Cuba Nightlife

Nightlife in Havana is unlike anywhere in the world. There may be salsa bars where you live, but they aren’t anything like the ones here. Most places allow you to dance to dawn and the heady tropical drinks most places mix are quite stiff. Don’t go out alone since tourists are often targets of pickpockets, but don’t let paranoia stop you from letting your hair down, either.

1. Bar Dos Hermanos - Avenida del Puerto 304, Havana - website

The perfect place to either start your evening of barhopping or end it, the Bar Dos Hermanos is a bit seedy, but that’s half the charm.

2. The Tropicana - Calle 72, between Calles 41 and 45, Marianao - website

The best known nightlife spot in the entire Caribbean, the Tropicana is an immortal spot that still lives up to its billing, even if it costs more than it should.

3. Salón Turquino - Tryp Habana Libre, 25th floor, Calles L and 23, Vedado - website

An excellent place to catch live music or a hot night on the dance floor, the view from this top floor venue is one you have to see to believe.

4. Lluvia de Oro - Calle Obispo no. 316, Havana - website

Watch your back when you enter into this bar, one of the few that mixes locals and tourists. It can be a blast but if things get out of hand, know where the nearest exit is.

5. Jazz Café - Third level of the Galerías Paseo mall, Avs. Paseo and 3, Vedado - website

This place gives off the vibe of being just a little bit too touristy, but they still book solid jazz acts here on a regular basis so it is worth checking out.

6. Habana Café - In the Meliá Cohiba, Paseo, between Avs. 1 and 3, Vedado - website

This lively cabaret may make some tourists think they are back home, but the entertainment here can be exciting and fun; a good place to bar hop to.

7. El Rincón del Bolero - Dos Gardenias, Av. 7 and Calle 26, Miramar, Playa - website

A more relaxing nightspot than most other hectic, salsa inspired dance clubs, this is a wonderful place to drink, talk and enjoy the company of someone special.

8. El Gato Tuerto - Calle O, between Calles 17 and 19, Vedado - website

A moody, almost gothic dance club that plays a mix of local salsa beats and more America and European dance music, it is a nice place to go if you don’t want to be seen.

9. Café Paris - At the corner of Calle San Ignacio and Calle Obispo, la Habana Vieja - website

There is always a party going on at the Café Paris, no matter what the time on the clock says. You might have to yell to get your order in, but you will likely have fun doing it.

10. Café O'Reilly - Calle O'Reilly 203, Havana - website

One of the most honest atmospheres in the entire city, the Café O’Reilly has decent food and a wonderful, open layout that makes it one of the most popular spots in the city.