cienfuegos cuba tourist attractions

Must-see attractions in Cienfuegos

Teatro Tomás Terry

Sharing French and Italian influences, this theater on the northern side of Parque José Martí is grand from the outside (look for the gold-leafed mosaics…

Palacio de Valle

Just when you thought Cienfuegos' eclectic architecture couldn't get any more eclectic, you reach the southern end of Punta Gorda where, with a sharp…

Palacio Ferrer – Museo de las Artes

On the western side of Parque José Martí, this riveting neoclassical building (1918) was lovingly restored in time for Cienfuegos' 200th anniversary in…

Keep heading south on Paseo del Prado and the street becomes the Malecón as it cuts alongside one of the world's finest natural bays, offering exquisite…

Castillo de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Jagua

Predating the city of Cienfuegos by nearly a century, this fort, to the west of the mouth of Bahía de Cienfuegos, was designed by José Tontete in 1738 and…

Cementerio la Reina

A listed national monument, the city's oldest cemetery was founded in 1837 and is lined with the graves of Spanish soldiers who died in the Wars of…

Palacio de Gobierno

Most of Parque José Martí's south side is dominated by this grandiose, silvery-gray building where the provincial government (Poder Popular Provincial)…

Necrópolis Tomás Acea

Perhaps the finest Cuban cemetery outside Havana and Santiago, the Acea is classed as a 'garden cemetery' and is entered through a huge neoclassical…

Arco de Triunfo

Prepare yourself: it's smaller than the one in Paris, but the Arch of Triumph on the western edge of Cienfuegos' serene central park catapults the plaza…

Catedral de la Purísima Concepción Church

On the eastern side of Parque José Martí, Cienfuegos' cathedral dates from 1869 and is distinguished by its French stained-glass windows in an otherwise…

Statue of Benny Moré

Before you hit the Malecón, at the intersection of Av 54 and Paseo del Prado you can pay your respects to this life-sized likeness of the Cienfuegos-born…

Centro Recreativo la Punta

Lovers come to watch the sunset amid sea-framed greenery at the gazebo on the extreme southern tip of this park. The bar is also popular with local police…

Juragua Nuclear Power Plant

Across the bay from Cienfuegos with its dome clearly visible from the city is the infamous, but never completed, Juragua nuclear power plant, a planned…

Museo Histórico Naval Nacional

Close to the railway tracks, five blocks northwest of Parque José Martí, is this crenelated blue and white museum, dating from 1933. It's housed in the…

Museo Provincial

Poorly presented, slightly grubby museum on the south side of Parque José Martí that proffers a microcosm of Cienfuegos' history including a few…

Casa del Fundador

On the southeastern corner of Parque José Martí stands the city's oldest building, once the residence of city founder Louis D'Clouet and now a souvenir…

Colegio San Lorenzo

On the east side of Teatro Café Tomás, this building with its striking colonnaded facade was constructed during the 1920s with funds left by wealthy city…

Parque de Esculturas

This park near the Club Cienfuegos at the beginning of the Punta Gorda Peninsula is festooned with a motley collection of modern sculptures.

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Cienfuegos

Things to do in cienfuegos.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. El Nicho Waterfalls

2. Parque Jose Martí

3. Palacio de Valle

4. Teatro Terry

5. Punta Gorda

6. Jagua Castle

7. Delfinario de Cienfuegos

8. Museo de las Artes Palacio Ferrer

9. Galeria Santiago Hermes

10. Guanaroca Lagoon

11. Jardín Botanico de Cienfuegos

12. Malecon de Cienfuegos

13. Tomas Acea Cemetery

14. Rancho Luna Beach

15. Torres Art Studio

16. Cementerio la Reina

17. Estatua de Benny More

18. Estadio 5 de Septiembre

19. Catedral de la Purísima Concepción

20. CasaHuella Lisbet Studio

21. Museo Historico Naval de Cienfuegos

22. Annia Alonso's Studio

23. Palacio De Gobierno

24. museo provincial - antiguo casino español.

25. Agencia Travels NaturCuba

26. Orquestra de Camara de Cienfuegos

27. La Fernandina

28. Jardines de la Uneac

29. Naturaleza Cubana

30. Club Benny More

What travellers are saying

• El Nicho Waterfalls
• Palacio de Valle
• Parque Jose Martí
• Punta Gorda
• Delfinario de Cienfuegos
• Guanaroca Lagoon
• Rancho Luna Beach
• Jardín Botanico de Cienfuegos

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Cienfuegos Province

Things to do in cienfuegos province.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. El Nicho Waterfalls

2. Parque Jose Martí

3. Palacio de Valle

4. Teatro Terry

5. Punta Gorda

6. Jagua Castle

7. Delfinario de Cienfuegos

8. Museo de las Artes Palacio Ferrer

9. Galeria Santiago Hermes

10. Guanaroca Lagoon

11. Jardín Botanico de Cienfuegos

12. Malecon de Cienfuegos

13. Tomas Acea Cemetery

14. Rancho Luna Beach

15. Torres Art Studio

16. Cementerio la Reina

17. Estatua de Benny More

18. Estadio 5 de Septiembre

19. Catedral de la Purísima Concepción

20. CasaHuella Lisbet Studio

21. Museo Historico Naval de Cienfuegos

22. Annia Alonso's Studio

23. Palacio De Gobierno

24. museo provincial - antiguo casino español.

25. Agencia Travels NaturCuba

26. Orquestra de Camara de Cienfuegos

27. La Fernandina

28. Jardines de la Uneac

29. Naturaleza Cubana

30. Club Benny More

What travellers are saying

• El Nicho Waterfalls
• Palacio de Valle
• Parque Jose Martí
• Punta Gorda
• Delfinario de Cienfuegos
• Guanaroca Lagoon
• Rancho Luna Beach
• Jardín Botanico de Cienfuegos

Choose your language

Destinations

City Guide: Cienfuegos

Palacio de Valle in Cienfuegos

Photo: Shutterstock

Cienfuegos is a picturesque coastal town with laid back charm known as Cuba's Pearl Of The South. Top drawcards include the historic city center and nearby beaches.

Located along the shores of an immense natural bay, Cienfuegos, known in Cuba as The Pearl Of The South , is a meticulously well-preserved city that lies just four hours south of Havana. Complemented by striking colonial architecture and quiet cobblestone streets, the magic of Cienfuegos is captured by the juxtaposition of its natural surroundings.

To the east, the Escambray mountain range stretches far beyond the horizon, while to the immediate south, a few moments from the city center, gentle Caribbean waves lap against the shores of the bay. The raw majesty of nature couldn’t be any more alive.

