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Why Cienfuegos is Basically Cuba's Paris

ViaHero
October 18, 2018

If you're looking for Paris with a Cuban twist, then you're looking for things to do in Cienfuegos. In Cienfuegos, the elegant French spirit mingles with the feisty Caribbean persona to make a beguiling, laid-back coastal city with a solid food scene, beautiful beaches, and fabulous nightlife. It’s an easy place to spend a few days or more. There aren’t many sights, per se, but there are plenty of activities, namely, walking, eating, shopping, listening to music, and soaking up the sun. Wander along the bay or through the well-organized streets and take in the 19th-century Spanish architecture named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. This is a particularly good place to stay in a casa particular with a friendly, outgoing host who might recommend some things to do in Cienfuegos or make you a cup of coffee and tell you some local legends.

After you've read about the awesome things to do in Cienfuegos, feel free to contact us with any questions you have about traveling to Cuba!

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Table of Contents

Teatro Tomas Terry

Teatro Tomas Terry things to do in Cienfuegos Cuba

Part France, part Italy, and completely Cuban, this grand theater deserves a stop whether or not there’s a show going on. The front facade of Teatro Tomas Terry glitters with gold-leaf mosaics while inside Carrara marble and Cuban hardwood carvings make a royal statement. Plays and concerts do still take place here; if you are able to see one you’re in for even more of a treat. The box office is open daily.

Cementario La Reina

Walking through the tall, white monuments in one of the city's oldest cemeteries is one of the more local things to do in Cienfuegos. All of the bodies are interred above ground because of the high groundwater levels. Many Spanish soldiers from the Wars of Independence rest in these tombs as well. Tours are available if you wish to learn more about the history of the place.

Cabaret Tropisur

Top-notch dancers, vibrant local music, and bright costumes are the highlight of the 300 CUP show at Cabaret Tropisur. Enjoy dinner and drinks with the show for a reasonable price. For a real treat, pair any of the fish dishes with a rum-based cocktail like a mojito. 

Patio de ARTex

Palacio de Valle things to do in Cienfuegos, Cuba

Son and salsa music reign on this patio. Stopping in for a drink to relax and hear traditional Cuban music is a popular thing to do in Cienfuegos for locals and travelers alike! This spot is particularly lively on Friday evenings. This is the thing to do in Cienfuegos.

Birding at Laguna Guanaroca

Take an early morning tour of Laguna Guanaroca to see the flock of flamingoes that often lingers here. Your guide will also help you identify anything you see like snowy egrets and anhingas. The tour costs 1000 CUP and is partly on land and partly by rowboat. It takes about two hours and the site opens at 8 am. Get there as close to eight as possible and then consider continuing on to Rancho Luna as you're part of the way there already. 

Rancho Luna

This beach resort town is just a few kilometers south of Cienfuegos. Hop over for a day trip from Cienfuegos or even a night or two on the beautiful Rancho Luna beach for an experience much quieter than those that you’ll find in Varadero. Snorkeling the coral reef that protects the beach is a highlight of a visit here. When looking for things to do in Cienfuegos, think of Paris.

Last, but not least... Food!

You’re in the Paris of Cuba so it should come as no shock that it’s one of the best foodie cities in Cuba. The best of the best is in the Punta Gorda area of Cienfuegos. At the end of the Malecon, walk towards the water to reach Club Cienfuegos, a perfect spot for a sunset drink. For great seafood with a view of the bay and a nice glass of wine, Finca del Mar is the place to go. Meanwhile, Restaurante Villa Lagarto is known for excellent service, and spectacular roast pork, and lobster dishes.

Have more questions about Cuba? Here is a list of local Cuban Travel Experts who can help you or you can chat with us to get answers to any questions you have.  And before your trip, make sure to check out:

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