Holguín is a city in eastern Cuba, with a downtown core of parks, galleries, a library, a theatre, a cinema and several museums, and a landmark hill, the Loma de la Cruz, that you can climb by its many stairs for a view over the whole city. It is served by Frank País Airport, which has flights to Havana and to several destinations in Canada and Europe, so it works as a base for a stay in this part of the island.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself. The city's own layout gives you two clear choices: the downtown area, where the parks and cultural venues are grouped together, and the areas outside the city, where the beach resorts sit. This guide covers those options, what each suits, and how the accommodation levels compare.
Best areas to stay in Holguín
1. Downtown Holguín
The downtown area is where the city's parks and cultural life are concentrated. Parque Calixto García is the most central of them, and close by you find the Centro Provincial de Arte and Bayado galleries, a library, the Casa de la Trova club, the Martí cinema, the Eddy Suñol theatre, the La Periquera museum, a science museum and a history museum. Staying here puts the sights within the same compact area and suits first-time visitors who want to walk between them.
It also suits anyone who wants to be in the city rather than on the coast. Note that the Loma de la Cruz, one of the city's best-known landmarks, is reached by climbing its many stairs, so a downtown base means the hill is an outing on foot rather than something on your doorstep.
2. The beach resort areas outside the city
The sources name Playa Pesquero, Sol Rio de Lunas y Mares Resort, Rio de Oro and El Pernik in connection with sleeping in the Holguín area. These are resort areas rather than city neighbourhoods, and they suit travellers who want a beach-based stay and are content to be away from the downtown parks, galleries and theatres.
If you base yourself here, plan on the resort area providing what you need for the day, and treat the city and its cultural venues as a separate trip. The airport, Frank País, is the arrival point for the flights from Havana, Canada and Europe that bring most visitors to this part of Cuba.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: expect the simplest rooms, with fewer facilities and less choice of location; you may need to accept a base further from the venues you want to visit.
- Mid-range: a broader choice of location, including the downtown area close to the parks and museums, with more space and comfort than the cheapest rooms.
- Splurge: the resort areas outside the city, where a beach-based stay with the fullest range of on-site facilities is the trade-off for being away from the downtown sights.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown Holguín is the best base for a first visit. The parks, galleries, library, club, cinema, theatre and museums are grouped together there, with Parque Calixto García at the centre, so you can see the city's main sights without long transfers. It also keeps you within reach of the Loma de la Cruz for the climb and the view over the city.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport serves Holguín?
Frank País Airport serves the city, with flights to Havana and to several destinations in Canada and Europe.
How do I get around Holguín?
Local transport includes buses, bicitaxi and taxi.
What is there to see in the downtown area?
The downtown area holds several small city parks, most centrally Parque Calixto García, along with the Centro Provincial de Arte and Bayado galleries, a library, the Casa de la Trova club, the Martí cinema, the Eddy Suñol theatre, the La Periquera museum, a science museum and a history museum.
Is the Loma de la Cruz easy to reach?
It is one of the city's best-known landmarks and is ascended by climbing its many stairs, from the top of which the whole city can be seen.
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