Cuba offers an incredible blend of colonial architecture, revolutionary history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. From the lively streets of Havana to the secluded beauty of Baracoa, each city presents a unique experience. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to explore more, this guide helps you navigate the top 10 cities in Cuba, highlighting what to see, where to drink, and how long to stay in each place.
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The Top 10 Cuban Cities to Visit
Cuba’s top cities are as unique as they are different from each other. Whether it’s the steamy, sultry Santiago de Cuba or the sleepy Sancti Spiritus. You’ll visit each of them for different reasons and want to add them to your Cuba Itinerary. My guide to these glorious cities of Cuba starts in the capital, Havana, and then explores the country. You’ll find the top thing to see in her cities, the best tour to take (because locals always know best), and the best Cuban Cocktail to drink here, along with where to get it.
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1. Havana
Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish and quickly became one of the Caribbean’s most important ports. The city has a deep revolutionary history and served as a backdrop to many pivotal events in modern Cuban politics. My guide to Havana is here.
Havana’s Top Attraction: Old Havana’s Plaza Vieja is the city’s cultural and historical heart, filled with colonial architecture, art galleries, and lively street music.
Top Things to See:
- Old Havana (Habana Vieja): colonial plazas and architecture
- Malecón: the iconic sea wall promenade
- Museum of the Revolution
- El Capitolio (National Capitol Building)
- Fusterlandia: whimsical mosaic art neighborhood
Best Tour to Take in Havana: A Classic Car Tour
Where to go for a Cuban Cocktail in Havana: Head to El Floridita for a classic daiquiri—Hemingway’s favorite and a Havana institution. (There’s more on Hemingway’s Cuba haunts here)
How long to spend in Havana: Spend 3–4 days here to explore historic neighborhoods, museums, nightlife, and nearby beaches. Spending longer? Here’s my guide to day trips from Havana.
2. Viñales
Though not a city in the traditional sense, Viñales is a small rural town famous for its scenic valley and traditional tobacco farming. Its landscape has made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite for eco-tourists. My guide to Viñales is here.
Viñales Top Attraction: Exploring tobacco plantations with a local farmer offers the most authentic Viñales experience.
Top Things to See:
- Mogotes (limestone hills)
- Tobacco farms and cigar tours
- Cueva del Indio (underground river cave)
- Mural de la Prehistoria (massive cliff painting)
- Horseback riding and hiking trails
Best Tour to take in Viñales: A valley tour in a classic car
Where to go for a Cuban Cocktail in Viñales: After a day of exploring, unwind with a house-made mojito at Centro Cultural Polo Montañez.
How long to spend in Viñales: Spend 2 days here to hike the valley, ride horses, and relax in the countryside. Add an extra day to explore Cayo Jutias or Cayo Levisa.
3. Varadero
Varadero developed as a beach resort town in the late 19th century and became a playground for the wealthy before the revolution. Today, it’s Cuba’s most popular beach destination, known for its 20 km stretch of white sand. My guide to Varadero is here.
Varadero’s Top Attraction: Varadero Beach itself is the city’s crown jewel, stretching along turquoise waters with soft white sand.
Top Things to See:
- Varadero Beach
- Parque Josone (park with paddleboats)
- Cueva de Saturno (cenote and swimming cave)
- Varahicacos Ecological Reserve
- Mansion Xanadu (golf course & historic house)
Best Tour to take in Varadero: Day trip to Cayo Blanco – desert island delight!
Where to go for a Cuban Cocktail in Varadero: Try a minty mojito with a sea view at Casa del Ron, a rum-tasting bar near the beach.
How long to spend in Varadero: Spend 2–3 days to soak up the sun and explore natural sites. Spending longer? Here’s my guide to day trips from Varadero.
4. Trinidad
Trinidad was established in 1514 as a hub for the sugar trade and became wealthy from nearby plantations. Its architecture and cobblestone streets have been preserved as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. My guide to Trinidad is here.
Trinidad’s Top Attraction: The cobbled Plaza Mayor area is the beating heart of Trinidad’s colonial charm.
Top Things to See:
- Plaza Mayor and surrounding colonial buildings
- Museo Romántico (Romantic Museum)
- Casa de la Música for live salsa music
- Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills)
- Visit the Topes de Collantes National Park (my guide is here)
- Iglesia Parroquial de la Santísima Trinidad
Best Tour to take in Trinidad: Head to the glorious Topes de Collantes National Park
Where to go for a Cuban Cocktail in Trinidad: Sip a Canchánchara (honey, lime, rum) at La Canchánchara bar, where the drink originated.
How long to spend in Trinidad: Spend 2–3 days to enjoy the town, nearby Playa Ancón, and the Valle de los Ingenios. Staying longer? Here’s my guide to day trips from Trinidad.
5. Santa Clara
Santa Clara was founded in 1689 and is best known as the site of a decisive battle in the Cuban Revolution, led by Che Guevara. The city has grown into a youthful cultural hub, thanks to its university population and revolutionary legacy. My guide to Santa Clara is here.
Santa Clara’s Top Attraction: The Che Guevara Mausoleum is both a tomb and a museum, offering deep insight into Cuba’s revolutionary identity.
