Last Updated on January 11, 2023

Want to Make Your Cuba Trip Memorable? Be Sure to Visit These Places

Cuba is a country that has made its place on the world map for its revolutionary history. It has a rich history of the rise of Fidel Castro. The entire world used to get inspired by the revolution of Cuba, but those are not the only things that have made Cuba special on the world map.

Today this country is getting massive popularity due to its famous tourist destinations to attract travelers around the world. There are so many excellent places to visit and things to do in this country that you will surely plan a lavish trip to Cuba on your next adventure.

But you have to be an offbeat traveler for that. Whenever it comes to visiting a foreign land, the names that pop up in your mind are mainly London, Paris, Italy, New York, etc. Thinking of Cuba means you are thinking out of the box, and that will allow you to explore a whole new country with lots of hidden treasures inside it.

So if you are planning to visit Cuba on your next trip, here are the best places that must be on your list. If this is the first time you are visiting the country, this list will help you as a guide. Read on to know more.

#1. The Hemingway Museum

To begin the tour in Cuba, it is always the best to start it with the Hemingway Museum. This is the house of the famous poet Ernest Hemingway that has been turned into a museum. This entire museum is located on a hill from where you can have a great view of the swimming pool where you can find Pilar, the famous boat of the author.

The government has preserved the house in a significant way, and it is worth visiting. At the entrance, you will find a Cuban band playing country music, welcoming the guests.

  • Address: Finca Vigía Km. 12 1/2, La Habana, Cuba
  • Opening hours: Monday to Saturday (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • Fee: $5 per person
  • The time required to visit the place: 1 hour
  • Nearest transportation: Take private car or bus from Havana

#2. Old Havana

The history of Old Havana tells that it was founded in 1519. Once you are here, you will find lots of urban plazas around the town.

The narrow streets will take you to the historical centers where you will get to know about the rich culture and tradition of Havana and Cuba. Roaming around the old streets will give you the actual essence of Cuba.

  • Address: Havana, Cuba
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours
  • Fee: No entrance fee
  • The time required to visit the place: Depends on the tourists
  • Nearest transportation: Havana (45-minute walk)

#3. Sirena Beach

If you want to make your trip full of excitement, you should include visiting this beach on your itinerary. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba with a long stretch of white beach and turquoise blue water.

Once you are here, you can wait for the sunset as that panoramic view would be breathtaking. Take a walk on the beach with your partner, and you will find lots of starfish on the shore. If you love swimming and diving, this beach is a fantastic place for that.

  • Address: Cayo Largo, Cuba
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours
  • Fee: Free
  • The time required to visit the place: Depends on the tourists
  • Nearest transportation: Take a shuttle bus

#4. Topes de Collantes National Park

If you want to experience the true beauty of the Caribbean Island, you have to visit this natural retreat of Cuba. If spending some time on the lap of nature is your aim for your next trip, travel to Sierra Escambray Mountain where this natural park is located.

Once you are here, you can enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls, caves, and hidden swimming holes. As it is located quite a distance away from Central Cuba, tourists often avoid this place. So if you are a true adventurist by heart and want to take refuge from the busy life, go to this natural park and enjoy the day.

  • Address: Sierra de Escambray, Trinidad-Sancti Spiritus, Topes de Collantes 60147, Cuba
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours
  • Fee: $5
  • The time required to visit the place: A day
  • Nearest transportation: Trinidad (2-hour drive)

#5. Turquino National Park

If you move toward Southeastern Cuba, this national park will be one of the significant visiting places over there. Once you are here, you will get to see a thick forest, vast mountain ranges, and the clean creeks. If you are a hiker, you can take up the challenge of hiking to the summit, as that task can be difficult.

But if you take up the challenge, you will not get disappointed. You have to cross individual rural establishments that will amaze you with its untouched natural beauty. You may stay there overnight and also avail of help from the guides. You will find more than 100 species of plants along with numerous animal species at the park.

  • Address: Cuba
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours
  • Fee: 4.99 USD
  • The time required to visit the place: Depends on the tourists
  • Nearest transportation: Hire a car

#6. Guayabo Falls

To enjoy the virgin natural beauty of Cuba, you can visit this magnificent waterfall. There are two cascades that meet and create a massive water body. There is also a bathing area and massage area where you can enjoy and relax after your hectic tour.

There are a bar and restaurant at the top to have a great dining experience while enjoying the outstanding view of the waterfalls. Besides the waterfalls, you can also visit the wildlife here.

  • Address: Holguin, Cuba
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours
  • Fee: Free
  • The time required to visit the place: Depends on the tourists
  • Nearest transportation: Mayari (10-minute scooter ride)

#7. Finca Agroecological El Paraiso

A trip around Cuba won’t be complete if you don’t have a great lunch or dinner. This restaurant is small, but what they offer is absolutely farm-fresh. Located at the top of the hill, you can enjoy the excellent view of the agricultural land with the high green mountains.

