In collaboration with
Rough Guides
Things to do in Cuba
Cuba’s hotspots
If you want magic and romance, come to Cuba, where the sun lights up the colours of the day and music and rum fill the night.- Drive the Malecón
- Visit the Fábrica de Arte Cubano
- Stroll around the orchidarium in Soroa
- Visit the Che Monument and Mausoleum
- Sip a sunset cocktail in Trinidad
- Birdwatch on the Zapata Peninsula
- Hike to La Comandancia de la Plata
- Do nothing on an isolated beach
- Dance the night away
- Stay in a casa particular
Salsa, Communism, rum and rhythm: Cuba inspires emotion in bucket loads. The cays where Hemingway fished undisturbed now host modern beach resorts - and the shores are mind-blowing - but there’s a lush green interior, cobbled colonial towns and sexy Havana, too. You’ll never be stuck for what to do in Cuba, and we challenge you not to leave this sizzling Caribbean island just a little bit in love with it. Heck, a whole lot in love with it.
1. Drive the Malecón
Hopping in a classic car and cruising along the Malecón is a quintessential Havana experience. If you’re not already in the know, the Malecón is the seafront drive that stretches all the way round the coast. If you can bag a convertible, you can enjoy the salty sea breeze on your face. Breathe it in.
Best for: Driving in style
While you’re there: The Malecón is a fabulous place to people-watch and to look out for old automobiles.
2. Visit the Fábrica de Arte Cubano
The Fábrica de Arte Cubano has taken Havana by storm. Found in Vedado, it serves up a contemporary cultural experience to beat all others. There’s art, design, fashion, music, food and drink all under one roof in an old industrial building - hipsters delight. It's the place to be in Havana.
Best for: Trendy Havana vibes
While you’re there: Check out what’s on next time: you can hear all forms of popular Cuban music here.
3. Stroll around the orchidarium in Soroa
Any lover of orchids will be enchanted by the 700 varieties grown at the orchidarium in Soroa. Most of them flower from December to March. Who said flower power was dead?
Best for: Green-fingered visitors of all persuasions
While you’re there: Check out the more than 200 species of indigenous orchids - that's quite a tally!
4. Visit the Che Monument and Mausoleum
It would be criminal to come to the island and not immerse yourself in its Communist roots: of all the things to do in Cuba, understanding its history will have you scratching your head and pausing for thought. And if you’ve had a poster of Che Guevara on your wall as a student, or seen the movies of his life, you’ll want to see Cuba’s homage to the guerrilla in Santa Clara and the eternal flame that burns for him and his comrades.
Best for: Anyone with a bent for Cuba’s revolutionary history
While you’re there: Be sure to visit Santa Clara’s Parque Vidal on a Sunday or Thursday evening, when the municipal band strikes up at 8pm.
5. Sip a sunset cocktail in Trinidad
Trinidad is the poster-boy of Cuban colonial towns: colourful houses lining cobblestone streets, pretty churches and locals milling in the leafy square. This truly is a place for wandering around, following your nose and soaking up the atmosphere. For an experience to savour, enjoy a sunset cocktail at La Escalinata, an open-air bar on the steps beside the church. Live bands strum their hearts out, taking care of the soundtrack while you sip a refreshing mojito and watch the honeyed hues of the setting sun reflecting on pastel colonial buildings.
Best for: Making the most of the golden hour
While you’re there: Beyond the town, the beach at Playa Ancón is within easy striking distance for lolling in the sand.
6. Birdwatch on the Zapata Peninsula
For talented twitchers, visiting the Zapata Peninsula is among the best things to do in Cuba. Here, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers up a staggering 190 species. Most of Cuba’s endemic species can be found here: the bee hummingbird, Cuban parakeet, Gundlach’s hawk, blue-headed quail dove, Cuban tody, Cuban trogon, two species of blackbird, two types of woodpecker and a couple of very small owls. The peninsula earned a place in history when the unsuccessful 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion was repulsed at Playa Girón.
Best for: Thrilling any bird lover
While you’re there: Visit the Museo de Girón to learn more about it.
7. Hike to La Comandancia de la Plata
High in the mountains, away from prying eyes, lies the command post from where Fidel Castro directed the rebel war from the end of 1956. Imagine you’re a revolutionary and follow the muddy trails in the Sierra Maestra to the command post to soak up the atmosphere of the past times of deprivation and danger.
Best for: Feeling like a rebel
While you’re there: Hardy souls will want to stay overnight on the mountain - be sure to bring warm clothes and a sleeping bag.
8. Do nothing on an isolated beach
Playa Paraíso on Cayo Santa María is just that - paradise. Away from the hotel strip, it’s a huge expanse of white sand lapped by shallow water of many turquoise hues. Well, what are you waiting for? Escape the crowds and lap up the rays.
Best for: Beach bums
While you’re there: A small replica village in colonial style, called El Pueblo, has souvenir shops and a café.
9. Dance the night away
Santiago de Cuba is known for its music and nightlife, with no shortage of venues for traditional son, trova or boleros - but this is the place to get up and salsa. Forget your inhibitions and shake your stuff.
Best for: Party people
While you’re there: Pay a visit to Parque Céspedes, the colonial square where many of the city’s most venerable buildings are clustered.
10. Stay in a casa particular
Best for: Colourful conversations with Cubans
While you’re there: The meals you’ll enjoy at a casa tend to be fresher and better than many of the restaurants.
