If you are looking to visit a place that has its own controversies yet boasts of amazing scenery, look no farther than Cuba. This large Caribbean country is known for its rich history, beaches, vintage cars, cigars and rum. Its capital, Havana, has well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture within its core and salsa comes out from the city’s clubs. Checkout our curated list of the top travel must-sees while on the island.

By: Aphua Larbi-Amoah

Tropicana Club

This is a world-known cabaret and club in Cuba. The club has showgirls that are renowned for their voluptuousness. It is also one of the oldest clubs in Cuba and responsible for the spread of Cuban culture internationally. If you’re in the mood for some titillating performances, this is the place to be.

Cathedral Square (Plaza de la Catedral)

This is one of five main squares in Old Havana. The site for the building used to be a swamp that was drained in order to be used as a naval dockyard. It is an interesting place to see because it is the location of some of the city’s grandest mansions like Colonial Art Museum. There is even a statue of flamenco dancer, Antonio Gades, in front of the plaza.

Grand Theatre of Havana (Gran Teatro de La Habana)

If you are a lover of ballet, theatre and opera, this is the place for you. This theatre has been home to the Cuban National Ballet. It hosts the International Ballet Festival of Havana on its main stage. This theatre is located in a building constructed to serve as a social center for Galician immigrants. The facilities found in this theatre will make every theatre patron drool.

Look-Out Farm (Finca Vigia)

Literature enthusiasts would be in heaven in this place. Also called Lookout Farm, this was the home of famous novelist Ernest Hemingway. It is now used as a museum. It was at this place that Hemingway wrote For Whom The Bell Tolls and The Old Man And The Sea. This museum is open for visitors to look through the house that housed Hemingway in his latter years.

National Museum Of Fine Arts

If you want to get a feel of Cuban arts, this is the place to go. It is located in Havana and exhibits Cuban art collection from the colonial times up to contemporary generations. There are two impressive buildings for the museum. One that is exclusive for Cuban arts and the other for Universal arts.

El Nicho Falls

This waterfall located on the way from Cienfuegos to Trinidad has an exuberant compound of waterfalls and fabulous topography. At the mountains of El Nicho, you can hike through the caves, water fall bathing and track the mountain’s flora and fauna. Also, there is bird-watching in a protected sanctuary. The Cuban national bird, the Tocororo, lives in this mountains.

The Malecon

This is a broad esplanade, roadway and seawall which stretches for 8km (5miles) along the coast of Havana. This stretch is developing and tourists are sure to find new shops and places of interests. At night, this place comes to life and very busy. Therefore an ideal place for someone who wants a different experience.

Varadero Beach

Located in the province of Matanzas, Varadero is the most famous beach resort in Cuba, and one of the largest resorts in the Caribbean. Also known as ‘Blue Beach’ because of its clear, calm waters, Varadero is fronted by a 20km (12-mile) fine white sandy beach, which is bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The beach, Varadero’s main attraction, is the ‘backyard’ of all hotels in Varadero, whose 20km (12 miles) of turquoise water and sandy beach allow tourists to take long walks along the ocean.

Cayo Santa Maria

This is an island off Cuba’s north central coast. This island is well known for its white-sand beaches and luxury all-inclusive resorts. Patrons will be treated to activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing. This place is also an ideal location for a honeymoon.

Old Havana

This is the city-center (downtown) and one of the 15 municipalities (or boroughs) forming Havana, Cuba. The positions of the original Havana city walls are the modern boundaries of Old Havana. This place is noted for its various forts that was built to protect the city. These fortresses include Castillo del Morro, La Cabana, San Salvador de la Punta fortress, and Castillo de la Real Fuerza. This place will be a haven for history lovers.

House of Rum

Calling all alcohol lovers! This place is sure to be paradise for people who enjoy their liquor. When going to the House of Rum, be prepared to taste delicious varieties of rum made in Cuba. The variations of rum is explained, as is the whole process of making rum. This makes the visit also very educational. There are certain special liquor found in this house that cannot be found at the airports nor the resorts.

Cuban Cigars

One cannot simply go to Cuba without sampling the cigars they are world famous for. Cuban Cigars are known for their quality because they are hand-rolled. They can be found when you go to the House of Rum or in pubs.