Cuba Travel Guide
Varadero beach from above, Cuba. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Cuba is the Caribbean's largest island and its most time-suspended: 1950s Chevrolets on the Malecón, the baroque squares of Old Havana, the pastel colonial perfection of Trinidad, and the tobacco valleys of Viñales where the mogotes rise like green haystacks. The music, son Cubano, is everywhere.
The essentials: Old Havana's four plazas, the Malecón at sunset, Trinidad's cobbled streets, and a day in Viñales. Varadero's beach is the classic resort strip; Santiago de Cuba, in the east, is the island's Afro-Cuban musical heart.
Destinations in Cuba
Old Havana (Habana Vieja)Four baroque plazas, the Capitolio, the fortresses across the bay.
TrinidadThe UNESCO-listed 1514 colonial town: Plaza Mayor, the yellow church, cobbles.
Viñales ValleyTobacco fields and limestone mogotes: horseback, caves, the Mural de la Prehistoria.
The MalecónHavana's 8km seafront promenade: sunset, classic cars, fishermen.
Fábrica de Arte CubanoHavana's art-and-music factory in Vedado: galleries, clubs, courtyards.
El CapitolioThe domed 1929 capitol building, restored and reopened.
Santiago de CubaThe eastern capital: Casa de la Trova, the Morro castle, carnival in July.
Varadero20km of white sand on the Hicacos peninsula: the classic beach resort.
CienfuegosThe Pearl of the South: French-founded, the Prado, the bay.
Topes de CollantesThe Escambray mountains above Trinidad: waterfalls and coffee.
Cayo Coco and the Jardines del ReyThe northern cays: flamingos, causeways, resort beaches.
BaracoaThe first Spanish settlement (1511), cut off by mountains until the 1960s: cacao and El Yunque table mountain.
Hover an island to explore it. Click a city pin to open its guide.
Top Cities & towns in Cuba
Regional food
- Ropa vieja: shredded beef in tomato sofrito, the national dish
- Moros y cristianos: black beans and rice
- Coppelia ice cream and a cafecito (sweet Cuban espresso)
Getting there
José Martí International (HAV) is the main gateway. US travellers face restrictions: check the current OFAC categories before booking. Viazul coaches link Havana, Trinidad, Viñales and Santiago; the Hershey train to Matanzas is a classic if running. Casas particulares (private homestays) are the essential Cuban stay.
Cuba's dual-currency past is over (the CUC was abolished in 2021); the peso (CUP) is the currency. Bring cash: US cards do not work. Internet is via Wi-Fi cards and hotel lobbies.