Fun and entertainment Cuba

Timetable

In Cuba, if there are obviously discotheques, which are very popular on weekends, it is rather in the musical bars that one goes out at night. If almost every city has its Casa de la Música (or even several), its Casa de la Trova and/or its Casa de la Cultura (the programming is generally very good), other places, some old and known, others new and ephemeral, are to be discovered here and there! These spaces are generally open from the end of the day until 2 or 3 am (also on Sunday afternoon for the Casas de la Música). The discotheques are generally open until 6am.

Budget & Tips

In musical bars and other places hosting a live show, it is sometimes necessary to pay for a whole bottle of rum (about 15/20 €) to get a table. This is at least the case at the Casa de la Música in Havana! When in a bar a famous artist is programmed, a participation is sometimes asked.

To be booked

To enter a discotheque, no reservation is necessary. On the other hand, for cabaret or music-hall type shows (Tropicana for example), you will have to go to the venue in advance - usually 1 hour before the show - to be sure to get your ticket, or go through an agency which, for a commission, will take care of booking your ticket.

Night transport

In Havana, and in Cuba in general, there is no other night transportation than cabs, colectivos, cocotaxis and bicycle-taxis.

Age restrictions

The consumption of alcohol as well as access to discotheques is forbidden to minors, i.e. people under 18 years old. Thus, even if accompanied by their parents, minors will not be allowed in bars and nightclubs.

What's very local

You will notice that Cubans pay special attention to evening dress. Elegance seems to be the order of the day among all generations, like a code that should be respected. We don't recommend going out at night to a fancy establishment in shorts and sneakers, you might not be refused, but it would obviously be considered as a lack of respect.

The other local custom is like a maxim: where you hear salsa music, you will dance! And Cubans don't hold back when it comes to dancing! Salsa code: it is the man's responsibility to invite the woman when a new song starts, but it is also his responsibility to lead the dance! If you are a man and not an expert, don't worry, Cuban women will make you feel comfortable and will take on the role of the man for the occasion. Salsa is a serious business in Cuba and when you decide to dance, you dress accordingly! If your intention is to dance salsa, don't hesitate to put on your best outfit, and closed 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 the Vedado, it was the restaurant 1830 that turned into a fiery dance floor on Saturday and Sunday nights!

Smokers

Smoking is generally allowed in Cuban nightclubs, and when it is not, a smoking area has usually been provided.