These are the places of the Cuban fusion with people from all over the world come together for a fabulous evening.
La comparsira, Casa de la musica, Calle 62, Mambo Club, Cabaret continental, Cueva del pirata, La Rumba, Palacio de la rumba, La Bamba, La patana, Havana Cafe.
CUEVA DEL PIRATA
A kilometer east of the Hotel Sol Elite Palmeras, Cabaret Cueva del Pirata presents scantily clad dancers in a Cuban-style floor show with a buccaneer twist (eye patches, swashbuckling moves). This cabaret is inside a natural cave and once the show is over, the disco begins. It's a popular place, attracting a young crowd. Monday's the best night.
-Autopista Sur
CABARET CONTINENTAL
The Hotel Internacional stages a shamelessly over-the-top, Tropicana-style floor show (Tuesday to Sunday), which is, arguably, second only to 'the one' in Havana. Book the dinner at 8pm (booking through your hotel is best) and stay after midnight for the tie-loosening disco. The hotel is being rebuilt in a new location across the road; doubtless the show will go on.
-Hotel Internacional, Av las Américas
CLUB MAMBO
Cuba's 1950s mambo craze lives on at this quality live-music venue – arguably one of Varadero's hippest and best. Situated next to Club Amigo Varadero in the eastern part of town, the CUC$10 entry includes all your drinks. A DJ spins when the band takes a break, but this place is all about live music.
There's a pool table if you don't feel like dancing.
-Ave las Americas
SALA DE LA MUSICA
This place at the new Marina Gaviota complex is pencilled in to be Varadero's next massive night out and was the talked-about spot (but had only just opened) on our last visit. The waterfront venue impresses; live music happens a couple of times weekly. Check what's on here at the place you're staying in advance of turning up.
-Autopista final
CALLE 62
Set in the transition zone between old and new Varadero, this simple snack bar attracts clientele from both ends. It's good for a cheese sandwich during the day, and the ambience becomes feistier after dark with live music going on until midnight.
- cnr Av 1 & Calle 62
PALACIO DE LA RUMBA
Overall, the most banging night out on the peninsula. There's live salsa music at weekends and a good mix of Cubans and tourists. Admission includes your drinks. It's located by the Hotel Bella Costa.
- Av las Américas Km 2
CASA DE LA MUSICA
Aping its two popular Havana namesakes, this place has some quality live acts and a definitive Cuban feel. It's in town and attracts a local crowd who pay in pesos.
-Cnr Av de la Playa & Calle 42
CENTRO CULTURAL LA COMPARSITA
Cultural center on the edge of Varadero town with concerts, shows, dancing, karaoke and plenty of local flavor. Check the current schedule taped on the door.
-Calle 60. Btwn Avs 2 & 3
DISCOTECA LA BAMBA
Varadero's most modern video disco is at Hotel Tuxpán, in eastern Varadero. It plays mostly Latin music and is considered 'hot.'
-Hotel Tuxpán, Av las Américas Km 2