There is a colonial town in Cuba that every traveler to this country should visit. Founded in 1514 by Castilian conquistador Diego Velázquez, it is one of the three oldest settlements on the island. Spanish influences mingled with Cuban culture and a touch of African spirit here, creating a unique blend (not to be confused with explosive). Curious about this combination? Welcome to Trinidad. Here are 7 things you must do in this city to fully experience its atmosphere.
Wondering what to see in Cuba? Discover the best attractions of the largest Caribbean island!
Sit at the famous Plaza Mayor
Number 1. Plaza Mayor, the historic center of Trinidad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The square is surrounded by colorful buildings, including the Church of the Holy Trinity, Palacio Cantero, Casa de la MĂşsica, and the Romantic Museum. This spot invites you to relax under palm trees on ornate benches. Be sure to sit on one to soak in the charm of this place.
Santeria Israel – visit the Museum of SanterĂa
Number 2. Santeria Israel is a place of worship for followers of SanterĂa, a religion blending Catholic elements with African traditions. You’ll find crosses alongside depictions of black figures. At Santeria Israel, you’ll learn about the roots, development, and significance of this belief system in Cuban culture. Admire altars and statues representing Orishas – sacred figures – and learn about the ceremonies and rituals practiced by SanterĂa devotees.
Climb the observation tower
Number 3. The observation tower in central Trinidad offers the best panoramic views of this charming town. From its peak, you can gaze at the streets, houses, and courtyards, getting a glimpse of daily life. The most stunning view is of the Escambray Mountains, making Trinidad appear even more quaint and picturesque.
Dine at the famous La Bodeguita del Medio
Number 4. La Bodeguita del Medio in Trinidad is a “branch” of the renowned Havana eatery. It’s famous not only for traditional Cuban dishes but also for its signature blue walls filled with guest signatures. Cuban music adds to the ambiance. We enjoyed the vegetarian and vegan menu “on request” – it’s fresh and delicious. Highly recommended, especially if you skip it in Havana.
Try the local drink at La Canchanchara
Number 5. La Canchanchara, a legendary restaurant, serves a cocktail of the same name, made from white rum, honey, lime juice, and water. It’s a sweet, syrupy delight. Expect live music if you visit with a group, and be prepared to tip the performers. Immerse yourself in Cuban culture with all your senses. Cheers!
Admire the vintage cars on the streets
Number 6. As in Havana, Trinidad is a living automotive museum. Vibrant mid-20th-century cars perfectly complement pastel-colored buildings, giving the city a unique retro vibe. Despite their age, the cars are well-maintained and preserved, providing an extra attraction for visitors and a time-travel experience.
Marvel at the architecture and daily life
Number 7. Take a slow walk through Trinidad, observing its residents’ daily routines. Time flows noticeably slower here. Locals chat or play games while children play outside or enjoy soccer. With limited internet access on the island, you won’t see kids glued to phones. Another interesting sight is the plastic water tanks on rooftops, a typical Cuban solution for water heating.
Trinidad, Cuba – prices
Cuba is an affordable destination.
- Plaza Mayor is free to visit.
- Entry to Santeria Israel is also free.
- Climbing the Church of the Holy Trinity’s tower cost us a symbolic donation.
- A meal at La Bodeguita del Medio was around 20-40 PLN.
- The traditional drink Canchanchara cost 200 Cuban pesos (~35 PLN).
- Exploring cobblestone streets and admiring the city’s architecture and cars is entirely free.
Trinidad, Cuba – sightseeing time
- Our organized tour lasted about 4–5 hours.
- For those traveling independently, one full day is recommended.
- To enjoy the nightlife, including salsa rhythms with a drink, consider staying overnight. The city and its scenic surroundings can entertain you for 3–4 days.
Trinidad, Kuba – how to get?
- Plane. First, you need to get to the Caribbean. In our travel opinion, the most convenient option for you would be to fly to Havana or Varadero (we chose the latter option) and from there make a one-day trip to the province of Sancti SpĂritus. We opted for an organized optional trip offered by the travel agency.
- Bus. In Cuba, there is a carrier called Viazul, which operates between the largest cities in the country. However, buses run quite infrequently, especially outside the high tourist season. Therefore, it is worth booking seats well in advance. The travel time from Varadero is about 4-5 hours, and from Havana about 6-7 hours.
- Car. Renting a car in Cuba is reportedly not the best idea. Firstly, it’s a relatively expensive undertaking. Secondly, there’s a chance of unexpected problems with refueling on the route – it may turn out that there is a fuel shortage on the island, and you won’t be able to fill the tank for many kilometers. Thirdly, it requires a lot of formalities since state-run rental companies are reluctant and distrustful when renting cars to tourists. We know this information solely from residents’ accounts, as we neither needed a car nor attempted to rent one.
