Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba is the second largest and most Caribbean city of Cuba and offers you colonial buildings, different museums and revolutionary monuments.
Outside the city, you will find a variety of possibilities to hike, swim and visit.

Getting there and away
See our Transport Page

Accommodation
See  Accommodation in Santiago de Cuba

Restaurants and Paladares
See Restaurants and Paladares in Santiago de Cuba

Sightseeing

Moncada Barracks
the place where Castro and his rebels took their first attack on Batista on 26-7-1953. (Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm)

Museo de la Lucha Clandestina
describes the underground opposition against Batista (Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5 pm).

Plaza de la Revolución and Plaza de Marte.

Cementerio Santa Ifigenia
famous cementery with tombs from for example José Martí and Emilio Bacardí and graves from those who fought for the case of revolution.

Balcón de Velázquez
offers a good view on the harbor of Santiago.

Padre Pico
the steepest street with steps in Santiago.

Hotel Santiago de Cuba
Disco, swimming pool, Italian restaurant and an excellent view on the city from the rooftop bar.

El Parque Céspedes with the Casa de Diego Velázquez, museum with a collection of colonial furniture (daily 9 am to 5 pm) and the Catedral de San Juan de Santiago.

Museo Municipal Bacardí
private art and antique collection of Emilio Bacardí. Bacardí Rum Factory, the original rum factory of Emilio Bacardí.

Museo del Carnaval
history of the carnaval in Santiago which happens during the last week of july (daily 9am to 5pm).

Around Santiago de Cuba

La basilica de Nuestra Señora del Cobre (20km from Santiago de Cuba)
It's a church situated in the village El Cobre and well known as the pilgrimage site of Cuba. At the back of the church is a room where you can see the offers (medals, coins, photos...) brought by the faithful to thank the holy virgin.

From the area around the church, you will have a good view on the only coppermine in Cuba.

Castillo de San Pedro del Morro (10km from Santiago de Cuba)
A coastal castle built on a hill to protect the harbor of Santiago de Cuba against pirates. Inside is a museum "Museo de la Piratería" (daily 9am to 5pm). From the castle you have a splendid view on the harbor and surroundings.

La Gran Piedra (28km from Santiago de Cuba)
It's a giant rock (1214m, part of the Sierra Maestra mountains) from which the top can be climbed up by steps. From the top you have a good view on the sea and mountains especially early in the morning (less clouds).

Valle de la Prehistoria
an area with 170 concrete animals and people dating back to the prehistoric period. Some have an altitude of 2 to 3 metres. It's just like being on a visit at the Flintstones.

Playa Siboney (19km from Santiago de Cuba)
A small clean beach only visited by the Cubans. Good choice to relax a day with the locals.