Cienfuegos Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Cienfuegos, Cuba)

Cienfuegos has an exciting collection of tourist attractions, some of which are quite offbeat, and there is also plenty to do here when the weather turns. To get a sense of perspective and your bearings, the Parque Jose Marti, just west of the centre, is surrounded by many top sightseeing options.

Tourists will find that the most popular attractions around the park include the Tomas Terry Theatre - a charming Victorian theatre, and the Hotel Boutique. Cienfuegos is also home to a collection of impressive palaces, along with a pretty waterfront area known as Punta Gorda. There are also a number of neighbouring beaches nearby Cienfuegos, which are perfect for sunny days.

Parque Jose Marti

Address: Parque Jose Marti, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
Lying just west of the city centre is this stunning park-cum-square, the Parque Jose Marti. The park itself is not all that big, being just a couple of blocks across, yet is quite serene and is surrounded by impressive landmarks. The Provincial Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) is one of the most prominent attractions, while others include the Hotel Boutique, the Tomas Terry Theatre, the Provincial Museum, the Casa de la Cultura Benjamin Duarte, the Catedral de la Purisima Concepcion and also the Arch of Triumph (Arco de Triunfo). Located on the south-eastern side of the Parque Jose Marti is the oldest building in Cienfuegos, the Casa del Fundador, which was formerly the residence of the city's founder, Louis d'Clouet, before becoming a bank and more recently, a shop selling local souvenirs. Of note, the park is best approached via Avenues 54 or 56.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Tomas Terry Theatre (Teatro Tomas Terry)

Address: Avenue 56 - 270, Parque Jose Marti, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 0432 513 361
Tomas Terry Theatre is a Victorian theatre located right in the heart of Cienfuegos (between Calle 27 and Calle 29), in the main square, and is the top place in town to catch a show. The theatre stands on the north side of the Parque Jose Marti and is beautiful and grand, both on the outside and inside, with multi-coloured murals atop it. Hailing from the late 1800s, the Teatro Tomas Terry features 950 seats and puts on all sorts of performances throughout the year.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00 (tours)
Admission: charge for tour

Outdoor Activities

Address: Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
There are all manner of activities on offer in Cienfuegos, from freshwater fishing to boating and walking. The drive up into the mountains for fishing at a high lake is sublime, while boat trips and sunset cruises around the harbour are good for all the family. If you fancy a spot of deep-sea fishing, then head to the Marlin Marina, which is situated just a short distance from the Hotel Jagua and offers various fishing packages. A stroll along the Punta Gorda seafront (the Malecon) of an evening is also a pastime and highly recommended.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge for boat trips and fishing

Punta Gorda

Address: Prado, Punta Gorda, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
The Punta Gorda area is south of town, just beyond the Malecon sea wall, and serves as a top spot for the moneyed. The views from the bay along the waterfront, especially from Calle 35 and Calle 37, are sublime. Many choice properties front the bay, including hotels and restaurants, and the market is also fun. The Hostal Palacio Azul is amongst the most grand attractions in this part of the city, while the gleaming white Club Cienfuegos is equally impressive and formerly functioned as a rather exclusive yacht club.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Soledad Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanico Soledad)

Address: Calle Central 136, Pepito Tey, Cienfuegos, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 0432 545 334
The Jardin Botanico Soledad is one of the star attractions in Cienfuegos. It was set up by Edwin Atkins, an American sugar magnate, in 1900, after which it was supplanted by Harvard University. There are around 2,000 species of plants spread over a wide area here (approximately 220 acres / 90 hectares), making this the largest of its type in Cuba. There are also some nice walking trails as well as bird watching possibilities, although it does tend to be lacking in services and appearance. The Soledad Botanical Gardens are to be found just out of town, off the road to Trinidad.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discount for children