City Life
Beyond Cuba’s stunning beaches lie some of the Caribbean’s most intriguing cities. Each of the country’s urban centres exudes its own distinctive personality, from the Franco-Cuban elegance of Cienfuegos and the lively Caribbean spirit of Santiago to the world-renowned culture and heritage of the capital, Havana. Cuba’s cities boast great architectural diversity, offering up magnificent examples of colonial, pre-baroque, baroque, neo-gothic, neoclassical, art nouveau, art deco, modern and post-modern style. But it is the glorious mix of history and music, poetry and passion, adventure and astonishingly rich culture that makes Cuban city life so magical.
Casa de la Trova Victorino Rodríguez
The drinks and the changüí-son rhythms are cool at this local hotspot.
Mamá Inés Cafe/Bar
A famous song gives its name to this cafe, located in the colonial area were you can also find some great shops and restaurants. At Mamá Inés one can buy good Cuban coffee to take home. At night the ambiance is fantastic.
Bar El Cambio
Located in the city of Camagüey, El Cambio is a place worth visiting. Located opposite Plaza Agramonte, the establishment has a charming design and decoration with ceramic elements in its floor and ceiling.
Café Concert Gato Tuerto
Offers an excellent cuisine and cocktails along with prestigious artists playing Cuban music.
Located in Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución.
Recreational Centre La Movida
If you love good times and good music, this is spot for you. Kick up your heels with the locals and enjoy great Cuban salsa music along with great Cuban rum.
El Pirata Tavern
Enjoy recorded music and traditional Cuban-style rhythms at this friendly tavern. Open 24 hours.
Iguana Disco
For an evening of karaoke (as well as recorded music), head to the Iguana. Open: 10:00 pm - 5:00 am.
La Esquina Traditional Bar
Enjoy an international cocktail or a Cuban concoction at this charming local bar in Bayamo.
El Floridita
Indulge in a decadent cocktail in the birthplace of the Daiquirí, yet another Hemingway favourite.
Havana’s Cabarets
If you’re in the mood for club-hopping, take in the lively floorshows at the cabarets located in the heart of Havana, including Capri, Caribe, Copa and Parisien.
Tropicana Nightclub
Nothing outdazzles the floorshow at this world-famous outdoor nightclub. Gorgeously costumed dancers salsa to the spirited live music performed by some of the finest Cuban orchestras.
La Cueva del Jabalí
Hosted in a natural cave, this place features a cabaret show and bar.
Mamá Inés Cafe/Bar
A famous song gives its name to this cafe, located in the colonial area were you can also find some great shops and restaurants. At Mamá Inés one can buy good Cuban coffee to take home. At night the ambiance is fantastic.
Bar El Cambio
Located in the city of Camagüey, El Cambio is a place worth visiting. Located opposite Plaza Agramonte, the establishment has a charming design and decoration with ceramic elements in its floor and ceiling.
Café Concert Gato Tuerto
Offers an excellent cuisine and cocktails along with prestigious artists playing Cuban music.
Located in Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución.
Tropicana Santiago
Take in the dazzling floorshow featuring colorfully costumed dancers and live musicians at this grand cabaret that specializes in Cuban-Caribbean rhythms.
Hotel Casa Granda
Enjoy the Parisian-style terrace bar that was once frequented by the novelist Graham Greene.
Las Ruinas del Teatro Brunet, Maceo (Brunet Maceo Theatre Ruins)
Enjoy the nightly Afro-Cuban shows at this club located in the ruins of Trinidad’s first theatre.
Casa de la Música
You can hear excellent traditional Cuban bands here, whether you’re dancing with the crowds inside or sipping a mojito under the stars.
Discoteca Ayala
This unique club-within-a-cave plays a mix of disco-salsa music, very popular with the locals.
La Canchánchara
Its name corresponds to a Cuban cocktail, consisting of honey, lemon and “aguardiente” – considered the distinctive taste of Trinidad.
Cabaret Cueva de Pirata (Pirate Cave Cabaret)
For a night to remember, take in a floor show with a swashbuckling twist. This cabaret is built inside a cave.
Tropicana Varadero
Enjoy the Varadero version of the renowned open-air cabaret show, complete with colourful costumes and live music. Just 8 km east of Matanzas.
