Location: Matanzas
Top Things to do in Matanzas
10 Things to Do in Matanzas That You Shouldn't Miss
Matanzas (Spanish pronunciation: [maˈtansas]) is the capital of the Cuban province of Matanzas. Known for its poets, culture, and Afro-Cuban folklore, it is located on the northern shore of the island of Cuba, on the Bay of Matanzas (Spanish Bahia de Matanzas), 90 kilometres (56 mi) east of the capital Havana and 32 kilometres (20 mi) west of the resort town of Varadero.
Restaurants in Matanzas
1. Pharmaceutical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By ESMotteram - Palouse, Washington, Usa
The town of Matanzas was scenic and very interesting, and this museum of an elaborate 1882 family pharmacy was hugely interesting. The condition was extraordinary with hundreds of labeled porcelain and glass containers, beautiful cabinetry, a massive "still" and prep room. Personalized drawers in an adjoining hall for patron pickup of Rx.
2. Cuevas de Bellamar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 523 reviews
Reviewed By Ian C - London, United Kingdom
Down slippery steps with stalagmites, stalagtites and walls and ceilings bursting with crystals, the Cuevas de Bellamar, discovered by accident in 1861, is a fascinating series of caves near Matanzas which takes you down 26m (85ft) below sea level, in which fossils have been found which are 28 million years old and, a must for everyone, the Fountain of Youth.
Entry is by a timed ticket as you always have a guide - available in Spanish and English - who not only explains the caves, but watches out for you in case you should slip (I had a broken wrist from the snow in England so it was quite possible).
Above ground, the entrance and museum is surrounded by bars and restaurants, popular with local people given that the food in the restaurant was charged in pesos and therefore was amazingly cheap and was reasonable quality.
3. Puente de Bacunayagua
4. Cayo Blanco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Burnmax - Calgary, Canada
Went on the Cayo Blanco "basic" trip (no dolphins) on a large catamaran. Basic drinks on the boat out to the island (beer, pop, spirits) and standard snorkeling. Got lobster tail at lunch (extra 15 CUC). Lunch and bar were good - very good bartender (29 December). The staff ran a hermit crab race just before lunch. Lunch included lots of rice, chicken, fish, and even lobster. Great ride back to the marina.
5. La Arboleda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By earthtravelller - Gloucester
Arrived here after a peaceful 45 minute ride up the Rio Canimar passing mangrove swamps, fishermen and seeing a sea snake. The site is in a clearing fringed with palm trees and very beautiful. We saw the national flower, the mariposa growing here and it has a beautiful scent.
Lovely authentic Cuban lunch buffet was provided with nicer food than provided by the 4 star hotel we were staying at and were serenaded by a folk group.
Afterwards there was time to just wander along the river bank and site to marvel at the natural beauty and wealth of vegetation of the area, relax in the hammocks strung between the trees, hire kayaks or pedalos, horse or bull ride or have a go at archery if you felt so inclined.
You really have the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere at this place but returning by road you are in fact not too far from Matanzas
Great experience
6. Lolo Galeria-Taller
Overall Ratings
5 based on 45 reviews
In our studio you are going to find firsthand fine art pieces and the renowned artist who made them. It is a place where clay, plaster, glass, metal and fiber glass become into works of art. We promise that you will always remember having visited us.
Reviewed By KElizabethD
Happened upon this incredible gallery walking around Mantanzas. What an amazing place with amazing pieces! So many unique and unusual works and the artists are so friendly and welcoming. Definitely a highlight of our visit. This place should be in the top 2 sites of Matanzas.
7. Ermita de Monserrate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Ajayloulou - Daventry, United Kingdom
Fascinating place. This was the second stage of our Tour of Matanzas. Sadly not the best of days to look admire the views. Rain was coming and the valley was full of cloud, but the view out across the bay was still very impressive. A good place to consider the contrasts of Cuban life. Families were gathering to go across to the local restaurant, tourists were coming to admire the views and across from the Ermita was a fun park closed due to a lack of custom.
From the viewpoint you move down to the old church, sadly closed, so not able to comment on the interior but the exterior and the statues were well maintained. On a better day it would have been great to stay longer.
8. Estadio Victoria de Giron
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Home stadium of Matanzas Cocodrilos Baseball Team
Reviewed By Richard W - Fonthill, Canada
If you want a great glimpse into a bit of Cuban culture, you should really try and see a baseball game in Cuba. We watch Havana Industriales take on the Matanzas Crocidilios. The quality of baseball is about the same as a triple A game in North America. Interesting to see some of the nuance differences to the North American game.
But even more enjoyable is watching the fans, listening to them and seeing their passion!!! This is their sports entertainment and they are very passionate about their game. The fans of the home town team argue/yell/boast to the fans of the visiting team. It is amazing to see.
We arranged for a cab to take us from Varadero to the stadium. Our cab driver stayed with us for the game and then back again after the game. The cab ride was 80 CUC, a little expensive, but you basically have to pay for their time during the game when they aren't getting any fares. We tried to get a classic car taxi, but they probably are so busy that you can't get them to go for so long at only 80 CUC.
Never felt unsafe!!!
3 CUC person to get in for tourists.
Food is available inside and outside of the stadium. The stadium itself is in need of repairs, especially the wooden seats that are reserved for the tourists. Bathrooms are a bit sketchy ... Bring your own TP.
Overall, I am so glad we went to a game. So enjoyable. Definitely an overload for the senses. If you don't like loud noises, bring ear plugs and go anyway. The Cubans live and die with every pitch and the fans make their presence known with whistles, sirens, horns and the voices.
GO!!!! You will not be disappointed.
9. Catedral de San Carlos Borromeo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Ian C - London, United Kingdom
Originating from the 17th century, but mostly rebuilt in the 19th, the Cathedral is squeezed in among the streets of Matanzas, with a nod to the 21st century in that the grounds are now a wifi park. How enterprising of the church.
There is a grand façade outside; contrasting with the relatively simple interior and sadly, looking out to derelict buildings.
10. Valle Canimar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
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