Things to do & places to visit in Santiago de Cuba Province, Cuba

Santiago de Cuba Province #10 destination in Cuba 2023. The average rating score is 4.25 based on 5.814 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: America/Havana, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 21:11.

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 La Isabelica Museum (12 reviews)
- Fascinating
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

One of the few old coffee plantations still standing in the area. It has plenty to see as the archaeological finds are all housed here so we have not only the tools used in the coffee making process but the instruments of torture for the slave population. You can also see inside the owner's home. We had a fantastic local guide who was very knowledgeable and passionate on his subject and made it a great trip for us. It is quite a drive by 4x4 to get to it but worth it. There is an extra charge if you want to take photos at the site. See more..
4.5 Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca (1.044 reviews)
- Number 1 in Santiago
Spent < 1 hour Castles

We were so lucky to still find it open. LP says it closes at 7 pm, but they have changed the schedule recently, and closes now at 5! They tolds us we could stay until 5.30, so we had the sunset there, which was marvellous. The view is amazing, and the fortress is quite impressive. You can try to hitchhike, get a bus (truck) or take a taxi (around 20 CUC return). See more..
4.5 Santa Ifigenia Cemetery (740 reviews)
- Immaculately Curated
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Cemeteries

This cementery houses tombs for such historic notables as José Marti and Emilio Bacardi including graves from those who fought for revolution. See more..
4.5 La Gran Piedra (The Big Rock) (374 reviews)
- Fantastic view at the top.
Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Drives

The road from Santiago de Cuba, was not in a good shape, but it payed off coming here. It took us more than one hour in one direction and then you have to climb a lot of stairs. It was what we wanted. To have great exercise. See more..
4.5 Diego Velázquez Museum (297 reviews)
- Early Cuban History
History Museums

The museum is in one of the oldest houses in Cuba since it dates from 1516. Casa de Diego Velázquez house has lattice screens. The Museo de Ambiente Histórico Cubano has a wonderful collection of furniture from the 1600's to the 1800's and I liked the way that it was displayed in chronological order. Unlike some places it was possible to freely take photos and video. The guide's explanations were very clear and informative. See more..
4.5 Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (283 reviews)
- Excellent trip!!!!
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

I had a great time in this amazing city!!!! Love the streets, the people and the music!!! Waiting impatient for the next trip!!! See more..
4.5 El Cobre Basilica (185 reviews)
- Minor Basilica
Churches & Cathedrals

The 'Basílica Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre' dates from 1927 and is an important pilgrimage sife for Cuban Catholics. It is the only basilica in Cuba and when many people visit the shrine of the Virgen de Caridad, the patron saint of Cuba, they leave gifts for the Virgin. The most famous of these are the Pulitzer Prize left behind by Ernest Hemingway, and the golden guerrilla that Castro’s mother laid there. The spacious church is located in an elevated position just a little north of the city of Santiago de Cuba. There are some beautiful stained-glass windows to be seen. See more..
4.5 casa Velasquez (100 reviews)
- See the museum inside
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This house in central Santiago de Cuba is possibly the oldest house in Cuba and dates from the very early 1500's. It now houses an outstanding museum with furnishings from the 16th to 19th centuries. I have already reviewed the museum itself in detail. See more..
4.5 Sierra Maestra (99 reviews)
- Commandancia de la Plata - Worth the Effort
Closed now - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Mountains

This tour was organised in 5 five minutes with one phone call to Anley Rosales Benitez in Bayamo. I would highly recommend his services. His details are in Lonely Planet.
We were collected from our casa at 7am as arranged by a driver and guide and began the drive of a little over 1 hour to Santo Domingo where our guide paid our park entry fees (take a passport!!) and we were transferred to a 4wd vehicle with a park guide (ours was Raul - very knowledgeable) for the accent to Alto del Naranjo.
The return walk from Alto del Naranjo to Commandancia de la Plata is not overly strenuous and our 8 year old daughter was able to complete it comfortably. Take plenty of water.
The buildings, in particular Fidels Casa, were worth the walk alone but the scenery is spectacular. This was a Cuban highlight for us.
The park guide will require a tip at the completion of the walk. See more..
4.5 Basilica de la Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre (43 reviews)
- Attended Mass
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

A peaceful and quiet place to visit. Most of the Cuban paid tribute to the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre at least once in their lifetime. I had the opportunity this time to attend a mass and it was impressive and touching the message delivered. I will recommend you to visit it if you have the opportunity. See more..
4.5 Jardin de los Helechos (29 reviews)
- A Hidden Gem
Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

