Santiago de Cuba

Introduction

You will find Santiago de Cuba situated in the southeastern region of the island. Located a significant distance from the capital of Havana, this city serves as the provincial capital and is one of the largest urban centers in the country.

Before you go

Before you arrive in Santiago, you can reflect on its significant role in history as the location where the Cuban Revolution began during the 1950s.

You will find yourself in Cuba's second city, a location deeply tied to the legacy of Fidel Castro.

Getting there

You can reach Santiago de Cuba by bus, with several daily departures from the train station connecting you to Havana, Baracoa, and Trinidad. While the local bus from Havana takes about 15 hours, an express overnight option reduces that time. If you arrive at the 1 Astrobus station, you will need a taxi to reach the city center. Alternatively, you can travel by train; the Tren Francés offers refurbished coaches on a route from Havana via Matanzas, Santa Clara, and Camagüey, while another express train provides an alternative route with more stops. Because schedules are often in flux, check your itinerary in advance before traveling by rail. If you arrive at the 2 train station, expect to take a taxi or bici-taxi to reach your accommodations.

Flying into Antonio Maceo Airport provides direct connections from Havana and Port-au-Prince. You may also choose to fly into Holguin Airport and take a shared taxi ride to reach the city.

Getting around

You can explore most of the historical center on foot, which serves as your primary way to navigate this area. When you need to travel further away, taxis are available throughout the city and can provide transportation for an entire day.

You can find many taxis stationed in the area between Plaza de Marte and Parque Cespédes.

Where to stay

You can choose between staying in a traditional colonial house or selecting a room through peer-to-peer booking websites. When booking a casa particular, it is often best to make a phone call once you are in Cuba rather than relying on email.

• Casa Elma & David offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning and balconies in a central location near Parque Céspedes.
• Hostal Las Terrazas provides a setting in the heart of the old city featuring roof gardens, exotic plants, and views of the harbour and mountains.
• Casa Colonial 'Maruchi' features a large open atrium filled with tropical plants.
• Sres. Odalys López Rodrígez Miguel Angel (Chichi) is a colonial house noted for its friendly hosts and excellent food.
• Sra. Vilma de los Milagros Román Jaén provides a clean room with air conditioning and friendly hosts who speak English.
• Ing. Ruben Camara Pascual and Lic. Caridad Arafet Arafet provide rooms with hot water, private bathrooms, and security.
• A casa particular in the reparto Sueño area offers full meal services and laundry.
• Hotel Casa Granda is a historic hotel located on the main square.

Food & drink

You can sample local specialties such as lechón, Cuban-style fried fish, Cuban-style fried chicken, and chichurrones at a street fair held on Avenida Victoria de Garzón every Saturday and Sunday. For an authentic evening experience, visit the cervecerias along Avenida Jesús Menéndez near the harbor.

What to see and do

Explore the historical center to find Parque Céspedes, a picturesque area featuring the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, various museums, and nearby pubs. While this central park is a bustling intersection filled with traffic, street music, and street sellers, it holds historical significance as the site where victory was announced in 1959. You can also visit Plaza de Marte on the opposite side of the historic center or head to Balcon de Velazquez for a terrace overlooking the bay. For a different atmosphere, San Juan Hill offers views, monuments, and old cannons, while the Museo Provincial "Emilio Bacardí Moreau" provides a cultural stop within the city.

Venturing further afield, you can visit the Castillo San Pedro de la Roca or head into the mountains to see La Gran Piedra. This large rock is situated near a botanical garden and offers a refreshing atmosphere in the highlands. For a more unusual experience, travel to Valle de la Prehistoria, a remote theme park featuring statues of prehistoric creatures and a cafe inspired by cartoon aesthetics. If you prefer to stay closer to the city's cultural scene, enjoy live music and drinks at Casa de la Trova.

Three days in Santiago de Cuba

Day one, you can explore the historic heart of Santiago. You might visit Parque Cespédes or find your way to Plaza de Marte.

Day two, you can discover more of the local area and stay at a Casa Colonial or Hostal Las Terrazas.

Day three, you can enjoy the surroundings before preparing for your next journey beyond Santiago.