A trip to Cuba is very much like stepping into an alternative present; this island’s defiant independence has fashioned it into one of the world’s most distinctive destinations. Stubbornly characterful in the face of global commercialism, in Cuba you’ll find lip-smackingly marvelous restaurants, drop-dead gorgeous architecture, unspoiled beaches, and much more. Here are our essential highlights.
Isolated but eager to advance, the country is buzzing with ideas – here, a free-spirited, student-filled cafe; there, an avant-garde art factory where live music, exhibitions, DJ sessions, and creative gastronomy collide with electrifying results.
If you’re looking for unique and unforgettable things to do in Cuba, you’re in the right place. This local guide has some of the best recommendations you’ll find – we know because these are the things we love and what we recommend to our friends and family visiting Cuba.
1. Explore Old Havana
Unlike the historic centers of other cities in the Caribbean, Old Havana is unique in those people actually live here, and you’ll see real life happening around you as you walk the streets: children rushing to classes in their uniforms, fruit and vegetable markets, street vendors selling pastries.
People live, work, and study here, sometimes in buildings that are historical and interesting to visitors but are in desperate need of repair. Visit in a respectful way, and always ask before taking pictures of people.
There is so much to see and do in Old Havana, that you could easily dedicate a few days of your time in Cuba just to exploring this area. Don’t make the mistake of forgetting the rest of Havana, but give this complex neighborhood the time it deserves. It’s a bucket list travel destination for a reason!
2. Learn to Dance Salsa
Cuba is, of course, the best place to learn how to dance salsa. You’ll find dance schools in most cities in Cuba, and lessons are a popular activity no matter where you’re traveling.
I don’t have specific class recommendations for all cities in Cuba. However, if you’re traveling in Havana, Civitatis has excellent salsa classes I recommend for travelers on a quick Havana itinerary.
If you want more than just a single class or want to learn the bachata, rumba, or countless other dance styles, look into options for a series of classes at the much-loved Salsabor dance school in Havana.
3. Soak up Cuba's live music scene
If you've been in Cuba for more than a day and still haven't heard any live music, you're clearly hanging out in the wrong bars. Welcome to one of the most musically diverse countries on the planet, where melodious guitars rule over background tapes, and singing is seen as just another form of verbal communication.
4. Disco Ayala
This full-on dance club is 100 feet underground, where you’ll dance among stalactites, stalagmites, and giant video screens. It’s about a ten-minute walk up the hill from Trinidad, and admission includes a free drink.
Even if you’re not big into dancing or nightlife it’s such a uniquely-surreal experience to go clubbing in a cave, Disco Ayala is worth a visit. And who knows, perhaps you’ll meet some fun-loving locals to give you an even better story.
5. Explore Cuba’s Caves
A surprising number of destinations in Cuba are well known for having impressive caves systems, which make for unique day trips, and a great excursion to cool off on a hot day.
Among the mogotes of Viñales, you’ll find countless caves. A particularly impressive example is the Cueva del Indio, an important site for the indigenous peoples who lived in the area. While there are plenty of caves worth visiting in Vinales, this one is interesting in that you can take a speedboat inside the underground river in the cave for quite a distance.
From Varadero, you can plan an excursion to the Cueva de Saturnio or Cueva de Bellamar, both quite close to central Varadero and easily visited in a day trip. You can even swim here!
6. Try (Real!) Cuban Food
Don’t worry, there is plenty of delicious Cuban food here you’ll love. Here are some of the best dishes to try in Cuba.
Arroz con Frijoles (rice and beans)
Tostones (fried plantains)
Ropa Vieja (shredded beef)
Yuca con Mojo (yuca with garlicky sauce)
Congris (rice and beans, mixed)
Seafood dishes like shrimp, lobster, and arroz imperial (rice with seafood)
Note: Smart restaurant owners in Cuba have caught on to this whole “Cuban sandwich” thing, and now you can find a fair number of restaurants selling them.
