Best things to do in Cuba

Cuba is a country with a checkered past, but, it remains one of the most beautiful and picturesque countries in the world. This Caribbean island is best-known for when it was under the rule of Fidel Castro, and is now a fantastic tourist destination. So much about Cuba is appealing, from the architecture and music to the geography and history. If you’re considering taking a vacation to Cuba, you will no doubt want to know about some of the things you can do while you’re there. So, here are some of the best things to do when you visit Cuba.

Live Music

Live music is such a bit part of Cuban culture that you can’t really escape it. Sure, you can see live music almost anywhere you go, but, in Cuba, it’s much more symbolic. Visit the Association of Cuban Writers and Artists and check out some live jazz, or get a seat and enjoy Cuban singer Silvio Rodriguez. There are so many different styles of live music performed and enjoyed all over the country. Try to find out from some locals where you can expect to find the best live music, and make sure you attend.

Visit Trinidad – Central Cuba

We don’t mind the Caribbean island, we mean the town in Cuba called Trinidad. It is often affectionately known as “The city that time forgot.” It’s here that you can enjoy the new-baroque architecture and the colonial nature of the place. It looks like somewhere that’s been unchanged for almost 500 years, and this makes it a must-visit place for tourists. Make sure you check out the grand 19th Century cathedral here, as well as fantastic Museo de Arquitectura Colonial. This sleepy iconic town is one of the best places in the country to visit.

Coral Reefs

Believe it or not, Cuba has one of the most epic and beautiful coral reefs in the world. It might not be as breathtaking as the Great Barrier Reef, but it’s still something that’s well worth going to see. The best thing to do is take a boat out with a guide and get a guided tour of the reef. This is readily available in Cuba, and certainly the best way of enjoying and experiencing the reef itself. The reefs here are teaming with life, and generally are unspoiled at the moment – so make sure you visit while there is still a reef to enjoy.

Learn to Salsa – 1830 Club, Malecon, Havana

You can’t, in good conscience, take a trip to Cuba, and not make sure you learn to salsa, at least a little bit. There are a lot of things you can learn in Cuba, but salsa dancing is one of the most important and iconic. The dance culture here is incredible, and you can head to club 1830, and learn salsa from an expert. This is a wonderful way of getting more involved in the culture of Cuba and learning a little about how to dance in the process as well. Imagine coming home from your trip and being able to salsa expertly!

Go Hiking – Pico Turquino

There is plenty of natural beauty in the country, and the surroundings in Cuba is nothing short of sensational. So, you need to make sure you fully experience everything the country has to offer you. The best way of doing that is to get out and about and do some hiking. The best place to go for this is Pico Turquino, at 1,974 meters high. It’s the perfect place to enjoy amazing views of the country, and take in the wonderful surroundings of the southeastern part of the island, and the Sierra Maestra mountain range.