Things to do in Cuba
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FEATURED
Cuba by Bike
12 days (Havana)
A cycling and walking adventure that captures the real Cuba.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,390 - All things to do
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Palacio de Gobierno Y Vagón Mambí
This eclectic palace on Calle Oficios was the former seat of the Cuban government from 1902 until 1929 (when the Capitolio was completed). Furnished with decorative baroque details and an Italian marble floor, the museum contains a parliament room, the former president’s office and the original Cuban flag used by Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. To the side of the building on Churruca is the Vagón Mambí, a train car built in the US in 1900 and brought to Cuba in 1912. Put into service as the presidential car, it’s a palace on wheels, with a formal dining room, louvered wooden windows and, back in its heyday, fans that cooled the car with dry ice.
reviewed
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Fundación Naturaleza y El Hombre
This fascinating museum displays artifacts from the 17,422km canoe trip from the Amazon source to the sea, led by Cuban intellectual and anthropologist Antonio Nuñez Jiménez in 1987. Other exhibits in an astounding collection include one of Cuba's largest photography collections, books written by the prolific Nuñez Jiménez, the famous Fidel portrait by Guayasamín, and 'the glass house' – glass cases containing all kinds of intriguing ephemera from the founder's life. The museum is a foundation and one of Havana's most rewarding.
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Museo Carlos Finlay
Named after Cuba’s most famous scientist, this engaging museum on Calle Cuba is also home to the Academia de Ciencias Médicas, Físicas y Naturales (Academy of Medical, Physical & Natural Sciences). A physician of French and Scottish descent, Finlay (1833–1915) was the first scientist to identify the mosquito as the organism that caused yellow fever. Later on he became Cuba’s chief medical officer and a respected figure within the Latin American scientific community. The museum displays numerous busts and paintings related to the scientist’s remarkable life, along with a stash of over 95,000 medical books.
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Parroquia de San Juan Bautista de Remedios
One of the island's finest ecclesiastical buildings, this church dates from the late 18th century, although a church was founded on this site as early as 1545. The campanile was erected between 1848 and 1858, and its famous gilded high altar and mahogany ceiling are thanks to a restoration project (1944–46) financed by millionaire philanthropist Eutimio Falla Bonet. The pregnant Inmaculada Concepción to the left of the entrance is said to be the only one of its kind (ie expectant) in Cuba. If the front doors are closed, go around to the rear or attend 7:30pm Mass.
Also on Parque Martí is the 18th-century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Buen Viaje, which is awaiting a…
reviewed
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Torre de San Juan Evangelista
A church dating from Bayamo's earliest years stood at this busy intersection until it was destroyed in the great fire of 1869. Later, the church's tower served as the entrance to the first cemetery in Cuba, which closed in 1919. The cemetery was demolished in 1940, but the tower survived. A monument to local poet José Joaquín Palma (1844–1911) stands in the park diagonally across the street from the tower, and beside the tower is a bronze statue of Francisco Vicente Aguilera (1821–77), who led the independence struggle in Bayamo.
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Museo de la Ciudad
Filling the whole west side of Plaza de Armas, this museum is housed in the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, dating from the 1770s. Built on the site of Havana's original church, it's a textbook example of Cuban baroque architecture hewn out of rock from the nearby San Lázaro quarries and has served many purposes over the years. From 1791 until 1898 it was the residence of the Spanish captains general. From 1899 until 1902, the US military governors were based here, and during the first two decades of the 20th century, the building briefly became the presidential palace. Since 1968 it has been home to the City Museum, one of Havana's most comprehensive and interesting.…
reviewed
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Teatro Sauto
The defining symbol of the city according to Diego Rivera, the Teatro Sauto (1863) on the plaza's south side is one of Cuba's finest theaters and famous for its superb acoustics. The lobby is graced by marble Greek goddesses and the main-hall ceiling bears paintings of the muses. Three balconies enclose this 775-seat theater, which features a floor that can be raised to convert the auditorium into a ballroom. The original theater curtain is a painting of Matanzas' very own Puente de la Concordia, and notables like Soviet dancer Anna Pavlova have performed here. Much-needed restoration work should have been completed by the end of 2011. Performances are generally Friday…
reviewed
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Gran Teatro de la Habana
The amazing neobaroque theater across from Parque Central is the seat of the acclaimed Ballet Nacional de Cuba, founded in 1948 by Alicia Alonso. It is also the home of the Cuban National Opera. A theater since 1838, the building contains the grandiose Teatro García Lorca, along with two smaller concert halls: the Sala Alejo Carpentier and the Sala Ernesto Lecuono – where art films are sometimes shown. For upcoming events enquire at the ticket office. Backstage tours of the theater leave throughout the day (CUC$2).
