10 Best Places to Visit in Cuba for an Unforgettable Trip

Cuba is a country full of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making it an unforgettable destination. If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best places to visit in Cuba, there are so many incredible spots waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re into history, nature, or just want to soak in the local vibe, this country has something for everyone. From lively cities to tropical escapes, we're here to share the top spots for your first time visiting.

Not sure where to start? This guide will cover all of the best places to visit in Cuba, so that you can choose which place is right for you, and start making an awesome Cuba itinerary!

The Best Places to Visit in Cuba

So are you ready to start discovering some of the best places to visit in Cuba? This list will cover the top spots for tourists, and also link our relevant guides so that you can exploring each one more deeply.

1. Havana

Let’s be real - no list of the best places to visit in Cuba would be complete without Havana. The capital is a wild mix of historic beauty, classic cars, and bars with live salsa and daiquiris on every corner.

While some parts of Havana did leave us undoubtedly sad (the situation in Cuba now just is certainly on a decline), we did love browsing the vibrant markets, strolling along the Malecón at sunset, and partying the night away in an art gallery. 

If you’re visiting for the first time, plan to spend at least a few days here - there’s just so much to see and do! Also, stay tuned, because we have a full Havana travel guide coming up in the next few weeks!

PS: We have a ton of Havana travel guides coming up! So make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all the most recent updates.

2. Santiago de Cuba

Santiago is kind of like Havana’s spicier cousin. It's full of music, culture, and Afro-Caribbean vibes. Located all the way on the eastern end of the island, it has a strong sense of identity and revolutionary history. 

If you're into local experiences and a deeper look into the island's soul, this city absolutely belongs on your list of the best places to visit in Cuba.

We recommend checking out the Castillo del Morro, catching a live music performance, and just wandering the colorful streets.

3. Viñales

Viñales is not only one the best places to visit in Cuba, but it is hands-down our favorite place that we visited. 

This lush valley is all about green mountains, tobacco farms, and relaxed, sustainable tourism. It's one of the best places to visit in Cuba if you’re into nature, hiking, or learning how Cuban cigars are made (yes, we totally rolled our own on a farm and brought back dozens of them for my dad).

Don't miss out on our Viñales travel guides, where we share the best things to do and everything you need to know for visiting this stunning slice of Cuban paradise.

4. Varadero

Looking for those dreamy Cuban beaches you’ve seen in pictures? Varadero is the spot. With soft white sand and beautiful turquoise waters, it’s one of the most popular beach destinations on the island. 

While it’s more resort-heavy than other places, it’s easy to see why it’s often considered one of the best places to visit in Cuba for a relaxing getaway. We'd prefer less-touristy beach destinations, but this is certainly one of the vacation favorites.

Pro Tip: If you want a more local feel, rent a scooter and explore the beaches further into the peninsula.

5. Guardalavaca

Want more beach time without the crowds of Varadero? Guardalavaca is a fantastic alternative. It’s laid-back, scenic, and the snorkeling here is surprisingly good. Plus, you’ll get a more local, authentic feel, especially if you venture outside the resort zone.

Guardalavaca is definitely one of the best places to visit in Cuba if you’re chasing sun and sand, but are looking for a more traditional feel.

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6. Trinidad 

Trinidad was the third place we visited in Cuba, and was truly a fresh breath of air from the chaotic Havana and touristy Varadero. It really might be one of the prettiest cities in all of Cuba, and is one of the places we recommend experiencing the most.

Think cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and a vibe that feels frozen in time. The whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s honestly just so photogenic.

This is one of the best places to visit in Cuba if you love culture, architecture, and a laid-back pace. Plus, you’re super close to various beaches, as well as El Nicho Waterfall, which was one of our favorites spots on the island.

Want to learn more about Trinidad? Don't miss out on all of our Trinidad travel guides we have!

Don't miss out on our Trinidad travel guides:

• Top Things to Do in Trinidad, Cuba: A Complete Guide to the Best Activities
• How to Get to Trinidad, Cuba: Complete Guide to Transportation and Travel Options for Tourists
• Trinidad, Cuba Travel Guide: Colonial Charm, Hidden Gems, & Must Know Tips 

7. Cienfuegos

Known as the “Pearl of the South,” Cienfuegos has a different feel than the rest of Cuba thanks to its French colonial roots. It’s more low-key than Havana or Trinidad, and is also a good day trip from either of the two. 

Explore the beautiful nearby beaches, see flamingos, or simply stroll along the coast and through the historic center. It might not be on every traveler’s radar, but we definitely think it deserves a spot among the best places to visit in Cuba - especially if you’re road-tripping the island.

Don't miss out on our Cienfuegos travel guides:

• Top Attractions in Cienfuegos, Cuba - 24 Unmissable Things to Do
• How to Get to Cienfuegos, Cuba: Complete Guide to Transportation and Travel Options for Tourists
• How to Get Around Cienfuegos, Cuba: Transportation Guide & Tips
• Cienfuegos, Cuba Travel Guide: Essential Tips & What to Expect

8. Camaguey

Camagüey is a bit of a maze - literally. The streets were designed to confuse pirates, which makes wandering them feel like a bit of a fun challenge. It’s a cool mix of colonial architecture, art galleries, and local energy, without a ton of tourists.

If you’re looking for something more off the beaten path, Camagüey is one of those best places to visit in Cuba that flies under the radar for curious travelers.

9. Holguin

Holguín is often overlooked, but we’re here to tell you it’s worth checking out. The city has a more “real” Cuban vibe, with fewer tourists and a strong local culture.

Climb up Loma de la Cruz for some seriously epic views, or use Holguín as a jumping-off point to some really beautiful nearby beaches and smaller villages.

If you’re looking to mix it up a bit and go beyond the main tourist trail, this is one of the best places to visit in Cuba to do exactly that.

10. Isla de la Juventud

Now this one’s for the true adventurers out there! Isla de la Juventud (aka the “Isle of Youth”) is a remote island that feels worlds away from the rest of Cuba. 

It takes some effort to get there, but once you do, you’ll find peaceful beaches, caves to explore, and even scuba diving spots with sunken ships. It’s wild, rustic, and totally off-the-grid.

While it's still on our bucket list, we've heard it’s one of the best places to visit in Cuba if you want to unplug and really escape.

So are you ready to explore this unique island? These are just some of the best places to visit in Cuba, but we encourage you to continue to explore off the beaten path as well!

Want to learn more about traveling around Cuba? We have plenty of other Cuba Travel Guides, as well as more coming up! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you can get all of our most recent article updates, as well as exclusive content that's just for our subscribers.

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