Cuba has no shortage of activities to do and sights to see. After coming up with 101 things to do in Cuba, I decided to focus on ten bucket list sights and attractions that you should totally consider adding to your list. If you’re planning a trip to Cuba, here are 10 of the best things to do in Cuba that you can’t miss, in no particular order.
This is the fifth post in the Cuba series. Here’s the complete 10-part series:
Cuba Travel Series
Travel Guide: The Complete Travel Guide For First Time Visitors
Money Honey: Cuban Currency Guide: Everything You Need To Know
For The Culture: 36 Ways To Immerse Yourself in Afro-Cuban Culture
The Ultimate Cuba Bucket List: 101 Fun Things to Do in Cuba
Cuba Bucket List: Top 10 Epic Things To Do in Cuba
Packing Tips: The Complete Guide To Packing For Your Trip To Cuba
Inspiration: 30 Photos That Will Inspire You To Visit Cuba
Travel Tips: 10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Cuba
Trinidad: How To Explore Trinidad in 3 Days
Viñales: How To Take the Perfect Day Trip From Havana To Viñales
Cuba Bucket List: Top 10 Travel Cuba Experiences
1. Take a ride in a classic car
It’s only fitting that I start my bucket list off with touring around Havana in a 1950’s vintage car! In Havana, you can rent a vintage car for the day with a driver. Tours are usually 1-hour, and you visit famous landmarks in the city and surrounding neighborhoods.
The prices vary between $29-34 for one seat or $100 for the entire car. Depending on your negotiating and Spanish-speaking skills, you may be able to get a better price.
I’ll be honest; I couldn’t justify the prices of the vintage car tours and noticed that most taxis in the city are classic cars. So instead, I intentionally caught taxis, and the cheapskate in me was content!
However, if your objective is solely about the experience, you can find plenty of drivers lined up downtown in Parque Central, near the Capitloio, who will gladly take your money; I mean to take you on an adventure.
2. Stroll Through Old Havana
Visit Old Havana first thing in the morning to avoid the massive crowds, as it’s the most touristy part of the city. You can easily spend hours wandering the streets, scoping out the colorful and unique architecture.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes; your feet will thank you! The streets come alive by noon, ranging from vendors selling you anything and everything to live musical performances to children playing soccer in the plazas.
3. Visit El Morro de Castillo
This important historical landmark is worth visiting, especially if you are taking a tour around the city. This magnificent fortress guards the entrance to Havana Bay and has incredible views.
Come back at night to witness one of the oldest traditions in Havana, cermonia cañonazo, cannon blast. Every night at 9:00 pm, performers dress up in the same traditional clothing worn 300 years ago and reenact the shooting of the cannon from Morro Cabana Fortress across the harbor signaling to Habaneros the closing of the walled city door.
Inside the fortress, you’ll find several museums and exhibitions, plus your entrance ticket includes a free drink!
4. Learn how to roll a cigar
If you’re looking for an authentic Cuban experience, spend a day in Viñales. Just a 2 hours drive from Havana and less visited by tourists, Viñales is THE best place to learn how to roll a cigar. It’s an experience not to be missed! Visit a tobacco farm to learn from the very best on how to roll your very own cigar and the history of tobacco on the island.
5. Go for a swim at Cueva de Saturno, Saturn Cave
This 70 ft deep cenote or sinkhole was the perfect respite on our way to Varadero. We stopped here for a quick yet refreshing swim, and while I was skeptical at first, having never swum in a cenote, it turned out to be a real treat! For more adventurous folks, you can rent snorkeling and scuba gear, a popular activity at the cenote.
6. Soak up the sun on Varadero’s best beaches
Referred to as the South Beach of Cuba, this spectacular Caribbean resort town attracts tourists from all over for a good reason! The beaches are exquisite, with shallow turquoise blue waters, and the sand is so lovely. Honestly, as a beach bum, I could’ve spent my entire time in Varadero.
Consider spending one or two nights in the area to get the most out of your time in Varadero.
7. Explore Trinidad
Trinidad is a beautifully preserved colonial town located 4 hours east of Havana in the province of Santi Spiritu. This is the second most visited destination for tourists and offers a calmer vibe compared to Havana.
The town is known for its pristine cobblestone streets, inviting sherbert-colored homes, well-maintained architecture, and picturesque views of hills and valleys for days, making it an ideal spot for a full-on photoshoot. Trinidad wasn’t originally on my bucket list, and I was pleasantly surprised!
8. Dine at a paladar
Paladares are private family-owned restaurants, usually in the part of a home. In my opinion, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy Cuban cuisine. I wasn’t too crazy about the food in Cuba, but the food at paladares was simply delicious. Some notable paladares in Havana are La Moraleja, El Cimarrón, San Cristóbal and La Guarida.
9. Visit the Yoruba Museum
Head over to the Asociación Cultural Yoruba de Cuba to learn about the Afro-Cuba religion, and culture and to see the Orishas (Yoruba deities). Located right across the street from the Capitolio, this museum has 32 life-size sculptures representing Afro-Cuban saint Gods. If you get lucky, you may witness a Santería ceremony which is supposed to be a real treat! However, note you will not be able to take photos or videos.
10. Experience Carnival de Santiago
Check out one of the most famous and fun festivals in all of Cuba, the Carnival of Santiago de Cuba. Every year between July 18-27, Santiago de Cuba attracts visitors and Cubans to celebrate family and togetherness with lots of dancing, music, great food, and plenty of libations. Like many of Cuba’s festivals, Carnival de Santiago began as a religious event celebrated by Santigo’s enslaved Africans, who introduced dance, culture, music, and costumes typical of carnival. Note the temperatures in Cuba in July get extremely hot, so I recommend drinking plenty of water between drinks and wearing protective sun gear.
I know witnessing and participating in this festival would be a memorable experience. I can’t wait to add this activity to my list for next time!
Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents
Cuba is one of those places that I wonder if I will ever scratch the surface and see and do all there is to, but I’ll try. What’s the first activity on this bucket list you’ll add to your itinerary? During my next visit, I plan to spend the majority of my time in Santiago, Cuba.
What’s on your Cuba bucket list? Comment below!
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