Upon arrival at Cienfuegos, you’ll be greeted by a billboard that quotes lyrics by Benny Moré, a legend of 50’s Cuban Bolero and Son Monuto music. Having recorded a hit track with the city’s name as its title, Morés’ enthusiasm for all things Cienfuegos couldn’t have been any clearer: “ The city I like the most ”; a widely shared sentiment expressed by one of Cuba’s most celebrated voices.

View of Parque José Martí, Cienfuegos

Top attractions in Cienfuegos

José Marti Park 

Officially declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005, José Marti Park is a picturesque setting and the best spot if you need a quick break from the midday sun. Located in the historic center of the city, the site is blessed with towering palm trees that are generously dotted amongst statues and water fountains. Make sure you check out the prestigious Arch of Triumph, a monument constructed as a tribute to Cubans who fell during the three liberation wars of the nineteenth century, the last of which being the Cuban War Of Independence fought from 1895 to 1898.

Tomás Terry theater

A renowned cultural symbol across the country, Cienfuegos’ 950 seat auditorium resonates elegance and sophistication thanks to its classy marble features and exquisite ceiling mural. Built in 1889 to honor the life of Tomás Terry, a Venezeluen born Cuban industrialist who at his death was regarded as one of the richest men in world, the theater has hosted international artists from a golden age of Latin music, such as Jorge Negrete, Joan Manuel Serrat, and Alicia Alonso.

The Tomás Terry theater hosts performances throughout the year and offers guided tours for as little as 3 USD between 10am - 6pm. We highly suggest you swing by and experience a fascinating era of performance art that’s been lost to the modern world.

Interior of Tomás Terry Theater, Cienfuegos

Photo: Alamy

Paseo del Prado

Regarded as the longest street on the island, the Paseo del Prado begins at the entrance to Cienfuegos, just a short stroll from the El Inglés river, and finishes in Punta Gorda at the southern end of the city. Take your time to wander along its radiant central walkway and absorb the rhyme of daily life in Cienfuegos while appreciating the contrast between the pastel-colored buildings and the gorgeous turquoise blue of the Caribbean sea. At its intersection with Avenue 54, you will encounter the life-size, bronze statue of Benny Moré. Grab your camera and steal a photo with one of Cuba’s most iconic musicians.

Palacio de Valle 

Constructed in 1917, el Palacio de Valle delivers an essence of southern Spain right to the heart of the Caribbean, thanks to its Moorish-inspired architecture that features deep-colored roof tiles, impressive turrets, and distinctive stucco walls. Originally home to a wealthy Cuban merchant, the palace is open to the public seven days per week and boasts one of Cienfuegos’ finest restaurants in addition to a roof terrace and bar.

Once you’ve explored the site and appreciated the intriguing Hispano-Moorish mosaics, take time to unwind in the palace’s lush garden surroundings and sample some of Cienfuegos’ finest seafood. The palace’s restaurant offers an extensive menu; however, we recommend local specialties such as Cuban ajiaco or tamale casserole. Ask the staff, and they will be more than happy to accommodate your requests.

Rancho Luna Beach, Cienfuegos

Things to do in Cienfuegos

Rancho Luna Beach

If you’re looking to enjoy Cuba’s rich marine biodiversity, Cienfuegos is the perfect choice for scuba diving and snorkeling. Less than 20km from the city, Rancho Luna beach is home to one of Latin America’s most extensive coral reefs. Visitors to the area can rent a boat from one of the many companies that line the shore, and within 20 minutes, explore depths of up to 30km and discover an abundance of exotic marine wildlife.

Guanaroca Lagoon

That said, if you’re more inclined to keep your feet dry, Guanaroca Lagoon, just a few kilometers from the beach, is a beautiful spot to witness the flight of Cuba’s gorgeous pink flamingos. Formed by the water from the Guanaroca river as it flows towards the Bay of Cienfuegos, the lagoon is part of 2km squared of protected natural habitat and home to pelicans, pink flamingos, and trogons; a colorful, insect-eating bird that is native to Cuba. Boat tours operate between 8am - 3pm; however, we recommend arriving early to give yourself the best chance of seeing the wildlife before it moves out of the sun and into the shade of surrounding trees and river plants.

El Nicho Park (and beyond)

To complete the Cienfuegos experience, take time to explore the natural wonders of El Nicho park, which lies less than one hour away from the city. Further to the east, you will discover the city of Trinidad, an iconic location that is a must-visit when traveling along Cuba’s south coast.

Boat trip in the Guanaroca Lagoon, Cienfuegos

Where to stay in Cienfuegos

Located in Punta Gorda, Hotel Jagua is a 4-star hotel that boasts spectacular views of the bay of Cienfuegos and the Escambray mountains. Its spacious rooms, elegant pool villas, and modern architecture complete a privileged setting, offering guests the perfect spot where they can wind down after a long day exploring the city. At sunset, grab a cocktail and take a stroll down the hotel’s promenade and witness some of the most memorable sunsets in the Caribbean.

Sunset over Palacio de Valle, Cienfuegos

How to get there

If you arrive at Havana’s international airport, you can easily make your way to Cienfuegos via the state transport agency Viazul which provides regular shuttles to the city for as little as 16USD. If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, transport can also be arranged with the private taxis waiting outside the airport, although a good level of Spanish will be essential to ensure you get the right price.

Streetlife in Cienfuegos

Written by Lorena Sánchez.

Published October 2022.

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Cienfuegos in One Day – Explore the Pearl of the South

Home | Travel | The Caribbean | Cuba | Cienfuegos in One Day – Explore the Pearl of the South

Discovering Cienfuegos in one day is mandatory during your trip to Cuba.  The reason is that  neoclassical buildings of the so-called Pearl of the South, have been awarded the title of Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Visiting Cienfuegos is one of the best things to do in Cuba.

It is a very common stopover on the way to Trinidad,  as Cienfuegos is only 1 hour and a half from this popular city. Although a day trip is enough to visit it, we decided to stay one night.

Apart from the urban center where most of the tourist attractions are concentrated, what we liked most about Cienfuegos was the sunrise and sunset from its Malecón (boardwalk) – those in  Havana  didn’t really compare.

Palm trees Cienfuegos Malecón

So, if you like good twilight photographs, we highly recommend you to spend a night in Cienfuegos and enjoy these moments of warmer lights.

things TO do IN CIENFUEGOS IN ONE DAY

Cienfuegos can be visited perfectly in a day. Most points of interests for tourists are centered around the José Martí Park. The area that we liked the most was Punta Gorda. This can be reached by walking through the entire Paseo del Prado until it has become the Malecón of Cienfuegos. From here, you can enjoy the sunrise/sunset which make it worth staying at least one night in the city.

JOSÉ MARTÍ park

Surrounding the José Martí Park are the most emblematic buildings of the city. It is, so to speak, the heart of Cienfuegos. Most of the tourist shops are located bordering the park itself.

