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Trinidad – Cobblestones, Music Everywhere, And A Dancing Cave
Trinidad is a jewel, an absolute one-of-a-kind. Stroll through the narrow, hilly cobblestone streets, along with the colorful houses with terracotta tile roofs. The beautifully restored colonial buildings exude a picturesque flair. Trinidad feels a bit like a medieval fairy tale. Listen to the chirping of birds, the clatter of hooves, and the wheels of carriages. As you do, music streams throughout the city.
Trinidad is very popular with tourists, and you can immediately understand why. It's a magical place that exudes tranquility despite its popularity. If you are looking for souvenirs, you will definitely find the most beautiful ones here. The souvenir and artists' markets offer an excellent and unique selection.
The choice of restaurants here is enormous, and almost every global cuisine is represented here. How about Spanish tapas in the middle of an old castle ruin? Or Italian pasta on a delightfully ornate balcony surrounded by a sea of flowers?
Just in time for sunset, the city awakens a bit more. The meeting point par excellence is, without question, the Spanish staircase in front of the Casa de la Musica. Young and old, tourists and Cubans, meet here and enjoy the sunset with a mojito in their hand.
The many bars with fantastic live music provide for long Cuban nights in which everyone shakes a leg. It gets really fancy in a cave, Disco Ayala, better known as La Cueva, is a nightclub. Locals and tourists are partying here together. Trinidad is pure music and serenity, pure Cuban joie de vivre, and musical culture at its best.
- Tickets: Find the best tours in Trinidad
- Discover: More destinations, tips and tour reports in our ultimate Cuba itinerary
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Top Things to Do on a Map
Sunscreen and comfortable shoes are a must here because it is uphill and downhill over cobblestones. The days and evenings are unique, and the excursions around Trinidad like Playa Ancon or the National Park Topes de Collantes are incredible.
- Tip: Plan at least 2 full days for Trinidad's city center - and a little more, you will certainly not regret it here
1 - Plaza Mayor
The center of the city. Surrounded by stately houses that have been lovingly restored.
2 - Convento De San Francisco De Asis
The tower is the landmark of Trinidad. It is even depicted on the 25 centavos coin. In the monastery, you can see the history of the fight of the revolutionaries against “bandits,” and in the courtyard, there are still old cannons. But in the end, everyone wants only one thing: to go up to the tower and enjoy the view – which is absolutely impressive. The admission is around 2 USD.
3 - Iglesia Parroquial De La Santísima
The wooden statue of Christ, El Señor de la Vera Cruz, of this church has a very special history. Because actually, the statue was supposed to go to Mexico, but the ship was prevented from doing so three times by terrible weather. So now the statue is in Trinidad.
4 - Museo De Arquitectura Colonial
The Museum of Colonial Architecture houses two connected blue buildings from the 18th century. It displays examples of indigenous architecture from the colonial period: walls, ceilings, carved doors, wrought ironwork…
5 - Museo Histórico Municipal
The museum of the city's history is definitely worth a visit. If only for the view from the tower. The view from the terrace is also great. Admission is approx. 2 US-Dollar.
6 - Museo Romántico
One of the richest families of Trinidad lived here. During a tour, you will get an idea of the luxurious life. You will find here porcelain, glass, furniture, artworks, and other items owned by the Brunet family and other local elite.
Transport
Arrival
With Viazul buses, you arrive comfortably in Trinidad, and the stop is very central. Alternatively, arrive by rental car or colectivo.
- Tip: You can book bus tickets online at Viazul or at the Transtur office
How To Get Around
In the city center, there are no cars, but carriages and small mopeds. You can reach everything easily on foot. Since Trinidad is hilly and cobblestone, wear sturdy shoes with tread. You can also take a bici-taxi to and from the bus station.
Where to Stay
The choice of Casa Particulares in Trinidad is enormous, and one is more excellent than the other. Some hotels in Trinidad are also fantastic. In this city, you are “spoiled for choice.”
- Tip: Check out good hotels in Trinidad and the largest selection of Casa Particulares in Trinidad
What to Eat & Drink in Trinidad: A Taste of Colonial Charm
Trinidad is a true foodie mecca, offering a remarkably diverse and high-quality culinary scene that stands out in Cuba. Here, beautiful courtyard gardens, ornate colonial balconies, and atmospheric castle ruins become your dining room.
The city is less about a single signature dish and more about the incredible atmosphere and unique local drinks.
1. The Canchánchara: Trinidad's Signature Cocktail
This is the one drink you absolutely must try in Trinidad. The Canchánchara is a historic cocktail, said to be the oldest in Cuba, once enjoyed by the 19th-century independence fighters.
Head to the famous Bar La Canchanchara to try the authentic version. Served in a small, traditional clay bowl, it’s a potent and refreshing mix of aguardiente (sugarcane liquor), honey, fresh lime juice, and water. It's a true taste of Trinidad's history.
