Things To Do
in Guantánamo
Guantánamo sits on Cuba's eastern tip, anchored by a natural harbor and a quiet colonial heart. The city blends Afro-Cuban, Spanish, and Caribbean influences in its architecture, music, and daily life. Visitor amenities are modest but sincere, with markets and casas particulares offering authentic experiences.
Beyond the city, lush landscapes and coastline invite day trips and discoveries.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day in the heart of Guantánamo by visiting the Plaza de la Revolución, where you can admire the iconic statue of José Martí. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets lined with colonial architecture and vibrant murals. Stop by a local café for a traditional Cuban breakfast of tostadas and café con leche.
After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Museo Provincial de Guantánamo to delve into the rich history and culture of the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to view the impressive collection of artifacts that showcase the indigenous, colonial, and revolutionary eras. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a walk along the historic Calle de los Cuentos, a street famous for its storytelling performances.
For dinner, try the local delicacies at a nearby paladar, where you can savor dishes like ropa vieja and congrí. After your meal, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the local music scene by visiting a nearby bar featuring traditional Cuban music. Cap off the night with a leisurely stroll through the colorful streets, taking in the sounds and sights of Guantánamo after dark.
Start your day by visiting the bustling Mercado de Guantánamo, where local vendors sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Cuban products. Engage with friendly locals as you browse through their stalls, sampling fresh fruits and homemade snacks along the way. Make sure to pick up some unique souvenirs to remember your trip.
After exploring the market, enjoy a traditional Cuban lunch at a local eatery, sampling dishes such as picadillo or lechón asado. Spend the afternoon visiting artisan workshops in the area, where you can see skilled craftsmen creating beautiful pottery and textiles. Don't miss the opportunity to chat with the artisans and learn about their techniques and inspirations.
As evening descends, return to the market for a lively atmosphere filled with music and dance. Enjoy a delicious street food dinner, sampling local specialties like empanadas and yuca frita while mingling with locals. End the night by attending a spontaneous salsa dance performance that often pops up in the market square.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🚖Taxi ride (short within city) | $2-6 |
| 🧃Coffee or soft drink | $1-3 |
| 🏡Monthly apartment rent (in-city) | $250-500 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, unhurried Cuban culture and hospitality
- Less crowded than Havana with authentic experiences
- Fewer tourist services and limited English-speaking staff
- Less developed infrastructure in some areas
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "No entiendo" - I don’t understand
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Guantánamo
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden hour views over Guantánamo Bay with fishing boats and palm silhouettes.
Colorful facades, arches, and a sense of the city’s history.
Overlook the bay and surrounding hills for sweeping landscape shots.
Food in Guantánamo
Guantánamo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shredded beef in tomato sauce served with rice and beans.
Must-Try!
Black beans and white rice cooked with garlic and herbs.
Ground beef cooked with olives, capers, and raisins, served with rice or potatoes.
Rice with chicken, saffron, peppers, and peas.
Fried plantains and cassava with garlicky mojo sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market with produce, seafood, and prepared foods to sample on the spot.
Casual bites like empanadas, frituras, and grilled skewers near the main squares.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake, eye contact, and verbal greetings in Spanish (Buenos días, buenas tardes) are common.
Address elders with courtesy and avoid raising voices in public.
Music is a shared social activity; join in politely but avoid interrupting performances.
Safety
Tipping in Guantánamo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants, bars, and hotels; round up or leave 5–10% where appropriate.
Cash remains widely used; credit cards are less accepted; carry small denominations in Cuban pesos (CUP) or convertible pesos (CUC) where relevant; some places accept cards if tied to tourism networks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid days with afternoon showers; stay hydrated and protect from sun; early mornings offer good light.
Milder temperatures, clearer skies, and pleasant day trips; evenings may be cool.
Be aware of tropical storms; monitor forecasts and have a flexible plan.
Guantánamo at Night
Hiking in Guantánamo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A famous cloud forest area offering lush trails and dramatic waterfalls, reachable as a longer day trip.
Gentle ridge trails with sea views and wildlife. Suitable for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Guantánamo by plane.
Local domestic flights; short transfers to the city.
Major international gateway for the region; 3–4 hours by road with scenic coastal routes.
Another regional hub; longer drive but larger selection of international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly mixed Afro-Cuban and European heritage with rural and coastal communities.
A significant share of residents live in towns and farms outside the city center, preserving regional customs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The national pastime, widely played and watched.
A popular sport with local gyms and community events.
Common in schools and public spaces; casual leagues and pickup games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guantánamo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose bean dishes, rice, vegetables, plantains, and occasionally fried cassava; ask for cheese or egg toppings and avoid meat stock.