Many of you may think, “What is so special about this place?” This small restaurant can offer you delectable local dishes when a variety of food is not that readily available in this country. Grab a sit on the patio, and enjoy your food while watching the stunning natural beauty around.

  • Address: Vinales, Cuba
  • Opening hours: Every day (10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
  • Fee: Free
  • The time required to visit the place: Depends on the tourists
  • Nearest transportation: Take a bus

#8. Varahicacos Ecological Reserve

If you are interested in the ancient archipelago of Cuba, you can visit this natural reserve in Cuba. Located in the Northeastern part of Cuba, this place is a paradise for the hikers. The trail will take you through the forest where you can visit Patriarca, the giant cactus. It is 500 years old!

Also, you can visit the ancient pictographs inside the cave, which are the epitome of classical era. People usually visit this place to see the vivid species of flora and fauna. This place also holds the history of the aborigines.

  • Address: Punta Hicacos, Varadero, Matanzas, Cuba
  • Opening hours: Every day (9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • Fee: $5
  • The time required to visit the place: 1–2 hours
  • Nearest transportation: Any hop-on-hop-off bus from Varadero

#9. Playa las Tumbas

This remote beach of Cuba is located in the westernmost part of the country. There are lots of beaches that will mesmerize you with spectacular beauty. Why should you visit lesser-known beach?

If you are an explorer by heart, you will love to visit this place where you will find nothing but crystal clear water, white sand, and palm coves. After all, what else would you need to enjoy your vacation? Staying here overnight is the best thing you can do at this beach. How about arranging a camping night? Whether it is a romantic getaway or you are enjoying with friends, this place is fantastic.

  • Address: Las Tumbas, Cuba
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours
  • Fee: Free
  • The time required to visit the place: 1–2 days
  • Nearest transportation: Havana (5-hour drive)

#10. Nacional de Cuba

This scientific center was founded in 1960, and since then, it is used for recreational and educational purposes. The main aim of this center is to focus on the preservation of marine animals, coastal landscapes, and the environment.

The aquarium is one of the best tourist attractions here where you can visit sea lions, sea horses, saltwater fishes, dolphins, and lots of other types of sea creatures. If you are visiting the center with kids, take them for the dolphin shows that are organized at every hour.

  • Address: Avenida 3ra, Esq. 62, Havana, Cuba
  • Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
  • Fee: $7
  • The time required to visit the place: 1 hour
  • Nearest transportation: Take a taxi

#11. Disco Ayala

The name suggests how exciting the place will be. If you want to experience the nightlife in Cuba, you can visit this disco anytime. Now, discos are quite common, and you have visited lots of such places. What so unique about Disco Ayala?

This is an underground disco club that is located 100 feet under the ground. You can groove with the music surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites! Not only that, but you can also get a free drink after admission. It doesn’t matter whether you know how to dance or not; the music won’t let you sit in one place. You can also make new friends here.

  • Address: Trinidad 62600, Cuba
  • Opening hours: Monday to Saturday (11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.); Sunday (11:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight)
  • The time required to visit the place: Depends on the tourists
  • Nearest transportation: Trinidad (10-minute walk up the hill)

#12. Baconao

If you are looking for a kids-friendly place in Cuba where they can have fun, Baconao is the right place for that. In 1987, this place won the title of World Heritage Biosphere Reserve.

There are lots of attractions to visit in this natural park, which include prehistoric valley, an aquarium, the Great Rock, Baconao lagoon, a botanical garden, and the Museum of History of Terrestrial Transport.

  • Address: Santiago, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours
  • Fee: Entrance fee is free
  • The time required to visit the place: Depends on the tourists
  • Nearest transportation: San Tiago (60 km. away)

#13. Valle de Vinales

To culminate the list of the best places in Cuba, there is nothing better than this valley of a tobacco plantation in Vinales. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for coffee and tobacco plantation. You can make your tour in this valley even more exciting by trying a cup or two of their aromatic fresh coffee and smoking a freshly rolled cigar.

  • Address: Vinales 22400, Cuba
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours
  • Fee: Entrance fee is free
  • The time required to visit the place: Depends on the tourists
  • Nearest transportation: Take a bus or taxi

These are certainly amazing places that you can visit in Cuba. The country is full of exciting places to visit to make your trip memorable. You can arrange a tour with your friends and family if you want to visit a unique place with a rich culture and tradition.

Apart from these high places, there are numerous spectacular beaches, islands, natural parks, and museums that will, even more, pique your interest in knowing about this country further.