Trinidad – town of Cuba – tips
- Trinidad in the 18th century was renowned for its thriving sugar industry. In the surrounding areas, you’ll find numerous abandoned sugar cane plantations that have become popular tourist attractions. If you have extra time for sightseeing, make sure to visit the Museum of Sugar.
- Not far from Trinidad lies the beautiful Playa AncĂłn beach. Do you enjoy sunbathing and water sports? Then this is a must-visit spot for you.
- The steps where we took the photo at the top of this page aren’t here by chance. They are located at Plaza Mayor and hold significant cultural and tourist importance. In the evenings (and even late into the night), these steps become a gathering place for both tourists and locals. Musical and dance performances are held here first, and later the steps transform into an open-air dance floor.
- If you love travel, I can recommend you Polish documentary series “Woman at the End of the World” led by well-known traveler Martyna Wojciechowska. One of the episodes from the fifth season was filmed right here in Trinidad. Its protagonist is Violeta, a practitioner of SanterĂa. On camera, the priestess performs religious rituals, enters a trance, and offers animal sacrifices to the gods. She also claims she can communicate with the dead, predict the future, and divine with seashells.
- Trinidad is often called the “Cuban Venice.” This nickname isn’t due to cobblestone streets or the low, uniform architecture of the city center. Instead, it refers to an improperly designed drainage system. In the evenings, water flows through the streets, creating a scene just like the one in the photo below.
Trinidad, Cuba – opinions / reviews
- Patrix – 8/10. This place allows you to feel exceptional peace. Time passes slower here. Nobody is in a hurry. It’s beautiful! Works of art by local artists arouse fascination. Life that does not take place on smartphones which is completely unusual in Europe. The whole of Trinidad gives the impression that you can live completely differently than we do in Europe! I definitely recommend going here.
- Wiolczix – 8/10. How much I love these charming towns surrounded by mountains is something only those who have traveled with me truly understand! Trinidad in Cuba boasts simply stunning architecture. Its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and blooming flowers glowing in the light of the setting sun create a truly magical scene. Maybe I’m getting a bit poetic here, but this town is genuinely epic in its appearance. Canchanchara, the traditional local cocktail, is a delight – it warms the palate and tastes absolutely exquisite (remember to drink responsibly and treat it as a tasting experience). Another fascinating aspect for me was SanterĂa – if you’re interested in exploring different cultures or religions, I highly recommend delving deeper into this topic. The only sad thing we encountered here was the visible presence of poverty – many ill people asking for money or medicine. It’s something to be prepared for, so consider bringing cash or small items to share with the locals as a gesture of kindness.
Trinidad – a Cuban town – frequently asked questions
How old is Trinidad, Cuba?
The town of Trinidad was founded in 1514. As of 2025, it is 511 years old.
What is Trinidad, Cuba famous for?
The colonial town of Trinidad is best known for its historic Plaza Mayor, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A key feature of this area is the steps where tourists and locals gather to sit, dance salsa, sing, or enjoy drinks. The most famous local cocktail is the Canchanchara, a mix of rum, citrus, and honey. Trinidad is also a center of SanterĂa, an Afro-American religion with many followers in the provinces of Matanzas and Havana. The town is also renowned for its traditional lacework and has preserved its historic architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Additionally, it serves as a cultural hub where visitors can experience traditional Cuban music and dance.
Is Trinidad, Cuba safe?
Trinidad is considered a relatively safe tourist destination. As in other parts of the island, basic precautions are advisable. It’s important to keep valuable items out of sight and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Is Trinidad, Cuba worth visiting?
Absolutely, Trinidad is well worth a visit. It’s a fantastic destination, particularly for those interested in history, culture, and colonial architecture. The town offers a unique, intimate Cuban atmosphere. During the day, you can explore the town’s attractions, such as Plaza Mayor, Museo Romántico, Iglesia de la SantĂsima Trinidad, Museo HistĂłrico Municipal, and SanterĂa Israeli. Nearby sites like Valle de los Ingenios (Sugar Mill Valley), Playa AncĂłn beach, and Topes de Collantes National Park are also worth visiting. At night, you can dance salsa in local bars and clubs, such as Casa de la Trova and Casa de la MĂşsica. Trinidad’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site further enhances its appeal.
Trinidad, Cuba – map
The colonial town of Trinidad is located in central Cuba.