What to do in Cuba: from beach holidays to historical excursions

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.

In this article we have collected the best hotels in Cuba 5 stars, among which you will definitely find the right option. The country beckons with palm trees and the glow of the Atlantic, but the impressions of luxury holidays here are not only created by the scenery. In 2025, the best 5-star hotels on the island offer more than just the standard idea of luxury. As our review shows, true comfort in Cuba is measured not by the glitter of marble, but by impeccable attention to detail, quality of service and that unique atmosphere where Caribbean flavour blends harmoniously with the highest level of service.

Best Cuba 5 star hotels in Varadero

A neighbourhood where every residential complex is like a Swiss watch, only in the tropics. Here the best 5-star hotels in Cuba turn holidays into a system of precise decisions: without failures, without compromise, with a clear focus on comfort and style. Varadero has long worked not for the wow effect, but for sustained trust.

Iberostar Auswahl Varadero 5*

The hotel demonstrates the fine-tuning of service to meet the needs of families and couples. It was erected on a long beach and opened 386 rooms with laconic interiors and ocean views. Cuba’s best 5-star hotels are developing an all-inclusive format. The system offers rum, seafood and round-the-clock service – all included in the price.

Families have access to kids’ clubs with animators and areas with shallow pools. The hotel offers meals in six restaurants, one of which specialises in Japanese cuisine. Tourists note the high level of staff on Tripadvisor, and reviews on TopHotels record a high score for “service”.

Melia International 5*.

A flagship among hotels with an emphasis on deluxe categories. The complex comprises 946 rooms divided into zones for families and adults. The spa services centre covers more than 1000 m², making it popular for wellness tours. Children’s programmes, gourmet restaurants, a gym with sea views – a complete package for the discerning holidaymaker.

Best Varadero 5 star hotels for adults only

When no playgrounds or animation is required, the scene gives way to silence and choice to taste. Cuba’s best 5 star hotels offer a format where adult holidays take on a new dimension. There are private zones, gastronomy without compromise and a secluded atmosphere. Varadero confidently holds the bar in the “18+” niche – strict, discreet and without fuss.

Royalton Hicacos Resort 5*

Resorts promote the all-inclusive format for adults – it is valued for its comfort and privacy. 404 rooms, four swimming pools, eight restaurants, separate areas for couples. The resort managers have staked on “relax-first”. They have created a spa area, launched water sports and included jazz in the evening programme. The complex offers a high level of privacy and service, especially in the premium Diamond Club area.

Melia Las Americas 5*

The only hotel in the region integrated with the Varadero Golf Club. It is considered a suitable option for a business holiday combined with a beach holiday. The rooms offer views of the fairways and the restaurants offer Caribbean cuisine. Premium All Inclusive, including transfers, excursions and VIP service.

Cuba’s best 5 star hotels on Cayo Coco and Guillermo

The archipelago sounds quieter than your heart on relaxation – this is where Cuba’s best 5 star hotels take the concept of seclusion to a level where silence becomes luxury. No unnecessary fuss, no mass trails – just turquoise water, white sand and service.

Melia Cayo Coco 5*

Accommodation in water bungalows creates an atmosphere of privacy. Cuba’s all-inclusive adult hotels are ideal – only adults have access. Rooms are equipped with mini-bars with imported alcohol, wide terraces and direct access to the water. A gastronomic restaurant with lobster, grill and fusion cuisine is open daily.

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo 5*

Located in the Guillermo neighbourhood, surrounded by mangroves. Includes 500 rooms decorated in a minimalist tropical style. The complex is included in the price segment of Cuba’s 5-star all-inclusive hotels, offering accommodation from $280 per night – a bargain compared to similar resorts. Premium all-inclusive hotels offer imported drinks, snack bars, poolside service and evening shows with live music.

Top hotels in Cayo Santa Maria

Here, silence is not an accident, but part of the concept. Cuba’s best 5-star hotels on this island create a chamber atmosphere. They form a space from secluded beaches to impeccable service. Everything here is subordinated to the idea of exclusivity and the concept of “only for your own”. Cayo Santa Maria does not work on the flow, but on the impression.

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria 5*

A boutique hotel with an emphasis on couples holidays, the all-inclusive format in Cuba offers a room stock of 122 suites with Jacuzzi, personalised service and panoramic views. Personalised service and private beaches set it apart from its peers. It is regularly ranked in the top 3 on Tripadvisor and TopHotels for 5-star all-inclusive hotels in Cuba.

Cuba’s best 5-star hotels: premium openings 2024-2025

Fresh names have quickly joined the ranks of Cuba’s top 5-star hotels – thanks to demand. New properties are not copying, but shaping standards: technology, boutique style and a focus on experiences. A new format of luxury is being born here – modern, thoughtful and targeted.

Gran Muthu Imperial 5*

A modern hotel launched in early 2024. It was built right on Pilar Beach, one of the most photogenic beaches in Cuba. The architects designed it to suit European tastes: simple interiors, stable Wi-Fi and English-language management. The team implemented eco-technologies and installed its own solar energy system.

Mystique Casa Perla 5*

A boutique option for those looking for quietness and high service. Includes 10 designer rooms, each decorated in a special architectural style. The resort is set right in the heart of historic Varadero. The hotel combines beach holidays with culture: it holds readings, tastings and rum masterclasses.

Iberostar Coral Esmeralda 5*

A modern complex specialising in family holidays. Includes clubs for children from 3 to 12 years old, nanny-on-call system, allergen-free menu. 10 hectares of land with direct access to the beach. The property is actively receiving positive reviews due to its balanced price and quality level.

Why choose five-star hotels in Cuba

Tourists choose Cuba’s top resorts for their reliable service, ideal location and unlimited comfort. Each resort offers a format ranging from private beaches for adults to accommodation in bungalows on the water. Tourists choose them for their combination of comfort, ratings and rich infrastructure.

Comparison of key indicators:

1. Royalton Cayo Santa Maria 5* – 9.4 on Tripadvisor, $320/night, adults only, private beaches.
2. Melia Internacional 5* – 9.2 rating, $290/night, family and adult holiday area.
3. Gran Muthu Cayo Guillermo 5* – 8.7 rating, $260/night, emphasis on active leisure.
4. Iberostar Coral Esmeralda 5* – 9.1, $280/night, for families with children.
5. Melia Cayo Coco 5* – 9.0, $275/night, accommodation in water bungalows.

These hotels are shaping the standard of premium Cuban holidays, offering guests a thoughtful experience rather than just accommodation. Whatever the purpose of the trip – romance, retreat or family holiday – it’s easy to find an option here without compromise.

Conclusion

Cuba’s best 5-star hotels in 2025 demonstrate a balance between the island’s atmosphere and the demands of international service. Sustainable quality, local cuisine, all-inclusive format, attention to detail and personalised service are becoming markers of true luxury. The principle of “nothing too much, everything to do”. Cuba’s resorts attract those who want not just a holiday, but a tropical experience.