|
|
|
|
Havana Nightlife
Live music is central to Havana's nightlife scene. There are a huge number of top salsa bands playing on nightly rotation throughout the city and a visit to a live music bar is a must for any visitor looking to gain a feel for the locals' love of rhythm.
Casa de la Musica de Centro Habana and the Casa de la Musica de Miramar are two of the top establishments and both local and international bands come to play on a regular basis. The Centro also puts on large-scale salsa bands on occasion. If you turn up to the Teatro Nacional de Cuba any night of the week you can be guaranteed good live acts at one of the building's numerous bars. All the above joints are owned by one of Cuba's leading record labels, meaning they have access to many of the best bands. Los Van Van, Isaac Delgado and Paulito FG are among the acts to look out for.
If jazz is more your thing, try the Jazz Club La Zorra y El Cuervo. The freestyle house band is top notch and Thursday night is blues night.
The famous Patio de Maria club caters to those who like their music a touch heavier. No live acts here though, it's canned rock and pop all the way and you will find many locals dancing the night away to US rock bands.
Beer connoisseurs should ensure they take in the Taberna de La Muralla in Plaza Vieja. It is the only microbrewery in the city and provides a fine selection of unique beers in a wonderful setting. Inside it is reminiscent of a Bavarian beer hall, outside on the cobbles, it is definitely Havana. A good range of grilled meats is also available to keep the hunger at bay.
Those willing to brave the seedy streets surrounding the Bar Dos Hermanos on San Pedro will be well rewarded. The 24-hour saloon was the favourite watering hole of the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca during his three-month stay in the city in the 1930s. Today, the bar retains its vibrant atmosphere and is a popular spot with the locals.
Havana's most famous nightclub is the Tropicana and should not be missed. The 'Paradise Under the Stars' 1950's style cabaret show, performed by around 200 dancers, is quite a spectacle even if it is not normally your thing. Then it is over to the punters to do the dancing for the rest of the evening, although there is an after hours club where more cabaret can be enjoyed. Visitors are advised to book ahead and men will be turned away if they are not dressed in trousers and shoes.
For more serious entertainment of an evening, head to the Teatro Amadeo Roldan, which hosts a varied programme of classical music events throughout the year. A concert put on by Leo Brouwer is said to be the best around and the building also has a more intimate venue for small groups and soloists.
|
|
|
|
Nightlife
