This isn’t a city you’ve likely heard of unless you’ve already started planning your trip to Cuba, but it is likely the first one you will remember upon your return home.
Photo © Goats on the Road
An artistic and sophisticated colonial gem, Camagüey is a place that tends to woo visitors at every turn.
Ignore the jineteros (touts) and get lost in the pastel-colored maze of this UNESCO listed Cuban city.
While you’re wandering around, here are a few things you shouldn’t miss.
1. Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral
This gothic-style cathedral is topped by three eerie-looking spires that clearly appears to have adopted different motif to most other cathedrals in Cuba.
2. Inglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced
This church was constructed in 1748, and has an active convent attached to it.
The two-level arched interior is beautiful. Plus, there are creepy catacombs and Santo Sepulcro - a solid silver coffin.
Don’t miss this one!
3. Inglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
This church is hard to avoid! Located at the intersection of Republica and Agramonte, two popular walking streets, its tall, beige and orange tower is probably one of the most photographed sights in Camagüey.
4. Museo Provincial Ignacio Agramonte
This museum is home to Cuba’s second largest collection of modern and contemporary art and is a must-see for any visitor to Camagüey.
The cavernous interior of this local war museum is full of 19th and 20th-century art, including chilling works of Fidelio Ponce, and iconic paintings by a well-known Cuban artist known as Tati – the most famous of which is The Benefactors of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre, painted in 1803.
5. Parque Ignacio Agramonte
This square is in the heart of the city, and with many trees and comfortable seating, it’s a popular place to spend the afternoon or early evening.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see a musical performance here in the evening.
6. Casino Campestre
This massive green space stretches over Río Hatibonico, and is Cuba’s largest urban park.
It makes for the perfect place to relax and enjoy the afternoon sun.
Families, couples, joggers, and strollers all head to this park to sit on the shaded benches or on picnic blankets in the grass.
Originally plotted in 1860, today there’s a monument dedicated to Mariano Barberán and Joaquín Collar – as well as a baseball stadium – and you can sometimes catch live concerts in the park as well.
7. Plaza San Juan de Dios
There are many lovely plazas in Camagüey that offer a nice change from the narrow cobblestoned streets.
San Juan de Dios is known as being Camagüey’s most picturesque and beautiful plaza.
There are numerous restaurants surrounding the square, but they tend to be overpriced and not very good.
8. La Cava Restaurant & Wine Cellar
You probably never thought you’d find a wine cellar in Cuba!
La Cava offers a unique experience for travelers to Camagüey, with a variety of wines from Cuba and around the world, with some bottles costing as little as $10.
The tapas are tasty and very affordable, and the cool, oak scented ambiance reminds you that you’re in a beautiful old cellar.
If you’re looking for a posh setting with a non-pretentious menu, this is the place for you.
9. Just Get Lost
While it hasn’t had the same international coverage as Varadero and Havana, Camagüey is still one of Cuba’s most intriguing cities.
With a labyrinth of sinuous streets and tall pastel-colored buildings, it doesn’t take long to fall under Camagüey’s spell.
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