Places / North & Central America / Cuba
Santiago de Cuba
Not been yet
At a glance
- Country
- Cuba
- Region
- Santiago de Cuba Province
- Population
- 500,000
- Best time to go
- December to April
- Main airport
- Antonio Maceo (SCU)
- Coordinates
- 20.02°N, 75.82°W
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Cuba's second city sits on a deep bay hemmed in by the Sierra Maestra, and it feels more Caribbean than Havana: hotter, hillier and strongly shaped by African and Haitian influences. It's the birthplace of son music and the cradle of the revolution.
Expect steep streets, faded colonial houses and music on almost every corner. Allow time to sit in Parque Céspedes and watch the city go by.
Things to see
-
Photo: Glogg, Peter, Switzerland, CC BY 2.0 Castillo del Morro
A stepped Spanish fortress guarding the mouth of the bay, with dramatic sea views at sunset.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Edicion Jordi, Havana, Public domain Parque Céspedes
The central square, framed by the cathedral and the 16th-century home of conquistador Diego Velázquez.
-
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain Moncada Barracks
Fidel Castro's failed 1953 attack here launched the revolution; bullet holes still mark the walls.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Escla, CC BY-SA 4.0 Santa Ifigenia Cemetery
Resting place of José Martí and Fidel Castro, with a solemn changing of the guard.
-
Photo: Editorial Fotografico Mateos , Santiago, Public domain El Cobre basilica
Cuba's most important pilgrimage church sits in the hills west of the city, home to the patron saint's statue.
Things to do
-
Photo: Maesi64, CC0 Casa de la Trova
Hear traditional son and bolero in the city's most famous music house, a few steps from the main square.
-
Photo: DnTrotaMundos ☮, CC BY 3.0 Carnival
In July the streets erupt with drums, conga lines and costumed parades.
-
Photo: Lagaly_de (Sigi Knoll, Germany), CC BY-SA 3.0 Gran Piedra
Climb the steps to a huge boulder in the mountains east of the city for views across the coast.
Where to stay
Historic centre
Close to the squares and music venues, with many casas particulares.
Hotels in Historic centreTivolí
A hilly old quarter with views over the bay and a quieter feel.
Hotels in TivolíVista Alegre
Leafy, residential and calmer, with some grand old houses.
Hotels in Vista Alegre
Getting around
The centre is walkable but steep and hot; use taxis or bici-taxis for longer trips.
The airport is about 7 km south of the centre, roughly 20 minutes by taxi.
When to go
December to April is drier and slightly cooler. Summers are very hot and humid, though July brings the carnival. Hurricane season runs from June to November.
Plan your trip to Santiago de Cuba
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.