What to see in Cuba? This question is primarily of interest to people who decide to go on a trip to an island state located on the Caribbean coast. The sights of Cuba are presented for every taste, each has its own interesting history.
What is the first thing to see in Cuba?
Life on the island at all times was full of passions, full of life. To make exploring sunny Cuba exciting and memorable, it makes sense to get acquainted with the best sights of the island state in advance.
1. The Grand Theatre of Havana
The Grand Theatre of Havana on Paseo del Prado Boulevard
On the territory of the republic, this object of cultural heritage is one of the main ones. It was founded in 1838, but almost a century later the first sample of the building was demolished, and a new one appeared in its place, even more beautiful and larger. The theater was awarded its current name in 1985, and it was built in 1915. Today, this building is the home stage of the National Ballet in Cuba. The hall accommodates 1,500 guests, so it is one of the largest theaters. This attraction of Cuba attracts tourists with its interior, it is simply magnificent.
Official website: http://www.balletcuba.cult .
2. The Museum of the Revolution
Self-propelled artillery in front of the Paul Mannix Museum of the Revolution
This place in Havana is one of those that must be visited. The building is not only a historical, but also an architectural monument. At one time it was used as a presidential palace, it is not difficult to guess how beautiful it is. There are more than 300 museums in Cuba, but this one is one of the main attractions. The palace was designed and built 30 years before the revolution, after the overthrow of the Batista regime it was turned into a museum. Currently, about 9 thousand exhibits are presented to the guests in 30 halls.
3. The Capitol
The Capitol is the majestic landmark of Havana
Are you looking for something to see in Cuba from architecture? An excellent option is the government palace, built on the site of a former swamp, which was dried up and replaced by a botanical garden. It turned out to be an impressive building, embodying a free state. Massive doors, as well as a huge statue, cannot fail to attract attention. From the description, you can find out that in the central hall the floor is made of marble, the highlight is a huge star decorated with a large gemstone in a platinum frame. Since 1959, parliamentarians have not been sitting there, so everyone is allowed inside.
4. National Museum of Fine Arts
The building of Cuba’s largest art museum Christopher Lancaster
On the territory of the country, it is the main center of art and painting, not only on a national scale, but also around the world. That’s because his funds are rich and amazing. Just imagine, the museum has more than 47,000 unique exhibits. Are you still thinking about what to see in Cuba in 1 day? You should definitely visit the Palace of Fine Arts, geographically it is located in the very center of Havana, namely on Trocadero Street. The modern building was erected at the end of the 20th century, it stands out very much among the ancient majestic palaces in the district, but at the same time fits perfectly into the architecture of the street.
5. Havana Cathedral
Cienaga Square and St. Christopher Cathedral
There are a lot of interesting places in the capital and at the same time the largest city of the Republic of Cuba, which you want to visit all at once. One of these is the Cathedral of St. Christopher, where the ashes of the Spanish navigator were kept. It is an unusual-looking Baroque building in the colonial style. At one time it was built of hewn stone slabs. Together with the surrounding area, the site was included in the UNESCO List. Today it is one of the Roman Catholic churches operating on the island.
6. Ernest Hemingway House Museum
A room in the Ernest Hemingway House Museum in Cuba Gorupdebesanez
Another attraction of Cuba is a two-storey house located in a large garden. It was acquired by a famous American writer, where he created a work called “The Old Man and the Sea”. The museum was opened after his death. According to the official version, Ernest’s wife voluntarily handed over the house to the local government, and with all the contents. Guides in Cuba often suggest visiting the “Hemingway places”. These include not only the mansion where the author of the most interesting works lived, but also the fishing village of Kohimar, a bar-restaurant (from there the popularization of mojito began), the hotel where the writer lived before buying a “House with a view”.
Check out the beautiful views of Cuba in this exciting video!
7. Havana Club Rum Museum
The bar of the Havana Club Rum Museum Chris
Not the least in the ranking is the museum, opened in 2000, in the old part of the capital. The initiator of its creation was a large company engaged in the manufacture of rum, which is currently the best-selling. The building has 2 floors above ground and one below it. On the first floor there is a workshop where special barrels made of solid oak were born, later they are used for aging a hot drink. The rum production has been reconstructed upstairs. In the museum, you can take interesting photos for memory, for example, a unique exhibit is a wagon used at one time to transport sugar cane. There is also a separate exhibition of models of various rum factories in the museum.
Official website: https://havana-club.com/en
8. Malecon Embankment
Promenade along the Malecon embankment
This Cuban landmark is an iconic place where February carnivals are organized every year. There are several monuments that are among the most significant. Walking along the embankment, you can learn almost the entire history of the capital. From the reviews of experienced travelers, you can find out if the Malecon looks best during sunset. At this time of day, the facades of buildings are beautifully illuminated by the sun, and the benches and parapet are full of couples in love. The peculiarity of the embankment is that it is not too elevated above the water, so in windy weather the promenade is flooded with water.
