The top 8 things to do in Camaguey Cuba? Well hold on for a little history first!
Camaguey is one of the seven original colonial settlements of Cuba established in the early 1500s. It’s UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE listed, pastel coloured streets just ooze history. Cuba’s third-largest city has also become a bastion of art, meaning there’s plenty of culture to see in Camagüey. Read on to discover our top 8 things to do in Camaguey Cuba!
1. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Camaguey is a stronghold of the Roman Catholic Church in Cuba and boasts many beautiful churches. However, the Church of Our Lady of Soledad, located at a key city intersection often steals the spotlight in photographs. But don’t overlook the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It’s definitely in the top 8 things to do in Camagüey, Cuba. Located on Marti Park, this cathedral displays a Gothic splendor and three spires that’s not found anywhere else in Cuba.
2. Camagüey’s Museums
The Museo Provincial Ignacio Agramonte celebrates Ignacio Agramonte, a local hero in the first War of Independence against Spain (1868-78). Indeed he also wrote Cuba’s first constitution in 1869. The museum houses antique furniture and an extensive art collection spanning the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It features traditional and contemporary works by Cuban artists.
Even those who aren’t art enthusiasts will find the museum a valuable addition to their Camaguey visit. It’s located in a former Spanish cavalry barracks from the 1840s.
Moreover, the city boasts other outstanding museums like the Museo Casa Natal de Ignacio Agramonte in the house he was born in. This museum pays tribute to Ignatio Agramonte’s pivotal role in the war against the Spanish and his enduring legacy in Cuban history.
3. Parque Ignacio Agramonte
Ignacio Agramonte Park is perhaps the most impressive of Camagüey’s many plazas. It was named in honour of its favourite son Ignacio Agramonte. Located in the heart of the city it is used by locals and visitors alike as a place to relax. This is a beautiful green space which offers plenty of shade and marble benches to sit on. It’s at its most vibrant in the early evening when the locals come to gather there after work. It’s a also a great place to catch local musicians too!
4. City plazas
City plazas like Parque Ignacio Agramonte, serve as crucial open spaces for residents to unwind and socialize. Plaza del Carmen, has a local charm and offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the city’s livelier spots. It’s in a prime location on the eastern side of the picturesque Our Lady of Carmen church. Recently restored from its previous dilapidated state, the plaza’s cobblestone center is adorned with the iconic tinajones (clay pots). Tinajones clay pots are very emblematic of the city. Additionally, it features life-sized sculptures depicting residents savoring the city’s ambiance amidst the square’s quaint yet vibrant buildings.
5. Casa de Art Jover
The city is home to several living artists, including the husband and wife team of Joel Jover and Ileana Sanchez. Joel and Ileana are two of Cuba’s most imaginative artists and have a home-come-gallery on Plaza Agramonte.
Here you can see their latest works, play with their pet chihuahuas and explore their collection of antiques. Alternatively head to the studio space of Martha Jimenez Perez in Plaza del Carmen. It’s a fully functioning studio where you can see Martha’s works in progress and possibly even purchase one or two!
6. Casino Campestre Park
Casino Campestre is Cuba’s largest urban park and was constructed in the 1860s. It is a lush oasis adjacent to Camagüey’s historic district. The park houses a basketball stadium and next to it a zoo. There is a monument honoring Mariano Barberan and Joaquin Collar Serra. The two Spanish aviators who completed the first non-stop flight from Seville, Spain to Camagüey in 1933. However they tragically vanished while en route to Mexico a week later.
7. Winding alleyways
Camagüey’s winding alleyways connect all the plazas within the old city. They were designed to defend against pirates who often raided the city. As you explore the alleys, you’ll stumble upon hidden squares, street basketball games and locals going about there daily life. As you do…
8. Food and drink
Cuban food is incredibly tasty, and in Camaguey you’ll find it at it’s very best. With some of the cheapest food and drink on the island, it’s a shame not to explore its offerings as much as possible. The city’s food and drink should definitely be included on any list of things to do in Camagüey. You could easily spend all your time sampling the delicacies of Camagüey’s street hawkers. On the other hand you could visit one of the city’s many paladares. Owned by local families, these eateries provide great value and very authentic cuisine in a homely atmosphere. One to definitely try is Melange, located on Cisneros y San Clemente.
In conclusion, Camagüey is a lively and exciting city and one of the country’s earliest European settlements, it’s a city full of history. We’ve listed the top 8 things to do in Camaguey. However there are plenty of other things to do in Camagüey as we’ve hopefully shown!