Top Things to Do & Places to Visit in Cuba | What is Cuba Famous for? (2024)

These are some of the most famous places in Cuba that you must visit:

Habana Vieja

Habana Vieja, or Old Havana, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is carefully preserved as a symbol of Cuban history. It is one of the primary Cuba tourist Attractions. Neoclassical buildings surround the city, and strolling on cobbled stone streets gives a glimpse of Cuba centuries ago.

The city undergoes regular renovations that protect the old architecture and breathe new life into it. Some of the major tourist attractions in the city are the Catedral de San Cristobal, Plaza de la Catedral, Bodeguita del Medio, and Castillo de la Real Fuerza.

Varadero

Varadero is one of the most famous beaches in Cuba; if you are in Havana, then Varadero is just a short drive away. Here, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean; the feel of a white sandy beach and warm water is surreal.

Moreover, there are other fun activities that you can do, like camel riding, enjoying the music at beach restaurants, visiting the Parque Josone Park, and seeing the exotic wildlife of Cuba, beautiful lakes, and botanical gardens.

Trinidad

Trinidad is another UNESCO World Heritage site in Cuba, which transports you to the historic world. The whole city has a history that dates back to the 17th and 19th centuries, but the ambience is lively and entertaining.

Its centre of attractions are the Church of Holy Trinity, the Church and Monastery of Saint Francis and its bell tower, and the Palacio Brunet. Strolling around the city on the cobblestone streets is a delightful experience, especially the evening walks when the whole city comes alive.

Maria la Gorda

Maria la Gorda, situated in west Cuba, is a small town. It does not have many architectural wonders or tourist attractions, but it is still loved and visited by the people because of its rich marine life.

People who love scuba diving can come here and enjoy diving deep in the ocean and seeing marine life up close. Moreover, its lack of infrastructure adds to its natural beauty and creates a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Vinales

Vinales is the most popular and accessible park in Cuba. Located in Vinales Valley, the park has its history; it is known to be Cuban politician Castro’s favourite place. The valley is surrounded by mountains where tobacco is grown to manufacture world-famous Cuban cigars.

The caves in the valley have their cavern system where you can take a boat ride to enjoy the ethereal beauty of caves.

Baracoa

If you are looking for places to see in Cuba that tell its true history, Baracoa is the best place to visit. Founded in 1511, Baracoa is the oldest city in Cuba; it was mostly cut off from the rest of the island until the La Farola highway was built.

However, nowadays, people visit this city to see the colonial architecture, beautiful beaches and countryside, waterfalls, and lush green jungles. Moreover, the city's hillside is named the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve because of the rare plant and animal species found in the region. Some of the must-visit points of Baracoa are Museo Municipal, Fuerte Matachin, and Playa Maguana.

Ropa Vieja

Considered Cuba's national dish, Ropa Vieja is a flavourful stew made from shredded beef, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Like many other Cuban dishes, it originated in Spain and was brought to the country. Ropa Vieja is usually served with yellow rice and cold beer on the side.

There is also an unusual story related to the dish of the poor man who could not find any food to feed his family. So, he shredded his clothes and prayed, and when the container was opened after cooking, it contained shredded beef instead of clothes.

Moreover, it is also believed that Sephardic Jews from the Iberian Peninsula invented this dish because they could not cook on the Sabbath, so they prepared this dish a day before.

Vaca Frita

Translated as the “fried cow,” Vaca Frita is a Cuban dish made from shredded or flank beef. The beef is cooked twice: once, the meat is stewed, and then it is pan-fried to give it a crispy flavour.

Once cooked, it is usually served with sauteed onion toppings, black beans, and rice on the side. It could also be served with mashed potatoes or french fries, which also make a delicious combination.

Medianoche

If you want to eat something hearty and delicious after your night of fun and clubbing, then you must try this Cuban dish. Medianoche, which translates to midnight, is a tasty sandwich filled with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles.

Flan de Coco

If you want to try something sweet in Cuba, then give Flan de Coco a try. This delicious dessert is famous in Columbia, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. It is made with coconut, eggs, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and flaked coconut.

The dessert is usually baked in small ramekins with caramel on the inside, and before serving, it is topped off with flaked coconut.

Picadillo Cubano

There are so many Cuban things to do, such as eating the spicy and flavorful Picadillo Cubano. The dish is famous all across the Philippines, Latin America, and Spain and has various versions.

The Cuban version is made with ground meat, onions, and tomatoes and is served with rice or tortillas on the side. If you come to Cuba, you need to try this hearty and spicy dish at least once.

** Arroz Con Huevo**

If you are having a lazy day in Cuba, why not try this famous lazy lunch? Arroz con huevo includes rice with eggs topped on top. It has several versions with different cooking methods and various ingredients. In some places, it is topped with grated cheese; in others, with savoury sofrito and parsley.

Stay in Casas

Casas are private rooms rented by the locals at their homes. You can get a casa in Cuba and live like any other Cuban. It is a great way to experience Cuban culture closely. The best part is that the hosts love to chat with guests and you can also support them in their small requirements.

Visit to Cigar Factory

Vinales Valley is known for producing the best cigars in Cuba. You can visit the cigar factories and learn to make cigars yourself. Many factories even have workshops where they invite people and teach them how to roll tobacco, the right way to roll cigars, and every detail necessary to create a perfect cigar.

Climb El Yunque

Want to enjoy good hiking, then you must climb the El Yunque. Situated just outside of Baracoa, this mountain presents great climbing experiences to pro and beginner climbers. You can hire a local guide who will show you the right climbing trails and will also introduce you to beautiful flora and fauna along the way.

Ride Vintage in Cuba

If you love cars and anything antique, then you will surely enjoy a ride in a vintage car in Cuba. Cubans love to travel locally in their vintage cars, and you can experience this adventure and see the local area through the antique lens.

Take a Dip in Baracoa Rivers

There is nothing more refreshing than swimming in a river; its natural flow and clean water cleanse your body and soul. In Baracoa, there are about 29 rivers, and they all tell the tales of Cuban history and nature. While bathing in them, you can enjoy exploring the flora and fauna around them.

Party at Tropicana

If you want to have fun at an iconic club in Cuba, Tropicana is the place for you. It is an extravagant club filled with fun activities, theme parties, music, singing, and dancing; in short, a promise of good times. Tropicana’s cabaret performances are quite famous, and you catch one if you are visiting the club.

Visit Fábrica de Arte Cubano

Your trip to Cuba is incomplete if you do not visit the Fábrica de Arte Cubano. It is an artistic space that is home to local creative and performing arts. The line-up changes every three months, allowing tourists to enjoy new and different arts. The concerts, films and exhibitions held here give a beautiful insight into Cuban art and culture.

Dive at the Bay of Pigs

Want to enjoy some water adventures in Cuba, the Bay of Pigs is the perfect place. Here, you can enjoy diving and snorkelling in the water. Take a guide with you who will introduce you to marine life during your dive and help you explore the waters safely.

Dance to Salsa

Learning some new dance moves while you are on your trip to Cuba is a great way to enjoy your stay and connect with local culture. You can learn Salsa and dance your heart away at any of the local restaurants or cafes in Havana. The live music and local Salsa dancers will make you feel free.

Cuba is a principal island nation surrounded by water, and most of its land is covered by mountains and valleys. The country is heaven for people who want to enjoy the lush greenery, ocean scenes, and Cuban history. If you want to enjoy an evening stroll at Habana Vieja or scuba dive at Maria la Gorda, then you must come to Cuba.

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