Being Cubaâ??s second largest city, Santiago de Cuba is buzzing with activities. When you dock here you may be overwhelmed with the vast amount of things to do. With just one day here, you really need to plan accordingly. Here are some of the more popular places to visit as well as how to get there.

Getting Around

Santiago de Cuba is fairly walkable as itâ??s compact. However, it tends to be very hot virtually any time of year. Itâ??s also very hilly and before you know it you may become exhausted. If you do plan on walking, stay well hydrated. Taxis are a great way to get around and can be found throughout the city. If you are looking for a cheaper option, check out the Viazul buses. They are affordable and convenient. During busy times of year than can fill up fairly quickly so you may want to consider purchasing a bus ticket online ahead of time.

Cespedes Park

This is a great place to start your time here as there are many other attractions that surround it. The park itself has become an important part of the city. Make sure you grab a cup of Cuban coffee to enjoy while you are exploring it or simply sitting on one of the benches to do some people watching.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

Not only can you marvel at the outside of this cathedral, but the inside as well. You canâ??t miss it as the exterior has a light blue color. Once you step inside you may be taken aback by the architecture and the sky blue interior. You probably wonâ??t spend a lot of time here, but since it is near Cespedes Park it is worth checking out.

Casa de Diego Velazquez

Built back in the 16th century, this is supposed to be one of Cubaâ??s oldest buildings. It contains furnishings, artifacts and architecture from the colonial time. If you can, book a guide ahead of time as they will offer a lot of helpful tidbits about the items located here. You should plan on spending about an hour at this location.

Francisco Vicente Aguilera Street

Santiago de Cuba is a great place to take a stroll. Make sure you head over to Francisco Vicente Aguilera Street. While here you can visit a variety of shops, grab something to eat or just marvel at the colorful buildings.

San Pedro de la Roca

Even Santiago de Cuba has a UNESCO World Heritage Site. San Pedro de la Roca can only be reached by taxi or boat, but it is worth the effort to visit this castle. It features impressive Spanish-American military architecture thatâ??s been well preserved. You can also see marvelous views of the city from here.

The Museum Of Rum

Some of the best rum in the world can be found in Cuba. While in Santiago de Cuba, make sure you visit the Museum of Rum. You can learn about how Cuban rum is made and the history of it. You will also get a shot of it at the end of your tour so that you can get a taste of it.