Santiago de Cuba Province

Best things to do in Santiago de Cuba Province

Santiago de Cuba's Absolute Essentials

Santiago de Cuba serves as a focal point for the nation's revolutionary and musical heritage. This collection features the 16th-century Casa de Diego Velázquez, the oldest house in Cuba, and the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, the resting place of José Martí. Significant religious landmarks include the pilgrimage site of El Cobre and the neoclassical cathedral. Visitors can also explore historic battlefields like Loma de San Juan and cultural centers dedicated to Afro-Cuban traditions and the city's vibrant dance scene.

Santiago de Cuba's Absolute Essentials — Map

DnTrotaMundos ☮ / CC BY 3.0

A

Cementerio Santa Ifigenia

Burial ground that was built to accomodate victims of the war of independence.

Dr. Vladimir Iván / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Neoclassical cathedral situated in the heart of Parque Céspedes, featuring a facade with twin bell towers and an interior housing an ecclesiastical museum.

BluesyPete / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Our Lady of Charity

The Basílica Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre is a Roman Catholic minor basilica dedicated to the Blessed…

nurzumspass / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Casa de Diego Velázquez

The oldest house of Cuba, built already in 1522! Used to be an official residence of the first Cuban governor, now museum of furnishing and…

Christian Pirkl / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Loma de San Juan

Historical site of the 1898 battle during the Spanish-American War, now a memorial park with monuments and cannons commemorating the conflict.

F

Steps of Padre Pico

One of the best known streets of Santiago that consists of 52 steps, with an excellent lookout. Come to see its charm!

G

Balcón de Velázquez

An 18th-century lookout point built on the site of a former fort, offering panoramic views over the harbor and the Tivolí district.

H

Balcon de Velazquez

Stone lookout point providing elevated views of the Santiago de Cuba bay and the surrounding historic neighborhood.

I

Casa del Caribe

Take a dance lessons in conga, son or salsa and impress your friends with wild moves when you come back home!

J

Teatro Martí

Neoclassical theater building that serves as a central venue for local cultural performances and orchestral concerts.

K

Folklórico "Ika Ché"

Cultural space dedicated to the preservation and performance of traditional Afro-Cuban dance and percussion.

Thomas Hönicke / CC-BY-SA

L

Emilio Bacardí y Moreau

Final resting place of the rum magnate and first mayor of Santiago de Cuba, located within the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery.