Santiago de Cuba Things to Do

This is an old garrison that still appears to be guarding the entrance to the bay, even though the English pirates have long since sailed off into history. To reach the fort it is necessary to go to the outskirts of town and it... more

At the beginning of the 16th century the area now occupied by this park formed the boundaries of the Plaza de Armas (main city square) and around it were the principal buildings of the colonial settlement: church, town hall and... more

When the carnival begins in Santiago the whole city turns into one big party. Even the radio stations change their programming schedules. What most characterizes the carnival are the congas, which can be heard in areas such as... more

Just like its sister club in Havana, this cabaret under the stars epitomises Santiago's way of life: open and carefree. The show, with live music, borrows liberally from the Afro-Caribbean roots of the local culture, especially... more

This was the day, way back in 1953, when Cuban leader Fidel Castro along with 200 rebels attacked the army barracks at Moncada, Santiago in a bid to overthrow the then dictator, Batista. Although ineffective at the time, it pro... more

This was one of Cuba's very first museums, set up by Emilio Bacardí, and built by architect Carlos Segrera. Housed within the museum is a valuable collection covering the period between the Spanish conquest and the Wars of Inde... more

One of the most traditional nightclubs in Santiago, it is famous for its cabarets and shows. Just a short walk from the Balcón del Caribe Hotel and the Castillo del Morro castle, the venue is built on a natural terrace that jut... more

This festival is celebrated to commemorate 200 years of Haitian Independence. It is a joint effort by the Cuban Ministry of Culture, the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with th... more

The wooden panels of mahogany that cover the balconies and the stone walls reveal the age of this old town house. Although it has been restored, it still has part of the original roof, some walls, doors and the oven where gold... more