When you think of Cuba, you automatically think of the capital Havana. But the country has many other treasures that are a must see.

One of these treasures is the city of Cienfuegos on the south coast of the country. The comparatively smaller town enchants above all with its city center. Yet it presents a completely different picture of Cuba. Even before our arrival, we were told in Havana by our host giver:

You will like Cienfuegos, everything is much cleaner.

Because Cienfuegos is completely different and yet very similar. What we didn’t like in Havana, Cienfuegos didn’t have either. What we loved about Havana, we also found here.

Be it the Cuban architecture, the joie de vivre, or the people themselves. Cienfuegos presented all of this to us. On top of that, there is a completely different ambiance due to the proximity to the sea.

Since most visitors do not stay too long in the city, it is of course important to discover the most beautiful corners in the short time. This certainly includes the city center, where most of the life takes place. There is a wide range of restaurants and bars. You will also meet many Cubans, who pass the time playing dominoes in warm weather.

The José Martí Park and the Museo Provincial enchant with their beauty. A perfect place to spend relaxing evenings and enjoy your stay.

If you’re looking for something more Caribbean in ambiance, you’ll find everything your heart desires on the other side of town at the Palacio de Valle. Located directly on the coast, the view here is unforgettably beautiful.

Cuba is known for the possibility to stay in a Casa Particular. This means that you share the house with the locals. In the beginning, we were honestly a little critical of this accommodation option. But already after the first try, we liked it enormously. Nowhere else do you have the opportunity to experience the locals and their hospitality like sharing a house with them.

In doing so, you are placed in private bedrooms, sharing the rest of the house with your host. We were fortunate to encounter incredibly loving hosts. Wonderful breakfasts were always prepared for us with love. Staying in a casa particular is a perfect way to make your Cuba trip a very special experience.

We stayed at the beautiful Airbnb of Elena ↗ and can highly recommend it.

The prices are per person, except for the taxi and the accommodation, which we rent for 3 people.

Accommodation: $56 / night

Restaurant: $12 / meal

Snack: $7 / meal

Pleasure: $3 / event

Taxi: $5 / ride