9. Prado Boulevard
Architecture of the houses of the Prado Boulevard
Where to go in Cuba while in the capital? Its main avenue deserves attention, acting as a kind of border between the old and very old Havana. On its sidelines there is a wedding palace, a beautiful hotel, a Large theater, and the local Capitol. Central Park is located nearby. This is a place where it is always noisy and crowded, on the boulevard on weekends you can buy paintings by local artists. There is another Cuban landmark on the Prado, this is the monument to the hero of the revolution, Manuel de la Cruz.
10. Plaza de Armas
La Fuerza Havana Fortress on Plaza de Armas
We are talking about the oldest square in the capital, it was laid by the Spaniards in 1519 and used for military training, as well as for celebrations. Once upon a time, the colonialists could not live without them. Behind the square, Cubans, known for their love of freedom, have created a small square with a monument to the famous fighter for the independence of the island, Manuel Cespedes. Many excursions in Cuba start from the Plaza de Armas, because no matter which way you go from the square, you can reach many attractions within a few minutes.
11. Jose Marti Memorial
Panorama of the Jose Marti Memorial Leandro Neumann Ciuffo
What to visit in Cuba? A powerful monument in the form of a mausoleum with an honor guard dedicated to an outstanding personality deserves attention. Jose was an apostle of independence, a singer of freedom, and even the progenitor of modernism in Cuban literature. The Havana complex cannot but be admired. It is an impressive structure, including a 110 m high vertical arrow and a sculpture of the hero himself. The highlight of the building is the presence of an observation deck inside the archive of the writer’s works.
12. Revolution Square
Top view of Revolution Square Marcel601
This Cuban landmark is located in the northwestern part of the capital. Once its name was Republic Square, but after the buildings on it were occupied by revolutionaries, everything changed. By the way, the Jose Marti memorial described above is located exactly there, opposite the Central Committee building (the tallest building in the capital of the state). In the overview of the square, I would also like to say that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is located opposite it. One of its walls is decorated with a portrait of Che Guevara, and illumination provides visibility at night.
13. Mausoleum of Che Guevara
The tomb of the great and beloved Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara
There is a small town in Cuba called Santa Clara. Making a trip in that direction, be sure to get acquainted with the attraction, which is a 3 in 1. This is a monument, museum and mausoleum built in honor of the famous Cuban hero named Ernest Che Guevara. He was a well-known statesman during the Cuban Revolution. The complex, which cannot but inspire awe, is spread out on top of a hill, so the 7-meter statue of a man who greatly influenced the course of the revolution is clearly visible from any point.
14. Fortress of La Cabagna and El Morro
The fortresses of La Cabagna and El Morro protect the entrance to the bay of Havana
The purpose of the construction of these structures was to protect the main city of Cuba from frequent raids by enemy fleets, pirates. They were erected at different times, despite this, they have become bright and popular historical monuments. If you manage to get acquainted with these sights of Cuba, keep in mind that according to the laws of wartime, a large number of people who betrayed their homeland and freedom were executed there. For those who are not aware, La Cabagna was built to strengthen the defensive power of El Moro.
15. Fortress of San Pedro de la Roca
View of the Caribbean coastline from the walls of the bastion of San Pedro de la Roca
We are talking about a famous historical object, which is a building of the XII century, erected for defensive purposes for the city bay. The project was created in 1637, and construction work was carried out for 42 years. Now many guests of the country are eager to go on a trip to this place, because this is a great opportunity to see the ancient architecture with their own eyes, as well as feel the historical spirit that permeates the entire fortress. Its current condition is assessed as excellent, so it is considered one of the best preserved.
16. La Real Fuerza Fortress
The gate of the oldest stone fortress of La Real Fuerza
What to see in Cuba? An excellent option is the oldest defensive structure in Havana, located just a few steps from the center of the capital. Of all the port fords, this fortification is the best preserved. In ancient times, the fortress protected the city from raids from the sea, and today a Maritime museum is open inside. One of the main exhibits is a replica of the ship Santisima Trinidad, 4 m long. In the 18th century, the ship was considered the largest. Literally, the name of the fortress translates as “the castle of the king’s power”.
17. Alexander Humboldt National Park
A corner of the Alexander Humboldt National Park
This landmark got its name in honor of the German scientist who was the first to visit Liberty Island, which happened in 1800. There is little information about this place in history, it is only known that it once served as a haven for runaway slaves. As for tourism, it began to develop there at the end of the XX century, then it was decided to unite the territory and add it to the list of nature protection zones. The described attraction of Cuba is interesting because the local terrain is quite diverse, and the flora and fauna are incredibly rich in unique representatives.
