The emphasis is on dancing, be it salsa and Latin dance styles, R&B, hip hop or rock. Most venues now feature matinées, aimed at young Cubans with entrance in pesos, which have a more authentic vibe. It's always worth checking out the cream of Havana's hotels, which provide the venue for big name bands. The Nacional usually has a great Saturday night line-up with home-grown Grammy winning favourites Los Van Van often taking time out from the global circuit.
Prices start at 25 CUC, or including dinner 40 CUC

Footprint

WILD BILL’S HAVANA PUB CRAWL
	Wild Bill a friend of Cuba-Junky and frequent traveler to Cuba, passed away July 2006. Below his idea about how to do Havana ... A tribute to WB ... AKA Bruce Cuba-Junky made a video of this tour, check it out at the left side
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Alameda Bar

Situated in the mezzanine of the Parque Central Hotel. Elegant and quiet bar where you can have good drinks and talk without noises and musics. Recommendable

• Address: Hotel Parque Central. Neptuno e/ Paseo del Prado y Zulueta, La Habana Vieja

Café del Hotel Ambos Mundos

It’s an extrategic Obispo street corner. From this place we can see through the latticework’s of their huge facades the going around of the people

• Address: Obispo # 153 esq. Mercaderes, La Habana Vieja

Américas, Casa de las

Apart from organising conferences and exhibitions relating to Latin American and Caribbean literature, art and music, this cultural centre also hosts performances in a wide variety of contemporary and traditional musical forms. Concerts usually take place in the early evening on weekdays.

• Address: Calle 3ra, esquina a Presidentes (G)
• Open: 8am-4.30pm Mon-Fri; closed Sat, Sun

Amelia

Bar-Restaurant situated in a modern office building in Miramar district. Some nights your dinner will have the pleasant company of small music groups or comedians. When performers and audience start to warm up and to connect with each other the atmosphere is delightful and relaxing.

• Address: Miramar Trade Center. 3ª esq. 82, Miramar. La Habana.
• Open:

Amistad (de la) Casa

This magnificent place should be the British Ambassador's local as his residency is only a couple of doors down on Paseo. Strangely, though, you never see him propping up the bar or staggering home with a carry-out. It's his bad luck, for this converted mansion, with a luscious green garden, hosts great entertainment in the evenings. The food consists of basic snacks, including pizzas and chicken, but to be fair Amistad's real pulling power is its music and happy atmosphere, rather than its grub. Despite the cover charge ($5), this place is highly recommended.
Outside tables.

• Address: Paseo #406, entre 17 y 19, Vedado (303114/5)
• Open: 11am-midnight Mon-Fri; 11am-2am Sat; 11am-6pm Sun.
• Admission 5CUC Tue, Sat only

Bar del Hotel Armadores de Santander

This bar, open next to the Hotel Armadores de Santander in 2002, has a cosy environment to have a "mojito" or a beer near the harbour. The waiters are very charming.

• Address: Calle Luz #4 esquina a San Pedro. La Habana Vieja

Terraza Bar El Artillero

At the corner of one of the small streets of Fortaleza de La Cabaña, it is located this small bar with a charming terrace, ideal to enjoy the afternoon.

• Adress: Complejo Morro-Cabaña. La Habana

Atelier

This cosy basement club has been recently refurbished and now boasts decent air-conditioning. Shows start at 11.30pm, and there's a Cuban disco afterwards.

• Address: Calle 17, esquina a 6
• Open: 10pm-4am daily

Azotea de Elda (La)

1st Sun of every month If you happen to be in town on the first Sunday of the month make sure not to miss this wonderful pe-a in the heart of Vedado. Elda, who owns the Paladar del Amor downstairs, opens up her rooftop (azotea) to anyone interested in good Cuban music. This is a great opportunity to mingle with Cubans of all ages and listen to both well-known and amateur groups playing everything from rap to son. Complimentary rum and wine are served, or you can bring a bottle to add to the party spirit. The event is free, but people are encouraged to make a donation to the local cancer research hospital. An absolute gem.

