Salsa dancing is as synonymous with Cuba as cigars and rum. The country’s rich musical history has led to the introduction of many Latin dances, the most popular of all being modern salsa. Originating in the 1900s, it was created by combining the rhythms of the region’s two existing styles of music, Cuban Son and Afro-Cuban Rumba, with a little extra influence from Puerto Rican dances such as Bomba and Plena, too.
You can expect gorgeous swish-worthy garments, a good helping of chemistry, and an upbeat rhythm sure to have the hips of everybody and their dog swaying – but don’t just take our word for it! Grab your dancing shoes, because we’ve rounded up the best places in Cuba to get your salsa on, whether you want to learn the moves or simply let your hair down…
Casa de la Música de Miramar
If you’re passionate about salsa dancing, this high energy spot is the place to head to and let your hair down for an evening. Housed in an awe-inspiring old Havana mansion, Casa de la Música de Miramar is an intimate live music venue showcasing some of the best salsa bands in Cuba. With upbeat performances every afternoon and evening, it’s a fabulous place to listen and dance to the Cuban Timba, Son, and Cubaton, too.
Café Cantante Mi Habana
Nestled beneath the Teatro Nacional de Cuba in Vedado is one of the hottest salsa spots on the block, Café Cantante Mi Habana. This laid-back venue serves up live music and dancing within its restaurant and bar, featuring unique performances from bands and artists including David Blanco, Modeda Dura, Papo Record, Alfonso and more, every afternoon (4pm-7pm) and night (10pm-3am). Be sure to pull on your dancing shoes on Saturdays, when it plays host to the fabulous gay disco and drag show, Divino.
Don Cangrejo
For ultimate Friday night party vibes, Don Cangrejo is the place to be and be seen in Havana. Boasting a spectacular (and slightly ridiculous) swimming pool that occupies most of the floor space, this popular festival-inspired venue gets pretty crowded once the sun sets, with partygoers choosing to kick-start their weekend by jamming out to some of the best Cuban bands in the business. The faint crashing of the sea against the shore only adds to the atmosphere of this alfresco venue, which in the day, doubles up as a restaurant.
Pico Blanco
Located on the 14th floor of the Hotel St John’s is one of Havana’s most bustling nightclubs. Variety is the spice of life, and that’s exactly what you can expect from this venue – with each night as unique as the next. With everything from salsa dancing to karaoke, bolero evenings, and drag queen events, you’ll find a little bit of everything here.
El Turquino
Ever wanted to dance under the stars? Head to El Turquino on the top floor of the Habana Libre Hotel and your wish shall be granted. This sophisticated nightclub boasts a standout circular bar fringed by 1950s-inspired barstools, but the major draw is its retractable roof, which reveals the twinkling night sky as soon as the clock strikes 12. Tourists and locals alike flock to this popular haunt on Fridays and Saturdays for its live cabaret shows, bands, and DJ sets which play long into the night. A must-visit if you want a taste of authentic Havana.
Salon Rosado de la Tropical Benny More
Once a legendary beer garden, Salon Rosado de la Tropical remains a huge part of the live music scene in Cuba, best-known for its eclectic selection of concerts and events. While it’s not nearly as sophisticated as other nightclubs in the capital (if anything, it’s pretty basic), the buzzing atmosphere that fills this outdoor venue is unmatched, with thousands of locals (and the odd tourist) flocking to drink rum and dance to its spectacular salsa and timba gig on Saturday nights. If you want to do it like the locals do, Salon Rosado de la Tropical is your answer.
Casa de la Música de Centro Habana
What it lacks on the outside, it certainly makes up for on the inside. Situated in a recently renovated historic building in the heart of the capital, Casa de la Música de Centro (often referred to as La Casa de la Musica de Galiano)is where it’s at when it comes to salsa dancing. Since it opened in 2003, it has welcomed some of the most prestigious musicians to its stage, with a variety of sessions starting at both 5pm for early groovers and 10pm for those night owls among us. Head to the bar for a mid-timba tipple, or hone your salsa skills with a little help from one of the friendly dancers.
Callejon de Hamel
It doesn’t get much more authentic than this. Callejon de Hamel is a narrow alley in Havana that’s oozing with colourful street art murals and unique sculptures (made from everyday items like bathtubs), courtesy of local artist Salvador Gonzales Escalona – who started showcasing his surreal artistic creations outside his apartment in 1990. It’s since been decided that the awe-inspiring mosaics, paintings, and sculptures that adorn this two-block-long stretch of cobbles make for a a pretty cool backdrop for local musicians, rumba, and salsa dancers – who now assemble every weekend to entertain the growing tourist crowds. Head down to this atmospheric corner of the capital on a Sunday afternoon for fun-loving rumba sessions!
To discover more about this wonderful Island and all it has to offer, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba specialists.
0207 071 3636
enquiries@lovecuba.com