José Martí Park seen from Palacio Ferrer

PALACIO FERRER

This eclectic style building from the late 19th century is the jewel of the park. The Ferrer Palace, located at the José Martí, takes away the prominence of any other building. Its intense blue color, which we will also see in other buildings in the city, hides that it has been in a long process of restoration.

Palacio Ferrer

When we went up to the first floor, we discovered that there were workers repairing the defects caused by time, replacing the marbles and putting in the finishes. The palace is a gem even though it’s only half done.

Interior Decoration of the Palace Ferrer

The size of the rooms and decoration details revealed the purchasing power of the former owners.

When we looked out on the balconies, we saw another view of José Martí Park and its Arc de Triomf. The monument was built voluntarily by the workers of the city to celebrate the independence of Cuba.

Balconies of the Palace Ferrer

What stood out most from the palace is its lookout tower from which you can see all over Cienfuegos.  The Catalan merchant who built this tower intended to control the entry of ships and goods to the port. From here, you can absolutely see all of Cienfuegos.

Lookout tower of the Ferrer Palace

And yes, you should abstain from climbing it if you have vertigo, because if you are my height, you will have more body above the viewpoint than below when you reach the last step.

From the top of the Ferrer Palace Tower

PROVINCIAL HOUSE OF THE CULTURE BENJAMIN DUARTE

Perhaps what surprised us most about Palacio Ferrer is the use of its lower floor as the Provincial House of Culture. This space has been reserved so that local artists can show their most carefree works, as well as to rehearse plays and dance performances, etc.

House of Culture Benjamín Duarte

The decoration has nothing to do with the first floor. Here, it shines more by the lack of such. Clear and vivid colors were randomly distributed on the walls that flaked over times. There were lilac, yellow, and green rooms. A good canvas for a photo shoot and playing with the lights through the windows while hip hop music sneaks in from the next room, where a group was rehearsing a choreography.

Catedral de la Purísima Concepción

At the other end of the park is the neoclassical style  Catedral de la Purísima Concepción . Cienfuegos had not been inhabited before colonization. However, when the Spaniards arrived, they decided to establish a city there since the bay of Cienfuegos was ideal for building a port. With the foundation of Cienfuegos, the first mass was celebrated in the same land that  occupies the cathedral today.

Two other buildings that will not go unnoticed during your visit to the José Martí Park are the Government Palace and the Tomás Terry Theater  which are arranged one in front of the other.

paseo de PRADO

The Paso de Prado is the main artery of the city. If you explore Cienfuegos in one day, it gives you time to walk at least a large part of it. Although few tourist attractions are here, this is where you find the essence of Cienfuegos.  Just two kilometers in length, it is the largest promenade in Cuba. And just as Cuba itself, the Walk of Cienfuegos is also a permanent contrast between decadence and splendor.

Paseo del Prado

I encourage you to go as far as possible and discover for yourself all of the colourful colonial houses, from those of the highest level, to buildings in ruins.

Colonial houses

The Paseo del Prado avenue cuts Cienfuegos from North to South. In the middle of the avenue, there is a pedestrian crossing with palm trees and very nice benches where you can sit and relax.

However, do not stay only in the central part of the walk. At the sides, you can find unique places like the shake house. In this place, you can have a very cheap fruit shake since it is paid in CUP. I was surprised by the place since you can see how they make the shakes based on a paste, which we assumed is made from fruit and water.

Shake house

In addition, if you didn’t try a Coppelia ice cream in Havana , on the Paseo de Prado in Cienfuegos you will have a second opportunity to try one.

Coppelia Ice Cream Shop

PUNTA GORDA

In the southern most part, the Paseo del Prado momentarily becomes the Cienfuegos Malecón. From here, we will find a Cuba that you have not imagined. Intermingled style mansions make Cienfuegos the most eclectic city in Cuba. This is the end of Cienfuegos, Punta Gorda, as fat as the wallet of the owners of these historic homes.

cienfuegos MALECÓN

The best part of discovering Cienfuegos in one day is the walk along its boardwalk. The Cienfuegos Malecón  does not overlook the sea but to the Bay of Jagua. Its calm waters are navigable by those ships that cross the narrow channel that connects to the Caribbean Sea.

The best time to visit is during sunset. When the heat stops, local Cubans comeout to enjoy life on the boardwalk. This is the best time to approach and talk about any topic with the locals.

Cuban on the Cienfuegos Malecón

If you are lucky, you will also see children boxing at sunset since it is one of the national sports.

Boxing at the Cienfuegos Malecón

While the coach prepares one of his students, the others keep training. some with the rope and others running along the boardwalk, which begins to change in color.

Children running on the Cienfuegos Malecón

Walk over to the West Coast where the seawall ends, and we promise there will be dreamy sunsets. You will have the best shots right at the moment when the sun crosses the horizon.

Sunset on the Cienfuegos Malecon

Unlike the Malecon in Havana, the one in Cienfuegos is much more painstaking. The decoration of palm trees will be the icing on the compositions of your captures.

Cienfuegos Malecón Sunset

And this was just the first of many sunsets that Dani and I saw on our visit to the island. We were in paradise.

Seeing the first of many paradisiacal sunsets that Cuba gave us

Palacio de valle AND OTHER MANSIONS OF PUNTA GORDA

However, even after the sun goes down, Punta Gorda does not stop shining thanks to all the  super luxury mansions  that will literally leave you speechless.

You will find striking mansions such as the Cienfuegos Club or the Blue Palace , with indefinable styles since they are  a mix all kinds of elements.

Club Cienfuegos and Blue Palace

We entered the Palacio de Valle , which was at the end point and now functions as a restaurant.

We did not have the chance to look at the menu but we knew that it would not be cheap. The interior, with all kinds of Moroccan decoration, was not something we expected to see in Cuba. Although without a doubt, the best would be its upper terrace where they played live music.

Palacio de Valle

Like this palace, there are many others in this area. Most of them are currently hotels or restaurants, so if you have a bigger budget , it may be a good idea to stay in one of these mansions, especially so that it does not take long to get to the Sports Fishing Area the next morning.

THE SPORTS FISHING Area

This small, east facing bay of Punta Gorda is the best place to take pictures at dawn. During the first rays of light, not only do photographers congregate in this area, it is also quite usual to meet Cubans who are practicing cebe fishing.

Fishermen in Punta Gorda

From what we saw, this type of fishing consists of dragging a net and picking up the shrimps that remain trapped inside. This takes advantage of the shallow depth of the bay in this area.

Shrimp fishing

This dawn marked a before and after in Dani’s photography. What looked like a catastrophe was instead a turning point for him. While changing the lens after a couple of shots, it fell into the water.

His first camera was already running a little short, so this is the last trip you will see him using his Nikon D3200.

