As the second most important city on the island, it’s no surprise to discover how much there is to see in Santiago de Cuba. In addition to being the city with the most historical importance in the country, you can see the wonders of the authentic Cuban experience.
With a large historic center and varied architecturual styles, Santiago de Cuba has an infinite number of places to visit, not to mention its lively nightlife. Are you going to miss it?
Don’t forget to download our travel itinerary that we have made for you with all the geolocated places. You can view it on the web by registering or by downloading the Passporter app so you can organize your entire trip in a single app.
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What are the best places to see in Santiago de Cuba?
1. Plaza de la Revolución
The Plaza de la Revolucion is one of the most beautiful and crowded squares in Santiago. It has a capacity of up to 150,000 people. In the public area you can find some green spaces and other sections paved in different colors.
In the center of the square you can admire an impressive monument of 16 meters high. It was built in honor of General Antonio Maceo, better known as the Bronze Titan. It is one of the most iconic points of the city that you can’t miss.
This square is, without a doubt, the main square in the city of Santiago. Not only is it a National Historic Monument, but you can also learn a lot about the history of Cuba and its past events.
2. Parque Cespedes
As expected, the Cespedes Park is where you will find the Santiago City Hall. It’s one of the most representative sites of the historic center of the city. You will love this place for its lively atmosphere at any time of the day, especially at nightfall. Don’t forget to stop by!
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3. Plaza de Marte
Considered one of the most symbolic squares of the city of Santiago, the Plaza de Marte is located in the historic center. Besides being the meeting point for locals, this square has several monuments that you must see.
In the center is an imposing tower dedicated to the army that liberated Cuba. You will find around it a large park full of trees and various sculptures. The perfect place to enjoy a stroll or simply stop to rest on one of its benches.
4. Santa Ifigenia Cemetery
A short distance from the Plaza de la Revolucion, you will find the beautiful Santa Ifigenia Cemetery. Numerous artists and famous Cuban personalities rest there, such as Emilio Bacardí or Manuel de Céspedes.
Inside you can see the Mausoleum, a slender monument of 26 meters dedicated to José Martí, who was the father of the Cuban homeland. This cemetery was declared a National Monument due to its enormous value and historical legacy. Do not hesitate to go for a walk there.
5. The Malecon of Santiago
The Paseo Marítimo de la Alameda, better known as the Malecón de Santiago, is a stretch along the seafront that runs all the way to the Aduana del Puerto.
In addition to enjoying spectacular views of the sea along the entire stretch and admiring the countless boats passing the bay, you cannot miss the sculptures of Puerto Vallarta; among the most symbolic are the Fountain of Friendship, the Seahorse and the Millennium Sculpture. Meanwhile, you will find numerous stalls, bars and stores with a distinct Cuban style. We recommend strolling through this area at sunset to enjoy a film-like scenery.
6. Santiago de Cuba Cathedral
Located on the opposite side of the Plaza de Santiago is the Cathedral. Despite having been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, today it has an impressive facade.
Formed by two neoclassical towers placed on the sides of the facade, inside you can see the beautiful Cruz de la Parra, as well as the altar dedicated to the Virgin and the many decorative frescoes. A jewel to see in Santiago de Cuba.
7. El Tivoli Neighborhood
Being one of the most iconic neighborhoods of Santiago, it consists mainly of long steep streets and many small houses overlooking the sea.
During your walk through this curious neighborhood of important cultural mixtures, do not forget to go to the famous Escaleras del Padre Pico, one of the classic places used in postcards of Santiago. Climbing to the top is quite an adventure and, besides, once you’re at the top you’ll be able to enjoy a movie-like sunset. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
8. Cuartel de Moncada
The Cuartel de Moncada is a former military barracks now converted into a school. On its facades there are still some impressive marks of bullet holes, created during a coup d’état by the Castristas in 1953.
Inside is the 26th of July History Museum, which has eight rooms completely dedicated to the history of the guerrilla movements of that time. It is worth a visit.
9. San Juan Historical Park
This site has an enormous historical value for the city of Santiago, due to the fact that many years ago, a very important battle of the Spanish-Cuban-American War took place in this park.
Inside the park you will find the Loma de San Juan, where you can contemplate several monuments that pay homage to the fallen. If you walk a little more you can also see the Tree of Peace, in which the recapitulation was signed and of which at the moment only the trunk remains. It is certainly worth a visit.
10. Casa de Diego Vazquez
Built around 1516, the Casa de Diego Velazquez is considered the oldest on the island. Its Andalusian-influenced facade is something to admire, but its interior is even better.
Inside is the Museum of Cuban Historical Environment, where you can enjoy a large collection of furniture that explains the history and influences on what is now known as a typically Cuban style. A 100% recommended visit on your trip to Santiago.
11. Granma Key
One of the places you must visit if you are thinking of visiting the surroundings of Santiago is Cayo Granma.
Being a small island located in the Bay of Santiago, you can stroll along its beautiful coastline or taste the local cuisine. In addition, we recommend visiting the San Rafael Church, which is located in the highest part of the island. From there you can enjoy the unique landscape of the sea and the city.
12. La Gran Piedra Viewpoint
Santiago de Cuba is full of places to visit, both within the city and in its surroundings. That’s why you can’t miss a visit to the Gran Piedra lookout point.
