Fun and entertainment Cuba

Timetable

In Cuba, while there are of course discotheques, which are very popular on weekends, it's more often in the music bars that you go out at night. While almost every city has its own Casa de la Música (or even several), Casa de la Trova and/or Casa de la Cultura (the programming is generally very good), there are other places to discover here and there, some old and well-known, others new and ephemeral! These venues are generally open from the end of the day until 2 or 3 a.m. (Sunday afternoons too for the Casas de la Música). Discotheques are generally open until 6am.

Budget & Tips

In music bars and other venues hosting live shows, it's sometimes necessary to pay for a whole bottle of rum (around €15/20) to get a table. At least that's the case at Havana's Casa de la Música! When a famous artist is programmed in a bar, a participation fee is sometimes required.

To be booked

To enter a discotheque, you don't need to make a reservation. On the other hand, for cabaret or music-hall type shows (Tropicana, for example), you'll need to go to the venue in advance - usually 1 hour before the show - to be sure of getting in, or go through an agency which, for a commission, will book your ticket.

Night transport

In Havana, and in Cuba in general, there's no other night-time transport than cabs, colectivos, cocotaxis and bike-taxis.

Age restrictions

The consumption of alcohol and access to nightclubs are forbidden to minors, i.e. anyone under the age of 18. Even if accompanied by their parents, minors will not be admitted to bars and nightclubs.

What's very local

You'll notice that Cubans pay particular attention to evening attire. Elegance seems to be the order of the day among all generations, like a code that must be respected. We'd advise you not to go out in shorts and sneakers in a posh establishment in the evening - you may not be turned away, but it would obviously be considered disrespectful.

The other local custom is like a maxim: wherever you hear salsa, you'll dance! And Cubans don't hold back when it comes to dancing! Salsa's time-honored code: it's the man's turn to invite the woman when a new song starts, but it's also his turn to lead the dance! If you're a man and not an expert, don't panic - Cuban women will put you at ease and take on the man's role for the occasion. Salsa is serious business in Cuba, and when you've decided to dance, you dress accordingly! If you're planning to dance salsa, don't hesitate to put on your best outfit, and closed-toe shoes. In addition to the addresses recommended in our guide, there are a few trendy establishments in the buzzing nightlife of salsa. In Habana Vieja, the hot-spot for salseros was the Bar Salsa Habana (Calle Villegas, 459) on Tuesday and Thursday nights. On the Malecón (between Calle 20 and Calle 22), at the western end of Vedado, it was the restaurant 1830 that turned into a fiery dance floor on Saturday and Sunday nights!

Smokers

Smoking is generally permitted in Cuban nightclubs, and when it isn't, a smoking area is usually provided.