Punta Gorda at dawn

WHERE TO EAT IN CIENFUEGOS

In Cienfuegos, there is no place as exquisite as Doña Nora’s paladar to eat. Its eclectic decor, soft live music, variety of dishes, and views of the Paseo del Prado, make it the ideal place to dine.

Our dinner in Doña Nora

We booked a table on the way to Punta Gorda when we went to see the sunset, and had dinner there on the way back to the center of Cienfuegos. Even for low season, the restaurant was quite full. It is highly recommended to  book a table , especially if you visit Cienfuegos in high season. Also, if you show up on time, you can ask to be seated on the terrace and enjoy a perfect and romantic candlelit dinner.

In addition to this restaurant, we ate at others not so popular and days after our visit to Cienfuegos I got sick for amoeba infection. In addition to being careful with the food you eat in Cuba, I recommend you to purchase good international travel insurance , because if not, maybe you have to pay more than necessary for health problems as happened to me. If you don’t want to spend, consider low-cost travel insurance at least. /*! elementor - v3.16.0 - 13-09-2023 */ .elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block} 5% OFF your travel insurance with all medical bills paid upfront! ONLY UNTIL MARCH 24TH GET IT HERE!

HOW TO GET TO CIENFUEGOS from havana

As we have already said in the complete Guide to planning your trip to Cuba,  to make the journey between Havana – Cienfuegos, we can use different modes of transportation. The most recommended one in this case is the private bus that can be booked at any hotel, whether or not you are staying there. This way, you will not have to go to the  Viazul station, which is on the outskirts of Havana.

For the same reason, we decided against another option which was a shared taxi. Shared taxis  also depart from the Viazul station, so not choosing this option saves us that journey. After having tried the shared taxi, I will tell you that they are not a good option for long trips. These taxis usually carry three or even four people at the back, which is very uncomfortable.

The worst part of making this trip by bus is that it takes four and a half hours. We made two stops, and one of them was quite long. Considering this, I think it is the best option, for the price and the convenience. As we discussed in the travel budget , this trip cost 22 CUC per person.

As a reference, the Viazul bus would cost 20 CUC, and by shared taxi would be 17 CUC.

Cienfuegos map

Do not forget to come back here to tell us about your experience traveling through Cienfuegos in one day.

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• Sun & Beach

Cienfuegos city

Cienfuegos, also known as “La Perla del Sur” (the Pearl of the South) or “La Linda ciudad del mar” (the Beautiful Sea City), has different attraction which delight visitors when they just arrive; that is the historical center and the protected zone of Punta Gorda for example. It won the condition of World Cultural Heritage since July 15 th , 2005 due to the values it has for example, it is the only one Historical center from the XIX century in Latin America.

The city itself represents the new ideas of modernity, hygiene and order regarding the city´s layout what is added to a Protected Zone qualified by its environmental, architectonic and cultural values distributed from the end of the promenade to the zone known as La Punta.

The elegant and perfect neoclassical layout, in chessboard shape is an exceptional exponent of the Cuban and Caribbean city planning of the XIX century. We invite you to visit it.

Read more...

What to do Cienfuegos ?

José martí square and surroundings. 25th street to 29th between 54th and 56th avenues..

On April 22 nd , 1819 Mr. Don Luis D´Clouet and a group of French descendants founded the colony Fernandina de Jagua, taking a majagua tree as the starting point for the city planning. Before having the name of Jose Marti Square, it had the name of Plaza Ramírez; Parade Ground; Plaza de Recreo, and Independence Square. In this square we find the urban and architectonic bases that characterize Cienfuegos where neoclassic and eclecticism show the status of the previous generation.  With the largest dimensions in the country, almost 2 hectares – twice the standard dimensions established by the Laws of Indies, an exceptional example among the cities from the XIX century – in this square we can find Jose Marti statue, the two pair lions, the fountains, the arbor, the Arch of Triumph, as well as different busts made to the memory of important personalities such as Nicolas Acea, Mr. Ramon, Maria de Labra, Antonio Reguera, Alfredo Mendez, Clotilde del Carmen Rodriguez and Antonio Hurtado. It was one of the most important places during the facts of September 5 th , 1957. In the surrounding area you can find the most important buildings regarding culture, politics, religion, and administration. This square, and its surroundings have the condition of National Monument since October 10 th , 1978. It also won the condition of World Cultural Heritage in 2005 for being located in the Historical Center.

Arch of Triumph.

The Arch of Triumph, only of this type in Cuba, was built as a voluntary job by the city workers. The idea was born in the revolutionary club ruled by Rita Suarez del Villar, “la cubanita” (the Cuban little lady”, as part of the celebration for the new republic that was born on May 20 th , 1902. Workers started this job on May 1rst, only two weeks later they have already finished. During the inauguration there were three flags on the top of the arch, the Cuban flag, the Cienfuegos flag, and a red one with three number eights in the center representing workers and their three main aspirations: 8 working hours, 8 resting hours, and 8 hours to improve the cultural knowledge.

San Lorenzo and Santo Tomas School. 56th avenue corner to 29th.

School of trade and handicrafts from the beginning of the XIX century as a project of the wealthy men in Cienfuegos. Relevant due to its dimensions and the use of elements of the neoclassic. This school has witnessed different important historical, social, and cultural facts such as September 5 th , 1957. Today it is the seat of the high school “5 de Septiembre” 

Tomas Terry Theater. 56th avenue between 27th and 29th streets.

One of the three vernacular theaters in Cuba. Example of the Cuban scene during the XIX century. Inaugurated in 1890, this theater is Italian like and has witnessed many performances of local, national and international artists. It has great artistic values in the paintings on the ceiling, interior walls, mural paintings and balconies; all of them were made by Camilo Salaya Toro, Spanish artist who lived in the city during that time.  This theater won the Conservation Award in 2008. If you like to visit this jewel, it is opened every day from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Performances are according to the billboard.  

Ferrer Palace (House of Culture in Cienfuegos). 25th Street corner to 54th avenue.

Built by the Spanish merchant and landowner Jose Ferrer Sirés, following the Project of Pablo Donato Carbonell, an architect from Cienfuegos. The edification was finished between 1917 and 1918, and ready to be used during that last year for the family Ferrer, who previously lived in Villa Teresa in Punta Gorda. It is said, Ferrer family lived very short time in this palace, during that period they received Enrico Caruso as guests during his performances in Tomas Terry Theater. In 1923, Santiago Claret Marti founded “El Sol” newspaper in the first floor of this palace, although it last there very short time. When Ferrer´s family moved to Havana, Isidoro Cacicedo, one of the wealthiest man in town, and his family came to live in the palace until 1970. The first floor was used to open “La Cosmopolita” drugstore at the beginning of the 1940s and it worked there few years after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution when it was nationalized and turned into a warehouse for medical supplies. This building got a cultural value when the House of Culture in Cienfuegos was set there. The House of Culture, Benjamin Duarte pays close attention to the movement of non-professional artists in the city. Nowadays, it is an excellent lookout point where you can take the greatest images of Jose Marti Square. Price 2.00 cuc. From Mondays to Fridays from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Maroya Art Gallery. 54th avenue between 25th and 27th streets.