Just 30 kilometers from the city, you will find this majestic 25-meter-high rock. Located in a unique natural setting and crowning the peak of the Sierra Gran Piedra, it offers views over the rest of the mountain and the city that will leave you completely speechless. It is essential to take your camera with you!
13. San Pedro de la Roca Castle
This castle, in addition to having been declared a World Heritage Site, has incalculable historical and architectural importance.
Its fortifications, whose main function was to protect the Bay of Santiago, are now an impressive castle. You will be able to enjoy the best possible views from its main hill, better known as El Morro, and make sure to take your camera with you!
14. Siboney Beach
Located only 19 kilometers from the city of Santiago is the coastal area of Siboney. It has only one beach, of the same name, which is a real charm.
This is probably due to its small size and its little affluence, which turn this beach into a true paradise. You can spend the morning by the sea enjoying a unique peaceful atmosphere, and end the day tasting the local cuisine in a restaurant in the area.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do in Santiago de Cuba at night
It is well known that Cuba has an incredible nightlife. Whether it is on the streets or in an indoor venue, the music and the party never stops in Santiago de Cuba.
1. Dance at Casa de las Tradiciones
La Casa de las Tradiciones is, without a doubt, one of the most emblematic places in the city of Santiago. With a unique mix of Cuban, African and Caribbean music, you won’t be able to stop dancing for a second once you enter.
It is impossible not to get carried away by its magic, its cozy atmosphere and its musical rhythm. In addition, you can try a typical Cuban cocktail. Why not visit some of the corners dedicated to other types of arts, such as photography or plastic figures. You will certainly experience the authentic essence of Santiago de Cuba.
2. Espectaculo Tropicana Santiago
Being one of the most famous shows in all of Santiago, it can be an excellent plan to end the day after a long and hot day of sightseeing.
You will enjoy a show full of music and color, which deals with the theme of traditional Cuban culture and folkloric dances of the Caribbean. In addition, you have the option of enjoying a dinner with traditional Cuban food at a nearby restaurant beforehand!
3. Roof Garden at Hotel Casa Granda
Located on the top terrace of the Hotel Casa Granda, this place in the heart of the city is full of life. In addition, it has views of the Cathedral and Parque Céspedes that make it a must-see.
Depending on the day you go, you can attend a live concert or watch a performance with dancers. And, of course, there is also a more secluded area with sofas where you can relax and have a drink. We recommend visiting on a Monday or Wednesday, as this is when there is the most entertainment. It’s totally worth it!
4. Casa de la Trova
If live music is your thing, the Casa de la Trova is a must-see during your trip to Santiago de Cuba.
Whether you visit the place during the day or at night, you can attend the performances by some of Cuba’s most important artists while enjoying a good mojito. In addition, there is a balcony on the top floor if you feel like taking a break from the music or getting some fresh air. You can’t miss it.
Itineraries for your trip to Santiago de Cuba
Here is our map with the places we recommend visiting in Santiago de Cuba so that you can organise your trip easily and quickly. You can also add important documents such as tickets, hotel reservations and even invite your friends to be part of the itinerary organisation.
Using Passporter is free of charge and will help you travel in a more organised way. You can register on the website or download the app to keep everything in one place and in your pocket 🙂
Things to do in Santiago de Cuba in 3 days
- Visit the Plaza de la Revolucion
- Stroll trough Plaza de Marte
- Visit Santa Ifigenia Cemetery
- Walk along the Paseo Maritimo of Santiago
- Enter the Cuartel de Moncada
- Enjoy the music at Casa de la Trova
- Admire the interior of Casa de Diego Velazquez
Things to do in Santiago de Cuba in 4 days
- Wander around the streets of Barrio Tivoli
- Admire the Santiago de Cuba Cathedral
- Stroll trough Parque de Cespedes
- Enjoy the sunset at the Mirador de la Gran Piedra
- Dance at the Casa de las Tradiciones
- Visit San Juan Historical Park
- Spend the day at Granma Key
- Enjoy Siboney Beach
Fresquently Asked Questions
It is only accessible by road, so you have to rent a car or take a cab. You have to leave Santiago by the Carretera de Siboney. Then, turn left and take Carretera la Gran Piedra.
A single ticket to Cuartel de Moncada costs 1,80€.
To get to Granma Key from Santiago de Cuba, you have to take a boat from La Socapa. The price of the boat is 1CUC (equivalent to 0.034€).
How to plan your itinerary of the places to see in Santiago de Cuba?
Download the Passporter app and plan your trip in the most organized way, according to the days and places you want to visit in Santiago de Cuba.
With the app you will be able to:
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Save important information about the destinations you want to visit that you have found on the internet. Just install the Chrome extension and save everything useful for your trip.
- Save your tickets and reservations.
- Organise your route on Google maps with your accommodation as the starting point or any other that you indicate.
- Find out the best travel option for each place.
- Save and publish your own photos and experiences as you go along, so that when someone asks you “How was your trip to Santiago de Cuba?” you can reply “Visit my traveller profile on Passporter!”
If you want to know more about how to use the Passporter app, read our post: How to create a travel itinerary with Passporter.
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