All those Cuba commercials show only part of what makes Havana amazing: the old cars, colonial architecture and salsa dancing in the streets. Stroll through the old city and you’ll spy large homes with spacious courtyards, school children in uniform, imposing colourful doors and an atmosphere that’s uncomplicated and charming as heck. To experience Cuba’s distinct history, don't miss sights like the Plaza de la Revolucion or the Castillo de la Real Fuerza.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Barbados isn’t just home to Rihanna; it offers some of the best rum in all the Caribbean not to mention the colourful city of Bridgetown. Stroll through Cheapside Market for local fruits and vegetables or try some of the duty-free shopping along Broad Street. To sit back, relax and enjoy this popular call of port, head to the Careenage to spot incoming boats, to catch a day trip out on the water, shop for some souvenirs or knock back a Banks beer or rum punch.
Nassau, Bahamas
With a mysterious, sexy pirate history, Nassau is a great spot to discover the Bahamas and a starting point or gateway to its 29 islands, 661 cays with white beaches and blue waters as far as the eye can see. Of course, there’s the massive Atlantis Resort as well as a handful all-inclusives along Cable Beach. For unique experiences, don’t miss the Pirates of Nassau Museum, bargaining in the shops at the Straw Market or an unforgettable evening at Graycliff Restaurant for fine food, wine and live music.
George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
There’s the Caribbean and then there’s the Cayman Islands, synonymous with being a paradise for the rich and well-to-do. Check out Seven Mile Beach, a coral sand beach stretching from George Town to West Bay and the main attraction to most visitors. Be sure not to miss equally awesome sights like the Cayman Islands National Museum, Boatswain’s Beach to see hundreds and thousands of turtles or Hell, a natural formation of black volcanic rock (that someone along the way decided to name "hell").
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
While Punta Cana is a more popular tourist destination than Santo Domingo, the latter offers more to do for the average visitor because of the city’s rich history. This city is known as the first European city in the New World, founded by Christopher Columbus’s brother in 1496. In Santo Domingo, you can visit the Zona Colonial for 15-16th century buildings and sights like the Ozama Fort or the Cathedral built when Columbus settled.
Gizelle is a freelance writer & photographer in Toronto, specializing in travel, food and lifestyle. Follow her on Twitter @TorontoEats or on the Urban Travel Blog on Sympatico.ca for more on the world's great cities, travel tips for the contemporary traveller and much more!
I would also add Oranjestad, Aruba. Such pretty, colorful Dutch architecture and great, friendly people!
Posted by: Darrell | 11/24/2011 at 12:31 PM
I think Barbados provides the best experience overall...with the city experience of Bridgetown and also plenty of secluded and private resorts if that is your thing
Posted by: Adam | 11/21/2011 at 03:43 AM
Barbados A1 see the Island rent a car or like we did a Mini Moke , stay safe on some of there roads they are not the best
Posted by: Brass | 11/18/2011 at 08:08 PM
what a boring, terrible list
Posted by: ben | 11/18/2011 at 07:43 PM
Willemstad in Curacao could be added to the list. Think 18th century colourful Dutch row houses with charming facades, interesting pedestrian-friendly streets, the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, and the Kura Hulanda Museum - an incredible institution that explores the cultures of Africa and the development of humanity.
Posted by: Peter R | 11/18/2011 at 01:58 PM