The former house of the family Díaz de Tuesta, it is one of the few buildings that keep the colonial structure in walls, ceiling and windows. Nowadays it is the commercial and expositional seat of the Cuban Fund of Cultural Assets. It shows a varied offer of handicrafts, handmade clothes, paintings, traditional and modern furniture, cultural activities related to the expositions they show, fashion shows, and so forth.

Spanish Casino. 54th avenue, corner to 27th Street. (Provincial Museum)

Built in 1893 to be used by the associations of Spanish immigrants and their descendants. Its aims were promoting cultural traditions of the Spanish regions present in the partners of the casino. This building has 9 expositional rooms; living rooms and dining room set, room for transitory expositions, room for private collections, room for identity and culture, and a room for history and archeology. Among the collections in exposition you can find the work of different artists such as Adolfo Meana, Fidelio Ponce, Wilfredo Lam, and the artist from Cienfuegos, Mateo Torriente. Imporrtant collections of biscuit, original furniture of the Spanish Casino, and the table of Acisclo del Valle family, the only one of this type in Cuba and representative for the use of different types of Italian marble.

Bar-Cafeteria El Palatino. 54th avenue between 25th and 27th.

Palatino is one of the oldest constructions around the square. It has specific features of the XIX century with roots in the architecture of Trinidad.  Besides it is a leading place of the gastronomy in Cienfuegos due to its history as bar and gastronomic center. In the portal, visitors can enjoy a very good “mojito” and the Cuban son while they watch Jose Marti Square.  

Provincial Goverment. 54 th avenue, corner to 29 th street.

Built between 1927 and 1950. The image it has today is from the first half of the XX century. It is example of the architecture of political and government institutions of Cuban eclecticism in Cienfuegos with an American influence. It has been seat of important historical, political, social and cultural facts in the city. Nowadays it is the seat of Provincial Assembly of the Popular Power.

House of the Founder. 29 th street, corner to 54 th avenue.

The house of the city founder, Mr. Don Luis D´Clouet, dates back from the first half of the XIX century and it is one of the few examples of domestic architecture of neoclassic style. During different historical phases, this house worked as commercial institution, coffee industry, touristic and gastronomical center. Nowadays it is a store mainly for souvenirs and Cuban products. Besides it promotes the sale of Cuban rum and cigars.

Polinesio Restaurant.  5410, 29th street between 54 th and 56 th .

It is part of the former House of the City Founder. It also had the same functions as coffee industry, commercial and gastronomical institution. Nowadays it is Polinesio Restaurant, and its specialty is creole food.

Cathedral “Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción”. 29th Street, corner to 56th avenue.

Located almost in the same place where it was celebrated the first mass in 1819 by the priest Antonio Loreto Sanchez. It is considered one of the oldest buildings in the city. The construction began in 1833 with a 20meters tower and since 1845 it started working as church. The second tower, with 36 meters, was started on February 1848 and finished on May 1852. At that time the church got eight artistic images, among them, the image of “Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción” (our Lady of the Immaculate Conception) shaped in Barcelona and donated by the landowner Domingo Sarria. With the aim expanding the former church and give it the appropriate image according to the peoples’ needs, the north American civil engineer Santiago Murray was in charge of designing the plans and the necessary information to finish the restoration on December 8 th , 1869; the day of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the city´s Patron Saint. The architectonic style is Doric in the façade and inside. It has twelve chapels, six on each side. Glass windows on the twelve upper windows represents the twelve apostles and they complete the group with two of Jesus Crist placed in the front part. On December 25 th , 1917 it was declared consecrated cathedral in a conference presided by Mgr. Valentin Zubizarreta, bishop in Camaguey and apostolic manager of Cienfuegos.    

Prado Promenade. 37th Street since 40th to 72th avenues.

The promenade is It is a key site to see the daily work of the city. It is the dividing axis between the old Cienfuegos and the modern one. It begins at the entrance of the city and goes until the malecon. It is the longest Promenade of this type in Cuba. 

Benny More Statue. 37th Street and 54th avenue.

Benny More was an emblematic figure of the Cuban music born in Santa Isabel de las Lajas, a municipality of Cienfuegos. Better known as “El Barbaro del Ritmo” by the sonority of his songs. Maybe the fact of being autodidact made him more famous. It is still a mystery how he got to be a master of orchestra, composer and singer without having studied music. His grave is in Lajas and it was declared national Monument in 2009. This statue was made by Jose Villa Soberon, it´s made of bronze with no pedestal. He is like walking because wants to invite visitors to visit the boulevard. The statue was put over the Promenade in 2004.   

Malecon. 37th Street, since 40th avenue to 24th.

This promenade by the sea links the Historical Center with the residential zone of Punta Gorda. It is an excellent viewpoint of the bay. 

Hotel Palacio Azul. 37th Street between 12th and 14th avenues.

Next to Cienfuegos Yatch Club, it is an example of eclecticism in Cienfuegos and expression of the heritage riches. Ceilings and floors are samples of the architecture of that time with original valances and the use of different mosaics in the floors. This building highlights due to its dome covered by golden pottery. Since 2003 it works a s Hotel Palacio Azul. In 2007 won the condition of “Charming Hotel”. It was the first one in the country to won that condition by its architectonic, cultural, and historical values. As curiosity we can say it has only seven rooms and each of them is named after a flower. ( Marilope , Cienfuegos flower; Mariposa , National flower; Verbena ; Orchid , Dahlia ; Daisy , and Pink lili )  

Cienfuegos Yatch Club. 37th Street between 8th and 12th avenues.

The former Cienfuegos Yatch Club. This beautiful building has witnessed nautical traditions in the city since 1920 when it was inaugurated in August, 31rst. It has three floors ending with a dome and four towers; two of them are viewpoints. It is painted in white with the domes in green which is the sport color in Cienfuegos. This Club has two restaurants inside, mainly for sea food:  

Marinero Restaurant: On the first floor. Offers different options of sea food, for example “paella” and fish fillet. Opened every day from 12.00 m to 3.00 pm

Café Cienfuegos Restaurant: On the third floor. The specialty of the Chef is “fillet mignon comodoro” with mushroom sauce, shrimps, red wine and vegetables. For those who love Habanos, this is the right place. There you can delight many different brands of Habanos. Opened every day only for dinner, from 6.00 pm to 10.00pm

Sculpture Park. 37th Street, corner to 10th avenue.