Mambo Club
If you’re in the mood for some mambo, dance the night away to the energetic live music here.
Cabaret Continental
Take in the elaborate floorshow with colourfully costumed dancers every day except Monday at this club located at the Hotel Internacional.
Bar Benny
Club named after Cuba's most famous singer, Benny Moré.
Discoteca La Bamba
This is Varadero's most modern video disco, located at Hotel Tuxpán in eastern Varadero.
Casa de la Música
This place has quality live acts and a definitive Cuban feel.
Club Mejunje
This popular nightclub features an eclectic mix of entertainment, ranging from children’s theatre to traditional Cuban music.
Fuerte de la Punta
A converted fort, erected in 1803, now houses a restaurant.
Restaurante Luna Mar
If what you are looking for is some Italian flavor or a delicious fish dish, this restaurant with bar in Nuevitas, Santa Lucía is the right place.
Retaurante Don Ronquillo
Dine at this restaurant and bar specialized in Cuban and international cuisine, located in Camagüey city.
Restaurante Bucanero
Indulge yourself with a delicious seafood dish or enjoy the Cuban and international cuisine at this restaurant with bar in Nuevitas, Santa Lucía.
Restaurante La Campana de Toledo/El Parador de los Tres Reyes
Savour exquisite Cuban and international dishes at this restaurant with bar located in Camagüey city.
Restaurante La Isabella
Dine like a movie star at this cinema-themed Italian restaurant located on the site of Camagüey’s first movie theatre.
El Torreón
This friendly restaurant, with it’s decor evoking the days of pirates and corsairs, is a great place to enjoy traditional Cuban food and drink, a good cold beer, and lively music.
La Verja Restaurant
Dine in the former residence of the Fernández Cavada y Howart family, marine painters of great importance in the nineteenth century.
Teatro Café Tomás
At this bustling café located across from Parque José Marti, people-watching is always on the menu.
Palacio de Valle
Enjoy a wide selection of seafood at this eclectically decorated restaurant.
La Bodega
Savour a light meal with family and friends at this friendly Bayamo restaurant. Don’t miss the shows by local performers held here each Friday and Saturday evening.
Restaurant La Casona
Enjoy the view from this restaurant in Bayamo’s bustling Plaza de la Revolución.
Dinos Pizza La Popular
Grab a slice at this popular Granma pizza joint that has locations in Bayamo and Manzanillo.
Coppelia (Vedado)
Savour a sweet treat at Havana's favourite ice cream shop.
La Bodeguita del Medio
Try the roast pork at this traditional Cuban restaurant, renowned for its mojitos. No wonder it was a favourite Hemingway haunt.
El Aljibe
Order a family-style chicken dinner at this popular eatery.
Taberna Pancho
Dine at this busy restaurant located near Holguín’s Hotel Pernik. It offers a budget-friendly menu with an array of options.
Ranchón Las Coloradas
With a seafood specialty, there is an additional bar-parrillada (grill restaurant) at the Parque Natural El Bagá.
Ranchón Playa Flamenco
Eat exquisite seafood, drink cold beer, swim and more.
Restaurant Sitio La Güira
The food here is fresh and plentiful, set in an old reconstructed charcoal burners' camp.
La Bodeguita
Indulge in an international dish or a traditional Cuban meal here at this popular restaurant in Las Tunas city.
Casa de Don Tomás
Listen to local musicians play traditional Cuban music while you dine at this enchanting restaurant. It is located in the city of Pinar del Río, in a charming cottage built in 1822.
Restaurante Luna Mar
If what you are looking for is some Italian flavor or a delicious fish dish, this restaurant with bar in Nuevitas, Santa Lucía is the right place.
Retaurante Don Ronquillo
Dine at this restaurant and bar specialized in Cuban and international cuisine, located in Camagüey city.
Restaurante Bucanero
Indulge yourself with a delicious seafood dish or enjoy the Cuban and international cuisine at this restaurant with bar in Nuevitas, Santa Lucía.
Restaurante La Campana de Toledo/El Parador de los Tres Reyes
Savour exquisite Cuban and international dishes at this restaurant with bar located in Camagüey city.
Restaurante La Isabella
Dine like a movie star at this cinema-themed Italian restaurant located on the site of Camagüey’s first movie theatre.
