Things to do in Las Tunas
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Memorial a los Mártires de Barbados
Las Tunas’ most evocative sight, Memorial a los Mártires de Barbados, is located in the former home of Carlos Leyva González, an Olympic fencer who was killed in the nation’s worst terrorist atrocity: the bombing of Cubana Flight 455 in 1976. Individual photos of the victims of the attack, which included the entire 24-member Cuban Olympic fencing team, line the museum walls and provide a poignant reminder of the fated Flight 455.
reviewed
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Casa del Vino Don Juan
Wine-tasting in Las Tunas probably sounds about as credible as food rationing in Beverley Hills, yet here it is; and only seven pesos for a shot of Cuba’s – er – finest wine, the slightly vinegary Soroa (red or white). The Don Juan is a down-to-earth corner bar with large open doors, a handful of tables and only one product on sale. Go just to say you’ve been there.
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Memorial Vicente García
The Memorial Vicente García is a colonial-era structure that commemorates Las Tunas’ great War of Independence hero who captured the town from the Spanish in 1876 and torched it 21 years later when the colonizers sought to reclaim it. The limited exhibits include antique weapons and some grainy photos.
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Restaurante La Bodeguita
A Palmares joint, meaning that it’s a better bet than the usual peso parlors. You’ll get checkered tablecloths here, a limited wine list and what the Cuban government calls ‘international cuisine’ – read spaghetti and pizza. Try the chicken breast with mushroom sauce for around CUC$5.
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Restaurante 2007
A new attempt at fine dining in Las Tunas (albeit in pesos), this place claims to be ‘reservations only’ and doesn’t exactly encourage non-Cubans. The plush interior and besuited waiters look promising, but you’ll get a friendlier welcome at El Baturro across the road.
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El Baturro
The walls are covered in scribbled prose – love notes and eulogies to murdered Chilean troubadour Victor Jara – and the plates are stuffed with better-than-average Cuban cooking, including a surprise rabbit dish, making this the best restaurant in Las Tunas – hands down!
reviewed
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Feria Ganado
Located in Parque Julio 26 where Vicente García bends into Av 1 de Mayo, it kicks off every weekend with a market, music, food stalls, kids’ activities and, if you’re lucky, a full-scale rodeo (you’ll see the large permanent arena as you walk in).
reviewed
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Museo Provincial General Vicente García
Housed in the royal-blue town hall with a clock mounted on the front facade, the Museo Provincial General Vicente García documents local history. Congenial guides will fill in the gaps.
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Cremería Yumurí
Queue up with your pesos for sundaes or tres gracias (three scoops) in flavors such as coconut and café con leche (espresso with milk). Not surprisingly, it’s insanely popular.
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La Venecia
Smack in the middle of town, this peso restaurant housed in a colonial building has an extensive menu, plus balcony dining overlooking the park. Good breakfast spot for eggs (two pesos).
reviewed
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Cabildo San Pedro Lucumí
Cultural activities happen at this friendly Afro-Caribbean association, HQ of the Compañía Folklórica Onilé. Drop in on Sunday for some dancing and drumming.
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Paladar La Roca
The pick of the bunch, for its luscious leg of lamb in gravy, a rarity in Cuba and something akin to a desert mirage in Las Tunas. Order it while you can.
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Cabaret Taino
This large thatched venue at the west entrance to town has the standard feathers, salsa and pasties show. Cover charge includes a bottle of rum and cola.
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Teatro Tunas
A recently revitalized theater that shows quality movies and some of Cuba’s best touring entertainment including flamenco, ballet and plays.
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Monumento a Alfabetización
The pencil-like Monumento a Alfabetización marks the act passed in Las Tunas on November 16, 1961 to stamp out illiteracy.
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En Familla
Promising sign, morbid surroundings, scant menu; but if you can rouse the pizza man from his catatonic slumber you might just get lucky.
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Casa de la Cultura
The best place for the traditional stuff with concerts, poetry, dance etc. The action spills out into the street on weekend nights.
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Estadio Julio Antonio Mella
Las Tunas baseball team plays at the Estadio Julio Antonio Mella. Baseball season runs from October to April.
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El Bacan
A peso place with big portions of comida criolla (Creole food) that mainly caters to Cubans.
reviewed
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La Caldosa
Legendary place near El Cornito sells rich caldosas (stews) for a couple of Convertibles.
reviewed
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Supermercado Casa Azul
To stock up on groceries (or to break bigger bills), try Supermercado Casa Azul.
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Galería Taller Escultura
The small Galería Taller Escultura pulls together some fine local work.
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Mercado agropecuario
Mercado agropecuario is a small market not far from the train station.
reviewed
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Cafe Oquendo
Espresso straight or rocío del gallo (rum-laced espresso) for two pesos.
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El Rápido
Those trusty microwaved ham-and-cheese sandwiches, just when you need them.
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