft markets. The city’s atmosphere is filled with the charm of bygone eras, and in the evenings, music echoes in the center.

Cienfuegos – a “French” region on the Caribbean coast

Located on the southern coast is Cienfuegos – a city with an unusual European-style layout for the island. Founded by French settlers, it stands out with its symmetrical streets, abundance of white buildings, and classical architecture. Among the attractions are the Tomas Terry Theater, Jose Marti Park, and the waterfront overlooking the Caribbean Sea. For those looking for what to see in Cuba, Cienfuegos offers a combination of cultural heritage and a peaceful atmosphere suitable for a leisurely vacation.

Varadero – one of Cuba’s main resorts

It is impossible to discuss what to see in Cuba without mentioning Varadero. This is the largest resort located on the Hicacos Peninsula, stretching along white sandy beaches with turquoise waters. The area offers comfortable hotels, water parks, golf courses, as well as catamaran excursions on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Underwater enthusiasts will find excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling here.

Cuba’s Nature: Vinales Valley

An iconic site symbolizing nature is the Vinales Valley, included in the UNESCO list. The relief with limestone cliffs (mogotes), tobacco plantations, rural settlements, and a network of caves, such as Indio and San Miguel, form an ecosystem that is valuable for both tourists and researchers. The place is ideal for ecotourism and hiking routes.

Zapata National Park – biosphere and swamps

Zapata is located on the island’s south, representing one of the largest swampy areas in the Caribbean. The national park is protected as a biosphere reserve. Rare birds and freshwater crocodiles inhabit this area. Main points of interest: crocodile farm, Laguna del Tesoro, Playa Giron. For those looking for what to see in Cuba, Zapata is an excellent choice: the place is popular among eco-tourism enthusiasts and nature excursions.

Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo – islands for secluded relaxation

The islands of the Jardines del Rey archipelago – Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo – reveal another side of relaxation in Cuba. The land areas are surrounded by reefs, ideal for diving and marine excursions. Beaches with fine white sand, all-inclusive hotels, and the absence of hustle make the resort areas particularly attractive for romantic trips and relaxation.

What to see in Cuba in the Collantes Mountains

One cannot overlook Collantes! The mountainous terrain at an altitude of about 800 meters above sea level hides the Topes de Collantes reserve, which features rare plants, waterfalls, and viewpoints with breathtaking views of the island’s south. Jeep routes and hiking excursions along forest trails are organized here.

Historical and Natural Areas: a brief list

Among the wide range of natural and cultural landmarks, the following stand out:

• the tropical Vinales Valley, combining landscapes and rural architecture;
• the museum network of Havana, from Capitolio to Ernest Hemingway’s house;
• caves in the vicinity of Trinidad, popular among climbers;
• mangrove shores of Cayo Coco, home to flamingos;
• underwater reefs off the coast of Varadero, perfect for snorkeling.

Each location emphasizes the interesting aspects that Cuba holds for enthusiasts of active and educational tourism.

Resorts: versatile destinations

Given the diversity, resorts can be divided into several categories depending on interests:

• Varadero, Santa Lucia, and Guardalavaca – classic beach vacations;
• Cienfuegos and Trinidad – historical and cultural tours;
• Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Largo – seclusion and snorkeling;
• the Collantes and Zapata areas – eco-expeditions and nature trails.

All destinations ensure a stable tourist flow and are considered an important part of the island’s tour program.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to note that the question of what to see in Cuba always includes not only beaches but also cultural centers, museums, mountain routes, and protected areas. The country offers a unique variety that turns a vacation into not just a beach trip but a true cultural and natural discovery.

Thanks to the combination of history, nature, warm climate, and Latin American color, each visit to this part of the world leaves a deep impression and a desire to return.

Havana maintains a unique balance between old architecture, colonial charm and the vibrant atmosphere of a Caribbean resort. Cuba’s capital offers not just a holiday, but a journey through time. Each neighbourhood reveals a different facet of the country’s history, culture and gastronomy. To see the city without rushing and truly feel its spirit, you should determine in advance which interesting places in Havana are worth including in your itinerary.

Old Havana: the heart of historical heritage

The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique blend of Spanish colonial style and Cuban identity. The narrow streets, colourful facades and squares offer tourists a gallery of living history.

De Armas Square

De Armas Square is a collection of architectural monuments from the 16th to 18th centuries. Baroque buildings are juxtaposed with museums and bookshops, creating an old-world atmosphere. Tourism in Havana almost always includes a visit to this corner – most sightseeing tours start here.

Cathedral Square

The Cathedral Square surrounds the main church of the city – St Christopher’s Cathedral. The building impresses not only with its architectural details, but also with its spiritual atmosphere. It is here that Cuban culture manifests itself in its entirety: music, painting, and theatre often accompany local festivals.