Restaurante El Morro
Savour a panoramic view when you dine at this restaurant situated on top of a coastal headland.
Restaurante Casa Granda
Enjoy the elegant décor as you dine on Creole and continental fare served at this restaurant within the historic Hotel Casa Granda.
Real Jigüe
Try the Chicken Jigüe, a unique and delicious specialty of the house.
Trinidad Colonial
The house specialty is fresh Fish Fillet.
Plaza Mayor
Enjoy the Special Buffet or the Mar y Tierra Barbeque, quite a contrast of flavours within an old, restored house.
Chong Wong
If you have a craving for Chinese food while you're in Varadero, this is the place to come.
Casa del Queso
This restaurant specializes in French-Swiss cuisine.
Restaurante Kike-Kcho
Located at Marina Gaviota Varadero, this restaurant was built out over the ocean by designer Alexis Leyva Machad. It can seat 300.
Restaurante Esquina Cuba
Compay Segundo of the legendary music group the Buena Vista Social Club was a regular at this spot.
Las Americas Restaurant
This eatery located inside of a converted villa is widely regarded as one of Varadero’s top restaurants.
Restaurante Guamairé
Go ahead and try the spicy crocodile with pineapple, a specialty of the house.
House Capone
Dine inside the former home of notorious mobster Al Capone at House Capone, now a restaurant that specializes in Spanish and Italian cuisine.
Río Negro
Take a ferry over to this Creole restaurant on the Hanabanilla Lake.
Taller La Musa
This shop located across from the Casa de la Cultura features original Baracoan art.
Fondo Cubano de Bienes Culturales
Peruse the Hatuey woodcarvings and t-shirts with indigenous designs.
Mercado Agropecuario El Río
Stop by this lively open-air market located above Río Hatibonico and treat yourself to one the popular fresh batidos (fruitshakes).
The Cigar Shop (in the Boulevard)
Friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you choose from a fine selection of cigars, rum and jewelry at this shop, which features a Cava offering renowned brands of Cuba's famous cigars; an exclusive jeweler's; and a VIP room where you can enjoy an excellent cigar, accompanied by a superb Cuban rum.
Artisans Plaza
Artisans selling jewelry, woodwork, leather and a fascinating assortment of handmade crafts can be found throughout the area around the Boulevard.
El Bulevar
If you’re looking to shop, head to El Bulevar, the primary shopping stretch in Cienfuegos.
Calle General García (Bayamo)
For local shops, head to Bayamo’s pedestrian-friendly main shopping boulevard lined with eye-catching murals.
Almacenes San José
Pick up handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans here.
La Maison Fashion Show
Browse the latest fashions in style by taking in an evening fashion show at the gardens of a colonial mansion. The show includes music, entertainment, bar service and shopping at La Maison.
Shopping Tour
Book a shopping tour that stops at the Havana Libre Hotel Shopping Complex, La Flora and the Arts and Crafts Centre to pick up crafts, clothing, souvenirs, cigars and rum. The tour also includes a visit to the higher-end La Maison, which sells designer clothes.
Plaza de la Marqueta
This historic shopping plaza in Holguín is situated on the ruins of a former market. It is now home to modern shops, including a Casa del Tabaco.
Puerto Padre Shopping Tour
Take a guided shopping excursion from Las Tunas city to the beachside town of Puerto Padre.
Mercado Agropecuario El Río
Stop by this lively open-air market located above Río Hatibonico and treat yourself to one the popular fresh batidos (fruitshakes).
Craft Markets
Trinidad’s markets are renowned. You can find everything from lace and clothing to woodcarvings and musical instruments.
Casa del Habano
Also on Av 1 (at 60th), Casa del Habano is the place to come for a wide variety of Cuban cigars.
Centro Comercial de Hicacos Centre (Hicacos Mall)
Browse through the shops and restaurants in this mall on Av 1, not far from the open-air artisans' market.
Centre Plaza América
This massive international convention centre houses one of the country's largest shopping malls, complete with restaurants, boutiques and amusement centres.
Independencia
Stroll along this busy boulevard lined with local shops, including the handicraft purveyor Fondo Cubano de Bienes Culturales.