I wasn't expecting much from this visit as I wondered how much could grow at such a height up - but how wrong I was! It is a truly magnificent place with an abundance of ferns and orchids to see, all beautifully laid out and cared for. The views of the surrounding mountains were also breathtaking and the whole experience was further enhanced by a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable English speaking guy. One of my favourite days in my 2wks in Cuba. I wondered when I got back why so few people seem to have been here as it should be a top attraction...but then I remembered it is quite a bit out and involves a very bumpy ride in a 4x4 to get there. Well worth it though if you can do it. See more..
4.5 Jardin Ave del Paraiso (29 reviews)
- Beautiful
Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

This garden is very well kept and well worth the visit! A guide showed us around and explained a lot of interesting things about the plants, flowers and trees that there were. See more..
4.5 La Alameda (22 reviews)
- Locals meeting point
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

During the day this was a rather exposed and lifeless concrete promenade. However, on one of the nights we were there it transformed into a carnival life atmosphere with numerous street vendors selling both food and drinks. It was a great vibe and I speculate the ‘heart’ of the city. Being a prominent public area one can also access ETECSA wifi through a ETECSA wifi prepaid card here. There was two key photo opportunities here - one in front of the ‘Cuba’ sign and another in front of a giant chair. Located directly opposite the Parque Alameda was the Cerveceria Puerto del Rey which is a microbrewery in a warehouse where you can stop for a drink and/or lunch. See more..
4.5 Comandancia de la plata (18 reviews)
- Very good planning
Nature & Wildlife Areas

The visit to La Comandancia was great. the guide was had lots of stories and information to give and answered all the questions we asked. We must thank Anley Rosales from Bayamo Travel Agent for all the efforts they did. We loved the stop at the coffee farm where we made coffee ourselves intead of paying for it. The view from there is mazing, I highly reccomend it. Miguel de farmer is a great person See more..
4.5 Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca (1.044 reviews)
- Number 1 in Santiago
Spent < 1 hour Castles

We were so lucky to still find it open. LP says it closes at 7 pm, but they have changed the schedule recently, and closes now at 5! They tolds us we could stay until 5.30, so we had the sunset there, which was marvellous. The view is amazing, and the fortress is quite impressive. You can try to hitchhike, get a bus (truck) or take a taxi (around 20 CUC return). See more..
4.5 Santa Ifigenia Cemetery (740 reviews)
- Immaculately Curated
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Cemeteries

This cementery houses tombs for such historic notables as José Marti and Emilio Bacardi including graves from those who fought for revolution. See more..
4.5 La Gran Piedra (The Big Rock) (374 reviews)
- Fantastic view at the top.
Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Drives

The road from Santiago de Cuba, was not in a good shape, but it payed off coming here. It took us more than one hour in one direction and then you have to climb a lot of stairs. It was what we wanted. To have great exercise. See more..
4.5 Diego Velázquez Museum (297 reviews)
- Early Cuban History
History Museums

The museum is in one of the oldest houses in Cuba since it dates from 1516. Casa de Diego Velázquez house has lattice screens. The Museo de Ambiente Histórico Cubano has a wonderful collection of furniture from the 1600's to the 1800's and I liked the way that it was displayed in chronological order. Unlike some places it was possible to freely take photos and video. The guide's explanations were very clear and informative. See more..
4.5 Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (283 reviews)
- Excellent trip!!!!
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

I had a great time in this amazing city!!!! Love the streets, the people and the music!!! Waiting impatient for the next trip!!! See more..
4.5 El Cobre Basilica (185 reviews)
- Minor Basilica
Churches & Cathedrals

The 'Basílica Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre' dates from 1927 and is an important pilgrimage sife for Cuban Catholics. It is the only basilica in Cuba and when many people visit the shrine of the Virgen de Caridad, the patron saint of Cuba, they leave gifts for the Virgin. The most famous of these are the Pulitzer Prize left behind by Ernest Hemingway, and the golden guerrilla that Castro’s mother laid there. The spacious church is located in an elevated position just a little north of the city of Santiago de Cuba. There are some beautiful stained-glass windows to be seen. See more..
4.5 casa Velasquez (100 reviews)
- See the museum inside
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This house in central Santiago de Cuba is possibly the oldest house in Cuba and dates from the very early 1500's. It now houses an outstanding museum with furnishings from the 16th to 19th centuries. I have already reviewed the museum itself in detail. See more..
4.5 Sierra Maestra (99 reviews)
- Commandancia de la Plata - Worth the Effort
Closed now - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Mountains

