THINGS TO DO IN VARADERO
Relax in Cuba’s premier beach destination, offering pristine sands stretching 20 km.
Things to Do in Cuba
Things to Do in Cuba
10 Best Things to do in Cuba for First-Timers
Are you planning your first trip to Cuba and wondering what activities to include in your itinerary? Look no further! As local experts in Cuban travel, we've curated a list of the top 10 must-do experiences to make your visit unforgettable. From exploring historic cities to immersing yourself in vibrant culture and natural beauty, here are the best things to do in Cuba:
1. Explore the Streets of Old Havana
Dive deeper into the rich history of Old Havana by taking a guided walking tour led by knowledgeable locals. Visit hidden gems like the Havana Cathedral’s rooftop for panoramic views of the city, and stop by local markets to interact with artisans and purchase authentic Cuban souvenirs. Don’t forget to sample street food like churros and coconut water for a taste of local flavors.
2. Discover the Vinales Valley
Extend your Vinales Valley adventure by embarking on a horseback riding tour through the tobacco fields and caves of the valley. Engage with local farmers to learn about traditional tobacco farming techniques and enjoy a farm-to-table meal prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from the valley. Wrap up your day with a sunset hike to the Valle de Silencio for breathtaking views of the surrounding mogotes.
3. Experience Cuban Music and Dance
Immerse yourself further in Cuban music and dance culture by attending live performances in off-the-beaten-path venues frequented by locals. Take a guided tour of Havana’s music scene, including visits to lesser-known jazz clubs and Afro-Cuban music venues. Participate in a percussion workshop to learn the rhythms of traditional Cuban music firsthand.
4. Visit Trinidad
Dive deeper into Trinidad’s colonial history by exploring lesser-known sites like the Museo de Arqueología Guamuhaya to learn about the indigenous peoples of the region. Join a guided bicycle tour to discover hidden gems in the surrounding countryside, such as the stunning waterfalls of El Cubano National Park. Delve into Trinidad’s culinary scene with a cooking class led by local chefs, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Cuban dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
5. Relax on Cuba's Beautiful Beaches
Extend your beach getaway by venturing beyond the popular tourist spots to discover hidden gems like Playa Ancón’s secluded coves and pristine coral reefs. Join a snorkeling excursion to explore underwater ecosystems teeming with colorful marine life, or embark on a kayaking adventure along Cuba’s unspoiled coastline. Unwind with a beachfront yoga session or massage to fully embrace the laid-back atmosphere of Cuba’s coastal paradises.
6. Learn About Cuban History
Deepen your understanding of Cuban history with visits to lesser-known historical sites like the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba, where Fidel Castro launched the Cuban Revolution. Explore the lesser-known Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos in Trinidad to learn about Cuba’s fight against counter-revolutionary groups in the 1960s. Dive into Afro-Cuban history and culture with a visit to the Museo Casa de Africa in Havana, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to Cuba’s African heritage.
7. Savor Authentic Cuban Cuisine
Enhance your culinary journey in Cuba by participating in farm-to-table cooking experiences led by local chefs in rural communities like Viñales. Join a guided food tour of Havana’s vibrant neighborhoods to sample street food specialties like Cuban sandwiches and fried plantains. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Cuba’s diverse regional cuisines with visits to family-run paladares serving authentic dishes from Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, and beyond.
8. Ride in Vintage Cars
Dive deeper into Cuba’s vintage car culture by joining a guided tour that explores lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden architectural gems of Havana. Engage with local car enthusiasts and learn about the restoration efforts preserving Cuba’s classic cars for future generations. Venture beyond Havana to explore the countryside in style with a vintage car excursion to rural villages and natural attractions like the Viñales Valley.
9. Explore Natural Wonders
Extend your exploration of Cuba’s natural wonders with guided hikes to lesser-known trails in Topes de Collantes National Park, where you can discover hidden waterfalls and endemic wildlife. Join a birdwatching tour led by local experts to spot rare species in Cuba’s diverse ecosystems, from the Zapata Swamp to the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve. Dive deeper into Cuba’s marine biodiversity with guided snorkeling and scuba diving excursions to remote coral reefs and underwater caves along the island’s coastline.
10. Connect with Local Communities
Deepen your connection with Cuban communities by participating in volunteer projects that support local conservation efforts, community development initiatives, or cultural preservation programs. Join a homestay program in rural communities like Viñales or Trinidad to immerse yourself in local daily life and engage with Cuban families. Learn traditional crafts and skills from local artisans through hands-on workshops and cultural exchange programs that promote sustainable tourism practices and support local livelihoods.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top attractions in Havana?
In Havana, don’t miss exploring Old Havana (Habana Vieja), visiting the Malecón promenade, and touring the iconic El Capitolio.
What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Viñales?
Viñales offers outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hiking in the scenic Viñales Valley, exploring the Cueva del Indio cave system, and horseback riding through tobacco farms.
Where can I experience Cuban music and dance?
You can experience vibrant Cuban music and dance in Havana at venues like Casa de la Música and in Trinidad at Casa de la Trova.
What are the must-visit beach destinations in Cuba?
Varadero is famous for its beautiful beaches, while Cayo Coco and Playa Paraíso offer pristine sands and turquoise waters ideal for relaxation.
What cultural sites should I explore in Trinidad?
In Trinidad, explore the Plaza Mayor, visit the Museo Romántico, and climb the bell tower of the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco.
What eco-tourism activities are available in Cuba?
Cuba offers eco-tourism activities like birdwatching in the Zapata Peninsula, exploring the biosphere reserve in Sierra del Rosario, and diving in the Jardines de la Reina marine park.
Where can I enjoy traditional Cuban cuisine?
Experience authentic Cuban cuisine at paladares (privately-owned restaurants) in Havana, Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba, offering dishes like ropa vieja and arroz con pollo.
What historical sites can I visit in Santiago de Cuba?
Explore historical sites in Santiago de Cuba such as the Castillo del Morro, the Moncada Barracks, and the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery.
What adventure activities are available in Holguín?
In Holguín, adventure seekers can enjoy hiking in the Parque Nacional Monumento Bariay, exploring the Caverna de Panaderos, and horseback riding in the countryside.
Where can I experience Cuban cigars?
Visit tobacco farms in Viñales or Pinar del Río to learn about cigar production, or explore the cigar factories in Havana for a deeper understanding of Cuba’s cigar industry.
Looking for a Local, Personal and Authentic Cuba Tour Experience?
Events and Weather in Cuba
The Cuban calendar is dotted with spectacular celebrations and international festivals, which not only show Cuba’s people at their most spirited and colourful, but also their most artistic. On an island where tradition is all important, this sub-tropical Caribbean playground’s long events list manages to showcase not only Cuba’s past, but also its youth, vigour, and determination to be taken seriously on the international stage, whether that’s through ballet or hip hop.