18. Belyamar Cave
The bizarre shapes of the Bellamar cave by paul bica
It is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the main wonders of Cuba, its treasure. The cave was discovered completely by accident. In 1850, shepherds in search of a lost sheep stumbled upon the entrance to the bowels of the earth. In the old days, people were very superstitious, so for another century it was taboo for most to enter the cave. Its detailed study began only after the 50s of the XX century. Before it was seen in all its glory, many tons of water and limestone had to be selected from there. The main decorations of the dungeon are represented by stalagmites, stalactites and crystals of incredible beauty.
Official website: http://www.vintagecarstours.com
19. Bakonao National Park
Dinosaur sculptures in the prehistoric valley of Bakonao Park rdmazo
Excellent recommendations have an original place in the described country, designed for entertainment with the whole family. This is a park area stretching for 50 km between the mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Its main highlights are the Bakonao Lagoon, Sculpture Meadow, and Prehistoric Valley. The park covers an area of 11 hectares, which accommodates more than 200 representatives of the animal world of the Stone Age. These are dinosaurs, mammoths, and even ancient people. All of them are made in full size.
20. Vinales Valley
The magnificent panorama of the Vinales Valley
The view from above of this Cuban landmark cannot but fascinate. She made Pinar del Rio province famous, making it famous all over the world. Here, tourists will find stunning landscapes, a variety of landscape options, a large-scale water system with a high saturation of minerals, caves. The area described is unique because of unusual rock formations, traces of human sites from prehistoric times, and extensive plantations where black tobacco grows. The highlight of the valley is a prehistoric fresco. We are talking about a steep cliff with a height of 120 m, on which prehistoric representatives of mankind and animals are depicted in bright colors. The author of the original idea was Seli Sanchez, and a representative of Cuban art turned it into reality.
Cuba’s attractions: what else to visit in Cuba?
Going on a trip to a new country for yourself, it is not superfluous to find out which hotels are in Cuba, what is the cost of rooms. In order not to waste time searching for a place to stay upon arrival, it is wiser to take care of it in advance by booking a hotel room. Numerous convenient special purpose services are used for this purpose.
We continue the main topic, what else to see in Cuba?
21. Bakunayagua Bridge
Bakunayagua Bridge over the picturesque Yumuri Valley
It is considered the highest on the whole island, it is not surprising that it has an observation deck with a magnificent view of the island state, namely the Yumuri Valley. The structure stretched to a height of 110 m, and began to be built in 1957. It is held on columns in the amount of 40 pieces. It took 2 years to do everything, and the bridge turned out to be more than 300 m long and about 2 m wide. Those who had to drive along it note that while driving at an average speed, a feeling of flight is created.
22. Colon Cemetery
The chapel on the territory of the cemetery named after Christopher Columbus
What to see in Cuba? Definitely not a burial place, you might think. But in vain, the Colon cemetery deserves attention, because there you can see a lot of beautiful, quite interesting tombstone sculptures, there are even whole memorials. It was opened in the 19th century, namely in the second half. Famous politicians, important people, cultural and sports figures were buried on the territory of almost 60 hectares. Tourists are free to enter here, but if you want to book a tour, you will have to pay. The Colon Cemetery closes at 5 p.m.
23. Tropicana Cabaret
The main dance show of Cuba is the Tropicana Cabaret Christian Córdova
It became very famous about 10 years after its appearance, at that time Cuba was literally in the power of the United States. Gambling was legalized in the cabaret of that time, and 2 shows were shown every night, the cost of each of which reached 75 thousand US dollars. In summer, the number of visitors reaches 500 people every day, and in winter the institution is completely full. Nowadays, the performances staged in the walls of the cabaret gather a large number of spectators, and from all over the world.
Official website: https://www.cabaret-tropicana .
24. Varadero
Varadero is the kingdom of snow-white sand and azure sea
What to see in Cuba? Go to the Cuban city, which is a solid beach. The coastal zone there stretches for 20 km, along which there is a whole string of hotels. It cannot be said that Cuba is spoiled by the benefits of civilization, however, despite this, the inhabitants of our country have chosen this place as a paradise. The described city is visited by about 10 thousand tourists, and at different times of the year. The local population is 27 thousand.
25. Villa Dupont
Villa Dupont or Xanadu Mansion Laslovarga
Dupont’s Villa. What is the last thing to see in Cuba? The attention of all guests of the island state, without exception, is attracted by a luxurious mansion that once belonged to an American multimillionaire.
Official website: http://www.varaderogolfclub .
A properly organized trip is the key to a great time on the territory of an unfamiliar country.
Read also about the best sights of Mexico and be inspired for your further journey through the countries of America!
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