Cuba Bed and Breakfast, Cheap Hotel and Guest House Accommodation

Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, has a rich and complex history. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, it became a Spanish colony before gaining independence in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. Cuba’s modern history is marked by the 1959 Cuban Revolution, which led to the establishment of a socialist state under Fidel Castro. Today, Cuba is a destination known for its vibrant culture, colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and distinctive music.

Havana, the capital of Cuba, is a must-visit city, famous for its crumbling colonial beauty, vintage cars, and lively nightlife. Don’t miss Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site with cobblestone streets and brightly colored buildings. Other cities worth visiting include Santiago de Cuba, known for its revolutionary history and Afro-Cuban culture, and Trinidad, a beautifully preserved colonial town with pastel-colored houses and a relaxed atmosphere.

For quaint and unusual towns, visit Viñales, a charming village in the Viñales Valley surrounded by limestone cliffs and tobacco farms. Baracoa, Cuba’s oldest city, offers a glimpse of a more remote and less-touristed part of the country, with lush rainforests and stunning coastlines.

Popular islands near Cuba include Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria, both known for their powdery white sands and clear turquoise waters. Isla de la Juventud, the second-largest Cuban island, offers a quieter, less developed escape with beautiful beaches and diving spots.

Fun things to do in Cuba include taking a ride in a classic American car through the streets of Havana, exploring the limestone caves in Viñales, or dancing the night away to salsa music in Santiago de Cuba. Snorkeling or diving at the Bay of Pigs is a must for underwater enthusiasts, and history buffs will enjoy visiting the Museum of the Revolution in Havana.

The best places to eat in Cuba offer a taste of traditional Cuban cuisine. Visit Paladar La Guarida in Havana, a renowned private restaurant serving gourmet dishes in an atmospheric, crumbling mansion. In Trinidad, Restaurante San José is a local favorite for its fresh seafood and authentic Cuban flavors. Don’t miss trying ropa vieja, a classic Cuban dish of shredded beef in a tomato sauce, or tostones, fried plantains that are a Cuban staple.

For seaside towns and villages, Varadero is Cuba’s most famous beach resort, offering miles of pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and water sports. Guardalavaca, on Cuba’s northeastern coast, is another popular seaside destination with stunning beaches and a more laid-back vibe.

Accommodation options in Cuba range from luxury hotels to charming casas particulares (private guesthouses). In Havana, the Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a famous historic hotel known for its glamour and past celebrity guests. The Iberostar Grand Packard is a modern luxury option in Old Havana. For a more intimate stay, opt for a casa particular like Casa Vitrales in Havana or Hostal Lola in Trinidad.

Famous hotels in Cuba include the Hotel Saratoga, a luxurious option in Havana with stunning views of the Capitol building, and the Meliá Varadero, a beachfront resort ideal for those seeking a relaxing beach getaway.

Things to see in Cuba include the iconic Malecón in Havana, a seaside promenade perfect for a leisurely walk, and the Valle de Viñales, where you can visit tobacco farms and learn how Cuba’s famous cigars are made. The Plaza de la Revolución in Havana is a historic site, and the Castillo del Morro in Santiago de Cuba offers beautiful views of the harbor.

Carnivals and festivals in Cuba are vibrant, colorful, and full of energy. Santiago de Cuba’s Carnival in July is the biggest and most famous, featuring lively parades, traditional music, and street dancing. The Havana Jazz Festival in January draws international visitors for its world-class performances, while the Parrandas de Remedios, held around Christmas, is a unique Cuban festival with parades, fireworks, and traditional music.

Cuban food is a mix of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. In addition to ropa vieja and tostones, popular dishes include lechón asado (roast pork), arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), and yuca con mojo (cassava with garlic sauce). For dessert, try flan or arroz con leche (rice pudding). Don’t forget to sample Cuban coffee, known for its strong, rich flavor.

Famous people from Cuba include Fidel Castro, the revolutionary leader who shaped modern Cuban history, and Che Guevara, an iconic figure in global revolutionary movements. Musicians like Buena Vista Social Club, Celia Cruz, and Ibrahim Ferrer have brought Cuban music to the world stage.

Attractions in Cuba range from the historical to the natural. Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Havana for Cuban art, or Ernest Hemingway’s former home, Finca Vigía, now a museum. Nature lovers can explore Topes de Collantes National Park, known for its waterfalls and hiking trails.

Local music in Cuba is one of the country’s greatest treasures, blending African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. You’ll hear traditional son, salsa, rumba, and mambo played in bars, streets, and homes throughout the island. Havana’s Casa de la Música is one of the best places to experience live music, while Santiago de Cuba is known as the birthplace of son and a hotspot for Afro-Cuban rhythms.

Nature sites in Cuba are breathtaking, from the lush mountains of the Sierra Maestra to the coral reefs of Jardines de la Reina, a popular diving destination. The Zapata Swamp is the largest wetland in the Caribbean, home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the Cuban crocodile.

Important places to visit in Cuba include the Mausoleum of Che Guevara in Santa Clara, a monument to the revolutionary leader, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trinidad, where you can walk through beautifully preserved cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings.

For unusual things to see, head to the Museo de la Alfabetización in Havana, which tells the story of Cuba’s 1961 Literacy Campaign. The Hershey Train, an old electric train that runs between Havana and Matanzas, offers a nostalgic journey through rural Cuba. In the town of Guantánamo, you can visit the controversial U.S. military base from afar at the Mirador de Malones viewpoint.