Like most Cuban cities, life in Santa Clara revolves around the central square, Parque Leoncio Vidal. It is a pleasant space, surrounded by some of the city’s most beautiful and best preserved buildings, including theaters, municipal buildings and restaurants. Most cafes and bars can be found around this area, including La Marquesina, a lovely outdoor café right next to the stunning Teatro La Caridad, and El Mejunje, an arts, culture and nightlife center and one of the most interesting spots on town. Just north of the square is a short pedestrianized stretch of Calle Independencia (nicknamed ‘Boulevard’), the main shopping street in Santa Clara.
Head directly east or west from Leoncio Vidal to find the city’s two main attractions: just a few blocks to the east lies Parque del Tren Blindado, the site of a historic and vital battle, the last of the revolution, and to the west you can find the Mausoleum, Monument and Museum, all dedicated to the city’s hero, Che Guevara.
Santa Clara’s central location in the country also makes it a perfect base for exploring nearby cities, such as breezy coastal Cienfuegos and the elegant colonial city of Trinidad. Havana and Varadero are also within easy reach.