• Address: Calle 23 #759, entre B y C
• Open: 2-6pm

Bacardí Bar

Nice little snug with leather upholstered seats and mirrored walls. The decor is exactly the same as it was in the 1930s, this time though, in contrast to most of Havana, it is shiny and new. Prices are reasonable and with a friendly tip, you will be shown to the mirador (lookout) at the top of the building for a wonderful view of old Havana. Recommended for a mojito out of the sun.
Air-conditioning.

• Address: Edificio Bacardí, Avenida de Bélgica (Monserrate), entre Progreso (San Juan de Dios) y Empedrado (629271/629208)
• Open: 8am-8pm Mon-Sat; closed Sun.

Bar Bilbao

This is a nice and old bar decorated with flags and other elements allusive to the Spanish soccer club "Athletic de Bilbao", all gifts from tourists coming from Bilbao(Spain) who where attracted by the name of the place and made it "their own". To find near Plaza de la Catedral -Cathedral Square-.

Address: Calle O´Reilly. La Habana Vieja

Barbaram Club

In April 2004 the relaunch of one of the legendary places in Havana, the old Barbaram, took place. Its schedule offers a big variety of activities, from son, salsa to jazz. Something you should not miss! We are particularly happy with its speciality, a weekly space dedicated to ballads (“Sol Sostenido”). This kind of performances (trova, in Spanish) can be listened to as well in places like “La Madriguera” and “el Centro Pablo de la Torriente”, but not with this same regularity. Probably the economic prices are linked to its location, quite far away from the usual tourist circuit.

• Address:Avenida 26 entre 45 y 47 (frente al Zoológico), Nuevo Vedado. La Habana
• Open:

Bar Colonial 1830

This is the huge and low frequented bar of the Restaurant 1830, ideal for having a cocktail any time of the day. It is quiet and refreshing. We recommend to visit the adjoining Japanese Garden.

• Address: Complejo 1830

Bar de los Estudios de Grabación Areíto

A growing number of people are going to this small terrace-bar owned by the Egrem Company, hoping to catch an eye on the musicians recording in the studios nearby.Especially when the members of Buenavista Social Club meet, foreigners love to figure on a photograph together with them.

• Address: San Miguel y Campanario, Centro Habana

Bar El Globo

Located behind the arcs of Santa Isabel Hotel. This bar is one of the few places in the zone where no musical group gets near the customers’ tables. The only inconvenient is that there is no protection against the mercyless sun.

• Address: Hotel Santa Isabel. Baratillo nº 9 e/ Obispo y Narciso López, La Habana Vieja

Bodeguita del Medio (La)

Hemingway's most famous haunt is always crowded, but the mojitos are worth the wait. Live trova is played in the bar and restaurant.

• Address: Calle Empedrado #207, entre San Ignacio y Cuba
• Open: noon-midnight daily

Bolero (El)

Havana's main bolero club hosts different groups and singers in two shows every night

• Address: Complejo Dos Gardenias, Avenida 7ma, esquina a 26
• Open: 10pm-3am daily. (from 10pm to midnight and from 12.15am to 3am)

Bosque Bologna

Funny cafetería with terrace. You will find it in a space left by a missing building in one of the most crowded commercial areas of historic down-town. Strollers are attracted by its acceptable offer including drinks and light dished at friendly prices. Casual and lively ambience.

• Address: Calle Obispo nº 460. La Habana

Bosque de La Habana

This cafetería, located in the ground floor of Hotel Meliá Habana, might be your favorite place to have a drink or eat a sandwich, a baguette or a light meal till late at night. It has a very comfortable terrace and a good service.

• Address: 3era e/ 76 y 80, Miramar

Bulerias (Las)

By night, this Spanish-style tavern is no longer the wild disco it once was, but it still features live traditional Cuban dance music after midnight.

Footprint:
This pseudo-tapas bar, just off La Rampa, looks rather like a Lloret de Mar souvenir shop has exploded all over the walls. The serve-yourself tapas bar is a psychedelic spread of glow-in-the-dark chorizo, spongy tortilla and a gnarled leg of, allegedly, parma ham. During the week, from 2300, aspiring John Lennons and Ricky Martins take to the stage, unabashed, for karaoke – and at the weekend from 2300, Las Bulerías turns the lightening down low, gets the glitter balls spinning and the live salsa pumping, until 0400.