This place is an important achievement in the landscape and cultural image of Cienfuegos city. Sculpture were made by 17 artists of different ages and artistic codes, and also from different parts of the country. Materials used in the sculpture were also different: stone, granite stone, concrete, steel, metal, among others. Each sculpture has its name and the authors´  

Jagua Hotel. 37th Street between 2nd avenue and Punta Gorda Coast.

Emblematic hotel. It is sample of Cuban rationalism giving the area of Punta Gorda, a touch of modernity. Inaugurated by the revolutionary government on December 31rst, 1959. It is considered one of the best hotels out of the capital of Cuba. It ranks in top regarding preferences of foreigner and national tourists, what turns the hotel into an important symbol of the Cuban hospitality. It is also known as the  

  Del Valle Palace. 37th Street and 0 avenue.

One of the city´s symbol and example of the opulence of that time. At the beginnings it was known as “Quinta Morisca”. The construction was ended in 1917 at the cost of 1.5 million Cuban pesos. It was designed by the architect Pablo Donato Carbonell, from Cienfuegos, and the construction was guided by the Italian engineer Alfredo Colli Fanconetti with workers from France, Italy, Arabia, and Cuba.  Materials were imported from Italy and United States and they used Cuban wood. This building has three levels with a basement and ends in three towers, a Gothic one, an Indian and the third one resembles an Arabian minaret. These towers have been interpreted as symbols of love, religion and strength. It has the condition of Local Monument since January 30 th , 1990. Nowadays it is considered the most luxurious restaurant in Cienfuegos. It also offers guided tours. Price: 4.00 cuc with a cocktail included.

La Punta. 35th Street between the Coast and 0 avenue.

In 2000 it was declared National Monument. The aborigines living in the region during the colonization named “Tureira” (for them, it meant shiny and beautiful thing) to that piece of land that, surrounded by the blue waters of Jagua Bay, became in an important summer area since de second half of the XIX century. There is only one possible way to get there due to the shape of the territory. The houses in that area have formal typology with great American and Caribbean influence, and most of them are made of wood with two levels.   

Another attractions in Cienfuegos

Reina cemetery. 7th street between 50th and 52nd avenues..

Construction in which beauty, majesty and respect go together. General cemetery or Reina Cemetery as it is known was built in 1839. It is the only in the country which have three lines of vertical niches that´s why today we can know about that old way of burial which also shows the artistic level Cienfuegos had gotten regarding uses of marble and molten iron. The sculptures show the funeral dignity of all those who could pay to express it. One of these sculptures is “The Sleeping Beauty” is related to a legend. On the niches we find dates of the year 1830. Some important personalities from the independence wars of 1868 and 1895 are also buried there in mass graves. It was declared National Monument. 

Tomas Acea Cemetery. Avenue 5 de Septiembre Km 31/2.

The mystery of death leads inevitably to silence and meditation. The cemetery in Cienfuegos named “Tomas Acea” in honor to one of the wealthiest families in the region, is one of the best of this type in Cuba.  The cemetery was thought and developed by the engineers Pablo Donato Carbonell and Luis Felipe Ros and it is an important example of most modern foreign and north American concepts related to funeral edifications. As a result, we have this garden-cemetery that exploits the wavy terrain to include this construction to the beauty of the Cienfuegos landscape.  It was declared national Monument in April 17 th , 1986.

Fortress “Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Jagua”.

Community Castillo de Jagua. It is one of the symbols of this province. The fortress “Nuestra Señora de los Angeles de Jagua” ws built in 1745. The project was made by Jose Tantete who designed this building in stone, with a cubic structure, two levels and a drawbridge. He took the style of the famous French engineer Sebastian Le Pestre who made his own system of fortifications known as “Vauban”. During the XVIII it served to protect the city against the attack of pirates but in 1762 had an important role in the Cuban history when it was the seat of the Spanish military rule during the short English occupation in Cuba. It was declared National Monument since October 10 th , 1978.

Just 13 km from the city of Cienfuegos you can find the municipality of Palmira. It is a town with strong Afro-Cuban roots. The Yoruba Pantheon is there as well as municipal museum.  

Santa Isabel de las Lajas.

Hometown of Benny More, important personality of the Cuban music. In this city you can find the Municipal Museum and the Casino of Congos where Benny started his career as musician. Every August 24 th , anniversary of his birth and February 19 th , anniversary of his death; there is a pilgrimage to his grave as testimony of respect and admiration to him.

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17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Cuba

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Aug 30, 2023

Cuba, the Caribbean's largest island , drips with history, culture, and mystique. Live music wafts through the cobbled squares in Havana's World Heritage-listed Old Town , vintage cars still cruise the streets, and the beautiful old buildings in Cuba's colonial cities evoke the feel of a country frozen in time.

Cuba also abounds in natural beauty. This vast island has more than 5,000 kilometers of coastline, much of it rimmed by dazzling beaches. Coral reefs glimmer in the turquoise waters, and Cuba's lush countryside and sublime islands have played host to presidents; provided refuge to revolutionaries; and inspired writers from around the world, Hemingway among them.

With all this history and beauty, as well as superb diving and fishing, Cuba offers a depth and diversity few Caribbean islands can rival. Explore this captivating country with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Cuba.

1. Old Havana (Habana Vieja)

2. varadero, 3. trinidad, 4. guardalavaca, 5. playa paraíso, cayo largo del sur, 6. cayo coco, 7. parque nacional viñales (valle de viñales), 9. the malecon, havana, 10. che guevara mausoleum, santa clara, 11. museo nacional de bellas artes, 12. castillo de san pedro del morro, santiago de cuba, 13. peninsula de zapata (ciénaga de zapata), 14. el nicho waterfalls, 15. parque historico militar, havana, 16. plaza de la revolucion (jose marti memorial), havana, 17. fusterlandia.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Habana Vieja or Old Havana is a well-preserved slice of Cuban history. Strolling around the cobbled streets and gazing up at the grand Baroque and neoclassical buildings, it's easy to imagine what life in Cuba was like 200 years ago.

Extensive renovations are now breathing new life into the historic buildings. Major attractions here include the Plaza de la Catedral , home to the Cuban Baroque Catedral de San Cristobal ; the legendary restaurant and Hemingway hangout, Bodeguita del Medio ; and the military fortress, Castillo de la Real Fuerza .

Also in the Old Town, Plaza Vieja is one of the top places to visit in Havana . This vibrant gathering spot is home to some notable buildings, including the 18th-century Casa del Conde Jaruco , with beautiful stained-glass windows on the first floor. Nearby, the camera obscura offers fantastic views from its 35-meter tower.

The best way to explore Old Havana is to simply get lost along its cobbled streets. Colorful photo ops await around every corner, from the faded pastel-painted buildings to the clothes flapping in the breeze on washing lines and the candy-pink classic cars. Take time to watch kids play soccer in a square or listen to an impromptu musical performance. Allow at least a day to explore the Old Town and more if time permits.

