Museums and historical architectures of the colourful colonial cities
revolutionary marxist leader - Che Guevara
cavern system of the Bellamar Caves
Cuba Libre (cocktails made out of rum and coke) and Piña Colada drinks
Cafecito (Cuban coffee and it’s variants)
cigars
salsa music
National Ballet of Cuba
theatre
literature
visual arts
vintage cars
celebrations with carnivals
charangas
the parrandas
adventure activities (both on sea and mountains)
beaches
General Tourist Attractions
Hike trails up to Los Aquáticos, which serve picturesque views at the top.
Cycling, horseback riding, and hiking trails around the Valle De Viñales while experiencing vertical stone relics (the Cuban Stonehenge)
Immerse your feet in the white sand of Playa Paraíso (Paradise Beach), on the island of Cayo Largo del Sur.
Peninsula de Zapata, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, and Gran Parque Natural de Montemar, where you can see animals in their natural habitat.
If you are an art lover, make sure to stop by the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Havana.
Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara, to get a glimpse of the revolutionary’s final resting place and his personal belongings at the adjacent Museo Historico de la Revolucion.
Take in the scenery of charming colonial architecture and lush countryside at Baracoa.
Breathe in the idyllic atmosphere of Cayo Cayo near Cayo Guillermo, a place which made its debut in many of Ernest Hemingway’s novels.
Exploring are the Bellamar Caves (place near Varadero), an extensive cavern system that been available to visitors for more than 150 years.
Memorable Pursuits
Rent a car and beach-hop to all the serene and calm beaches across Cuba, and definitely go to the Pioneer’s Camp Beach, a prime sunbathing spot. If you’re looking to spend some time by yourself, head to Playa de Reina.
If you’re a music lover, do not miss the Callejón de Hamel in Havana which is a prominent scene of rumba music every Sunday noon. Casa de la Trova in Santiago de Cuba plays old-time and son music. Jardines del 1830 welcomes you with a mixture of sultry salsa, jazz, disco and hip-hop
Parque Historico Militar, which consists of Cuba’s two most famous fortresses, El Morro, and Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana. The former served as a lighthouse to fend off pirates in the 16th century, and the latter as Che Guevara’s headquarters after the revolution. Make sure to visit the latter at night, where actors dressed in 19th century costumes perform a cannon-firing ceremony at 9 p.m.
Tour coffee plantations and wander through botanical gardens at Parque Baconao
Visit small factories hand rolling cigars or tasting some local made rum fresh from distillery in Havana.
Explore and buy Handicraft and Souveniors from place near Plaza Mayor in Trinidad.
Something Leisurely
Get your social side active by participating street food tours or sampling affordable local cuisine at a paladar (privately owned restaurants). Move on to the seafront promenade at El Malecón in Habana Vieja. This boulevard has a wide sea-wall that spreads at almost 8 kms and is a major source of income for the locals.
Quick Tip(s) from the Locals
Wherever you plan on going, make sure you have prior reservations and follow up with the places before you go. Avoid tap water or street food, which isn’t dangerous per se, but can be harmful if you’re not used to it. Hire professional travel guides, and never carry too much cash on your person.
