Things to Do in Cuba: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Cuba is a Caribbean island where time seems to have paused, with classic cars, colonial towns and a vibrant music scene. Old Havana's restored squares, the Malecón at sunset, the tobacco farms of Viñales, colonial Trinidad, French-influenced Cienfuegos and the white beaches of Varadero make it a unique and fascinating destination.
This guide covers the best things to do in Cuba, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Cuba
Old Havana
UNESCO colonial center.
Malecón
Seafront promenade.
Classic car ride
Iconic Havana tour.
Viñales Valley
Mogotes and tobacco farms.
Trinidad
Colonial town.
Cienfuegos
Pearl of the South.
Varadero
Beaches.
Bay of Pigs
Snorkeling and history.
Cuba in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Old Havana
Explore Old Havana's four main squares, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco and the Cathedral Square, and walk Obispo Street. Lunch at a paladar, a private restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of the Revolution and the Capitolio, and end with a mojito at a historic bar.
2Day 2 · Classic Havana
Take a classic convertible car tour through Vedado, Revolution Square and the Hotel Nacional, then walk the Malecón at sunset with locals. Lunch in Vedado. In the evening, watch the cannon ceremony at La Cabaña fortress and dance salsa at a club.
3Day 3 · Viñales
Travel to the Viñales Valley, a UNESCO landscape of limestone mogotes, and visit a tobacco farm to see cigars rolled by hand. Lunch at a farm. In the afternoon, ride horses through the valley or explore the Cueva del Indio by boat.
Cuba in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Cienfuegos and Bay of Pigs
Drive to the Bay of Pigs to snorkel at Punta Perdiz and the Cueva de los Peces, then continue to Cienfuegos with its French-style center and Tomás Terry Theater. Lunch on the coast. Evening at the Palacio de Valle.
5Day 5 · Trinidad
Spend the day in Trinidad, a perfectly preserved colonial town with cobbled streets, the Plaza Mayor and live music at the Casa de la Música steps. Lunch at a paladar. Evening salsa. In the evenings, the steps next to the church fill with locals and travelers dancing to live son and salsa bands.
Cuba in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Valle de los Ingenios and Playa Ancón
Visit the sugar mill valley with the Manaca Iznaga tower, then relax at Playa Ancón. Lunch on the beach. Return to Trinidad. The tower offers views over the sugarcane fields that once made Trinidad one of the richest towns in the Americas.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Return to Havana or relax in Varadero, buy cigars, rum and art, and enjoy a farewell dinner with ropa vieja and live son music. Havana's José Martí airport is about 30 minutes from the city center.
What to do in Cuba on a weekend
Things to do in Cuba on a weekend? Saturday: Old Havana. Sunday: classic car tour and the Malecón.
Havana Jazz Festival in January and Carnival in summer.
What to do in Cuba in the evening
In the evening, salsa clubs and the Malecón.
Live music in Trinidad.
Cuba for couples
For couples, Trinidad, Varadero and Havana rooftops.
Cuba with kids
With kids, beaches, classic cars and Viñales.
What to eat in Cuba
Ropa vieja
Shredded beef.
Moros y cristianos
Rice and beans.
Mojito
Cocktail.
Cuban coffee
Strong.
Tostones
Fried plantains.
Where to stay in Cuba: best areas
Old Havana
Historic.
Vedado
Residential.
Trinidad casas
Homestays.
Varadero
Resorts.
What to do in Cuba when it rains
Things to do in Cuba when it rains? Museums, cigar factories and live music venues.
How much does a trip to Cuba cost?
Expect $50–200 per night in casas particulares and hotels.
Practical tips for Cuba
Best time to visit
November–April.
Getting around
Taxis, Viazul buses and private drivers.
Our practical tips
- Bring cash.
- Stay in casas particulares.
- Offline maps.
- Check entry rules for your nationality.
- Learn some Spanish.
- Agree prices in advance.
Mistakes to avoid
- Relying on cards.
- Black market exchange scams.
- Hurricane season.
- Expecting fast internet.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Cuba?
Havana, Viñales and Trinidad.
Can Americans visit?
Under specific categories; check rules.
Currency?
Cuban peso; bring cash.
Best time?
November to April.