Top Things to See:
- Che Guevara Mausoleum and Monument
- Tren Blindado (armored train battle site)
- Parque Vidal (central square)
- Teatro La Caridad (historic theater)
- Museo de Artes Decorativas
Best Tour to take in Santa Clara: Take a free walking tour of Santa Clara
Where to go for a Cuban Cocktail in Santa Clara: Try a Cuba Libre at El Mejunje, a local cultural venue and LGBTQ+ friendly bar known for eclectic events and good cocktails.
How long to spend in Santa Clara: Spend 1–2 days exploring the city’s historical roots and lively downtown scene.
6. Sancti Spíritus
Founded in 1514, this is one of Cuba’s oldest cities and retains an authentic, untouristed charm. It developed alongside Trinidad but remained more low-key and traditional. My guide to Sancti Spiritus is here.
Sancti Spiritus’s Top Attraction: Yayabo Bridge, a picturesque 19th-century stone bridge, reflects the quiet colonial character of this underrated city.
Top Things to See:
- Yayabo Bridge (colonial stone bridge)
- Iglesia Parroquial Mayor
- Museo de Arte Colonial
- Parque Serafín Sánchez
- Taberna Yayabo café and music
Where to go for a Cuban Cocktail in Sancti Spiritus: Try a refreshing cocktail at Taberna Yayabo, a scenic riverside spot with live music..
How long to spend in Sancti Spiritus: Spend 1 day here—perfect as a peaceful stop between more touristy towns.
7. Camagüey
Founded in 1514 and relocated after pirate attacks, Camagüey developed a maze-like street layout to confuse invaders. It became a center for arts and Catholic traditions. My guide to Camagüey is here.
Camagüey’s Top Attraction: Plaza San Juan de Dios is a charming, quiet square showcasing restored colonial buildings and local artistry.
Top Things to See:
- Plaza San Juan de Dios
- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced
- Camagüey Ballet and Teatro Principal
- Tinajones (clay pots) throughout the city
- Casa Natal de Ignacio Agramonte (revolutionary hero)
Where to go for a Cuban Cocktail in Camagüey: Visit El Cambio bar in Parque Agramonte for a solid mojito or chilled Cuba Libre.
How long to spend in Camagüey: Spend 1–2 days wandering the maze-like streets and hidden plazas.
8. Holguín
Holguín, often called ‘The City of Parks,’ was founded in 1545 and has a more relaxed, less tourist-heavy vibe. It’s known for its plazas, scenic viewpoints, and proximity to some of Cuba’s best beaches. My guide to Holguin is here.
Holguin’s Top Attraction: Climbing Loma de la Cruz gives you panoramic views of Holguín and a sense of its colonial layout.
Top Things to See:
- Loma de la Cruz (hilltop cross and city view)
- Calixto García Park
- Museo de Historia Provincial
- San José Church and Plaza
- Guardalavaca and Playa Pesquero (beaches nearby)
Holguin’s Best Tour to Take: Take a walking tour of Holguin
Where to go for a Cuban Cocktail in Holguin: Stop by 1910 Restaurante & Bar for an expertly crafted daiquiri in an elegant colonial setting.
How long to spend in Holguin: Spend 2 days here—one for exploring the city and one for a beach day at Guardalavaca. Read about Cuba’s best beaches here.
9. Santiago de Cuba
Founded in 1515, Santiago became Cuba’s first capital and played a crucial role in the country’s Afro-Cuban cultural evolution. It’s also where the Cuban Revolution was first launched by Fidel Castro. My guide to Santiago de Cuba is here.
Santiago de Cuba’s Top Attraction: The historic Moncada Barracks.
Top Things to See:
- Castillo del Morro (fortress overlooking the bay)
- Cementerio de Santa Ifigenia (Mausoleum of José Martí)
- Moncada Barracks (site of Castro’s first attack)
- Casa de la Trova (for traditional music)
- Parque Céspedes
Best Tour to Take in Santiago de Cuba: Take a Cuban Revolution Tour of Santiago de Cuba.
Where to go for a Cuban Cocktail in Santiago de Cuba: Try a Santiago-style mojito or Cuba Libre at Casa de la Trova while listening to live music.
How long to spend in Santiago de Cuba: Spend 2–3 days to take in the music culture, history, and surrounding mountains.
10. Baracoa
Baracoa, Cuba’s oldest city (1511), was its first capital and remained isolated until the 1960s when a mountain highway was built. It has a strong indigenous and Afro-Caribbean identity shaped by its geography. My guide to Baracoa is here.
Baracoa’s Top Attraction: Exploring the Alexander de Humboldt National Park should be top of your list for Baracoa.
Top Things to See:
- El Yunque mountain hike
- Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
- Río Toa and Duaba river tours
- Museo Municipal
- Alejandro de Humboldt National Park
Best Tour to Take in Baracoa: Take a tour to Alejandro de Humboldt National Park
Where to go for a Cuban Cocktail in Baracoa: Order a local twist on a piña colada—often made with coconut milk and honey—at Bar 1511.
How long to spend in Baracoa: Spend 2–3 days hiking, visiting waterfalls, and exploring local cocoa culture.
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Final Words on Cuba’s Top Cities
Cuba’s cities offer an unmatched mix of history, music, and natural beauty. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in Old Havana, hiking El Yunque in Baracoa, or dancing in Santiago de Cuba, each destination promises something unforgettable. This guide helps you plan your route, set your pace, and enjoy authentic Cuban experiences along the way.
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