Viñales
Named for the late Pinar del Río resident-turned-guajiro (country folk) hero and legendary folk singer Polo Montañez, this open-to-the-elements patio off…
Must-see entertainment in Cuba
Casa de Cultura Josué País García
Santiago de Cuba
Grab a seat (or stand in the street) and settle down for whatever this spontaneous place can throw at you: orchestral danzón (ballroom dance), folkloric…
Estadio Capitán San Luis Sports
Pinar del Río Province
From October to April, exciting baseball games happen at this stadium on the north side of town. Pinar del Río is one of Cuba's better, last winning the…
Ciego de Ávila Province
From October to April, baseball games take place to the northwest of Ciego's center. The town's Tigres have experienced a dramatic turnaround in fortune…
Havana
The daytime restaurant of the Cuban fisheries becomes party central particularly on Friday night, with alfresco live music (often by big-name acts) and an…
Habana Vieja
The Neri has had many incarnations since its founding in 1693: first as a church under various religious orders (Oratorianas, Capuchinos, Carmelitas),…
Vedado
One of Cuba's largest and best-equipped cinemas, the Chaplin shows nightly films of all types and sometimes runs a special season on one director. The…
Santiago de Cuba
This comparsa (carnival music and dance group) represents the Tivoli neighborhood in Santiago’s July carnival. The tradition is derived from 19th-century…
Vedado
The first date (and first kiss) of many an enamored cubano has taken place at this classic modernist cinema on Vedado's main crossroads. It's also a major…
Camagüey
Some say it's the best cabaret outside Havana, and at this price, who's arguing? Book your seat (from the box office on the same day) and pull up a pew…
Vedado
If you understand Spanish, it's well worth attending the cutting-edge contemporary theater, a staple of Grupo Teatro Rita Montaner, here at this small…
Havana
A boxing club directly opposite the Capitolio that usually hosts matches on Friday at 7pm. There have long been rumors of a refurb, but for the time being…
Havana
This walled outdoor garden complex serves traditional Cuban food and keeps tour groups hydrated with mojitos, but it's best known for its big-band salsa…
Granma Province
In the spiritual home of nueva trova (traditional singing), a renovation of the local trova house was long overdue. Pay a visit to this hallowed musical…
Casa de la Trova Miguel Ángel Luna
Ciego de Ávila Province
In the dice-roll of traditional musical entertainment, Ciego's trova (national poetic singing) house scores a magic six with polished Thursday night…
Habana Vieja
Check for cultural events at this baroque former palace of the Condesa de la Reunión (from the 1820s), where Carpentier set his famous novel El Siglo de…
Ciego de Ávila Province
Dodge the slumbering receptionist, and all sorts of capers take place here, including a Wednesday danzón (ballroom dance) club and weekly folklórico …
Camagüey
Baseball games are held at this stadium alongside Casino Campestre. Team Camagüey, known as the Alfareros (the Ceramicists), have long been underdogs, but…
Varadero
Aping its two popular Havana namesakes, this place has some quality live acts and a definitive Cuban feel. It's in town and attracts a local crowd who pay…
Santiago de Cuba
Art lines the walls of this shop-and-club combo that hosts live music both day and night in the front room or quaint inner courtyard; a good bet if the…
Matanzas
From October to April, baseball games take place at this stadium, home of beloved local team the Cocodrilos. It's 1km southwest of the market.
Holguín
Jams start around 8pm at this jazz venue, weaving their magic for a few hours, and then there's piped music until 2am. There's a sporadically functioning…
Santa Clara
There are no fixed schedules inside this beautiful classical library in Parque Vidal, but it regularly hosts classical-music concerts. Check the printed…
Santa Clara
This slightly-out-of-town cabaret venue has a late-night disco preceded by a Cuban-style singing and dancing 'show' at weekends. It's one of Santa Cara's…
Sancti Spíritus
Numerous cultural events that at weekends spill out into the street and render the pavement impassable. It's situated on the southwest corner of Parque…
Havana
A multiplex cinema that's plush by Cuban standards, Infanta is an important venue during December's international film festival.
Guantánamo Province
A new venue for old music, this casa shares lovingly restored digs with the Casa del Changüí in Calle Serafin Sánchez, the city's boisterous 'music street…
Las Tunas Province
In sleepy Puerto Padre, your best bet for catching musical performances or other nighttime cultural activities is at the municipal culture house.
Santiago de Cuba
First stop for art fiends seeking intellectual solace in talks, workshops, encounters and performances – all in a gorgeous colonial courtyard.
Holguín
Situated on quieter Parque San José, this paint-peeled place frequently hosts peñas (musical performances) and cultural activities.
Las Tunas
The best place for the traditional cultural events with concerts, poetry and dance. The action spills out into the street on weekend nights.
Casa de la Música 'La Sitiera'
Pinar del Río Province
After warming up at nearby Café Pinar, many revelers cross the street for more live music here.
Vedado
Ken Loach movies, French classics, Cuban film festivals – catch them all at this Vedado staple, which houses the Cuban film archive.
Villa Clara Province
Under the shady arcades in the main square, 'Legends' is an ARTex cultural center with music till 1am from Wednesday to Saturday.
Pinar del Río Province
Peaceful patio alongside the Teatro José Jacinto Milanés. Check the schedule posted outside for nightly cultural activities.
Isla de la Juventud
Your best bet for a non-reggaeton night out is this nicely renovated colonial house with patio, bar and suave live music.
Holguín
Holguín's impressive outdoor music venue is the best place to round off a bar crawl with some live music and dancing.
Las Tunas
This theater shows quality movies and some of Cuba's best touring entertainment including flamenco, ballet and plays.
Holguín Province
This walled, open-air space across from the park has live music shows on weekends that can be heard down the block.
Viñales
The ebullient and long-standing Patio del Decimista serves up live music, cold beers, snacks and rummy cocktails.