• Address: Calle L, entre 23 y 25
• Tel: 8323283
• Open: Café 24hrs daily. Restaurant 10am-4am daily

La Cabaña

It`s hard to define the interior design of this bar, but it has a nice terrace overlooking the entrance of the bay. In any case it trasmits the atmosphere of a low-category cafeteria. They should get rid of that.

• Address: Cuba esq. Peña Pobre, Habana Vieja

Café de Paris

Lots of punters, lots of jineteros and lots of live music (11am-11pm)

• Address: Calle San Ignacio #202, esquina a Obispo
• Open: 24 hrs daily

Café Rodney

This bar is part of the Cabaret Tropicana leisure complex but you do not have to attend the show to have a drink here. It is, perhaps, the best cafeteria of the big Marianao district. Opened from early hours in the afternoon.

• Address: Calle 72 entre 41 y 45, Marianao. La Habana

Café TV

Inaugurated in 2001, this modern bar is located in the ground floor of building Focsa, in the centre of Havana, and it is usually crowded at weekends with lively kind of people, both Cuban and international. In this place, there are live performances and a karaoke. It has also an economic chart of dishes. The decoration has to do with the history of Cuban television.

• Address: 17 Edificio Focsa entre M y N, Vedado. La Habana Tel: (7) 334499
• Open:

Callejón de Hamel

Footprint:
Every Sunday from 1200-1500, is an unmissable feast of fast, kicking rumba show and electric jam sessions, which draws huge crowds of tourists and the local community. Invited guests, an artistic community feel and a responsive audience make this a hot venue. There is a small bar in the street, selling a strong drink of rum and honey, 2 CUC. Pack lots of sunscreen and water, as they often run out.

• Address: Hamel entre Aramburu y Hospital. La Rumba de Cayo Hueso

Caneyes del Papa (Los)

Standard nightclub with a live salsa band at 12.30am on Friday and Saturday nights. It's only worth a visit if you are staying at or close to the Marina.

• Address: Marina Hemingway, Calle 248 esquina a 5ta, Barlovento
• Open: 10.30pm-4am daily

Cañitas (Las) Bar

Legendary bar situated in the ground floor of the Havana Libre Hotel, quite forgotten during many years. In 2002 we could observe a sudden but intense revival. Chill-out style and young ambient with people enjoying musical videos, billiard games and slow dancing. One year later a “bar geográfico” modality has been included, together with very amusing games. Finally in 2004, the organization decided to engage very select salsa and poper bands, to offer disco presentations or Jazz releases for a reduced public, nevertheless maintaining its former style. The success is outstanding.

• Adress: Hotel Tryp Habana Libre. Calle 23 y L. La Habana
• Open:
  

Cantante Mi Habana, Café

Relatively unknown, but nonetheless good bands play in the café of the National Theatre every night. Weekends are especially recommended. The Café Cantante Mi Habana also offers matinée peso performances (salsa and son music), which are usually filled with Cubans and are fun and lively, if you're in the mood for a late-afternoon dancing sesh. For a more tranquil after-hours venue, check out the upstairs Delirio Habanero bar. Dress code: no shorts.

Footprint:
Start your night in El Delirio, then head down to the basement for the last hour of Café Cantante. The doorman may let you in free of charge at this late hour. Funky crowd of fashionistas and poseurs slink, sashay and jump around to diverse Cuban beats, cranked up well into the early hours. This is a highly regarded venue, popular with local musicians and other cultural notables. Top live bands often play here and there are matinée salsa discos.

• Address: Teatro Nacional, Paseo, esquina a 39 Tel: (7) 8790710 / 796011
• US$10 min, matinees 10 pesos
• Open: 10.30pm-5am Mon; 4-7pm, 10.30pm-5am Tue-Sun.

Casa de la Amistad

One of the best settings in Havana for listening to great traditional music with a welcoming atmosphere. A traditional son group, La Peña del Chan Chan, plays every Tuesday at 2100. Compay Segundo sometimes appears with the band, although he is often on tour. Following the show there is dancing on the veranda or in the gardens, Tuesday until 2400 and Saturday to 0200. Thursday is trova night from 1800 and Saturday is Noche Cubana with son and guaracha. A good Cuban and tourist mix and soliciting is rare.

