Cuban rhythms: a guide to dancing clubs in Havana

Cuban rhythms: a guide to dancing clubs in Havana

June 11, 2025

Havana, the heart of Cuba, pulses with the rhythm of salsa, rum and the unique atmosphere of the Caribbean night. This is a city that never sleeps, and its dance clubs are a true mecca for lovers of Latin sounds and hot rhythms. Our guide will take you on a journey through the best places where you can feel the true spirit of Cuban music and dance. From legendary stages that remember the golden days of Havana, to modern clubs bustling until dawn, each of these venues offers a unique experience that will live long in your memory. Get ready for a night full of passion, energy and an unforgettable experience to the rhythm of Cuban salsa!

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Tropicana Club - the legend of the Cuban night

We begin our journey with an icon of Havana nightlife - the Tropicana Club. It's a venue that has consistently attracted guests from around the world since 1939, offering a spectacular cabaret-style show under Cuba's starry skies. The Tropicana is not just a club, it is a true institution that has survived the revolution and continues to impress today with its grandeur and class.

Located on Calle 72 A, the Tropicana Club (last revision: June 2023) is a place you must visit at least once in your life. Ticket prices are high (PRICE_LEVEL_EXPENSIVE), but the experience is worth it. For about $75-120 (depending on the season and ticket type) you can enjoy not only the show, but also welcome drinks and snacks.

The show at the Tropicana is a feast of colors, sounds and emotions. Dancers in fancy costumes full of feathers and sequins, perform intricate choreography to the rhythms of salsa, rumba and other Cuban musical genres. A live orchestra adds an authenticity and energy to the entire performance that cannot be matched anywhere else.

It's worth remembering that the show starts quite late, around 10pm, and lasts until midnight or longer. This can be a challenge for some visitors, especially after a full day of sightseeing, but the energy of the show quickly dissipates fatigue. As one guest noted: 'Super revue, performance refined in every detail. Great dance and vocal show.

The Tropicana Club has a long history, and despite the fact that some consider it a venue geared mainly toward tourists, it remains an important part of Cuban culture. Here, the atmosphere of 1950s glamour mixes with contemporary showbiz to create a unique experience.

Casa de la Música de Miramar - the contemporary rhythms of Havana

If you're looking for a place where you can not only admire the show, but also hit the dance floor yourself, Casa de la Música de Miramar is the perfect option. Located in the Miramar neighborhood on Calle 20 (last revision: June 2023), this club is one of the most popular venues among locals and tourists looking for an authentic Cuban atmosphere.

Casa de la Música offers daily live concerts, showcasing some of Cuba's best salsa and timba artists. Unlike the Tropicana Club, here prices are more affordable (PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE) and the atmosphere less formal. Admission costs about 10-15 CUC (equivalent to USD), depending on the day and the artist performing.

The club opens its doors around 11pm and entertains guests until the early hours of the morning. It's a place where you can really feel the pulse of Havana's nightlife. As one visitor noted: 'I got there around midnight, not knowing what to expect, but a great show was just starting. The performers were very talented.'

Casa de la Música de Miramar is not just about music and dance. It's also a place where you can sample traditional Cuban drinks such as mojitos and cuba libre. Keep in mind, however, that drink prices may be higher than in regular bars, especially during popular performances.

One of the biggest advantages of this place is the opportunity to see and dance with real salsa masters. Many local dancers are eager to share their skills with guests, making a visit to Casa de la Música not only entertaining, but also a dance lesson.

It's worth noting that although the place is popular with tourists, it has retained its authentic character. As another visitor recalls, 'Cuban rhythm floats in the atmosphere. Music, drinks and a good atmosphere are part of what this place offers. The diversity of cultures makes it a must-visit destination when visiting Cuba.'

El Gato Tuerto - intimate atmosphere and the best bolero

To conclude our musical tour of Havana, we move on to a more intimate, but no less fascinating venue - El Gato Tuerto. This small club, located at Calle O # 14 Entre Calle 17 Y 19 in the Vedado neighborhood (last revision: June 2023), is a true gem for lovers of Cuban music at its most authentic.

El Gato Tuerto, which translated means 'One-Eyed Cat,' is a place with a rich history dating back to the 1960s. Unlike loud and crowded salsa clubs, here you can enjoy more intimate performances, focusing mainly on boleros and traditional Cuban music.

Prices at El Gato Tuerto are moderate (PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE), making it accessible to tourists and locals alike. Admission usually costs around 10 CUC, and the price often includes the first drink. The club is open from late afternoon to early morning, but the best time to visit is in the evening, when live performances begin.

The atmosphere of El Gato Tuerto is unique. The club's retro-style interior, with dark wooden furniture and dim lighting, transports guests back in time to the golden era of Cuban music. As one guest noted: 'Going to Havana and not going to the one-eyed cat is disrespectful to Cuba. There are the best rums, the best service, the best nightcap and the best people in all of Cuba.

El Gato Tuerto is famous not only for its music, but also for its excellent cocktails and cuisine. It's the perfect place to start the evening with a good dinner and then immerse yourself in the world of Cuban melodies. As another guest recalls, 'I've been going to this restaurant on the second floor for a long time to have dinner and then have a good time at the concert on the first floor.'

Compared to Tropicana Club or Casa de la Música, El Gato Tuerto offers a more intimate and authentic experience of Cuban musical culture. It's the perfect venue for those who appreciate quality performances in an intimate setting.

To sum up our tour of Havana clubs, each of the described venues offers a unique experience. Tropicana Club impresses with its grandeur and spectacular shows, Casa de la Música de Miramar pulses with the energy of contemporary salsa, and El Gato Tuerto invites you into an intimate world of boleros and traditional Cuban music. Whichever club you choose, one thing is certain - the rhythms of Havana will stay in your memory for a long time, reminding you of the magical nights spent in the Cuban capital.

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