10 sizzling spots for a cultural evening in Havana - music, dance and art

There is a magic about Havana that captivates visitors from the moment they set foot in the city. The unique charm of seeming to have stopped in time, as vintage 50s cars roll through the streets, combined with more modern feel of the thriving private sector, which recently began growing, give Cuba's capital a truly singular vibe. Though there is no denying its beauty during the sunny daytime, Havana truly sparks up and comes alive in the evenings.

With a strong musical tradition, an innate talent for dance and great creative potential on all levels, Cuban people really know how to appreciate art, and it is an essential part of their nightlife and entertainment. The island's capital, in particular, is renowned for its lively venues which buzz every single evening with amazing music, dance and artwork. Whether you love alternative tunes or upbeat salsa; you are an eager dancer or prefer to sit back and watch the action; or simply enjoy gazing upon amazing artistic pieces (all whilst sipping on thirst-quenching mojitos!), Havana can cater to your desires.

Those who are eager to experience as much of the island's culture as they can during an exciting night out, will find details on the ten spots I consider to be not only some of Havana's most interesting venues that manage to capture the capital's cultural essence.

Passion for dance in Havana – classical, popular and modern

Beauty of ballet at Gran Teatro de La Habana

Cuba is renowned for being home to one of the world's most prestigious ballet companies. Since it was founded in 1948, the Cuban National Ballet (Ballet Nacional de Cuba) has been praised across continents and recognised by experts for its excellent quality and unique style. Founded by the distinguished Cuban prima ballerina assoluta, Alicia Alonso, the official school travels the globe with amazing choreographies but also treats the local crowd to frequent spectacles.

The Cuban National Ballet is based in the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso,an architectural marvel inside and out. A much-needed restoration project was completed in 2016, improving this legendary venue into a state where it's as spectacular as the nightly performances it plays host to. Throughout the years, the theatre has welcomed wonderful performances from international ballet companies, operas and dramas. Some of the most renowned figures to have performed here include dancer Anna Pavlova, actress Sara Bernhard and singer Enrico Caruso, as well as the great French mime Marcel Marceau.

If you have a passion for ballet, make sure to check on the dance company's website for information on upcoming performances. Once in Havana, you can buy your tickets at the box office and treat yourself to a night of classical bliss.

Tantalising traditional Cuban genres at Tropicana

A true symbol of Cuba's cultural essence, Tropicana Cabaret is a must on the list of any dance aficionado. Exuding 50s flare, this amazing cabaret under the stars is a landmark for the island's music and dance styles. Excellent dancers take the public's breath away as they show off their best moves to the beat of cha-cha, mambo, rumba, conga and much more.

Launched in 1939 at Villa Mina, this six-acre suburban estate in Havana's Marianao neighbourhood was the centre of the capital's nightlife before the Revolution, with Lucky Luciano even being a frequent visitor. Its stage saw the likes of Nat King Cole, Josephine Baker and Bola de Nieve amongst others. Located in vibrant forest with large majestic trees, such as Royal Palms, Mamoncillos, mango trees, the theatre boasts cool tropical feeling that merges with the rhythms performed during the show.

Book a table for this spectacular show and let the mulata showgirls (and show boys) blow you away with their sensual moves. Representing the island's mixed cultural background and the playful and lively spirit of Cubans, the show is truly a representation of the nation itself. Prices start at 75 CUC for the show (some drinks included) and 95 CUC for dinner and the show.

Habana Compas Dance

A more modern take on Cuba's ever-blossoming dance scene, Habana Compas Dance is one of the freshest and currently most popular companies in the island. Based in their studio, situated in the neighbourhood of Marianao, the mostly feminine company also visits national and international theatres and have already been praised for their fun and unique style.

Founded in 2004 by Cuban dancer and choreographer, Liliet Rivera, Habana Compas dance concentrates on the combining the essence of traditional Spanish dances with Afro-Cuban rhythms. Made up of 26 dancers and a music group that plays violin, flute, piano, percussion and bass, Habana Compas Dance stands out for its daring choreographies. In their performances, the company incorporates instruments like bata drums, drumsticks, claves and castanets; and even objects like chairs, stools, flip-flops or heels to beautiful and carefully coordinated dance moves.

If you would like to see the latest and hottest trend of the island's ample dance scene, take a few hours out of your evening to visit Habana Compas Dance studio and enjoy the show up close.

Lighting up your Havana night with musical marvels

Bertolt Brecht – Cuba's young alternative scene

If you have been to Cuba several times and wondering about the island's alternative scene, or if Cuba's traditional salsa rhythms aren't exactly what you would like to dance to on a night out, the Bertolt Brecht Theatre could be your sanctuary. A small theatre with a big impact on Cuba's younger crowd, the Bertolt Brecht hosts Cuba's contemporary Cuban performers who offer amazing concerts for the incredibly low price of 2 CUC.

This is the place to discover the island's young music scene, which many times mixes the rich roots of Cuba's traditional music with other international genres like rock, rap, Cuban trova. Some of the crowd favourites and most important artists to perform here are David Blanco, William Vivanco and the internationally-renowned Descemer Bueno. The place itself is a basement cafe theatre, Cafe Brecht, known as "No Se Lo Digas a Nadie" (Don't tell anyone!).This laid-back spot is also great for mingling with young locals. The experience will feel authentic and the cheerful ambience and spectacular music promise an excellent night.

