18 gorgeous photos of daily life in Cuba

Obama in Cuba 2016
President Barack Obama visits Cuba. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP Images

On Sunday, March 20, President Barack Obama became the first US president in nearly 90 years to visit the island nation of Cuba. Signs with images of the president alongside Cuban President Raul Castro were hung in colonial Old Havana to welcome him.

Advertisement

In the summer of 2015, the US and Cuba began finalizing the long process of restoring relations. The American flag was lifted above the American embassy once again, and tourist interest in the island nation spiked. Obama has been working to make his Cuba policy changes irreversible — no matter the outcome of the 2016 election.

While some restrictions are still in place for general tourism within the country, commercial flights are now freely going in and out, and it's finally a viable vacation plan for 2016.

The New York Times even placed Viñales, Cuba, at number 10 in their annual "52 Places to Go" travel list — and with tourist numbers booming, the island will surely see its fair share of visitors in 2016.

Here's what it's like to vacation on the once-restricted island.  

Advertisement

From Havana's National Museum of Fine Arts to the smaller art markets in the streets, tourists can find beautiful and colorful art all across the city.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters

Soccer games are played everywhere, even in the street.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters
Advertisement

Vintage cars are extremely common in Cuba, thanks in part to the country's long-standing trade embargo with the US, which started in 1962. The regime was too poor to import significant numbers of new cars from its allies in Europe and Asia, meaning that many Cubans' cars are still pre-embargo, American-made relics.

Cuba
Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters

Even taxi drivers cruise around in these elaborate vehicles.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters
Advertisement

On average, June is Havana's most rainy month.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters

Tobacco farmer Raul Valdes Villasusa picks tobacco leaves in a farm located in Pinar del Rio. Cigar rolling is considered an art form in Cuba, and it's often passed down through generations.

Cuban cigar farm
Ramon Espinosa/AP Images
Advertisement

In March, all of the cowboys of Cuba flock to Havana for the International Livestock Fair.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters

In 2015, the 12th Havana Biennial took place, drawing artists and curators from all over the world. Here, they take a tour of the city's streets.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters
Advertisement

Cuba's El Capitolio was built between 1926 and 1929. It still stands today.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters

La Estatua de la República, found inside the Capitol building, is the world's third-largest undercover statue.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters
Advertisement

Cuba has a rich history of dance, including styles like danzón, mambo, and salsa.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters

Salsa dance instructor Ariel Dominguez gives a lesson of Cuban-style salsa to a student.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters
Advertisement

More salsa classes take place on the beach in Varadero.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters

The beaches of Varadero have beautifully clear waters.

cuba swimming
Retiree Madeline Barcelo swims at the beach with her granddaughter in Varadero, Cuba, August 26, 2015. Cubans are flocking to the beach in record numbers before a possible end to the U.S. travel ban that would open the gates to American tourists and bump up prices. Picture taken August 26, 2015. Reuters/Alexandre Meneghini
Advertisement

On average, the water is a comfortable 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Retuers

If you don't want to swim, rent a sailboat to explore the waters.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters
Advertisement

Cuba is known for its high-performing education system. Its schools are considered the best in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters

Source: The World Bank

Cuban soldiers lead a ceremony in remembrance of the deaths of student leaders killed during the fight against Spanish colonial rule.

Cuba
Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters
Vacation Arts & Culture
Advertisement
Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.