What to Do in Santiago de Cuba

1. Historic Centre of Santiago de Cuba.

The historic centre of Santiago de Cuba is where most of the city’s tourist attractions are. Visit this important area to explore places like the Cespedes Park, the Santiago’s Metropolitan Cathedral, an authentic jewel of the local architecture, the Municipal House of Culture and the Emilio Bacardi Museum, among many other places of interest of Santiago d Cuba.

2. Plaza de Marte.

It’s an emblematic 5,000 m² plaza, historically know because it was used to train soldiers and for the revolutionary conspiracies. The center of the Plaza de Marte is embellished by a 20 meter height column; 6 gardens, 4 bronze canyons protecting the main column and multiple sculptures are also part of this important attraction in Santiago de Cuba.

3. House of Don Diego Velazquez.

Taking into consideration that this is Cuba’s oldest construction, which belonged to the Spanish conqueror (and first governor of Cuba too) we have to admire the stunning conservation work. Nowadays is the venue for the Museo de Ambiente Historico Colonial.

4. Museum 26 de Julio (Moncada).

This seven-hall museum is located in one area of the 26 de Julio educational center and was inaugurated in 1967. Photos of the fire in the Moncada Barracks, as well as a model of the barracks and historical objects are shown in one of the halls.

5. San Pedro de la Roca Castle.

The San Pedro de la Roca Castle in Santiago de Cuba was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. It was built in 1636 to protect the city from the naval attacks.

6. La Gran Piedra Natural Site.

Located 16 km from Santiago de Cuba, La Gran Piedra has the Guinness World Record for being the highest rock of its size above the sea level and the third largest in the world. Visiting La Gran Piedra is a unique experience. You can have to climb 459 stairs and while you do this, you have a simply spectacular view; 222 species of ferns, 352 of orchids and a huge variety of endemic species make La Gran Piedra one of the most beautiful attractions for nature tourism in Santiago de Cuba. This area was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1987.

7. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Caridad del Cobre.

It’s one of the most visited religious sanctuaries in Cuba. It’s located on the tallest part of the Maboa Hill, 27 km away from the city of Santiago de Cuba; In its marble and silver altar keeps a Virgin of the Caridad del Cobre made of gold. This sanctuary in Santiago de Cuba was visited by the pope in 2015.

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