Nothing is more similar to a Santiaguero than a Dominican. Both peoples accept this statement as a praise to their idiosyncrasy and it cannot be other way since Santiago de Cuba is the genuine and the natural capital of the Caribbean.

From all the sites of the Caribbean archipelago, the indomitable Santiago was nurtured, a city that expresses as any the cultural and historic essences of the region. The city preserves its defensive fortification against privateers and pirates: San Pedro de la Roca Fortress, declared by UNESCO Heritage of Mankind and where everyday the ceremony of the changing of soldiers is relived, the raising of the national flag and the fire of Pío V cannon. At present is the second most important city Music is the Sap that Nurtures Santiagueros’ Life Santiago de Cuba is a musical city. It is not possible to think of this city without its rumbas, trova and happiness. It is the birthplace of son, guaracha and bolero.This city it’s also outstanding for its architecture of eclectic features, Andalusian and Moorish styles are also found. There the best Cuban rum is produced, celebrated by its Caribbean parties and homeland values. Santiago de Cuba is also a synthesis of Cubanness.

All the taste of the island at Casa de la Trova It is there where the Cuban music is better played and the trovadores exhibit the power of their improvisations. Those who pass by Heredia Street are attracted by this music. A human warm is felt, different from other places. The same feeling is also experimented at Céspedes Park, at the spacious porch of Casa Granda Hotel, at Casa de la Música (Music House); at Artex Patio and at that of Los Dos Abuelos (Marte Square) or at the Pico Real Lookout Bar of Meliá Santiago Hotel. With the superproduction of "Travel to the Caribbean," Santiago Tropicana Cabaret offers one of the best night shows of the Cuban eastern area and in San Pedro del Mar on the Morro road, the night evolves with the show "My son in Santiago". The city also features La Maison Fashion House, a fashion show at El Quitrín with material and embroidered pieces, Santiago Café and Don Emilio Cigar House, the last two at Meliá Santiago Hotel. Among the celebrations are the Festival of the Caribbean or the Fire Fiesta that mobilizes in July artists, creators and cultural researchers of the region and Carnival in Santiago. The most significant gatherings are usually seen in festivals such as Boleros de Oro, that of the Trova, Chorus, Chamber Music and Charangas, plus Tríos.

In other contexts Guillermón Moncada Port is a stopover point of cruisers where sea travelers are welcome. There voyagers enjoy for one or more days the attributes of Santiago de Cuba. There are charming places as El Caney with its delicious fruits and El Cobre, a Sanctuary of the Virgin of Caridad del Cobre, Saint Patron of Cuba, crowned by Pope Jean Paul II. In its surroundings is the Monument to the Run-Away Slave, marking the beginning of the route of those who escaped from slavery in the Caribbean. 26 de Julio Monumental Area is a significant historic site. It includes the very Moncada Garrison, the Justice Palace, the Teacher Training School and and Abel Santamaría Park. Plaza Dolores is equally among the most significant sites of Santiago de Cuba and Marte Square with obelisks and sculptures, a site of commemorative celebrations. For its patrimonial values, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery is a reference, where José Martí Mausoleum is, the Apostle of Cuba, his tomb was designed to receive sun rays as he requested in one of his verses. The Gran Piedra area covers from Siboney Beach to the surroundings of Guantánamo, regarded as a Natural Protected Landscape where La Isabélica is higlighted, declared by UNESCO as Heritage of Mankind since the ruins of the French immigration that came from Haiti in the 18th century are preserved. The National Tourism Park of Baconao is equally regarded among the most outstanding places of Santiago de Cuba, with Baconao Lagoon, the Museum of Transportation, Pre-Historic Valley, Sigua, Cazonal Beach and many other points that turn Santiago de Cuba into a destination of several attractions.