5 Best Sights in Eastern Cuba, Cuba

In the sugar country outside Manzanillo this farm is where poet, patriot, and cane farmer Carlos Manuel de Céspedes freed his slaves and called for rebellion against Spain. There's a large monument at the entrance to the estate, and you can see the bell used by Céspedes to summon his slaves to freedom. The Museo Histórico La Demajagua, in Céspedes's former home, displays documents, photos, and other artifacts.

To reach the Monumento Celia, a monument to revolutionary hero Celia Sánchez, a longtime confidante of Fidel Castro, you climb a beautiful staircase lined with Moorish-style residences.

The museum has displays on local history and popular culture. One exhibit is dedicated to Taty Labernia, who was so famous for her renditions of boleros (traditional Cuban songs descended from troubadour ballads) that she was known as "La Reina del Bolero" (The Queen of the Bolero).

The main plaza, Parque Céspedes, is the best place to experience Manzanillo's unique sense of style. It's dominated by a central bandstand, with colorful, intricately painted tiles and a domed top. Many of the fine buildings surrounding the plaza are Moorish-inspired. You'll also find a café, an art gallery, shops, and the Casa de la Cultura, which has art exhibits, live-music shows, and other cultural events.

Wandering the bay-side malecón and exploring its adjacent Parque de Recreación Bartolomé Masó is a great way to spend an afternoon. This small park features rides and snack vendors in a shady clearing on the shore. It's lit up at night and is particularly lively on weekends.