This tour was organised in 5 five minutes with one phone call to Anley Rosales Benitez in Bayamo. I would highly recommend his services. His details are in Lonely Planet.
We were collected from our casa at 7am as arranged by a driver and guide and began the drive of a little over 1 hour to Santo Domingo where our guide paid our park entry fees (take a passport!!) and we were transferred to a 4wd vehicle with a park guide (ours was Raul - very knowledgeable) for the accent to Alto del Naranjo.
The return walk from Alto del Naranjo to Commandancia de la Plata is not overly strenuous and our 8 year old daughter was able to complete it comfortably. Take plenty of water.
The buildings, in particular Fidels Casa, were worth the walk alone but the scenery is spectacular. This was a Cuban highlight for us.
The park guide will require a tip at the completion of the walk. See more..
4.0 Céspedes Park (518 reviews)
- Forget everything and just dance!
Parks

A cosy place with lovely local people. Surprised by the street musicians. They were very nice and friendly. They didn't ask for money but just wanted to have a good time together. I listened to live music and danced with them. It was the best thing that happened to me in this city. See more..
4.0 Revolution Plaza (Plaza De La Revolucion) (478 reviews)
- yup yup it's the hot spot of history in santiago city!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

the man on the horse! can't recall it in spanish but his name is antonio maceo and it's in the city beside the humungous baseball stadium! lol. has huge stairs that go on for miles and machetes surround the statue quite cool! he's da man - seriously* like louis riel for quebec he's the one for the ppls and an important man in that city and country! See more..
4.0 Moncada Barracks (449 reviews)
- Educational
Historic Sites

Really excellent local guide here who really knew her stuff and you could tell she was really passionate about her subject rather than just going through the motions. I liked that they had the scale model to show you as the explained the (failed) strategy of the attack and had some of the more unusual artefacts rather than just guns and uniforms eg a petticoat used to smuggle grenades. My only slight gripe is that the barracks are now a school and the children were all out and about making quite a bit of noise when we were there so we sometimes missed what the guide had said. See more..
4.0 Emilio Bacardi Moreau Museum (154 reviews)
- Private Collection
Speciality Museums

This museum, just in walking distance from Cespedes Plaza, displays the private collection of the famous Bacardi family: paintings, costumes, accessories, tools and equipments, pistols, swords, even mummies. The building of the museum is quite beautiful as well. Unfortunately it's forbidden to take pictures inside. Tough all the explanations are written in Spanish only, still one can get a lot of information about 18th and 19th century high society life in Cuba. I recommend to visit this museum. See more..
4.0 Granma Island (Cayo Granma) (112 reviews)
- Pleasant visit
Islands

We took the ferry from the port of Santiago de Cuba, primarily to have lunch there. It's just a short trip and the boat apparently stops at several places. You get good views and it's a good way to spend a couple of hours or more. See more..
4.0 San Juan Hill (111 reviews)
- A nice little excursion near Santiago De Cuba
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Visited San Juan Hill as part of a trip to Santiago De Cuba from Guardalavaca in January 2015. Having an interest in military maters and knowing the history of the battle, it was very interesting for me to see that actual place where the charge took place. Shame the little tower erected at the top of the hill has been built on. Apart form that, a must see if interested in the US - Spanish conflict. See more..
4.0 Parque de Baconao (110 reviews)
- Valle de la Prehistoria & Museo Nacional del Transporte.
Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Valle de la Prehistoria park is a fun place to bring children. The park is well maintained by friendly staff. There is a cafe on site. The nearby Museo Nacional del Transporte is not very interesting. You will see more old cars while standing on any Cuban street corner for 10 minutes. The one exception to this being the tiny Maya Cuba convertible. See more..
4.0 Plaza de Marte (92 reviews)
- Popular location for Cubans with many shops and restaurants
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

While we were there, some kind of festivities took place there, the surrounding streets were closed off to traffic and there were plenty of various booths/kiosks selling food. Of course, the plaza was teeming with Cubans, who were strolling, sitting and checking out the attractions. Unfortunately, it was impossible to purchase any Cuban beer anywhere nearby and only after searching several stores I managed to buy German-made beer “Heineken”, created to commemorate Havana’s 400th anniversary. Very close to the Plaza was a Communist Party of Cuba Provincial Head Office—since there were a lot of photographs hanging in the lobby (most likely related to the Cuban Revolution), I asked if it was possible to take a look at them, but the guards did not let me in. See more..