• Address: Paseo 406 entre 17 y 19
• Tel: 303114
• 3 CUC admission plus 2 CUC consumo mínimo

Casarón del Tango

Footprint:
Varied opening hours. Just off the Plaza de Armas, the Tango House is a welcoming place to enjoy shows, take dance classes, meet people and relax. Saturday 2130-2400 headlines passionate performances from Tango all stars Emilio Alvarez, Katy Angel and Jorge Luis del Cabo. Wednesday and Friday1700-1900 feature amateur performances aimed at cultural promotion. Drop in tango classes and courses are run on Thursdays 1600-1700.

• Address: Jústiz 21 entre Baratillo y Oficios, T 8610822.

Casa del Café

It is a little site located in one of the square of Armas street corner. The below part is a specialized café. In the upper part you can taste some of its coffee varieties.

• Address: Plaza de Armas esquina a Obispo. La Habana Vieja

Casa de la Cultura de Centro Habana

This very popular venue usually hosts a variety of nightly musical activities. At the time of going to press, it was closed for repairs and due to reopen early in 2001. Call ahead to check out what's on

Footprint:
Hours vary according to schedule of events. Budding talent literally springing up from the ruins of this dilapidated mansion. There is an extensive programme from blasting rock on the first Sunday of the month, from 1500, to sedate peñas campesinos on Saturday evenings from 2100, and the fourth Sunday of the month climax, from 1500, where frenetic rap and hip hop threatens literally to bring the house down.

• Address: Avenida Salvador Allende (Carlos III) #720, entre Soledad y Castillejo
• Tel: 8784727

Casa de la Cultura de Habana Vieja

This very active casa features live gigs almost every night at around 8pm (6pm on Sunday), many of which are staged in the casa's beautiful old theatre or outside in the church courtyard. Young and old Cubans from the local neighbourhood come here to dance and listen to bolero on Tuesday, a Caribbean night on Wednesday, son on Thursday, Afro-Cuban music or reggae on Saturday and a varied programme on Fridays and Sundays. Phone the casa on Monday for details of the coming week's programme and then take your pick.

Footprint:
Free. This vibrant and welcoming cultural centre in southern La Habana Vieja has a varied programme but its musical peñas are the major draw for locals. Rumba courtesy of Tambor llévame contigo takes place on the second and fourth Saturday of the month 1800-2200. Tuesday 2000-2200 is bolero night, while on the first and third Sunday of the month 1800-2030 the roquero youth crank it up with rap gigs.

• Address: Calle Aguiar #509, entre Amargura y Brasil (Teniente Rey)
• Open Tue-Sun (performance times vary); closed Mon

Casa del Té

A bar with a long tradition in Havana, located in a well-known place of the city. It has the special Havana touch. Ideal to have a little something at any time of the day.

• Address: Calle 23 y G, Vedado

Casa de la Trova de Centro Habana

Live trova music is played here most evenings, but Fridays from 6pm is the time to stop by. This cultural gem is usually crowded with locals and can be highly recommended.

Footprint:
In the heart of the musical Cayo Hueso district, for going local this is a great unpretentious hang-out to hear traditional high-calibre Cuban music among a highly appreciative crowd. Line-up varied, but authentic Cuban feel guaranteed. Slot in the Friday afternoon session from 1800.

• Address: Calle San Lázaro #661, entre Padre Varela (Belascoa'n) y Gervasio
• Open: from 5pm daily
• Free

Casa de la Musica Miramar Egrem (the "old")

If you're looking for a really good place for live salsa and money is not a factor, then this is the place to come. Situated in a beautiful mansion in Miramar, the Casa de la Música hosts all the well-known groups in the evening, plus less-famous bands playing salsa and traditional music in the afternoons. Food and drinks are served.

Footprint:
One of the top venues to listen to the cream of Havana musical talent. High admission costs for the evening sessions unfortunately rule out the locals and an authentic vibe. Wednesday nights are very popular and often headlines a long and steamy set of danceable salsa tunes delivered by the ebullient and medallion-clad Adalbeto Alvarez y Su Son. NG La Banda with their streetwise earthy lyrics, often play on Friday, drawing an older, tour group crowd. Music kicks off at 2330. Friday admission is 10 CUC -25 CUC depending on who plays. Mojitos 4 CUC . Bargain afternoon matinées are a generally more Cuban affair with locals packed like sardines onto the small dance floor.

