Nightlife

Introduction : Havana nightlife is thriving and the choice of venues is endless. Although some bars are open only to locals, you do not need to be indoors to sample great live music. Cubans know how to party and every street can turn into a live concert. The social scene starts to liven up about 2200 and, as there are no official licensing hours, clubs and bars tend to close when the last customer leaves, normally between 0200 and 0300. Generally, Cubans expect to dress up when going out and most clubs have a rule of no shorts, T-shirts or jeans. Many clubs charge an entrance fee and this can be anything from CUC1 to CUC10 and more.

Bars: Two of Havana's bars are a must on any visit to the city. La Bodeguita del Medio, Calle Empedrado 207, in Old Havana, was popular with many famous personalities in the 1950s, such as Ernest Hemingway and Errol Flynn. The walls are covered with their autographs. Nobody should visit this bar without trying its legendary mojito (rum and mint cocktail). Then, wander up the street to La Floridita, Calle Obispo 557, another one of Hemingway's favourite bars, for a daiquiri. If you want a cheaper (but just as authentic) version the same cocktail, try the Bar Montserrate, between Avenida de Belgica and Calle Obrapia. Cubans trios and groups often play here. Last, but not least, Gato Tuerto, Calle O entre 17 y 19, Vedado, is the new 'in' place of the Havana bohemia (although the admission charge is not exactly bohemian). Expect 'feeling-music', a bar, a coffee concert and a restaurant.

Casinos: These are illegal in Cuba.

Clubs: Young Cubans, in spite of the blockade, are well up on the latest trends in the music scene. Piano Bar Maragato, in the Hotel Florida, Calle Obispo y Cuba, Habana Vieja was named after a former bartender back in 1885. It offers good music and tasty cocktails in a colonial house dating back to the 19th century. Below the Teatro Nacional, Calle Paseo and Calle 39, is Café Cantante Mi Habana, a disco popular with the young trendies of Havana as well as a salsa club. Habana Cafe in the Hotel Melia Cohiba, Paseo, between Calles 1 and 3, has now established itself as the place to be seen in town.

Live Music: For real 1950s retro style, a visit to the world-famous open-air Tropicana, 4504 Calle 72, in Marianao, will not disappoint. This nightly extravaganza features scantily dressed dancers in sequins and feathers with outrageous head-dresses. Tickets do not come cheap, on average about CUC75, depending on the location of your seat. They are best booked through a hotel tourist desk, which ensures transport from and to your hotel. Cabaret Parisien, Hotel Nacional, Calle O y 21, in Vedado, is another throwback to the days of the mob but (the show being less expensive than the Tropicana), you are more likely to mix with the locals. Let your hair down and join them on the stage-cum-dance floor until the early hours. Cuba's best salsa bands regularly perform at Casa de la Música de Centro Habana, Calle Galiano entre Calle Neptuno y Concordia and Casa de la Música de Playa, Calle 20 esquina 15 Miramar. Jazz Club La Zorra y el Cuervo, Calle 23, between Calle N and Calle O, in Vedado, and Jazz Caffé, on 1ra y Malecón, are other good venues to hear nightly jamming sessions by well-known jazz musicians. Bar Monserrate, Calle Monserrate y Obrapía, Habana Vieja, is a good place to take a break if you are exploring the streets of Old Havana. Good drinks and cocktails are available here and excellent groups play live music throughout the day and until closing time (at around midnight). 

    

      

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