Cuba Instagram Spots |

Old Havana Charm

December is an excellent time to explore Havana with your camera. The city feels lively but comfortable, with bright sunshine, lower humidity and a refreshing breeze coming in from the sea. Begin in Habana Vieja, where pastel façades, grand doorways and cobbled streets create an easy stream of Instagram ideas.

Walk early in the morning for softer light and quieter streets, then return around sunset when the old buildings take on a warm golden glow. A classic American car parked beside a turquoise doorway makes a memorable image, while a simple photograph of local life from a shaded square can capture the real character of the city.

Caribbean Holidays, Cuba Instagram Spots, Colourful vintage American cars lined up along the Malecón in Havana at sunset, with the sea and historic buildings behind

Classic Cars And Coast

Havana’s vintage cars are one of Cuba’s most recognisable sights, and December’s clear weather is ideal for photographing them. You will spot gleaming Chevrolets, Fords and Plymouths around the main squares, often in striking shades of red, yellow and powder blue.

For a wider city view, head to the Malecón. This famous seawall is a favourite meeting place for residents, especially as the afternoon cools. Frame a car against the ocean, photograph the waves breaking over the wall, or capture the silhouettes of people watching the sunset. The changing light gives the same location a different mood every few minutes.

Caribbean Holidays, Cuba Instagram Spots, Colourful colonial streets and Plaza de la Catedral in Havana, Cuba, decorated with subtle festive details in December

Festive Havana Scenes

December brings a relaxed festive atmosphere to Havana without taking away from its everyday rhythm. Plazas may have seasonal decorations, musicians perform in the streets and cafés fill with people enjoying long conversations. The result is a colourful mix of architecture, music and local life.

Plaza de la Catedral is particularly photogenic, with its dramatic baroque cathedral and honey-coloured stone. Visit in the morning to see the details clearly, or arrive before dusk when the square becomes atmospheric. Ask permission before taking close-up portraits, and take time to enjoy the music rather than viewing the city only through your phone.

Caribbean Holidays, Cuba Instagram Spots, Palm-fringed white-sand beach at Varadero, Cuba, with clear turquoise water and a calm December sky

Varadero Beach Views

If your holiday includes Varadero, make room for beach photography. The resort’s long stretch of white sand and clear turquoise water looks especially inviting in December, when the weather is generally warm and pleasantly dry. Early morning offers the smoothest sea and the fewest people in your frame.

Photograph the curve of the shoreline, footprints leading towards the water or palm trees moving in the breeze. Underwater photos can also be impressive in the clear shallows, although you should protect your equipment from sand and salt. A sunset walk along the beach is a simple way to finish the day with natural, relaxed images.

Caribbean Holidays, Cuba Instagram Spots, Traveller taking a photograph from the viewpoint at El Valle de los Ingenios near Trinidad, Cuba, with green hills and historic countryside

Trinidad Beyond The Streets

For something different, travel to Trinidad, where colourful colonial houses, uneven cobbles and quiet lanes provide plenty of detail. The town is compact, so it is easy to explore on foot and stop whenever you notice an interesting doorway, balcony or patch of peeling paint.

Nearby El Valle de los Ingenios adds a countryside setting, with rolling green hills and reminders of Cuba’s sugar-growing past. December is a comfortable month for exploring this area, particularly earlier in the day. Bring spare batteries, take your time and look beyond the obvious landmarks: the most engaging photographs often come from small, unexpected moments.