Cuba Travel Guide: What to Do

What to do in Cuba? Main activities and attractions

Cuba boasts a wide range of cultural and historical experiences. In Havana, the UNESCO-listed Old Havana is a must-see, with its cobbled streets, colonial facades, and vibrant plazas like Plaza Vieja. Trinidad, another UNESCO site, offers an authentic glimpse into the colonial past with preserved architecture and fascinating museums like the Museo Romántico. Revolutionary history is showcased at the Museo de la Revolución, while Santiago de Cuba presents key sites like Moncada Barracks. The atmosphere is enhanced by live music and spontaneous street performances found throughout the cities.

Nature lovers can explore Viñales Valley, known for its dramatic limestone mogotes and tobacco plantations, ideal for hiking or horseback riding. Beach enthusiasts will enjoy Varadero and Cayo Coco, with their turquoise waters and fine white sands. Adventurers can dive in the Bay of Pigs or hike in the Sierra del Escambray. Culinary experiences are equally rich, with local dishes like “ropa vieja” and mojitos made with homegrown mint. Street food culture and family-run “paladares” restaurants offer authentic flavors that are deeply linked to Cuban identity.

Unusual and off-the-beaten-path experiences in Cuba

While Cuba’s beaches and cities get most of the spotlight, the island harbors a host of lesser-known treasures for curious travelers. These experiences not only showcase the island’s diversity but also offer more personal encounters with local culture and nature.

In the Zapata Peninsula, the small village of Playa Larga offers eco-tourism experiences around the Ciénaga de Zapata wetlands, the Caribbean’s largest swamp and home to crocodiles and rare birds. You can also snorkel over colorful coral reefs with virtually no tourists around.

Explore Camagüey’s maze-like layout, designed to confuse pirates. Wander its quiet streets lined with pastel-colored houses and discover artisan tinajones (clay pots) and community art galleries tucked into alleyways far from crowded itineraries.

For an immersive rural escape, head to Las Terrazas, a sustainable community in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve. Here, eco-lodges, hiking trails, and organic farms showcase how Cuba balances conservation with employment and tourism.

In Baracoa, Cuba’s oldest colonial city, climb El Yunque mountain for panoramic views and visit cocoa farms where you can taste artisanal chocolate in a region rarely reached by foreign visitors.

Venturing into these remote corners adds depth to a travel to Cuba, offering a sense of discovery and human connection that goes beyond tropical clichés.

When to visit Cuba? Best travel periods

Essential practical information for traveling to Cuba

📋 Formalities and visa

EU, UK, and US citizens need a tourist card (visa) to enter Cuba, valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days. Travelers must also have proof of travel insurance, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Tourist cards can be obtained online, at consulates, or via airlines.

🚗 Driving rules

Driving is on the right-hand side. An international driving license is required, and some roads may be in poor condition with limited road signs. Watch out for animals and bicycles on rural roads. Fuel shortages are common, so plan ahead.

🔌 Electricity

Cuba uses types A, B, and C plugs, mainly 110V but some outlets offer 220V. A travel adapter and voltage converter may be necessary, particularly for European appliances.

📱 Mobile network and internet

Mobile network coverage is expanding but still limited in rural areas. ETECSA is the main provider. Tourists can buy prepaid SIM cards or use Wi-Fi cards at hotspots. Expect limited speed and high cost for data.

⚠️ Safety and areas to avoid

Cuba is generally safe with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing occurs in tourist zones. Avoid isolated beaches at night. Emergency services respond slowly in remote areas. Use the numbers 106 for police and 104 for medical help.

🚫 Prohibitions and regulations

Do not bring in drones, GPS devices, or pornographic content. It’s illegal to export certain antiques. Currency must be exchanged officially, and using US dollars involves extra exchange fees.

🤝 Cultural codes and behavior

Cubans are warm and open, but greetings with a handshake are customary. Public displays of affection are accepted. Always ask before taking photos of people. Conservative clothing is customary in rural areas.

🕌 Respect for religious traditions

Roman Catholicism and Afro-Cuban Santería are widely practiced. Visitors should dress modestly when entering churches or sacred spaces. Some public events may be affected by religious holidays or commemorative dates.

Sources: Foreign Office, Embassy in Cuba, Cuba National Tourism Office. Last updated: January 2025