Author's Tip: If you're seeking a more authentic Havana experience where you can connect with the locals, consider dining at paladars, small family-owned restaurants in private homes. They also tend to be cheaper than conventional restaurants. Similarly, if you're looking for an affordable place to stay, book a casa particulare. These homestays with Cuban families are another great way to save money and soak up the local culture.

Varadero is one of Cuba's most famous beach destinations, and home to one of the best beaches in the Caribbean . It stretches along the Peninsula de Hicacos, which juts into the sea off the north coast; a drawbridge connects it to the mainland.

More than 50 beach resorts line this popular palm-fringed strip, and its magnificent white-sand beaches draw visitors from around the world.

Varadero highlights include Parque Ecológico Varahicacos (Varadero Ecological Park) , and its two caves, Cueva de Ambrosio and Cueva de Musulmanes.

For more subterranean adventures, Saturno Cave (Cueva de Saturno) offers a cool respite from the sun-blasted beach. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear cenote, marvel at the giant stalactites and stalagmites, and jump off the surrounding ledges into the teal-colored pool below.

Also in Varadero, the peaceful Parque Josone is home to lush flower gardens, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a small lake where you can paddle about in rowboats.

Other popular things to do in Varadero, besides diving and snorkeling, are deep-sea fishing, golf, skydiving, and day trips to cultural attractions.

Exploring the town of Trinidad, Cuba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is like stepping back in time. The beautifully restored buildings and cobblestone streets in the city center exude a quaint colonial feel. Much of the architecture dates from the 17th to the 19th centuries, when Trinidad prospered from both the sugar and slave trades.

Today, Trinidad is one of the best cities in Cuba to visit, apart from Havana. You can soak up its lively ambience in the cobblestone Plaza Mayor , the city's central square. Above the square stands the neoclassical Church of the Holy Trinity (Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad).

Other Trinidad highlights are the Church and Monastery of Saint Francis (Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco), with its distinctive bell tower and the Palacio Brunet , a grand home built in 1812 and still featuring original frescoes and marble floors.

East of Trinidad, on the road to Sancti Spiritus , the lush World Heritage-listed Valle de los Ingenios contains numerous relics and monuments from the 19th century, when the sugar cane plantations and mills flourished. One of the best things to do in Trinidad, Cuba is simply drive or horseback ride through the beautiful scenery of green sugar cane fields, palm trees, and mountains.

Rimmed by glittering beaches, Guardalavaca, in the Holguin province , is quieter and more remote than Varadero. Lush foliage fringes the sweeping strand of beach here, providing plenty of shady patches for those seeking respite from the tropical sun. Divers and snorkelers can explore a plethora of sea life along the coral reefs.

Day trips from Guardalavaca include jungle adventures, sailing trips, and sightseeing tours of Santiago de Cuba .

West of Guardalavaca, Bahia de Naranjo encompasses a large slice of coast and three islands, including Cayo Naranjo with the popular Dolphinarium , which offers close-up encounters with these gregarious creatures.

Chorro de Maita is another side trip option from Guardalavaca, with a native Indian burial area and a recreated Taino Indian village.

In a country known for its beautiful beaches, Playa Paraíso (Paradise Beach), on the island of Cayo Largo del Sur, is one of Cuba's best. This sublime strand of powdery white sand and baby blue sea skirts the sheltered western edge of the island and merges with the equally ravishing Playa Sirena.

The island of Cayo Largo del Sur is truly a sun seeker's destination with a typically dry, sunny climate and few tourist attractions besides some of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba and many hotels and resorts.

Note that sections of these beaches are clothing optional.

Cayo Coco is another of Cuba's idyllic beach destinations and one of its most isolated. The island starred in Hemingway's novels, Islands in the Stream and The Old Man and the Sea, along with nearby Cayo Guillermo .

As part of the Jardines del Rey , the combined archipelago of Sabana-Camaguey , Cayo Coco is connected to the mainland by a bridge, though most visitors arrive by air.

Sun-splashed beaches are the prime attraction. Playa Los Flamencos, on the Atlantic side of the island, is a standout with its five-kilometer strand of sun-bleached sand, and the quiet and undeveloped Playa Prohibida offers a peaceful nature trail. The island is also known for its excellent birding.

Connected by a causeway to Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo also boasts a bevy of beautiful beaches, such as the ravishing Playa Pilar, as well as a string of all-inclusive resorts.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Parque Nacional Viñales is a beautiful, verdant valley in the Sierra de los Organos, north of Pinar del Rio. Steep limestone hills, called mogotes, slice through the valleys, creating a dramatic landscape, and the wildlife

The valley floors in the Parque Nacional Viñales are agricultural areas where tobacco, fruit, and vegetables are grown. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers fantastic hiking and horseback riding in the hills. You can also tour coffee plantations, explore caves, and go rock climbing or ziplining here.

Nearby, the charming town of Viñales is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Tour companies also offer day trips here from Havana.

One of the highlights of eastern Cuba is beautiful Baracoa, the oldest city in the country. It was founded in 1511 in the province of Guantanamo, and construction began on the first church here around that time. Cut off from much of the outside world until the 1960s, when the La Farola highway was built, the city still has a remote feel.

Today, visitors come here for the charming colonial architecture and lush countryside, where waterfalls and pretty beaches provide a cool counterpoint to the steamy jungle. The flat-topped peak of El Yunque presides over all this tropical beauty, beckoning hikers to take the guided ascent to its 589-meter summit. The hillside is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where rare birds and plants thrive.

To really appreciate the spectacular scenery, take a drive down the winding La Farola highway , a 49-kilometer stretch from Baracoa over the mountains to Cajobabo .

The Museo Municipal is also worth a look. Housed in the Fuerte Matachin military fortress, it provides a glimpse of Baracoa's fascinating history, and the fort itself offers great views over the bay.

About 20 kilometers northwest of Baracoa is one of the area's best beaches: picture-perfect Playa Maguana . If you're looking for something adventurous to do in Cuba, you can rent a bicycle in Baracoa and peddle out here. Flights to Baracoa depart frequently from Havana.

Conceived in 1901 and partly built in 1902 and beyond, the Malecon is Havana's famous seafront promenade. A walk along this top Havana attraction is a stroll through the history of the city.

The promenade runs seven kilometers from the Habana Vieja quarter to the Vedado, the central business district. Along the way, you will find an assortment of well-preserved 20th-century buildings that represent a mixture of architectural styles, including Art Deco and Neo Moorish. Painted in pastel pinks and yellows, the buildings are a photographer's delight, especially in the golden glow of dusk.

People-watching is a favorite pastime here. Young lovers saunter hand-in-hand, local fishermen cast their lines, and children clamber along the sea wall.

