If you want to see the real Cuba beyond Varadero and other resort areas, why not visit Santiago de Cuba with its historic downtown, wide range of museums, cultural attractions and nightlife options? This vibrant second biggest city in Cuba is the home of the Cuban revolution and Son music, as well as many prominent Cuban artists and national heroes, and the nearby Baconao Park offers both historical sights and nature attractions.
Santiago de Cuba is located in the southeast of Cuba along the Caribbean Sea , and is the capital city of a province of the same name. It has historically been the second most important center in Cuba after Havana, as well as an important port city. founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1514, Santiago de Cuba served as a starting point to many Spanish expeditions into the Americas beyond the Caribbean. It was also the capital of the Spanish colony of Cuba until 1589. The population of Santiago de Cuba is a mixture of Spanish, French and African ancestry. The Cuban revolution started here in 1953, and the victory of the revolution was also first proclaimed here in 1959. Today, Santiago de Cuba is a lively university and cultural center with an increasing number of international visitors.
City full of life. Besides history, you can also get to know contemporary Cuban life in the lively streets, shops and nightlife of Santiago de Cuba. There are many great live music venues and cultural centers where you can enjoy traditional Cuban dances and music, as well as theatre, ballet and opera. In addition to the Casco Histórico, the Vista Alegre district also offers several interesting monuments and sights, including the African Cultural Center, as well as a zoo and an amusement park. There is another amusement park in the waterfront. The city also has a few nice beaches to offer, such as Playa Siboney, although beaches in other parts of Cuba are considered a lot better.
Loma de San Juan Hill is the place where the US troops defeated the Spanish over a hundred years ago. You can also visit the Baconao Park outside the city. It is a large UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with both wildlife reserves, coffee plantations, an enormous volcanic rock, museums, an aquarium, a botanical garden and a dinosaur park.
Santiago de Cuba is located in the southeast of Cuba along the Caribbean Sea , and is the capital city of a province of the same name. It has historically been the second most important center in Cuba after Havana, as well as an important port city. founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1514, Santiago de Cuba served as a starting point to many Spanish expeditions into the Americas beyond the Caribbean. It was also the capital of the Spanish colony of Cuba until 1589. The population of Santiago de Cuba is a mixture of Spanish, French and African ancestry. The Cuban revolution started here in 1953, and the victory of the revolution was also first proclaimed here in 1959. Today, Santiago de Cuba is a lively university and cultural center with an increasing number of international visitors.
Sights and activities in Santiago de Cuba: historic attractions, monuments & museums
The central Casco Histórico district hosts most of the historical sights in Santiago De Cuba, including several beautiful churches, old city government buildings, museums and squares. Some of the popular attractions here include the old house of Fidel Castro, the original Bacardi rum factory, the Padre Pico steps, the fortress of Balcón de Velázquez and the cultural center called Casa de la Cultura. The citadel of San Pedro de la Roca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fine example of old Spanish-American military architecture. The various museums in Santiago de Cuba include many interesting historical and cultural museums. The national hero of Cuba, José Martí is buried in the cemetery of Santa Efigenia. Original houses of many famous Cubans such as Antonio Maceo and Frank País are also popular amongst visitors.City full of life. Besides history, you can also get to know contemporary Cuban life in the lively streets, shops and nightlife of Santiago de Cuba. There are many great live music venues and cultural centers where you can enjoy traditional Cuban dances and music, as well as theatre, ballet and opera. In addition to the Casco Histórico, the Vista Alegre district also offers several interesting monuments and sights, including the African Cultural Center, as well as a zoo and an amusement park. There is another amusement park in the waterfront. The city also has a few nice beaches to offer, such as Playa Siboney, although beaches in other parts of Cuba are considered a lot better.
Loma de San Juan Hill is the place where the US troops defeated the Spanish over a hundred years ago. You can also visit the Baconao Park outside the city. It is a large UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with both wildlife reserves, coffee plantations, an enormous volcanic rock, museums, an aquarium, a botanical garden and a dinosaur park.
Photo: B.A.M., used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
Santiago de Cuba travel information and practical tips
The climate in Santiago de Cuba is tropically hot and humid around the year. There is a dry season approximately from November to April, and a rainy season from May to October, that is also the high season for tourism. Hurricanes occur mainly in September and October, while May and October are the rainiest months.Traveling to Santiago de Cuba is best done by air. The local international airport receives flights to Santiago de Cuba from elsewhere in Cuba, as well as international flights from for example Madrid, Paris, Montreal and Santo Domingo, and charter flights from Miami and Toronto. There are also daily trains to Santiago de Cuba from Havana, as well as buses to Santiago de Cuba from Havana, Santa Clara, Varadero, Baracoa and several other Cuban cities and towns. Taxis and buses are available for transportation inside the city, and car rental in Santiago de Cuba is also available for exploring the region.
Accommodation & services. Hotels in Santiago de Cuba vary from basic to luxurious, and there are also many local home stay options in the city. There are both hotel, private and state restaurants in Santiago de Cuba, but the range of cuisines available is not very wide. on the other hand, nightlife in Santiago de Cuba is lively, offering a wide range from different types of live music to bars, discos, cabarets and cultural shows.
Language & safety. English is not commonly spoken in the city, so it is best to learn at least a few phrases of Spanish before visiting Santiago de Cuba. Safety situation in the city is generally good, but crime such as pickpocketing and robberies do happen occasionally, and the police may ask for bribes.