Jazz Cafe – smooth skills of Cuba's talented jazz musicians

For a mellow night of enjoying the jams of talented local musicians, Jazz Cafe is ideal. Located on the top floor of a large shopping centre opposite the Melia Cohiba hotel, this venue is a smooth and sophisticated club offering incredible views over the Malecon seawall Havana's urban panorama. Less crowded than its sister venue La Zorra y el Cuervo, Jazz Cafe is ideal for a laid-back experience. Chill out to the soulful tunes played by some of the island's top jazz artists whilst snacking on tostones (fried plantain) and sipping a daiquiri. Upon entrance, you are required to pay 10 CUC, which can then be spent on food and drinks.

Casa de la Musica Miramar – sensual salsa and timba

Located in the upscale neighbourhood of Miramar, Casa de la Musica has been the shrine of the island's best salsa bands for many years now. Nonetheless, the venue also welcomes popular reggaeton artists from time to time. If you love the contagious beats of salsa and would like to feel free to dance the night away or simply watch locals let their hair down, this is the place to be.

Frequented by salsa music royalty like the Grammy-winning Los Van Van, Pupy y los que Son Son, Bamboleo, Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor, or Alexander Abreu, Casa de la Musica features amazing feature concerts every afternoon and evening for a small part of the price that it would cost to see these bands and artists in the US or Europe. In the evenings, the venues are open from 10pm-3am and tend to focus on salsa. Depending on the live act, the cover charge is typically 10-25 CUC and a mojito will set you back just 4 CUC.

Sarao's Bar – reggaeton and electronic music

Hosting the likes of Katy Perry and Usher, Sarao's Bar is possibly the hippest nightclub in the capital. Situated in the heart of Havana's urban Vedado neighborhood, this gorgeous space is ideal for an energetic night of enjoying music, dancing and sipping on excellent cocktails. After being open for only a few years, Sarao's Bar attracts all ages and boasts one of Cuba's most sophisticated interiors with a chic and modern two-level design accompanied by amazing lighting effects. Cuba's most popular reggaeton artists frequently take the stage and delight the eager audience. Before the live performance kicks off, big screens shower the guests with salsa and reggaeton videos and dancing is inevitable.

El Gato Tuerto – feeling the island's "filin"

Also in Vedado, besides the iconic Hotel Nacional, the Gato Tuerto (one-eyed cat) is a mellow music club that treats its public to melancholic Cuban ballads known as “boleros” and the emotional songs of “filin” performed by some of the best local artists. Reminiscent of a late-night piano bar, this space boasts an intimate ambience and is popular amongst the older crowd (both tourists and Cubans).

The speciality at El Gato Tuerto is "filin", a genre that borrowed its name from the English feeling, denoting the emotional charge of this Cuban brand of jazz. Feel touched by the soft and passionate vocals of amazing artists like Omara Portuondo, Ivette Cepeda and Osdalgia and try some of the bar's excellent cocktails. The entrance to Gato Tuerto is free but there's a minimum consumption of 5 CUC.

Photography and art - Art Laboratory Kcho Studio

An oasis of authentic art and creation, Art Laboratory Kcho Studio is a unique artistic development that will provide a warm-up for an interesting cultural evening. The painter and sculptor Alexis Leiva Machado (Kcho) opened this multi-function centre in 2014 on the outskirts of the city in Romerillo. Shaped with the idea of sharing his art and inspiring the community, Kcho's Studio a collective space where children, young people, and adults wander in and out.

More than a private studio, Kcho's non-profit cultural space boasts a great deal of facilities, including the Juan Almeida Bosque Library, the Tocororo Theater, La Nave, which is a space for contemporary art, and the Marta Machado Art Gallery, named after Kcho´s mother, who had been an important popular artist and cultural promoter in her birthplace, Isla de Pinos, as well as an experimental graphic workshop. Open seven days a week from 9 am to 9pm, this centre is ideal for art buffs who wish to gaze upon a fascinating artistic and community project.

All in one with Fabrica de Arte Cubano - Cuba's most culturally colourful hotspot

If you are not staying in Havana for long or simply want to try out Cuba's most innovative nocturnal venue, Fabrica de Arte will give you a chance to dip yourself into a wide array of cultural manifestations. FAC, as it is commonly known, is probably the highest profile spot to have opened in the last few years in Havana: its uniqueness has drawn rave reviews from the international press and is now the preferred hangout of locals and many tourists. Situated in an old olive oil factory and masterminded by prestigious Cuban musician X-Alfonso, the multi-space, multi-floor venue houses exhibitions of the brightest local artists, performances and concerts.

The utter brilliance behind this concept is that for just 2 CUC, customers are allowed to view amazing art and photography exhibitions, watch films and documentaries in the cinema, enjoy a theatre play, listen to live music performances in the concert hall and dance the night away to recorded music on the dancefloor. All of this fun of course is backed by numerous bars serving a broad range of drinks and cocktails as well as El Cocinero restaurant serving up delicious signature snacks and meals. There is not a dull moment at FAC; hop from one area to the next and enjoy one of the most authentic and culturally-rich evenings of your stay in Havana.