Best Nightlife In Havana: Havana Clubs, Bars, Restaurants & Galleries
Having grown up and lived in Havana until I was 22, I have enjoyed my fair share of the best entertainment places in Havana, Cuba. Some of the travel-related questions people ask me most frequently are where to go and what to do to have fun while visiting Havana, especially at night. The nightlife in Havana is definitely rich and very fun! With tons of great options, there’s always something else to explore. So I decided to put together this guide of the best clubs in Havana and of my favorite entertainment places in the city. And since we all like to do different things to have fun, I have also included the best Havana experiences including museums and restaurants. You’ll find everything: the local’s favorite salsa spots, trendy Havana nightclubs, Havana jazz clubs, restaurants, museums and so much more!
Havana Nightlife, Bars & the Best clubs in Havana
When visiting Cuba, many people expect a culture focused on salsa music and salsa dancing. And although salsa is an important part of the Cuban culture and the Cuban society, Cuba is musically rich with a variety of genres, art and rhythms. The Cuban culture and the Havana Nightlife scene is actually quite diverse: everyone will be able to find an aspect that they like and even fall in love with.
EL MALECON
WHERE: 8km of seaboard walk, Havana
The top place on my list of the best Havana Nightlife has to be for El Malecon! El Malecon is an integral part of Havana nightlife scene. This a famous seaboard walk in Havana. If you are Cuban or have ever been in Havana, you have almost certainly walked or driven through here. Cubans usually go there in the late afternoons or during the night, to meet with friends and just hang out. During the summer, in some areas teenagers will jump into the water to swim and escape the high temperatures. My recommendations: Stroll down here at sunset, watch the locals listening to music and relaxing, dancing and fishing. Taking in the smell of the sea and the panoramic views of Havana is one of the things I miss most about living there!
WHERE: Calle 26, Esquina 11, Vedado. Havana
The number one location on my list of the best clubs in Havana is without a doubt Fabrica De Arte Cubano. After all, TIME magazine just put it on its list of the World’s Greatest Places 2019. Chances are that if you know a bit about Cuba, you have heard about this place already. If you haven’t, here’s what you need to know. This isn’t your everyday club, is an “art space” located in an old factory (hence the name Fabrica de Arte Cubano, Cuban Art Factory) that also doubles as a space for live music and events. The place is huge, and you can find here everything from art installation to paintings and sculptures to live music and bars. Just make sure you arrive early or have some connections with bouncers, because the lines are super long!
EL COCINERO
WHERE: Calle 26, Havana
Right next door to Fabrica de Arte Cuba you can find El Cocinero, one of my favorites bars in Havana. The rooftop atmosphere is always fun, especially during the summer nights. El Cocinero is not only a bar but a restaurant as well, so if you are feeling hungry you can always order some tapas or traditional Cuban dishes. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time, as the place can get crowded during the night!
WHERE: Avenida 1ra between Calle 16 & 18, Havana
This place is as local and young as it gets! It has been the place to “see and be seen” among the young Cubans for a decade or more. They have well known live bands playing Cuban fusion music almost every weekend, giving it a great atmosphere. Just make sure to arrive early again, as the place gets busy with tons of locals.
LA ZORRA Y EL CUERVO
Where: Avenida 23 between N & O, Havana
This is not part of the “new wave” of bars and nightclubs in Havana: La Zorra y El Cuervo has been part of the Cuban music/party scene for a while now. It’s more of a traditional location, well known for its live jazz performances. If you love Jazz and thought you had to go to New Orleans or New York to hear it live, think again! In this jazz club in Havana, you’ll hear amazing musicians such Yasek Manzano, who studied and played with the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra, and Roberto Fonseca (a jazz pianist that mixes afro_cuban rhythms into his music and has toured around the world with Buena Vista Social Club) along with many more up and comers. One of Roberto Fonseca’s songs was featured in the Will Smith movie Hancock. The club opens late but the music is worth the wait! Maybe you’ll get to hear the next big name in jazz!
LA CASA DE LA MUSICA
WHERE:: Multiple Locations, Old Havana & Miramar, Havana
They have two popular locations, one close to Old Havana and another close to Miramar. If you are looking for the best dance clubs in Havana or a place to try some salsa dancing, these are your safe bets. The Miramar location is definitely smaller and can get crowded, especially when popular bands are playing!
EL FLORIDITA
WHERE: Obispo, Havana
WHERE: Empedrado, Havana
These are one of the most well-known bars in Cuba. Although they are quite touristy, they are also among those places that everyone should check out when visiting Havana for the first time. Plus, this is a fun way to follow Hemingway’s footsteps in Havana. The famous writer loved to drink a good daiquiri in El Floridita! And I love the mojitos from La Bodeguita!
The Best Restaurants in Havana
In Havana, like in many other places around the world, there are normal restaurants and then there are the funnest and trendiest restaurants/bars: those that turn into bars/lounges at night. Many foreigners and Cubans alike head to these places for a drink before going out or after the clubs close around 4:00 am. You can come here to enjoy the delicious tapas and food around dinner time, and then stay for a drink afterwards to have a low key but fun night! I have mentioned just a few here, though in Cuba almost every place will have a fun and lively atmosphere.
