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Should I visit Cape Town or Havana? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck.
- Varadero
- Viñales
- Playas Del Este
- Matanzas
- Trinidad
- Las Terrazas
- Playa Jibacoa
- Cienfuegos
- Yumuri Valley
- Cojimar
As the best-known beach destination in Cuba, Varadero is a natural pick for a Havana day trip. Full of beach resorts and often part of vacation packages, Varadero is more of a relaxing escape than a cultural destination. Varadero is a peninsula with 20 kilometers of coastline lined with gorgeous white sand beaches. Lying back on the sand and enjoyi...
When the conversation turns to classic day tours from Havana, it’s only a matter of time before Viñales is brought up. This small town in Western Cuba sits on the edge of the Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is adored for its mostly untouched green plains full of towering limestone hills, and there are also coffee and tobacco ...
If all you want is a short trip from Havana, head for Playas del Este. Sometimes dubbed “the Havana Riviera,” this series of beaches is far more down-to-earth than the glitzy shores of Varadero, and it’s also closer to Havana. Playa Santa Maria del Mar is generally considered the nicest and most equipped of these beaches. You can visit this clean b...
In terms of culture, Matanzas makes one of the best side trips from Havana. This city on Cuba’s north coast has long been a haven for the island’s writers, poets, and musicians. It has several nicknames, including “the City of Bridges” for its 17 bridges, “the Venice of Cuba” for the waterfront created by its three rivers, and “the Athens of Cuba” ...
It may be a long day trip, but the old city of Trinidad is still one of the best places to visit from Havana. It sits just off the south coast near the middle of Cuba and is best known for its preserved colonial streets and architecture, which offer a glimpse into Cuba’s past and have earned Trinidad recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But...
For those looking to escape the city and experience the nature of Cuba, Las Terrazas is the perfect day trip. This ecovillage in the Sierra del Rosario mountains is at the heart of Cuba’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. What was once an artist colony is now a center for ecotourism that embraces the beautiful scenery around it. With whitewashed buil...
Probably the least known of the beach options on this list is Playa Jibacoa, a resort east of Havana past Playas del Este. Originally just a fishing village, Jibacoa has developed into a low-key destination for those who want to enjoy the beach in peace. Indeed, the main appeal of Playa Jibacoa is just how few people you’ll see there. You can choos...
The colorful city of Cienfuegos is another one of the best things to see in Cuba outside of Havana. Locals sometimes call this bayside city “the Pearl of the South,” and you’ll see why when you reach its historic center. Standing in Parque José Martí, the main square of Cienfuegos, you’ll be surrounded by vibrantly painted buildings that mostly dat...
Just outside the city of Matanzas lies the Yumurí Valley, another great destination to visit from Havana. Following the Yumurí River, this valley is lined on either side by high mountains that create a dramatic landscape. The valley opens out quite a lot, though, offering a wide rural plain dotted with palm trees. You can explore the Yumurí Valley ...
To see what Cuban village life is like and even find a Hemingway connection on your trip, journey to Cojímar just east of Havana. Cojímar really is just a fishing village, albeit a pretty one. The village’s claim to fame is being an inspiration for Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, which explains the statue of the writer near the waterfro...
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Is Cape Town a good place to visit?
Where to go on a Havana day trip?
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Is Cape Town a safe place to visit?
- However long you plan to stay, it will never be enough. Most people schedule four or five days in Cape Town. It’s enough time to get to the top of Table Mountain, visit the penguins, and maybe take a surf class or a Cape Malay cooking course.
- Grab an Uber into the city from the airport. Buses no longer service Cape Town International Airport, leaving fewer options for getting into the city center.
- Pack a change of clothes whenever you leave the house. Cape Town residents are very fond of saying that the city experiences four seasons in one day, and while visitors from the northern hemisphere might scoff at a Capetonian’s idea of winter, it’s true that the weather is capricious.
- Ask if there are any areas to avoid. Most Cape Town visits are incident-free, but it’s a good idea to get the lowdown on which areas to avoid from your host.
Sep 13, 2018 · Our top recommendations for the best things to do in Cape Town, South Africa, with pictures and travel tips. Find fun things to do, best places to visit, unusual things to do, and more for...
Oct 31, 2023 · Map & Neighborhoods. Photos. 14 Best Things To Do in Cape Town. Updated Oct. 31, 2023. The real question here is what can't you do in Cape Town. This is a city brimming with adventure,...
Jan 7, 2024 · Choose the best time for your visit to Cuba with this seasonal guide to lively festivals, top beach weather and budget prices. Tips & Advice 10 of the very best places to visit in Cuba
Jan 11, 2024 · This article was first published Apr 25, 2022 and updated Jan 11, 2024. Spend time at the beach, explore the historic old town and experience the city's vibrant nightlife: here are the best things to do in Havana.
