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-   -   Favourite Cuban Cities/Towns (https://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/favourite-cuban-cities-towns-1718406/)

Johnabbotsford Nov 27th, 2023 10:31 PM

Have trouble remembering what I had for dinner last night mate!
Oh yes it was actually lobster and a mango salad here in Melbourne, Australia lol!
But can’t remember when we met up In Bayamo.
Been there 3 times.
Once asked K if she would like to live there and she said no you have to move closer to Habana not further away (from Camaguey).
Certainly loved Bayamo - a reasonably sized place with restaurant options, very clean and nice people who did not rely on tourists.

GengenCuba Nov 29th, 2023 03:08 AM

There are a lot of prejudices and even racism in Cuba. People always assume that the closer to Habana, the better. Which is absolutly not the case.

When my then partner and I moved from Santa Clara to Camaguey, his family and friends in Santa Clara thought we were crazy. Then some came to visit, to others we showed pictures of everything Camaguey had, and they agree it was a better place to live then Santa Clara.

So someone from Camaguey going to live in Bayamo would be considered to have lost its mind! ☺️

Johnabbotsford Nov 29th, 2023 01:41 PM

What a lovely, entertaining thread this has turned out to be.
Vale Thorntree!

Lebay Dec 1st, 2023 02:48 AM

Thanks for the welcome, CW! (Late reply, sorry).
Yeah, I agree that Bayamo is much more tranquil - probably "boring" to some - than other cities in Cuba (which is my preference), however, on a Saturday night, provided it's not raining, the Céspedes Park (Plaza de la Revolución) is lit, to use that word, lol.
This weekly streetparty is called Fiesta de la Cubanía.
On a Saturday night last September, before flying back to Europe the next day, I was sitting in the park with my Cuban friend, and it was a wild cacophony of reggaetón, salsa, old Mexican music, screaming children, street sellers and every other noise one could imagine.

SimonT Dec 14th, 2023 09:46 AM

Holguin and Santa Clara are also a couple of good ones. Both get a fair amount of resort people coming out for day trips. Santa Clara probably gets more tourists because of its Che attractions. The large student population makes it a lively place at night. Like most Cuban towns/cities the dining scene isn't great. Holguin actually has a few good restaurants and a good nightlife scene as well. By the way CW, your wigs and sunglasses won't help you. I would recognize your drunken stagger.

CubanWaters Dec 14th, 2023 07:53 PM


​​​​​......Vale Thorntree!....
Yes John, there seems to be a resemblance.

+=+=+=+=+=+

Lebay - Yes, Céspedes Park in front of the Hotel Royalton in Bayamo can get lively at night. It's a nice hang-out. Not un-like Céspedes Park in Santiago.

+=+=+=+=+=+



Holguin and Santa Clara.....
Simon, I have enjoyed the nightlife and dining scene in Holguin city many a time over the years. It's not bad there....at all. Haven't been to Santa Clara since 2006 but just might pop in for a night or two this up-coming trip.


....I would recognize your drunken stagger.....
I'll lay off the booze then, if I suspect that you are around! :lol:

SimonT Jan 1st, 2024 08:55 AM

You should be safe from me stalking you in Cuba CW. If I go in January it won't be until the end of the month.

Canadian_Guy1000 Jan 9th, 2024 05:35 AM

1. Trinidad. I loved walking through this city and just admiring its original architecture. Besides, it’s close to many resorts which is a huge advantage.

2. Camagüey. I often get lost in its maze-like, crooked streets. Its architecture is awesome.

3. Cienfuegos. We spent 1 week staying in the Jagua Hotel and explored the city every day, mainly by foot. A gem!

4. Santiago de Cuba. A beautiful city, with so many landmarks to see.



Of course, I was absolutely impressed by Havana. In 2009 we went for the first time to Cuba and spent one week in the rather “infamous” Hotel Tropicoco. Every day we took the bus to Havana and explored it by the hop-on-hop-off bus, by foot and even by a horse carriage. I wish I could spend another week in this very special city!

CubanWaters Oct 5th, 2025 10:40 PM

Hola to all the people who contributed to this thread. Where have some of you been hiding?

We have a new recent thread going on the same topic where folks are listing their top 5 Cuban cities.

https://www.fodors.com/community/car...ities-1732863/

Give it a try if you feel so much as like doing so.


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