When someone utters the word “Cuba,” your mind probably conjures up an image of Havana, with its time-worn facades and fifty-year-old Chevrolets.
The country’s infectious capital has undoubtedly become Cuba’s star attraction, and it’s easy to see why; not only is Havana beautiful, but it’s also an atmospheric place where the past is palpable — every colonial street, every crumbling building, every grandiose square has a different story to tell.
There are so many compelling reasons to visit Havana, but we’re going to assume you don’t need another one. Instead, we’ll give you plenty of good reasons to travel outside of the country’s capital city. From the remote city of Baracoa to the cultural hub of Santiago, here are six places to visit in Cuba (besides Havana).
Viñales
If you head to Viñales after Havana, get ready to experience a jarring contrast; as the city’s weathered streetscapes and vintage cars fade from view, you’ll find yourself surrounded by imposing mogotes (limestone karsts), lush greenery, and ox-powered ploughs ambling through tobacco fields.
Casa particulares, or homestays, are the main type of accommodation here, giving you the chance to stay with a local family and indulge in delicious home-cooked meals every night.
Aside from visiting a tobacco farm — which is an absolute must in this area — hiking, cycling, and horse-back riding, there isn’t an abundance of things to do in Viñales (at least in comparison to popular hotspots like Havana) — and that’s the beauty of this region; it’s the type of place where you can immerse yourself in the natural world, catch a glimpse of traditional Cuban rural life, and enjoy some of the most incredible landscapes in the country.
Viñales also happens to be the epicentre for Cuban tobacco farms, so if you’re keen to smoke a famed Cuban cigar (and see how they’re made beforehand) this is the place to do it.
Top things to do in Viñales:
- Visit a tobacco farm
- Explore the area by bike or horseback
- Watch the sunset from the viewing platform at Hotel Jazmines
Cienfuegos
Commanding a spectacular natural setting on the Bahia de Jagua, Cienfuegos has a distinctly European feel (it was founded by French settlers in 1819), and it’s often dubbed the Paris of Cuba.
It’s an easy place to spend a day or two: explore the city’s historic centre, which is filled with elegant, French-style architecture and several notable attractions, and then venture along the Malecón sea wall to Punta Gorda, a laid-back waterfront neighbourhood.
Cienfuegos also acts as a great jumping-off point to visit the infamous Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) — one of the country’s top snorkelling and diving hotspots — as well as the stunning El Nicho waterfalls, hidden amongst the hills of Topes de Collantes Nature Reserve Park.
Top things to do in Cienfuegos:
- Visit notable attractions like José Martí Park and Ferrer Palace
- Walk along the Cienfuegos Malecón
- Take a day trip to the Bay of Pigs or Topes de Collantes Nature Reserve Park
Trinidad
Pristinely preserved and largely unchanged since the 1800s, Trinidad is a standout destination that deserves to be on your Cuba itinerary.
The city’s heart is Plaza Mayor, a pedestrian-friendly plaza ringed by 18th and 19th-century colonial buildings and a wealth of architectural treasures. Many of Trinidad’s top landmarks and attractions can be found here, including the Museo de Historia Municipal, but there are plenty of lesser-known gems to discover along its winding back streets and unassuming alleyways.
After the sun goes down, head to the steps leading up to the Casa de la Musica, where locals and tourists gather to salsa dance every evening. Join in or watch from the sidelines with a cocktail in hand — either way, you’ll get swept up in the camaraderie and festive spirit.
If you find yourself longing for a little breather from the hustle and bustle while you’re here, Playa Ancon — one of the best beaches on Cuba’s southern coast — is only a 15-minute drive from Trinidad.
Top things to do in Trinidad:
- Explore the city’s main sights and attractions in Plaza Mayor
- Climb the tower of La Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco
- Spend the afternoon at nearby Playa Ancon
Santa Clara
Most travellers are drawn to Santa Clara for its fascinating history (it’s the site of the final battle of the Cuban revolution), but this city is full of surprising quirks and attractions — and they’ll tempt you to stick around a bit longer.
Aside from visiting the museum and monuments dedicated to Che Guevara, a few of Santa Clara’s highlights include Parque Vidal, the vibrant central square, Constantino Pérez Carrodegua Tobacco Factory, and Loma del Capiro, Santa Clara’s best lookout point.
Top things to do in Santa Clara:
- Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum Square
- People watch in Parque Vidal
- Tour a cigar factory
Santiago de Cuba
Santiago is second to Havana in size, but this fiery city has plenty to boast about, especially when it comes to culture, carnival, and Cuban rum.
Music is the main draw here — Santiago is the birthplace of just about every Cuban music genre — and you can’t walk more than a few steps without being serenaded by a soulful ballad or hypnotic salsa rhythm.
In July, the city explodes into a riot of colourful costumes and a chorus of song and dance during carnival, the largest and most traditional festival of its kind in Cuba.
Music isn’t the only thing that Santiago does well — the city’s rum culture is also one of the best on the island (this is where Bacardi opened its first-ever rum factory, after all). The Cuban government continues to produce rum at the former Bacardi distillery under the Ron Caney brand, so be sure to stop by for a tour and tasting during your stay.
Top things to do in Santiago de Cuba:
- Visit Castillo del Morro
- Take a sightseeing tour around Parque Cespedes
- Delve into the country’s tumultuous history at Plaza de la Revolucion and the Moncada Barracks
Baracoa
If you’re looking for a Cuban destination that’s well and truly off the beaten path and virtually free of tourist hordes, Baracoa is it. This little-known slice of paradise is the oldest city in the country and one of the most isolated, situated at the far eastern tip of Cuba.
Getting here isn’t easy, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spellbinding vistas in the country — and some of the best food on the island. The surrounding countryside has loads to offer in the way of natural attractions, from swimmable rivers to cascading waterfalls and trekking trails.
Don’t leave without trying some local chocolate and cucurucho, a Baracoan specialty made with a mixture of coconut, fruit, and honey served in a palm leaf.
Top things to do in Baracoa:
- Learn about the history of chocolate production at Casa del Cacao
- Head underground to explore a series of caves at the Museo Arqueologico La Cueva del Paraiso
- Go hiking in Parque Natural Majayara
Where do you most want to visit in Cuba? Any other destinations you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
