Santiago de Cuba

Cuba

Friday, August 29, 2025

Sunrise

6:46 AM

Sunset

7:22 PM

About

Santiago de Cuba is a vibrant and historical city located on the southeastern coast of Cuba. Home to the country's most famous carnival and some of its most renowned musicians, Santiago de Cuba offers visitors a rich and diverse cultural experience. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful beaches and stunning natural surroundings, this city is a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring Cuba's unique blend of history, art, and nature.

30 Best Places to Visit

1. Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca del Morro

A 17th-century fortress that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Emilio Bacardí Museum

A historical museum featuring artifacts from Cuba’s colonial era.
3. Céspedes Park

A lively central park that serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
4. Revolution Square

A plaza that features a massive statue of Antonio Maceo, a Cuban military leader.
5. Moncada Barracks

A museum located in the infamous military barracks that were attacked by Fidel Castro and his revolutionaries in 1953.
6. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

A beautiful Baroque-style church that dates back to the 16th century.
7. Tropicana Santiago

A cabaret show featuring music, dance, and acrobatics that has been a Santiago institution for over 50 years.
8. Vista Alegre

A former coffee plantation that now serves as a museum highlighting Cuba’s rich agricultural history.
9. Marte Park

A scenic park overlooking Santiago de Cuba’s bay, ideal for picnics and relaxation.
10. Cementerio Santa Ifigenia

A famous cemetery that is the final resting place of many prominent Cubans, including José Martí.
11. Antonio Maceo Revolution Square

A lovely public square in the heart of Santiago that is named after the aforementioned Cuban military leader.
12. Parque Diego Velázquez

A picturesque historic park that is home to several colonial-era buildings and monuments.
13. San Juan Hill

A hill that was the site of the famous battle during the Spanish-American War and is now a popular tourist destination.
14. Chivirico Beach

A picturesque beach with calm waters set against a backdrop of lush mountains.
15. Dolores Park

A scenic park located near the central train station that offers stunning views of the city.
16. House of Don Diego Velázquez

A well-preserved colonial mansion that was once the home of Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, the first governor of Cuba.
17. Gran Piedra

A large rock formation that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area when reached at the end of a scenic hike.
18. Museo de Arte Colonial

A museum featuring colonial-era art and historical artifacts.
19. La Gran Piedra Garden

A lush botanical garden that features over 500 species of plants and flowers.
20. Jardin de los Helechos

A tranquil botanical garden home to a diverse array of ferns from around the world.
21. Baconao Park

A scenic nature reserve featuring hiking trails, a zoo, a dolphinarium, and a reconstruction of a prehistoric village.
22. Parque Bacardí

A beautiful public park featuring fountains, gardens, and playgrounds.
23. Santiago de Cuba Carnival

A vibrant annual celebration with parades, music, and dancing that draws crowds from all over the world.
24. El Cobre

A small town located just outside Santiago that is home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, Cuba’s patron saint.
25. Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos Birthplace Museum

A museum dedicated to the life and work of one of Spain’s most famous philosophers and politicians.
26. Cumbre La Gallega

A scenic viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
27. Caridad del Cobre

A small village near El Cobre that is home to a bronze statue of the Virgin of Charity, Cuba’s patron saint.
28. Cespedes House Museum

A museum located in the former home of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, a founding father of Cuba.
29. Casa de la Trova

A music venue that showcases traditional Cuban music, including trova and son.
30. Santiago de Cuba Zoo

A small but charming zoo featuring a variety of animals from Cuba and around the world.