Café Cantante Mi Habana
Teatro Nacional de Cuba, Avenida Paseo, esquina 39, Plaza de la Revolución.
What Café Cantante lacks in comfort and service (especially from the doormen) it more than makes up for in the quality of the artists which play there and the busy atmosphere. Afternoon shows feature hip hop, salsa, rock, pop and traditional Afro-Cuban music. For the nighttime shows the very best big name salsa groups play until 3am. It is housed in the basement of the National theater.
Admission: 5-15 CUC
50-100 CUP matinée
Mon-Fri, Sun; 4-8pm, 5pm
Tel. +53 (7) 878 4273-5
Casa de la Música de Centro Habana
Avenida de Italia (Galiano), entre Neptuno y Concordia.
This really is the place to go if you want to see the very best Cuban salsa bands. The Galiano venue quickly gained a reputation as the best venue for salsa after its opening in 2003. There is much more space in the Galiano venue than its slightly posher twin in Miramar which allows you to bar perch if you want to a break from the dancefloor. When the big bands play, covers go up dramatically but the frantic energy and packed venues make it worthwhile and an experience to remember. Less popular bands struggle to fill up the venue so it's worth checking to see who´s playing.
Admission: 5-25 CUC
30 CUP matinée
Open 10pm-4. 30am
Tel. +53 (7)860 8296/4165
Casa de la Música de Miramar
Calle 20, esquina 35, Playa
The Miramar house of music has been a mainstay for the very best salsa bands for many years now. It is an absolute must if you have any interest in salsa. It is housed in a beautiful old Havana mansion and offers a great atmosphere. It is much smaller than the Galiano venue and can feel a little cramped at times especially if you are not dancing.
Admission: 10 CUC
Open 10pm-3am
Tel. +53 (7) 204 0447
Salón Piano Bar ‘Delirio Habanero’
Teatro Nacional de Cuba,
Avenida Paseo, e/ 39, P. de la Revolución.
This is the place to go at 2-3am when everywhere else is closed, although be warned that the queues can be long and hectic. The bar itself at a quieter time is lovely with minimalist décor and a great view over the Plaza de la Revolución. There is a varied program which includes mainly smaller salsa bands. Beware of the karaoke. This is a happening place but make sure that you have had a few drinks before you arrive.
Admission: 10 CUC
20-100 CUP matinée
Open 10pm-6am
Tel. +53 (7) 878 4275
Salón El Chévere
Calle 49C, esquina 28A, Kohly
A large open-air disco in the lovely Bosque de la Habana, El Chévere has two venues to choose from, a smaller disco around a pool and a large open-air floor in a natural amphitheatre beneath a wall of rock. A very popular place with Cubans when certain groups are playing it can be slightly hit or miss and is a bit tricky to find if you do not know Havana that well.
Admission: 10 CUC
5 CUP pool
Open Snack bar 10am-4am
Tel. +53 (7) 204 4990
Piano Bar "El Diablo Tun Tun"
Calle 35, esquina 20, Playa
This club is literally right upstairs from the Miramar Casa de la Musica. It is a much smaller venue than its downstairs neighbour and is generally a bit more calm, although when popular reggaeton acts are playing the dance floor can get pretty frenetic.
Admission: 10 CUC
Open 11pm-6am Tue-Sun
Tel. +53 (7) 204 0447
Las Vegas
Calle Infanta #204, esquina 25
Admission: 3 CUC
Open 10pm-3am
Matinées 4-8pm
0.50 CUP matinée
Tel. +53 (7) 836 7939
| Havana Guide, Havana Salsa Clubs |
| by CubaAbsolutely Team |
| |
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