• Address: Calle 20 esquina 35 Miramar / Playa
• Tel: (7) 2040447
• 5 - 25 CUC

Casa de la Música de Galiano (the "new")

Inaugurated during "Cubadisco" in May 2002, this House of music has happily lived up to all the expectations it was laid upon. A real success for the firm Egrem and its second locality in Havana. The restoration has been carried out brilliantly in a place where once the movie theatre "Cine Jigüe" had oppened its doors to many spectators and, even before, the theatre "Teatro Cuba" and "Molino Rojo".It is located in the same building of today´s "Teatro América", a real jewel of Cuban Art Décor, by the way. At present, the place has a spectacular hall with three loungebars on the ground floor and a smaller one with another bar on the first floor.

Its good sonority and situation in the very heart Havana, as well as its accurately planned programme provide the place with an attractive atmosphere day by day. A must of Havana´s nights.

• Address: Calle Galiano entre Concordia y Neptuno. Centro Habana. Tel: (7) 8608296
• Open:

Caserón del Tango

Located in a beautiful colonial mansion just around the corner from the Plaza de Armas in Old Havana, the Caserón del Tango is another of the city's musical treasure chests. Run by the Asociación Nacional Promotora del Tango, the venue aims to preserve and promote this music and dance form in Cuba. A wide range of activities are offered in the mansion's grounds, including informal tango pe-as from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, and a music and dance show starting at 10pm on Saturday. The bar is the venue for discussions and impromptu performances from 9.30pm to 2am on Sunday. Tango classes (which cost CUC5) are held from 4pm to 6pm Thursday and from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday. Even if you can't make it for one of the scheduled events, be sure to stop by for a swift drink and a little tango music in the charming peso bar out the back.

• Address: Calle Jústiz #21, entre Baratillo y Oficios
• Open: 8am-midnight Mon-Sat; 8am-2am Sun.

Caserón del Tango

This museum-cum-cultural centre dedicated to the tango was founded by Edmundo Daubal in 1980 as a showpiece for his collection of tango sheet music, records, tapes, trophies and other memorabilia, amassed over half a century. The tango was very popular in Cuba during the 1930s and '40s, as evidenced by the grey-haired regulars who now flock to the casa's weekly events. Join them for fantastic music, dance and a very welcoming atmosphere. The main attraction for visitors is the live tango music and dance on Mondays from 5pm to 8pm. Although formal tango classes are not currently on offer, the casa should be able to put you in touch with a private teacher.

• Address: Calle Neptuno #309,entre øguila y Italia (Galiano)
• Open: 10am-8pm daily

Castillo de la Real Fuerza (El)

The roof terrace of the castle is the most peaceful and pleasant place in Havana to sip a cocktail or a beer. The entrance is through the armour museum, which deters most punters, leaving you to enjoy the wonderful view of Casablanca in splendid isolation. Once you've climbed to the top, you'll be rewarded with a first-class view, wrought-iron furniture and a great mojito. It's fully worth the 1CUC admission charge to enjoy this place and a tour of La Giraldilla's statue (tip the waiter).
Outside tables.

• Address:

Cecilia (La)

Open currently closed for renovation. The cabaret area of this tourist complex was closed for renovation at the time of going to press. When it reopens in 2001, La Cecilia is expected to host big-name salsa bands on Thursday to Sunday nights. There will probably be no cover charge, but a 10CUC drinks minimum is likely to be enforced.

• Address: Avenida 5ta #11010, entre 110 y 112 Tel: (7) 204-1562

Centro Andaluz en Cuba

This is one of Havana's many Spanish cultural centres. Dedicated to keeping the city's Andalusian roots alive, the centre offers a show with live flamenco music on Fridays (9pm), Saturdays (10pm) and Sundays (9pm) followed by dancing. There are also flamenco classes from 9am to 11am Tuesday to Thursday at 15CUC per hour.

• Address: Paseo de Mart' (Prado) #104, entre Genios y Refugio
• Open: noon-8pm Tue-Thur; noon-midnight Fri-Sun; closed Mon.