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San Francisco de Asís
Perhaps the most recognizable building in Trinidad is the quaint yellow bell-tower of the former convent of San Francisco de Asís. Since 1986 the building has housed the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos (tel:4121, open from 09:00 to 18:00 Tuesday to Sunday).
The displays are mostly photos, maps, weapons and other objects relating to the struggle against the various counterrevolutionary bands that operated in Sierra del Escambray between 1960 and 1965. The fuselage of a US U-2 spy plane shot down over Cuba is also on display. Here, too, you can climb the tower for good views. It's on the corner of Piro Guinart.
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Iglesia Parroquial Mayor de San Salvador
There's been a church on this site since 1514. The current edifice dates from 1740 and the section known as the Capilla de la Dolorosa was another building to survive the 1869 fire. A highlight of the main church is the central arch, which exhibits a mural depicting the blessing of the Cuban flag in front of the revolutionary army on October 20, 1868. Outside, Plaza del Himno Nacional is where the Cuban national anthem, 'La Bayamesa,' was sung for the first time in 1868.
reviewed
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UniversiTUR SA
The largest organization offering study visits for foreigners is UniversiTUR SA. UniversiTUR arranges regular study and working holidays at any of Cuba’s universities and at many higher education or research institutes. Its most popular programs are intensive courses in Spanish language and Cuban culture at Universidad de La Habana. UniversiTUR has 17 branch offices at various universities throughout Cuba, all providing the same services, though prices vary. While US students can study anywhere in the country, they must arrange study programs for the provinces (except Havana or Matanzas) through Havanatur.
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Paladar Calle 10
Paladar Calle 10 is situated in – ur – Calle 10 in the ‘posh’ Miramar neighborhood and, while the name might be a little unimaginative, the food certainly isn’t. Set up barbecue-style in the owner’s back garden, the alfresco seating is arranged under an attractive thatched canopy and the printed menu is both varied and adventurous. Delicious main dishes include octopus (CUC$5), ropa vieja (CUC$7) and a tempting chicken in balsamic vinegar (CUC$8). Portions are huge and arrive with assorted roasted vegetables and a memorable pureed potato. There are even profiteroles for dessert.
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Cueva Punta del Este
The Cueva de Punta del Este has been called the 'Sistine Chapel' of Caribbean Indian art. Long before the Spanish conquest (experts estimate around AD 800), Indians painted some 235 pictographs on the walls and ceiling of the cave. The largest has 28 concentric circles of red and black, and the paintings have been interpreted as a solar calendar.
Discovered in 1910, they're considered the most important of their kind in the Caribbean. Smaller, similar paintings can be seen in the Cueva de Ambrosio in Varadero. The long, shadeless white beach nearby is another draw (for you and the mosquitoes - bring insect repellent).
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Asociación Canaria de Cuba
One of a number of Spanish social clubs that serve food, the Asociación Canaria de Cuba, behind the Hotel Plaza, is housed in a venerable red-bricked building with a rather fancy lobby. By contrast the restaurant upstairs is a far more basic affair with strip lighting, plastic flowers and crummy tablecloths. But for regulars, the ambience is only secondary – the main reason to come here is for the food. The grilled lobster for CUC$6.50 is one of the city’s biggest bargains; add in shrimp enchiladas for CUC$5, and beef stew or pork steak for CUC$2, and you’re laughing all the way to the change booth.
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Museo Napoleónico
An anomaly – but an interesting one – is the esoteric Museo Napoleónico situated just outside the university walls. It's a collection of 7000 objects associated with the life of Napoleon Bonaparte amassed by Cuban sugar baron Julio Lobo and politician Orestes Ferrera. Highlights include sketches of Voltaire, paintings of the battle of Waterloo, china, furniture, an interesting recreation of Napoleon's study and bedroom, and one of several bronze Napoleonic death masks made two days after the emperor's death by his personal physician, Dr Francisco Antommarchi.
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Instituto Superior de Arte
The leading art academy in Cuba was established in the former Havana Country Club in 1961 and elevated to the status of institute in 1976. The cluster of buildings – some unfinished, some half-restored, but all gloriously graceful due to the arches, domes and red brick – was the brainchild of Che Guevara and a team of architects. Among them was Ricardo Porro, who designed the striking Facultad de Artes Plásticas (1961), which has long curving passageways and domed halls in the shape of a reclining woman. Some 800 students study here, and foreigners can too.
