Santiago de Cuba City Guide

Food centers on Cuban dishes like congri, lechon asado, and tostones. Vegan options are scarce. Late-night options are few and many places close by 10–11 PM.

Nightlife is lively with live music and dance clubs, especially casas de la trova.

Coffee is strong and sweet with local cafés, but lacks specialty coffee scenes.

Tipping is expected in restaurants, taxis, and services. 10% in restaurants is common.

Buy local SIMs at ETECSA offices. Cubacel is the main mobile provider. Passport is required. eSIMs are rarely available.

Cleanliness varies by area. Waste and recycling systems are basic. Public restroom access is inconsistent.

24/7 services are rare. Late-night food and pharmacies are limited. Some tourist areas might stay open later.

Groceries mostly come from state supermarkets with limited stock. Fresh local markets offer produce. Stores close for lunch and on holidays. Bargaining works in private markets, not state stores.

Cuba is mainly cash-based. Credit cards mostly don't work, especially US cards. Carry Cuban Pesos for most payments.

ATMs exist but can be unreliable and may not accept all cards. It's best to exchange cash at official places like CADECA or banks. Watch for fees and surcharges on USD.

Most schools teach in Spanish. International schools with English instruction are limited or unavailable.

Very small nomad community due to poor internet and economy. Few meetups or co-living spaces.

Parque Céspedes and Parque de la Alameda offer shaded areas and walking paths.

Running on the Malecón or near parks is possible but watch traffic and uneven sidewalks.

Modern gyms are not common and drop-in options for visitors are limited.

Public tennis courts are rare. Some hotels may have courts for guests.

No information on padel courts in the city.

Yoga studios or wellness centers for visitors are not common.

Limited info on formal martial arts for visitors. Traditional Cuban martial arts like Juego de Maní may be found.

No skiing opportunities in Cuba's tropical climate.

Limited water sports in the bay due to port activity. Some options at nearby beaches.

Surfing is not common here due to lack of consistent waves.

Good diving and snorkeling near wrecks and reefs. Operators provide certification and gear, best outside hurricane season.

Public healthcare is basic and accessible. Hospitals like Provincial Saturnino Lora serve the city. English-speaking staff are rare. Bring your own medicines.

Tap water isn't safe to drink. Stick to bottled water.

Family facilities and baby supplies are limited. Parque Baconao offers some kid-friendly activities.

Some legal protections exist. Santiago is more conservative than Havana but generally safe. Pride events are smaller and discrimination risks remain.

Pet policies are strict. Vet services exist but are basic. Pet supplies and parks are limited.