Top Cultural Cities & Towns to Visit in the Caribbean

Cruises to the Caribbean, Central America and Panama Canal are celebrated for their pristine beaches and natural adventures in the surrounding lush rainforests and aquamarine waters. The Caribbean is also home to many culturally rich cities and towns with fascinating history and vibrant traditions. Think UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, art galleries, thriving food scenes, fortresses, Maya ruins and more. Continue reading below for a few of our top cultural cities and towns to visit in the Caribbean, Central America and beyond.

Bridgetown, Barbados | Stunning beaches abound, but if you’re in the mood for history and culture, Barbados has you covered there too. In Bridgetown’s UNESCO-protected Old Town, admire the British Colonial architecture and learn about the island’s storied past in its excellent museums. At the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, exhibits on plantation tools, furniture, handcrafts and African artifacts give you a deeper understanding of the natural and human history that has shaped the culture of Barbados, while the Nidhe Israel Museum traces the history of Jewish settlement from the arrival of persecuted Jews from Brazil to their introduction of sugar production.

Cartagena, Colombia | On Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the traveler-favorite of Cartagena features a seaside UNESCO-designated Old Town and an abundance of historic sites. The walled Old Town was founded in the 16th century and is full of lively squares, cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. You might visit one of the city’s local museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art, the San Pedro Claver Museum or the Palace of the Inquisition, or explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fort that was once the most important military structure built in Latin America.

Castries, St. Lucia | Castries, the capital of St. Lucia, is known for palm-lined Vigie Beach and duty-free shopping near the harbor. And yet there is so much to explore. It boasts a cathedral – step inside to admire the stained glass windows and murals painted by a well-known local artist – as well as historic La Toc Battery Fort, a 19th-century fort that once protected the Castries harbor. The charming village of Soufrière is nearby, home to colonial architecture reflecting British and French heritage, as is the Spices Cooking Studio, which invites you to experience St. Lucia’s island culture through its unique cuisine.

Gustavia, St. Barts | Tour the beautiful island of St. Barts and marvel at its rugged coastline and unspoiled, upscale atmosphere, unique in the Caribbean for its Swedish and French heritage. The history of St. Barts comes to life at Musée Territorial, where artifacts, photos, documents and costumes illuminate the past. Visit the low-key fishing village of Corossol to discover a more traditional way of life on St. Barts, with authentic villas and artisans selling traditional baskets, bags and hats, all handwoven with latanier leaves.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic | Puerto Plata’s natural beauty always astounds visitors, but in addition to the gorgeous beaches the Dominican Republic is renowned for, Puerto Plata offers a taste of authenticity with its historical landmarks, seafront malecón and interesting museums, such as the Dominican Amber Museum and the Museum of Taino Art. More explorations that offer unique cultural insights await at coffee farms and a rum distillery in operation in Puerto Plata since 1888.

San Juan, Puerto Rico | In the thriving capital of San Juan, abundant culture and history intersect with lush surrounding natural beauty for a wide range of adventures. The Old World comes to life at impressive fortresses and charming Old San Juan. Savor the city’s local culture with a culinary walking tour, a heritage tour of an acclaimed rum distillery or a visit to one of the museums and galleries. Brush up on influential Puerto Rican artists from the 17th to the 21st centuries on a tour of San Juan’s Art Museum of Puerto Rico and afterward, take a peaceful stroll through the beautiful sculpture garden.

Santo Tomás, Guatemala | Santo Tomás de Castilla, often referred to as simply Santo Tomás, is tucked into the small portion of Guatemala that borders the Caribbean Sea. When you step ashore here and begin to explore, you’ll find a truly authentic Guatemalan experience, whether you take the local trolley tour, delve into cacao cultivation at a chocolate plantation or explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Quiriguá or Tikal, the latter of which was the capital of the Maya empire.

Featured 2024 Caribbean Voyages
The best way to experience these cultural cities and towns in the Caribbean? On one of our 2024 cruises to the region, of course. Six of our favorite voyages in 2024 – spanning the Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Central America and the Panama Canal – are highlighted below.

Golden Sands & Sunsets: 10 days roundtrip from Miami aboard Vista
Departs February 18, 2024
Whether called by the spirit of exploration or the sun’s soothing rays, have it all on this fabulous getaway to electric Puerto Rico, lush St. Lucia, the carefree Dominican Republic and British-tinged Antigua and Barbados.

Caribbean Splendor: 12 days roundtrip from Miami aboard Sirena
Departs February 4, 2024
Bask in the luminous rays of the Caribbean while visiting an array of temptingly unique destinations, including off-the-beaten-path Barbuda, untouched Dominica, luxurious St. Lucia and the yachting favorite of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands.

Reefs & Rhythms: 10 days from Miami to Panama City aboard Sirena
Departs March 7, 2024
Uncover the tropical allure of the Western Caribbean, where gently swaying palms, white-sand beaches, azure waters and fascinating Maya treasures abound, concluding with a transit of the remarkable Panama Canal.

Island Tapestry: 10 days from Panama City to Miami aboard Sirena
Departs March 17, 2024
After an exciting Panama Canal transit, rejuvenate your soul as you delight in Willemstad’s colorful architecture, St. Lucia’s remarkable scenery, the vibrant rhythms of San Juan and lounging beside Great Stirrup Cay’s sapphire waters.

Beyond the Panama Canal: 16 days from Miami to Los Angeles aboard Nautica
Departs December 23, 2024
Ring in the new year with an incredible passage through the Panama Canal, bookended by stops in Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and lush Puntarenas. Round out your voyage to Los Angeles with an exploration of Mexico’s luminous west coast.

Radiant New Year: 12 days roundtrip from Miami aboard Vista
Departs December 27, 2024
In true festive spirit, ring in the New Year amid the sun-drenched treasures of the Western Caribbean, where the astonishing natural gifts of Central America are complemented by the buoyant rhythms of Cartagena and Port Royal.

Explore more top Caribbean cruises here.