Tourism in Cuba is surely more than what it used to
be. Cuba’s government, as well as its people, understand
how much income tourist dollars can bring. Boasting a
history full of unique events,
Cuban attractions often consider the country’s present-day
status, while shedding light on the country’s storied
past. Add to that the friendly nature of Cubans, Cuba’s
hot music scene, and its immaculate beaches,
and you have a vacation destination that stands poised
to both meet and exceed whatever expectations you might
have had. Get help planning your Cuba vacation with these
suggestions for things to do in Cuba.
Stroll the Famous Malecon
Running along the waterfront, Havana’s Malecon is one of the more renowned tourist attractions in all of Cuba. Built in the early 1900's, this pedestrian walkway also features six lanes of important city roadway that serves as one of the city’s main arteries. A popular meeting place for social gatherings, a parade route for special festivals, and the perfect place to watch the sun go down, taking in at least part of the Malecon is a must when considering things to do in Cuba. If you only have time to walk a portion of the Malecon, the stretch through Central Havana is of particular interest with its historic buildings.
Tour Old Havana
Known to Cubans as La Habana Vieja, Old Havana is a tourist magnet, and the Cuban government knows it. In recent years, great strides have been taken to renovate the districts colonial-era structures. Old mansions and churches are just some of the sights that help to make Old Havana on a whole one of the top tourist attractions in Cuba. Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is also where you can find some of the best, and most frequented Havana hotels. Taking a guided cultural tour of Old Havana is a possibility, or you can take your own walking tour and perhaps see what the day will bring.
Learn about the Cuban Revolution at the Museo de la Revolucion
Cuba’s current leader, Fidel Castro, rose to power
with a historic assault on the capital that has resulted
in almost 50 years of Communist rule. Depending on who
you ask, Castro is either a hero or a villain, but if
he is nothing else, than he is at least a most interesting
character study. Together with Che Guevara and a band
of other revolutionaries, Castro managed to overthrow
Fulgencio Batista to become Cuba’s President. The
Museo de la Revolucion
(Museum of the Revolution) in Havana offers exhibits that
pertain to the Cuban Revolution, as well as to the Cuban
War of Independence. Behind the museum, you can see the
yacht known as “Granma”, which Castro and
his band of some 80 men used to sail from Mexico
to Cuba for their coup.
Head to the Beach
Cuba has over 3,000 miles of coastline, and its numerous
cays and islands offer prominent coastlines of their own.
At Cuban beach destinations
like Varadero, Cayo
Coco, and Cayo Largo, you can enjoy a number of watersports,
soak up some warm rays, enjoy the transparent Caribbean
waters, and just refresh your inner soul. Cuba arguably
has some of the best beaches in the world, and it also
boasts a good amount of resorts where you can enjoy service
and comfort at one of Cuba’s best sandy stretches.
Most Cuban resorts are of the all
inclusive variety, meaning you can expect to worry
less about planning meals and finding accommodations,
and more on exciting and fun things to do in Cuba. To
compliment your Cuba beach
experience, you might inquire with your hotel desk, or
find a local travel agency to help you find some tours
to add to the mix.
Catch a Live Cuban Music Performance
Cuban music takes plenty of influence from the country’s
Afro-Cuban roots. Cuban music is both original, innovative
and typical all at once. You can head to one of Cuba’s
night clubs, or drop in on one of the country’s
many Music Houses and dance to live salsa, kick back to
Cuban jazz, or see old masters deliver the famous Cuban
“Son”. pronounced like “Sone”,
Son is surely one of Cuba’s major music genres,
and is credited for shaping much of Cuban music after
it. Buena Vista Social Club is largely responsible for
putting Cuban music on the map for those who weren’t
familiar with it, and if you are planning a Cuba vacation,
their CD is a can’t miss. Many Cuban cities are
known to offer free concerts in public city plazas, so
if you are lucky, you will be in town for one, whether
it be in Havana, Santiago
de Cuba or beyond. Seeing a live Cuban music performance
of any kind is definitely a highly-recommended entry for
things to do in Cuba.
Explore the Bellamar Caves
Since their discovery in the latter 1800's, Cuba’s Bellamar Caves have been one of the most recognized tourist attractions in Cuba. Found some 60 miles from Havana, and just 25 miles from Varadero, the Cuevas de Bellamar, as they are known in Cuba, will blow your mind. Ornate crystal sculptures, underground rivers and ponds, and indigenous pictographs can all be found inside the Bellamar Caves, and if you only add one tour to your list of things to do in Cuba, it might have to be here. Words can not adequately explain the Bellamar Caves, as they are truly one of the Cuban attractions that need to be seen to be believed.
Go Scuba Diving
Whether you are an experienced diver or trying it for
the first time, scuba diving
in Cuba is certainly one of the more rewarding things
to do in Cuba. Dive centers and facilities are springing
up all over Cuba, offering trained instructors and a list
of underwater destinations. Visit a sunken ship from the
Spanish-American War, or simply drift along with the current
exploring miles of pristine coral reefs. Many of the Cuban
beach resorts can help you arrange your Cuba scuba diving
adventure, and once you enter the crystal-clear waters
here, you will be treated to hundreds of species of colorful
fish and all kinds of other interesting ocean creatures.
Cayo Largo, Guardalavaca (Holguin),
and Cayo Coco are just some of the possible Cuban destinations
where you can enjoy world-class scuba diving.
Hang the Gone Fishin’ Sign on Your Hotel Door
Ernest Hemingway used to love to fish in Cuba, and whether you are looking to stand on firm ground while casting a line, or want to head out to sea, Cuba fishing has plenty of exciting spots to check out. Deep sea fishing is popular with anglers looking to snare some pretty sporty species, and bonefishing here is about as good as it gets. You can flyfish for tarpon in Cuba, head to an inland lake for trout and bass, or struggle with a Blue Marlin offshore. Families might consider booking a fishing expedition in Cuba, and if you go on guided fishing tours, often times your guide(s) will help you cook up the day’s catch. It’s pretty much as good as Cuban food gets.
