Camagüey
The beer drinker's choice. Fake pirate figures and Bucanero beer on tap characterize this swashbuckling tavern, faintly reminiscent of a British pub.
Must-see nightlife in Cuba
Granma Province
This two-level bar on the peatonal (pedestrianized section) is a choice spot if you're craving a rum cocktail in a fancier bar setting.
Bayamo
This busy local place on the main shopping street has beer on tap in ceramic mugs and a constant buzz of conversation. Pay in Cuban pesos.
Camagüey
This Beatles-themed bar has a large inner patio and life-sized bronze sculptures of the fab four. Locals come for snacks and chilly brews.
Isla de la Juventud
For a little atmospheric booty-shaking, join the throngs of locals dancing in an open-air locale hidden among the trees near the river.
Santa Clara
This meet-the-locals cocktail lounge has live bands and dancing, plus the odd comedy show. It generally gets swinging around 11pm.
Cienfuegos
Strong, thick coffee for trained Cuban palates, or weak lattes for those reared on Starbucks, plus some ultra-sweet cakes.
Santiago de Cuba
A tourist bar attached to the Bacardí Rum Factory; offers rum sales and tastings.
Ciego de Ávila Province
Party with the locals into the wee hours at Hotel Ciego de Ávila's rowdy disco, about 10 minutes' walk from town.
Santa Clara
Imbibe your beer from the bottle on the laid-back street-facing terrace – prime people-watching territory.
Ciego de Ávila Province
Young, raucous entertainment-seekers test the patience of sleep-deprived paying guests at the Hotel Morón.
Vedado
Cafeteria in the afternoon that becomes a ferociously caliente (hot) club by night.
Cienfuegos
A fiesty open-air venue on the Prado with a traditional Cuban vibe. Known for its cabaret.
Ciego de Ávila Province
Proudly mixing Caribbean cocktails with Antarctic air-con since 2011.
Baracoa
Atop a long flight of stairs at the western end of Coroneles Galano, popular El Ranchón mixes an exhilarating hilltop setting with taped disco and salsa…
Las Tunas
Wine-tasting in Las Tunas probably sounds about as credible as food rationing in Beverly Hills, yet here it is; only MN$7 for a shot of the local poison,…
Camagüey
Local youths are drawn to this lurid-purple boutique bar-restaurant. The sports store on its mezzanine level draws scantily dressed-up 18-to-25 year olds…
Trinidad
The 1840-vintage Brunet theater has been a ruin since its roof collapsed in 1901. Today it serves as a beer hall and live-music venue. Don't get too…
Holguín Province
Perched high above town near El Cuartelón, this place has a view to die for but not much in the way of good food. Come for a drink.
Vedado
A scruffy evening cafe that turns into a hot local club after 10pm. Friday and Saturday nights are best.
