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Best Spots to Watch Salsa in Havana, Cuba

Tropicana opening number
Tropicana opening number | © jennicatpink/Flickr

While salsa bands have struggled to stay relevant for younger audiences, salsa still remains very popular around the world—and especially in Cuba, whose culture has greatly influenced the musical genre. Below are some of the most popular venues to dance to the lively, passionate music in Havana.

Casa de la Música de Miramar

Founded in 1995 to promote the Cuban record industry, Casa de la Música de Miramar is a fantastic spot to see salsa bands perform live. With a varied program that includes both renowned and emerging salsa bands, this place offers two shows every day (5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m.) at a midsize concert area that accommodates a stage, a bar, tables, and a dance floor. As the name indicates, it is located in Miramar. Cover charge goes from 10 CUC to 20 CUC, depending on the calibre of the band playing.

Café Cantante Mi Habana

Café Cantante Mi Habana is part of the National Theatre of Cuba, located near Revolution Square. This club features live performances by a variety of bands, with salsa nights happening on Monday and Tuesday, from 9:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m., and Friday from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Café Cantante is close to residential areas and well-connected by bus and taxi services, making it a favorite for locals. Cover charge is 10 CUC for foreigners and 60 CUP (around 2.50 CUC) for Cubans.
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Don Cangrejo

Don Cangrejo is located by the sea in Miramar. It’s very popular among young people on weekends. Open from Thursday to Sunday, 10:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., the club offers live performances by prestigious salsa bands. Cover charge goes from 10 to 25 CUC, depending on the band.

4. Pico Blanco

This nightclub at the Saint John’s Hotel in Vedado is easily accessible from the main tourist areas. Unlike other places on this list, the salsa bands performing at this small club are not famous, making the cover charge is less expensive (5 CUC including one drink). Open from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m every day except Mondays.
206 O Street, Saint John’s Hotel, Vedado, Havana, Cuba +53 7 833 3740

El Turquino

Habana Libre Hotel’s El Turquino is a nightclub in the heart of Vedado. It’s one of the most expensive on this list and tourists are more likely to be the majority in this spot. A different band plays every night from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Salon Rosado de la Tropical Benny More

Salon Rosado is the salsa dance capital of Havana. It is said that local bands like to use Salon Rosado as a testing ground for new songs; if the crowd there doesn’t like them, they probably won’t be popular among a wider audience.

Casa de la Música de Centro Habana

Building, Theater

Callejon de Hamel

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