A guide to nightlife in Cuba

Throw some shapes at Casa de la Musica, Trinidad

Without a doubt, Trinidad is a top nightlife destination in Cuba, and Casa de la Musica is a must see. This huge open air terrace in the Trinidad central square is often filled with revellers and bands, there to make music and dance with each other until well into the morning.

You can sit for free on the lower steps and enjoy cocktails and a great atmosphere. Alternatively, pay a little for a front row seat right by the dancefloor where salsa dancers wow you with their liquid-like moves. Surrounding bars all compete to offer the best mojitos, which you can take to your spot in the square and sip while you consider joining in with the dancers.

Catch the spectacular show at Tropicana, Havana

Dinner and dancing is what Tropicana is all about. Guests at this club can choose to chow down on a three-course dinner before the show even starts. Then at 9pm the lights go down and guests fall silent as dancers take to the stage and Cuban music fills the club.

This is a truly remarkable night out, with the perfect mix of all the cultures and styles that you find in Cuba, set to the backdrop of the modernist architecture of the Tropicana building. This club is found in the heart of Havana, the nightlife capital of Cuba, so this could just be the start of a great night out in the city during your Cuba holidays.

Classical music at Casa de La Trova, Santiago de Cuba

Casa de La Trova is a classical music hall in Santiago de Cuba, which has fantastic programming of classical Cuban concerts and the occasional modern band. Any serious Cuban band has played at the Casa de La Trova, and as a result it attracts a huge amount of tourists from miles around to see the hot new act of the moment.

The entry fee isn’t too high, and is sometimes wavered if you arrive towards the end of a show. The matinee begins at 1pm and the evening performance at 5pm, so there’s plenty of time afterwards for dinner or a club.

A lively night at the Jazz Cafe, Havana

For live jazz, look no further – the Havana Jazz Cafe has it all. By day this clean and stylish establishment offers a place to eat and relax, but by night the doors close, the lights go down and live jazz bands take to the stage to the delight of many.

This isn’t a well known tourist spot so you’ll get to escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The cool interior, friendly owners and top quality musicians make for a night of high quality revelry all round.

La Cueva Del Jabali, Cayo Coco

This venue is actually found in a cave, which has been transformed into a dance club in the resort of Cayo Coco. It’s the only club in the resort, but people come from miles around to experience the unique atmosphere and great music.

There is little need to decorate the venue as it’s rock interior is already cool enough. Other than the bar and sound system, the only other real decorations are the hanging bats. They can give visitors quite a fright if they accidentally walk into them in the flashing strobes – just a little prank from the owner.