Havana
Aside from its funky murals and psychedelic art shops, the main reason to come to this alleyway, Havana's high temple of Afro-Cuban culture, is the…
Must-see entertainment in Havana
Gran Teatro de la Habana Alicia Alonso
Havana
Havana's fabulously renovated 'great' theater is open again and offering up the best in Cuban dance and music. Its specialty is ballet (it's the…
Havana
An institution since its 1939 opening, the world-famous Tropicana was among the few bastions of Havana's Las Vegas–style nightlife to survive the…
Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís
Habana Vieja
Plaza de San Francisco de Asís' glorious church, which dates from 1738, has been reincarnated as a 21st-century museum and concert hall. The old nave…
Havana
Known also as the 'theater of a hundred doors' (in reference to the French windows adorning its exterior), this neoclassical gem is a masterpiece of…
Habana del Este
In an old shirt factory abandoned in the 1990s, when it became a rubbish dump and public urinal, this new state-sponsored community arts project was…
Havana
Some label it a tourist trap, but this restaurant–entertainment space bivouacked upstairs in a deceptively dilapidated Havana tenement plays some of the…
Havana
If you're looking for something inherently Cuban, tag along with the local habaneros for some very caliente action at this outdoor venue known…
Havana
Launched with a concert by renowned jazz pianist Chucho Valdés in 1994, this Miramar favorite is run by national Cuban recording company EGREM, and the…
Havana
The largest stadium in Cuba holds 55,000 people and was built before the revolution, in 1946. It’s the home of Havana’s widely revered (or reviled,…
Havana
One of two such establishments in the city, this legendary place is where Cubans and tourists who don't want to be treated like tourists go for full-on…
Havana
Size-wise the Karl Marx puts other Havana theaters in the shade, with a seating capacity of 5500 in a single auditorium. The very biggest events happen…
El Tablao Centro Cultural Artex
Havana
Bang in the city center, cleverly hidden in a basement beneath the Gran Teatro, this dark club is perennially popular, particularly with mature locals,…
Havana
Housed in a classic art deco rascacielo (skyscraper), the América seems to have changed little since its theatrical heyday in the 1930s and '40s. It hosts…
Havana
Cubans have adopted and adapted many foreign music and dance forms, including flamenco. You can see Havana’s best troupes here on Monday, Friday and…
Havana
A suitably refined little club for a suitably refined part of Playa, this venue encased in the Cine Teatro Miramar and affiliated with government agency…
Coliseo de la Ciudad Deportiva
Havana
Opened in 1958, this multiuse 15,000-capacity indoor sports arena is the HQ of the Cuban men’s volleyball team. It also hosts big boxing tournaments. The…
Havana
Go into the woods in El Bosque de la Habana for the weekly Fiesta del Casino, a popular open-air disco where a mix of Cubans and non-Cubans come to dance…
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),…
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…
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…
Havana
A multiplex cinema that's plush by Cuban standards, Infanta is an important venue during December's international film festival.
Havana
Havana's permanent 'Big Top,' with a weekend matinee featuring strongmen, contortionists and acrobats.
Gimnasio de Boxeo Rafael Trejo
Habana Vieja
Boxing is hugely popular in Cuba and the country has a long list of Olympic gold medals to demonstrate its skills. Enthusiasts should check out this gym,…
Sociedad Cultural Rosalia de Castro
Havana
A slightly cheaper alternative to the nearby Guajirito, this venue puts on nightly shows that don’t stray too far from the classic Buena Vista Social Club…
Havana
The slightly down-at-heel Estadio Pedro Marrero holds 28,000 spectators and is used mainly for soccer games – internationals and playoffs in the Liga…
Havana
Opposite the Capitolio, Cine Payret is Centro Habana's largest and oldest cinema, erected in 1878. The building has suffered at least three fires in its…
