What medicines to take on vacation: a well-thought-out list

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.

The capital of Cuba is not just a city, but an open-air chronicle. Every corner is a frame from a historical film, every street is an invitation to dialogue with epochs. Havana’s landmarks are not gathered in a museum hall – they are scattered throughout colonial quarters, bustling squares, and waterfronts with the scent of the sea and rum. A city that cannot be “seen” in one day – it must be felt.

Old Havana – the heart of the city and the cultural core

Cobbled stone streets, baroque facades, wrought-iron balconies, street musicians, and the aroma of coffee – everything here is imbued with the spirit of the past. The district is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and not by chance: it is here that the immersion into the history of Havana, its architecture, and way of life begins. Havana’s landmarks are most often associated with such a district, as it concentrates the highest number of colonial monuments.

Plaza de Armas – the colonial epicenter

The oldest square in the city and, essentially, its symbolic foundation. Once military parades took place here, and now it hosts antique fairs and tours. The square is surrounded by important buildings – the Museum of City History, the Governor’s residence, the library. Tourists come here not only for beautiful photos but also to feel the rhythm of the old city, where each facade tells its own story.

Cathedral Square – a sacred and architectural gem

The square is a true baroque parade. Here rises the Cathedral of Saint Christopher, better known as Havana Cathedral. Its facade is asymmetrical, emphasizing the beauty of architectural lines. The square is one of the quietest and most atmospheric in the city. Looking for spirituality and visual harmony in Havana? This is the place.

Plaza Vieja – Cuban painting in urban format

Rich colors, balconies with greenery, modern sculptures, and architecture without unnecessary pathos make Plaza Vieja one of the liveliest in the city. Artists meet here, children play, and you can fall in love with Cuba through the eyes of its residents. The space is not about the past, but about the present – gastronomy, music, Cuban culture in all its expressiveness.

Capitol of Havana – a symbol of the renewed capital

The monumental building in the style of the American Capitol has been restored and reopened for visits. It is not just an administrative structure but an important point on the tourist map. The interiors impress with marble, frescoes, and statues, while outside – endless columns. Among Havana’s landmarks, it plays a special role – a symbol of the city’s modern face, striving to preserve the past and move forward.

Malecon – a waterfront where epochs meet

The Havana waterfront stretches for almost eight kilometers along the sea and serves not only as a promenade but also as an open-air theater. Lovers, fishermen, artists, and passersby meet here. The sunset view from Malecon is a separate pleasure. One of those landscapes that are impossible to forget. It lives in every film about Cuba, and it is here that tourism in Havana is best felt.

Hemingway Museum – the writer’s personal history in Cuba

The Hemingway House-Museum is located slightly off-center, but it is worth a visit for anyone interested in Cuban literature and culture. Here, the writer’s personal belongings, his library, hunting trophies, and the famous yacht Pilar are preserved. Tours allow you to touch the life of a man who called the country his home and inspiration. Not just a museum, but a part of the city’s living cultural memory.

El Morro Fort – a military shield and panoramic viewpoint

The entrance to the bay is guarded by a powerful stone structure – a fort built in the 16th century. It impresses with its size, system of underground passages, and observation platforms offering panoramic views of the city and the ocean. In the evening, a cannon firing ceremony is held here – a tradition that has been preserved since colonial times. One of the most recognizable landmarks in Havana that should not be missed.

What else to do in Havana besides exploring landmarks: active options

In addition to historical routes and museums, the capital of Cuba offers many other ways to immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Here’s what you can do if you want to add dynamics to your vacation:

• Take a ride around the city in a vintage convertible, feeling the spirit of the 50s;
• Attend a carnival or street concert at Revolution Square;
• Visit the legendary bars El Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio;
• Browse boutiques of local designers and buy authentic souvenirs;
• Sign up for a masterclass in Cuban dance or cigar rolling.

Such activities fill the trip with emotions and personal discoveries, turning the tour into an adventure.

Cuba and tourists: what you need to know before your trip?

Before visiting the island, it is important to consider several aspects. Cuba has local laws for tourists that may differ from familiar norms: respect for culture is valued here, cautious behavior in political matters, and an understanding that not everything is available in digital format. The internet is unstable, it’s better to prepare cash for payment, and conversations with locals sometimes replace any guidebooks. Let’s look at some practical tips:

• Do not use drones without permission – it is prohibited by law;
• Always have your passport or a copy with you;
• Do not photograph military and police facilities;
• Respect private homes, even if they look like ruins;
• Find out in advance which areas to avoid.

Following the rules makes tours in Havana not only interesting but also safe.

Onward to exploring Havana’s landmarks!

Havana’s landmarks are not just a list of places, but a reflection of its temperament, tragedies, and celebrations. The city tells its story through museums, squares, fortresses, hotels, monuments, and lively streets. In every building, glance, sound, and scent – there is Cuba, which you want to not just remember but feel.

If you are still wondering what to see in Havana, start with the heart – the old city. But don’t stop there – open up the panorama from the fort, chat with the bartender at El Floridita, feel the surge of emotions on Malecon, and perhaps you will understand: you will return here again.