Trinidad Cuba, Central Cuba

Trinidad, Cuba has long stood in the shadow of the culturally rich Havana, and the paradisal beach resorts along the coast, but that is soon wearing away as more and more travelers are drawn to the bright colonial architecture and extravagant squares and plazas. With cobblestone alleyways, vibrant nightlife, and some of the best-preserved Spanish colonial buildings in the world, it’s no wonder that tourists are now visiting this southern coast city by the droves.

A UNESCO world heritage site since 1988, Trinidad, Cuba offers visitors a look into what the plantation boom of the 1850s might have looked like in Cuba. Founded in the early 16th century, Trinidad was just a settlement near Sugar Mills until those Sugar Mills exploded with wealth and prosperity. During the 18th and 19th centuries, this wealth trickled down and transformed Trinidad from a small town to a thriving urban center with extravagant infrastructure, still being appreciated today. If you want to experience this rich history yourself you need only visit the museums or visit what is regarded as an ‘open-air’, UNESCO protected museum – the Plaza Mayor.