WHERE: : Calle 10, Havana
Espacios is one of my favorite places and is definitely at the top of this Havana Nightlife Guide. This bar-restaurant is located inside a large Havana house, highlighted by a big patio in the back where you can enjoy delicious tapas al fresco for lunch and dinner, or a mojito to finish off a night. Fabrica de Arte, one of the most popular places right now in Havana, is within walking distance of the restaurant, making Espacios the perfect dinner stop in your Havana night!
ANTOJOS
WHERE: Callejón Espada between Cuarteles & Chacon, Havana
Antojos is a great place to enjoy traditional Cuban food in a very authentic Cuban atmosphere. The restaurant is located in a small pedestrian street in Old Havana and it has both indoor and outdoor seating depending on the weather. Not only is the food some of the best you can find in Havana, but the drinks are delicious as well. The restaurant also gets bonus points because of its amazing staff! My recommendation: try the Ropa Vieja (traditional Cuban dish with shredded beef). Delicious!
EL DEL FRENTE
WHERE: 303 O'Reilly, Havana
You might find it a bit difficult to locate El Del Frente: the entrance is kind of narrow and there’s no apparent sign from the street. However, once you are inside you’ll get delicious and very well-made Cuban dishes with a bit of an international twist. The tacos are a popular choice in this colorful restaurant, so that’s definitely a safe bet to try. Get a mojito and relax on their beautiful terrace/rooftop surrounded by contemporary & vintage Cuban art pieces!
WHERE: : 418 Concordia, Havana
For years, this has been one of the most famous paladares (private restaurants not run by the government) in Havana. Some of the scenes from the Oscar-nominated Cuban movie Fresa y Chocolate were filmed here, and many international celebrities and bloggers visit the place every year. Apparently Usher had some of his wedding celebrations here! The restaurant is a huge space, with multiple terraces, side balconies, and a main rooftop. The menu is good and the ambiance very unique! La Guarida rooftop is perfect to unwind under the stars on a warm Havana night after a long day of exploring the city.
Best Art Galleries, MUSEUMS & Entertainment in Havana
Cuban is a country rich in diverse artistic talent. Throughout the years, many of their talented artists have been recognized and acclaimed all over the world. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to see some of their work right here at home!
As I mentioned before, Fabrica De Arte Cubano (see description above ) is a must stop in your Cuban itinerary. The latest and many of the best cuban artists are all featured together in one interactive space. There are several exhibitions and live shows in FAC in any given day.
FUSTERLANDIA
WHERE: Jaimanitas, Havana
This is the project of Cuban artist Jose Fuster, who has created art installations and colorful mosaics all over his Havana neighborhood Jaimanitas. The artist has been working on this project for more than 3 decades. Many have compared him to Pablo Picasso, so you know he’s for real! There’s really no other place like this in Cuba, and while this is not exactly a popular stop when planning a Cuban trip, the neighborhood is very unique and I definitely recommend that you check it out!
CALLEJON DE HAMEL
WHERE: Aramburu & Hospital, Havana
Another neighborhood art project worth visiting while in Havana is El Callejon de Hamel. In a little alleyway in the center of Havana, you’ll find murals, paintings and art objects all showcasing the Afro-Cuban traditions. The project was first started around 1990 by the Cuban artist Salvador Gonzales Escalona, and has now become part of the identity of Havana. I truly recommend stopping by here if you want to see some of the true soul of Cuba.
WHERE:
Trocadero between Zulueta & Monserrate, Havana (Cuban section of the museum )
Trocadero between Zulueta & Monserrate, Havana (International section of the museum )
The Fine Arts Museum is the main museum of arts in Cuba. Here you’ll find the work of many important Cuban artists who are well known both on the island and internationally. It's worth noting that the museum has two locations within blocks of each other: one focused on Cuban artists and one with more international exhibitions. If you love to learn about different cultures, this museum is a great way to do so. The museum also has many events throughout the year, including live performances by Cuban bands, so look on the calendar to see what works best for your traveling dates!
CENTRO DE ARTE CONTEMPORANEO WILFREDO LAM
WHERE: 22 San Ignacio, Havana
One of the most famous Cuban painters of all times was Wilfredo Lam . He collaborated with Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Diego Rivera, among others. His work was focused on Afro_Cuban art, and his unique paintings can be found in the Guggenheim and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) in New York. However, its here in Havana where you’ll find most of his work in one place. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the museum and learn a bit more about the artist and his work.
GRAN TEATRO DE LA HABANA
WHERE: 458 Paseo de Martí, Havana
If you love classical ballet and opera, the biggest and more important theatre in Havana (El Gran Teatro de La Habana) has shows all through the year! It’s the home of the Cuban national ballet, and the fancy and beautiful building is definitely one of a kind. The theatre first opened its doors in 1915, and it has been recently renovated. Don’t miss the opportunity to step into such an iconic place and enjoy a fun night at the ballet! The Cuban ballet is well known around the world, and tickets to see the shows in London and NYC can costs hundreds of dollars, a fortune compared to what you’ll pay in Havana (around $30 if you are a tourist)!
If you are visiting Havana and Cuba soon, don’t forget to Pin It so you save this guide with the best Havana clubs & nightlife for later. Cuba is a great island, not only due to its culture and art but also for its natural resources and landscapes. If you are planning a visit outside the borders of Havana, we have a few travel guides with tons of local tips. Make sure to check them out here! To read about other travel destinations around the world, click here.
Besitos from Havana, Cuba
Laura
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