7. Tour Havana in a classic car
A trip through Habana Vieja and along the water in a bright pink convertible Cadillac or another of Cuba’s trademark classic cars. You won’t get much in the way of information over the roar of the engine and the wind in your hair. But education isn’t really the point.
It’s another ultra-touristy thing to do that’s absolutely worth the cliché. The photographs you’ll get from riding in a bright car through the classic architecture are uniquely Cuban. And when else will you get to ride around in a ’57 Chevy with the top down on a sunny day?
8. See the Mogotes in Viñales
More than just a great day trip escapes from Havana, Viñales is a top place to visit in Cuba. I’ll be honest; when I visited for the first time, I fully expected it to be overrated – I was SO wrong.
Viñales is stunning; its limestone “mountains” called mogotes soaring up from otherwise flat ground make this valley look almost otherwordly, leaving a lasting impression. Visiting just to bask in the beauty is more than enough of a reason.
However, Vinales also has so much to see and do. Horseback ride through the valleys, visit tobacco plantations, learn about the art of making cigars, and explore caves with underground lakes and rivers.
9. Hit a live cabaret show
A complete time warp back to the nightclub variety shows of the 1950s, complete with elaborate carnival costumes, over-the-top singers, and full-production dance numbers.
They say life on this island hasn’t changed much since the mid-twentieth century, and these old-style shows are the best example. The biggest show is at the famous Tropicana Club. Cabaret Le Parisien at the Hotel Nacional is a little more Moulin Rouge, but still a sight you’ll never see in America.
10. Dive with Sharks in Jardines de la Reina
f you’re looking for adventure travel rather than rest and relaxation, a visit to Jardines de la Reina is for you. Jardines de la Reina is known as one of the most pristine protected areas of the Caribbean Sea, home to unique corals, beautiful tropical fish, and countless sharks, some known to grow larger than anywhere else on Earth.
Diving with sharks is one of the most popular activities here, though experienced guides can also lead you to shark-free areas if you’d like a more relaxing dive. Wherever you plan to dive, be prepared for stunning underwater scenery, with canyons, caves, and unique formations wherever you look.
11. Walk in Ernest Hemingway’s Shoes
Cuba is famous for being a second home to Ernest Hemingway, and the inspiration for much of his work. Today, visitors to Havana can take a guided Hemingway tour, or follow in his footsteps by visiting some of his favorite spots around Cuba:
El Floridita: This famous Old Havana bar memorializes Hemingway with a large bronze statue at the bar; he was known to down several at a time at this very corner of the bar.
Cayo Guillermo: This beautiful cay along Cuba’s north coast inspired the writer’s last novel, Islands in the Steam. On the causeway onto the island, you’ll see a Hemingway statue welcoming visitors, and the island’s most beautiful beach – Playa Pilar – is named after his yacht.
Hotel Ambos Mundos: This Old Havana hotel was Hemingway’s home away from home before he purchased his estate outside Havana. Today visitors can check out the small museum in this Old Havana hotel dedicated to the author in room 511, where Hemingway stayed.
Casa Vigía: Hemingway’s estate outside of Havana is a popular destination and an easy spot to visit from the city. It is kept in much of its state in which the writer left it, with countless personal items on display.
12. Hike Waterfalls in Topes de Collantes
Cuba is filled with fantastic places to get off the beaten path and hike through the stunning interior of the country. One of the best spots to explore on foot is the stunning Topes de Collantes area in the Escambray mountains just west of Trinidad.
Home to countless waterfall hikes like El Nicho, Salto de Caburní, and Vegas Grande, this is a great place to escape for a day trip to an impressive natural spot.
Make sure to bring your bathing suit – swimming beneath the waterfalls is highly encouraged!
Cuba is a country that is full of surprises and is sure to delight visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled trip through the countryside, Cuba has something to offer everyone. So why not start planning your trip today and experience all that this beautiful country has to offer?