Piazza Vieja

Vieja Square has a lively atmosphere. It is home to cafés, art galleries and souvenir shops. Restored houses from different eras turn the square into an open-air museum. What to see in Havana if you want to feel the vibrant pulse of the city, Vieja Square is the place to be.

Malecon promenade: a symbol of romance

The Malecon promenade stretches along the coast for almost 8 kilometres. This is where locals gather in the evenings to watch the sunset, listen to music and enjoy the freshness of the ocean breeze. Havana’s places of interest include the Malecon as a must-see. Along the promenade are early 20th century Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings. Many of them have been damaged by time, but this is what creates a unique flavour. Tourists often stop at the quay for photos and to socialise with local fishermen.

Havana’s Capitol: one of the most interesting places to visit

The Capitol impresses with its size and architectural opulence. This building, reminiscent of its American counterpart in Washington, D.C., has long served as the seat of parliament. Now it houses the Academy of Sciences and the State Library. A visit to the Capitol is one answer to the question of what to see in Havana. The interiors are decorated with marble and stained glass, and at the main entrance stands the Statue of the Republic, the largest sculpture under a roof in the world.

Hemingway’s footprints: museum and legends

Literature lovers must include the Hemingway Museum, located in the writer’s former residence, Finca Vihija. Here you can see the furnishings from the times of the life of the author of “The Old Man and the Sea”, from his personal library to hunting trophies. Havana’s interesting places are so firmly linked to Hemingway’s name that many bars, such as Floridita and Bodeguita del Medio, boast plaques with quotes from the writer. Tours in his footsteps allow you to see the city through the eyes of the Nobel laureate.

Culture and traditions of the most interesting places in Havana

The region lives and breathes culture. The city turns every street into a stage, every courtyard into a small theatre. Interesting places in Havana always include not only sights, but also moments of everyday life, where the real Cuba is unvarnished.

The August Carnival on the Malecon promenade gathers hundreds of participants in colourful costumes. Festival columns with musicians, dancers and decorations in the style of Afro-Cuban folklore move along the ocean, turning the coast into a living river of energy. The sounds of conga, rumba and salsa fill the space. The music created before your eyes embraces passers-by, engaging them in an improvised dance. The carnival lasts for days and nights, forming one of the most colourful pages in Cuba’s events calendar.

Street musicians are a separate layer of Havana’s cultural life. Small ensembles play son, bolero, guajira and salsa at every turn: at cafes, at the columns of ancient buildings, on park benches. Every chord sounds sincere, turning an ordinary walk into a real journey into the musical soul of the country.

Folk artisans fill the streets of Old Havana with handmade products. Wooden sculptures, painted ceramic tiles, textiles with traditional patterns and tobacco products become living witnesses of centuries-old traditions. Havana tourism, steeped in street culture, allows you to not only see but also touch the very real spirit of the island.

Pedestrians easily become part of this lively spectacle. Even an ordinary seat on a bench can turn into a spontaneous participation in a salsa lesson or an invitation to a party in a neighbouring courtyard. This direct openness is what makes Havana’s street life unique.

Cuban realities: what a tourist needs to know

Travelling to Havana requires an understanding of the peculiarities of the local reality. Cuba remains a country with unique rules and traditions that shape the daily life and behaviour of visitors. There is a dual currency system in place. The local currency CUP is used for settlements between residents, while the MLC currency is used for payments in shops for tourists. When planning your budget, it is worth taking into account the need to convert currency at special exchange offices or banks.

When travelling around the city, it is important to have your passport or a photocopy of it. Cuba strictly enforces visa controls and police often check documents on the street, especially in tourist areas. Taking photographs of government buildings, military installations and police is prohibited. Violation of this rule can lead to unpleasant consequences up to administrative responsibility. However, there are no restrictions for personal photos of places of interest.

Interesting places such as Old Havana, the Malecon promenade or museums are guarded by the tourist police, which ensures a high level of security. Crime against foreigners remains low due to strict controls. The cost of living in Havana remains democratic. Taxis within the city cost around $8-12 per trip. Dinner in a typical Cuban restaurant costs an average of $5-8 per person. Accommodation in private mini-hotels – from 20 to 40 dollars per night.

The transport system is represented by buses, shuttle buses and private taxis. Although public transport is cheap, the quality of service can vary, especially during peak hours. Cuba respects tradition and emphasises politeness. A smile, a greeting and a calm tone in conversation opens many doors. Tourism in Havana requires travellers to be prepared for a leisurely pace of life, where time flows more slowly than in metropolises.

Choose the most interesting places in Havana to have a great time

Havana unfolds slowly, like a well-aged rum. Travelling through its streets becomes a real adventure, where every turn leads to a new discovery. From quiet squares to bustling promenades, from ancient temples to modern art galleries, Havana’s interesting places are astonishingly diverse. To truly feel the rhythm of Cuba’s capital, you should let yourself get lost in its magic.