DK Travel - Top 10 Cuba

Clockwise from top: Playa. Ancn; Gran Teatro, Havana; divers in Mara la Gorda; street in Trinidad; Cuban cigars; Ford Fairline car; musicians at La Bodeguita del Medio, Havana

From high-kicking showgirls at the Tropicana cabaret to murals of Che Guevara, sensuality and socialism rub shoulders as defining aspects of Cuba. Add the worlds best cigars, plus classic cars cruising cities frozen in the 1950s, and its no wonder this Caribbean island is a hot destination. With Eyewitness Top 10 Cuba, its yours to explore.

Havana the irrepressible capital city awes us with its stunning architecture and sense of being a yesteryear Hollywood stage set. Walking the cobbled colonial streets of La Habana Vieja is a journey back through the centuries, while Vedado recalls the wealth of a glittering pre-revolutionary heyday. Chock-full of outstanding museums, art galleries, and lively bars where Ernest Hemingway drank his mojitos and daiquiris, Havana is a world-class city throbbing to the rhythms of rumba and salsa.

Cuba is a marvelously diverse island, from the stunningly beautiful Valle de Viales, where oxen plough tobacco fields, to the gorgeous beaches of Cayo Coco. Well-preserved colonial-era cities such as Trinidad and Camagey both UNESCO World Heritage Sites echo the footsteps of conquistadores. In the east, Santiago de Cuba is known for its iconic revolutionary sites and a culture that owes much to its predominantly African heritage. Beyond the forest-clad Sierra Maestra lies charming Baracoa, founded in 1511 and boasting a jaw-dropping setting surrounded by mountains.

Whether youre planning a weeks visit or a longer stay, our Top 10 guide reveals the best of everything that Cuba can offer, from Mara la Gorda in the west to Punta Mais in the east. You will find tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to finding the best private restaurants, plus seven easy-to-follow itineraries designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Cuba.

EXPLORING CUBA

Cuba boasts a remarkable capital city, gorgeous beaches, and exquisite colonial towns. Whether you simply want to immerse yourself in Havana or go farther afield, these two- and seven-day itineraries will help you make the most of this fascinating country.

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Two Days in Havana

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Day 1

Morning

Hop aboard the and enjoy an overview sightseeing tour of the entire city. You can alight at any sight you wish to visit; another bus will be along soon, and its all covered by one all-day ticket.

Afternoon

Visit the Modernist Palace of Fine Arts, part of the .

Day 2

Morning

Explore the quaint colonial plazas of , starting with Plaza de Armas and the Catedral de La Habana.

Trinidad is a pretty town where cobbled streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings.

Afternoon

Wander along , with its magnificent basilica.

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Seven Days in Cuba

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Days 1 and 2

Follow the two-day Havana itinerary.

Day 3

Visit the .

Day 4

Drive to .

Catedral de La Habana, a gorgeous Baroque edifice, is set in Old Havana.

Day 5

Journey via the scenic . Admire the citys recently spruced up historic center, being sure to include charming Plaza del Carmen.

Day 6

Start early and head across the Pedrapln to the . Laze on your choice of glorious beaches and swim in the warm turquoise sea at Playa ssde los Flamencos or on the island of Cayo Guillermo.

Cayo Guillermo offers white-sand beaches and perfect coral reefs.

Day 7

Head west to ) are interred.

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Top 10 Cuba Highlights

Catedral de La Habana, Havana

Top 10 Cuba Highlights

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LA HABANA VIEJA, HAVANA

With almost 1,000 buildings of historic importance, this intimate quarter is perhaps the largest and most complete colonial complex in the Americas. Like a peopled museum full of animated street life, Old Havana boasts an astonishing wealth of castles, churches, convents, palaces, and other important buildings spanning five centuries and subject to an ongoing restoration program. Easily walkable, the cobbled plazas and the narrow streets of La Habana Vieja exude charm.

NEED TO KNOW

Palacio de los Capitanes Generales: Plaza de Armas; adm CUC$3

Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Ass: Calle Oficios; adm CUC$2

Catedral de La Habana: Plaza de la Catedral, Empedrado

Calle Mercaderes

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: