Best things to do In Cuba

Immerse Yourself in Culture & History

Explore Old Havana (Habana Vieja)

• Wander the four main colonial plazas, each with its own distinct character: Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, and Plaza Vieja.
• Visit the Museo de la Revolución, housed in the former Presidential Palace, to gain a deeper understanding of Cuba’s complex and pivotal history.
• For a unique perspective, climb the bell tower at the Camera Obscura in Plaza Vieja for a 360-degree projected view of the city’s rooftops and streets.
• A walk along the Malecón at sunset is a quintessential Havana experience. This broad esplanade and seawall is the city’s living room, where locals gather to socialize, fish, and relax as the waves crash against the shore.

Ride in a Classic American Car

• Take a one or two-hour city tour in a meticulously restored 1950s convertible, a perfect way to see the city’s diverse architectural highlights in style.
• Arrange for a longer-distance trip in a classic car, which offers a memorable and scenic way to travel between cities, for example, from Havana to Viñales.
• Visit the unofficial “parking lot” near Parque Central in Havana, where you can browse a vibrant collection of classic cars and choose your favorite. It is essential to agree on the price and duration of the tour with the driver before getting in the car.

Discover Colonial Trinidad

• Walk the cobblestone streets of this beautifully preserved city, a UNESCO World Heritage site where colonial-era palaces, plazas, and churches transport you back in time.
• Climb the bell tower at the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco for panoramic views of Trinidad‘s colorful rooftops and the surrounding Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills).
• Visit a local casa de la trova to experience authentic, traditional Cuban music in an intimate and lively setting.

Experience the Rhythms of Cuba: Music & Dance

Take a Salsa Lesson

• Book a private or group class in a city like Havana or Trinidad, where dance is an integral part of daily life.
• Learn the basic steps of salsa, son, or rumba from a local instructor. This is an exceptionally fun way to connect with the culture and the people, and classes are welcoming to all skill levels.

Find Live Music Venues

• Visit the Fábrica de Arte Cubano (F.A.C.) in Havana, a dynamic, multi-level arts space that offers a modern mix of live music, art exhibitions, cinema, and performance.
• Seek out traditional son music at a casa de la trova. These government-run music halls, found in most major towns, are dedicated to preserving traditional Cuban music.
• Enjoy a live show reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club. While the original club is no longer open, its spirit lives on in many venues that feature incredible musicians performing the same timeless style of music.

Dance the Night Away

• Experience the unique atmosphere of an outdoor salsa party on the steps of the Casa de la Música in Trinidad, where locals and visitors dance together under the stars.
• Go to a local nightclub or bar to practice your new salsa moves alongside Cubans, offering an authentic and immersive evening experience.

Explore Cuba’s Natural Wonders

Viñales Valley

• Go horseback riding or hiking through the valley’s stunning landscape, characterized by its unique limestone karsts known as mogotes.
• Visit a traditional tobacco farm to see how world-famous Cuban cigars are grown, dried, and expertly rolled by hand, a process passed down through generations.
• Explore Cueva del Indio, a fascinating cave system that includes a boat ride on a subterranean river.

Pristine Beaches & Marine Life

• Relax on the famous white sands of Varadero’s all-inclusive resort beaches, known for their calm, turquoise waters.
• Snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Pigs (Bahía de Cochinos). While a site of historical significance, today it is celebrated as a top diving spot with abundant, well-preserved coral reefs and diverse marine life.
• For a quieter experience, visit a more secluded beach like Playa Ancón near Trinidad or the idyllic island of Cayo Levisa off the northern coast.

Savor the Flavors: Culinary Experiences

Eat at a Paladar

Dine at these privately-owned restaurants, which are often located in family homes. They typically offer a more authentic and often higher-quality dining experience than state-run restaurants, providing a true taste of Cuban hospitality and cuisine.

• Try classic Cuban dishes like Ropa Vieja (shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce), Moros y Cristianos (black beans and rice), and fresh-caught seafood.

Learn the Art of Rum & Cigars

• Tour the Havana Club Rum Museum in Old Havana to learn about the history of sugarcane and the process of making Cuba’s iconic rum, from distillation to aging.
• Participate in a cigar and rum pairing session. This is a sophisticated cultural experience that offers insight into two of Cuba’s most important products. Even for non-smokers, it is an opportunity to understand their deep significance to the national identity.

The Cuban Cocktail

• Take a mixology class to learn how to make the perfect Mojito and Daiquiri, two classic cocktails that originated in Cuba.
• Visit Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bars in Havana for a taste of history: La Bodeguita del Medio for its famous mojito and El Floridita, the cradle of the daiquiri.