2. Fresh Seafood, Especially Lobster (Langosta)
Thanks to its proximity to the Caribbean coast, Trinidad is one of the best places in Cuba to enjoy fresh seafood. The star of the show is often Langosta (spiny lobster), which you'll find on the menu of many paladares.
It's typically grilled with garlic and butter or served in a rich tomato-based creole sauce. Enjoying a lobster dinner in a romantic, candlelit courtyard is a quintessential Trinidad experience.
3. International Cuisine with a Cuban Twist
Unlike many other Cuban cities, Trinidad boasts a fantastic selection of international restaurants. After many days of traditional Cuban food, it can be a delightful change to enjoy excellent Spanish tapas, authentic Italian pasta, or other global cuisines.
These restaurants often occupy stunningly restored colonial buildings, making the dining experience as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
4. A Sunset Mojito on the Spanish Steps
While the Mojito is a Cuban classic, the best place to drink one in Trinidad is on the famous Spanish Steps next to the Casa de la Musica. Just before sunset, this area comes alive.
Grab a refreshing Mojito from one of the outdoor bars, find a spot on the steps, and watch the city glow as you listen to the live salsa music that fills the air. It’s less about the drink itself and more about the unforgettable cultural experience.
Our Insider Tips on a Map
1 - Buying Souvenirs In Cuba? In Trinidad, You Can Find The Most Beautiful
If you want to bring back something typically Cuban for yourself or your loved ones, you should definitely visit the Mercados Populares de Artesania. It is located east of the Plaza Mayor, and there you will find a huge selection of the most beautiful souvenirs of Cuba.
Don't forget to bargain. The market itself is surrounded by cute little stores where you can also find really cool and fancy stuff. Pictures and handicrafts you can get at the Bazar Trinidad. There is absolutely no tourist without a shopping bag here.
2 - Cerro De La Vigia
From the mountain, you have a fantastic view of Trinidad. You will probably meet a horse here and there on the way up, don't worry, they don't bite. From time to time, there is an employee of the radio station. He will explain to you the history of Trinidad and the surrounding area, and if you are lucky, you will get fresh fruit juice. Spanish is, of course, an absolute advantage. He is happy about a small tip.
If no employee welcomes you, simply walk past the building on the left. In the fence, you will find a gate, open it, and at the small shed, you will find the ladder to the flat roof. From there you have an even better view. On your way back, enjoy a coffee at Restaurante El Bolo Vista Gourmet.
3 - Bar La Canchanchara
Try the La Canchanchara cocktail. It is served in a small clay bowl and consists of honey, lemon, ice, water as well as liquor – very tasty & refreshing.
4 - Spanish Steps
Enjoy the sunset from the Spanish Steps. You can get drinks at one of the many outdoor bars. If you sit on the lowest steps, you can stay there all evening, listen to the music, and don't have to pay an entrance fee (the rest belongs to the Casa de la Musica).
5 - At Night In Trinidad - Party On!
Nightlife in Trinidad is vibrant, with live music in virtually every bar and restaurant in town. Casa de la Musica is Trinidad's most popular choice for dancing the night away under the stars or just sipping a mojito and listening to the music.
But the most famous hangout is actually in a cave! Disco Ayala, better known as La Cueva, is a nightclub inside a large cave. The way there: next to the church on the Plaza Mayor up the hill – for “way drinks,” locals and tourists dance together here – don't forget your ID. Admission costs about 5 USD and includes a drink at the bar. Even if you're not a nightclub person, you should check out this rarity!
6 - Fiestas Sanjuaneras
If you are in Cuba during the last week of June, don't miss the Fiestas Sanjuaneras in Trinidad. Cuban music and colorful floats await you. There will be dancing, laughing, and boisterous celebrations. You couldn't get more in touch with typical Cuban culture.
7 - Playa Ancon
It is one of the most beautiful beaches on the south coast. You can easily reach it by bike (often Casas lend them), by coco cab (costs about 5 USD) or by classic car cab (see booking link). Sunbeds and umbrellas cost about 2 USD for the day. The beach of Maria Aguilar on the road to Playa Ancón is also very nice (about 0.2 mi / 300 meters past the Grill Caribe restaurant).
8 - Topes De Collantes National Park
If you feel more like lush greenery and hiking, be sure to visit the beautiful National Park. Topes de Collantes belongs to the second-highest mountain range in Cuba – the “Sierra del Escambray.” Many endemic species of plants and animals exist here.
9 - Valle De Los Ingenios
Located 7.5 mi (12 km) outside of Trinidad, it was once one of the most important sugar cane growing areas in Cuba. For the best view, climb Torre Manacas-Iznaga.
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