In Photos: President Obama's Trip to Cuba

By Erika Owen
Updated: March 07, 2017

Over the weekend, Obama set off on a trip that hasn't been made by a standing president in 88 years. And his visit did not go unnoticed: Cubans celebrated his arrival by rushing to the streets—despite it being a rainy Sunday night in Havana—for the change to catch a look at the President of the United States. 

According to The New York Times, "shouts of 'U.S.A.!' and 'Obama!' echoed over the stone plazas," with one man notably exclaiming, “Welcome to Cuba! We like you!” A welcome ceremony was held at the Palace of the Revolution, complete with a band performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner." 

This trip is an opportunity for Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro to discuss new agreements and commercial deals leading up to the influx of tourism that's already occurring in the new hot spot. Both leaders shared that an agreement had been made to better cooperate when it comes to the spread of communicative diseases, such as the Zika virus.

Airlines, boat services, cruise liners, hotels, and travel brands have all been gearing up to find a home in Cuba. Airbnb is officially on the island, newly expanded cell service means travelers can Instagram photos of vintage cars to their heart's desire (at a steep cost), and you can even make the trip without a group thanks to the new "people-to-people" and educational excursions. You can now even get a taste of Cuba without leaving America. 

So what exactly does a presidential visit to Cuba look like? For one, the White House Instagram is giving the rest of us a great look at Obama's trip. Ahead, get a taste of Cuba through the eyes of a world leader. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

President Obama Waves as He Enters a Restaurant

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

President Obama Observes the Final Approach into Havana on Air Force One

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

3 of 18

Air Force One Touches Down in Havana

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Advertisement

4 of 18

President Barack Obama and Ben Rhodes Meet with Cardinal Jamie Ortega

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

5 of 18

Touring La Catedral de la Virgen Maria de la Concepcion Inmaculada in Old Havana

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

6 of 18

President and First Lady Obama After Touring Old Havana

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Malia Interprets in Spanish for a Restauranteur in Havana

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

8 of 18

President Obama Greets Hotel Workers

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

9 of 18

President Obama Meeting with Locals

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Diners Send Smiles and Waves to President Obama

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

11 of 18

President Obama Tours Old Havana

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

12 of 18

President Obama Enjoys Dinner with His Family in Havana

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

The Obamas Take a Walking Tour of Old Havana

Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy

14 of 18

President Obama at the Jose Marti Memorial

Joe Raedle

15 of 18

President Obama Meets With Cuban President Raul Castro In Havana

Chip Somodevilla
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

President Obama Signs a Visitors' Book at the Revolution Palace

Getty Images

17 of 18

Raul Castro Hosts State Dinner For the Obamas

Chip Somodevilla
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Popular in Travel Tips

All Topics in Travel Tips

Advertisement