Centro Pablo de la Torriente Brau

Between its big variety of cultural activities, this centre has to be mentioned especially because of its musical events, including highlights as the so called conciertos "A guitarra limpia” (only guitar and voice concerts), dedicated to "Novísima Trova". We won´t have enough space to name all those artists that already performed here: Santiago Feliú, Heidi Igualada, Frank Delgado, Gerardo Alfonso, Rita del Prado, Pedro Luis Ferrer, Manuel Argudín, Sara González or Ireno García. During some of the recitals, those who were lucky, could enjoy scene paintings done by Nelson Dominguez, Zaida del Rio, Choco, Alicia Leal and Ernesto Rencaño. What more can we ask for?

• Address: Calle Muralla Nº 63 entre Oficios e Inquisidor. La Habana Vieja. Tel: (7) 666585
• Open:

Chan Chan

• Address: In the Marina Hemingway248 y 5ta Ave Santa Fe, Playa

Chang Disco

Chang's is a privately owned club housed in a first-floor flat in the heart of Barrio Chino (Chinatown), which makes for a rather peculiar but unique ambience. It's popular with both Cubans and foreigners; many people start out here and then move on to nearby Los Tres Chinitos, which stays open until dawn. Watch out for the long queues of heavily made-up girls who wait impatiently at the bottom of Chang's stairway entrance on most Friday and Saturday nights. Women get in for less than men, which might explain it.

• Address: Calle San Nicolás #517, entre Dragones y Zanja, Centro Habana
• Open: 10.30pm-3am Fri-Sun only

Bar Chico O´Farrill
Cuba #102-108 esquina a Chacón.
La Habana Vieja
Tel: (7) 8605080

Opened in november 2002, located inside the Hotel O´Farrill, this bar is there to honor one of the most important figures of latin Jazz: Arturo "Chico" O´Farrill was gathering a lot of fame performing together with other legends such as Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, Dizzie Gillespie, Stan Kenton, Machito, Mario Bauzá... He left to us unforgettable interpretations of "La Comparsa", "Almendra" or "Frenesí". Now we can listen to them while enjoying a delicious Rhum Collins. Part of the decoration is a huge photo gallery and an adjoining inner yard offering a refreshing ambience. A fab place!

Bar del Hotel Chateau Miramar

The bar counts with a good list of drinks and pizzas.It is very well known by the fans of "futbol", who watch most of the international games at their televisions, specially those of the spanish and italian leagues.

• Address: 1era e/ 60 y 62, Miramar

Coctel, Casa del

Hidden behind a rickety wooden fence and tall potted plants, this place does bargain cocktails (1CUC each) and should be visited only for that reason. If your stomach rumbles enough, you may be tempted to try the bargain 1.30CUC chicken and chips, but sticking to the booze is more advisable.
Outside tables.

• Address: Calle 23, esquina a Presidentes (G) (309375)
• Open: 24hrs daily

Cocktail Blue

Piano-Bar situated in the Meliá Cohiba Hotel; it is one of the most confortable and nicest places to spend a quiet afternoon and night; but visitors are still quite rare, may be because it is on the first floor of the hotel.

• Address: Paseo e/ 1era y 3ra, Vedado
  

Cocodrilo

Every night, there is here a programm of performances of comedians. After them, people dance till the place is close. It has been a great success from its opening in the beginning of 2001.

• Address:
• Open:

Columnata Egipciana

Behind this rare and not at all "habanero" name hides a roomy and fresh place which many people like a lot. Singers, and traditional groups of music are animating the atmosphere.

• Address: Mercaderes e/ Obispo y Obrapía, La Habana Vieja

Comendador

The reception, the yard and the lecture hall are the three relaxing spaces that this hotel proposes us, for drinking and resting during our visits to the old Havana.

• Address: Obrapía esq. Baratillo, La Habana Vieja
  Tel: (7)571037

Bar Conde de Villanueva

It is in the middle-story of the inn. It has a small cigars shop, a tobacco twister who may be seen at his crafting work and a small and quiet bar which, without reaching the category of a salon, it is a very nice place.

• Mercaderes # 202 e/ Lamparilla y Amargura, La Habana Vieja

Heladería Coppelia

This ice-cream parlour is a very special place in Havana, part of its collective memory. The ice-creams are supreme too.

• Address: Calle L esquina a 23