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Casa del Chocolate
It's enough to make even Willy Wonka wonder. You're sitting next to a chocolate factory but, more often than not, there's none to be had in this bizarre little casa just off the main square. The quickest way to check out Baracoa's on-off supply situation is to stick your head around the door and question one of the bored-looking waitresses. No hay equals 'no,' a faint nod equals 'yes.' On a good day it sells chocolate ice cream and the hot stuff in mugs. For all its foibles, it's a Baracoa rite of passage.
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Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos
Perhaps the most recognizable building in Trinidad is the withered pastel-yellow bell tower of the former convent of San Francisco de Asís. Since 1986 the building has housed a museum. The displays are mostly photos, maps, weapons and other objects relating to the struggle against the various counterrevolutionary bands that took a leaf out of Fidel's book and operated illicitly out of the Sierra del Escambray between 1960 and 1965. The fuselage of a US U-2 spy plane shot down over Cuba is also on display. You can climb the tower for good views.
reviewed
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Paladar le Chansonnier
A great place to dine if a) you can find it (there’s no sign), and b) it’s open (the staff seem to be in the habit of taking regular sabbaticals). Hidden in an elegant dining room in a faded mansion-turned-paladar, it’s not just the name of this place that’s French; French wine, French furniture and French flavors also predominate. House specialties include rabbit in red-wine sauce, chicken smothered in mushrooms, Dijon pork chops, and gigantic salads for herbivores. It’s also one of Habana’s few truly gay-friendly establishments. Phone ahead to check it’s open.
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Las Ruinas
One of Havana's most celebrated restaurants – at least in an architectural sense – is situated on the southeast side of Parque Lenin. Melding off-beat modern architecture, including some eye-catching stained glass by Cuban artist René Portocarrero, onto the ruins of an old sugar mill, this place has an arty and elegant atmosphere, though the food (which is grossly overpriced) doesn't quite live up to the lavish setting. The menu includes lobster plus a selection of Cuban and Italian dishes, and you'll be lucky to get much change out of CUC$30. Overrated.
reviewed
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Cuevas de Bellamar
The Cuevas de Bellamar, 5km southeast of Matanzas, are 300,000 years old and locally promoted as Cuba's oldest tourist attraction. There are 2500m of caves here, discovered in 1861 by a Chinese workman in the employ of Don Manual Santos Parga. A 45-minute Cuevas de Bellamar visit leaves almost hourly starting at 9:30am; well-maintained, well-lit paths mean it's easy for kids to imbibe the stupendous geology, too. The caves on show include a vast 12m stalagmite and an underground stream; cave walls glitter eerily with crystals. The entrance is through a small museum. Outside the Cuevas de Bellamar are two restaurants and a playground. To get there, take bus 16, 17 or 20…
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Real Fábrica de Tabacos H Upmann
Upmann’s cigars are legendary in Cuba and have been produced in the country since 1844, when two German bankers and avid cigar smokers, Hermann and August Upmann, bought a factory in Habana. Indeed, the popular Petit Upmann brand was a longtime favorite of US president John F Kennedy. Currently one of only two cigar factories offering tours in Habana, the grand neoclassical Upmann building is a little out of the way and generally only accepts organized groups. Inquire first at Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagás or at your hotel travel desk rather than turn up here in person.
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Cuban Highlights Ride
8 days (Havana)
by Intrepid
Ride alongside mango plantations and in the shadow of great mountains, Explore the lush Topes de Collantes National Park, Indulge in some beachside rum…Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,750 -
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Callejón de Hamel
Aside from its funky street murals and psychedelic art shops, the main reason to come to Havana's high temple of Afro-Cuban culture is for the frenetic rumba music that kicks off every Sunday at around noon. For aficionados, this is about as raw and hypnotic as it gets, with interlocking drum patterns and lengthy rhythmic chants powerful enough to summon up the spirit of the orishas (Santería deities). Due to a liberal sprinkling of tourists these days, some argue that the Callejón has lost much of its basic charm. Don't believe them. This place can still deliver.
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Museo Municipal Emilio Bacardí Moreau
Narrow Pío Rosado links Calle Heredia to Calle Aguilera and the fabulous Grecian facade of the Bacardí Museum. Founded in 1899 by the rum magnate war hero and city mayor, Emilio Bacardí y Moreau (the palatial building was built to spec), the museum is one of Cuba's oldest and most eclectic. Artifacts amassed from Bacardí's travels include an extensive weapons collection, paintings from the Spanish costumbrismo (19th-century artistic movement that predated Romanticism) school and the only Egyptian mummy on the island.
reviewed