When beach towns and resorts all start to seem the same, and you're looking for unique things to do in Cuba, Santa Clara will add some depth to your Cuban itinerary. This is the famous site of the last guerrilla battle led by Che Guevara in 1958.

Che's body was laid to rest here, and his mausoleum (Mausoleo del Che Guevara) and monument, the Memorial Comandante Ernesto "Che" Guevara, are the town's big attractions. Etched on the bronze statue of Che Guevara in Plaza de la Revolucion is his final letter to Fidel Castro, while the mausoleum lies beneath.

Adjacent to the monument, the Museo Historico de la Revolucion exhibits some of Che's personal items. Che fans should also see the poignant Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado, a small boxcar museum and the site of the final battle between Che Guevara and the Batista troops.

If you're an art lover, don't miss Havana's Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts), with its vast and impressive collection of international and Cuban art.

The collection is housed in two buildings and includes works from ancient times to the present day. Clad in sumptuous Italian marble, the restored Spanish Renaissance-style Palacio del Centro Asturiano was designed in the 1920s by Manuel Bustos. It displays international art, including works by European Masters; ancient art from Greece, Rome, and Egypt; and works from Asia, the United States, and Latin America. The Spanish collection, in particular, is a highlight.

The striking marble sculpture, Form, Space and Light , greets visitors at the entrance to the second venue, which dates from 1959. This Rationalist-style Palacio de Bellas Artes building displays a thought-provoking collection focusing on Cuban Art from the 17th century to the present day, including sculptures, prints, and paintings.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Address: Trocadero Street e/Zulueta y Monserrate, Old Havana

Palacio del Centro Asturiano

Address: San Rafael, e/Zulueta y Monserrate, Old Havana

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo del Morro is one of the best-preserved Spanish fortresses of the 17th century. It stands at the entrance to the Bay of Santiago, about 10 kilometers southwest of Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city.

Perched high atop a cliff, the structure was designed in 1587, but took decades to build and was finally completed at the end of the 17th century. It was originally intended to protect against pirate attacks, but also served as a prison in the late 1700s before being once again converted into a fortress.

Today, you can explore the many different levels of the fort, learn about pirates and the fort history in the small museum, and enjoy impressive views over the bay.

Other cultural highlights of Santiago de Cuba include the Diego Velazquez Museum and Cementerio de Santa Ifigenia , home to the remains of some of Cuba's most famous military figures.

Less than an hour from the city by car, Parque Baconao is a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve where you can tour coffee plantations, wander through beautiful botanical gardens, and enjoy stunning 360-degree views over the mountains and sea from the 1,234-meter summit of Gran Piedra, a large volcanic rock.

A haven for birders and nature lovers, the Peninsula de Zapata is a remote, sparsely populated area of Cuba with diverse landscapes and one of the largest wetlands in the Caribbean .

The Cienaga de Zapata, or the Zapata Swamp as it is affectionately known, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to approximately 150 different species of birds, including waterhens, parrots, and herons. Crocodiles are also common.

One part of the peninsula is a designated nature reserve, the Gran Parque Natural de Montemar , where you can see some of these creatures in their natural habitats.

At the mouth of the Bay of Pigs (Bahia de Cochinos) is Playa Giron , the famous site of the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion. You can explore this fascinating history at the small Museo Giron .

At the top of the Bay of Pigs, Playa Larga is home to a long beach backed by lush vegetation. Avid divers can explore the underwater wildlife at numerous dive sites here along the reef.

Boca de Guama is the peninsula's tourist center, and its main attraction is the Criadero de Cocodrilos , a crocodile farm.

If you're looking for a ravishing slice of nature in central Cuba, head to El Nicho waterfalls. About a 90-minute drive from Trinidad or Cienfuegos, in Parque El Nicho , these multi-tiered falls flow into several jade-green jungle pools — the perfect place to take a cool dip on a hot day.

Driving here along the twisty rutted roads is an adventure in itself, and the scenery is beautiful. Once you arrive and pay the entrance fee, take the 1.5-mile palm-lined trail to the park's most scenic spots. It meanders along a cool river and ascends through thick, tropical forest to the falls, where you can swim and sunbathe. Along the way, keep an eye out for the tocororo, Cuba's national bird, and the beautiful royal palm.

Walk beyond the falls, and you'll end up at a scenic lookout with breathtaking views across lush valleys.

Wondering about things to do with the family in Cuba? This is the perfect back-to-nature excursion. Best of all, the waterfalls gush year-round — even in the dry season.

The Parque Historico Militar encompasses two of Havana's famous fortresses: the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro , also known as El Morro, and Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana .

Presiding over the entrance of the Bay of Havana, El Morro was built in the late 16th century and early 17th century to fend off pirates, and looks much the same as it did back then. The lighthouse was replaced with one of stone in the middle of the 19th century, but its original lamp still shines out to sea. You can ascend to the top of the fort to admire impressive views of the ocean and city.

A short stroll from El Morro, Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana , constructed in the 1770s, was the biggest fort the Spanish ever built, as well as the most expensive. The fort became a military prison during the Batista regime and was later used as the headquarters for Che Guevara after the Revolution.

You can explore the museums here, which trace the history of this fascinating fort, but the most popular time to visit is at night when actors dressed in 19th-century costumes perform Ceremonia del Cañonazo, a cannon-firing ceremony, at 9pm.

Due to its important place in Havana's history, the Plaza de la Revolucion deserves at least a brief stop if only to absorb the events that transpired here. Castro delivered speeches in this vast square, attracting more than a million people at times. And in 1998, during a visit to Cuba, Pope John Paul II celebrated mass here.

In the center of the Plaza de la Revolucion stands a 109-meter gray tower, a memorial to the Cuban national hero, Jose Marti, while a large, white marble statue of him lies at its base. Below the statue is the entrance to the interior of the Jose Marti Memorial , which contains a museum on Marti. Ascend the tower for incredible views over Havana.

Opposite the memorial, the famous giant portrait of Che Guevara adorns the Ministry of Interior building. This is a popular spot for capturing Instagram photos, and you can also pose next to one of the colorful classic cars parked here.

A riot of color and bucketloads of artistic inspiration is what you'll find at Fusterlandia. Mosaics, paintings, and sculptures in every color of the rainbow decorate this small neighborhood, which is actually called Jaimanitas. It's located about a 30-minute drive from Havana.

Local artist José Fuster, often called the Picasso of the Caribbean, is the artistic mastermind who transformed the neighborhood. A painter and sculptor, he created this striking display as a reflection of his life and art, even taking the time to decorate local bus shelters and his neighbors' homes.

After you click away at all the colorful art with your camera, pop by his home studio. Many Havana tours include a visit to this famous neighborhood, but you can also take the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus for a small fee. And if you really want to splash out, you can take a tour in a classic car.

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