Cuba Guide
Cienfuegos and Villa Clara
Live music venues, cabarets and nightclubs
1 Cabaret Guanaroca Hotel Jagua Prado no.1 e/ Ave. 0 y Ave. 2, Punta Gorda Opening time: Wed– Mon 10pm–3amPrice: $5CUCThere's a varied weekly programme at this cabaret spot, featuring a different theme every night. Expect all the usual camp glamour and glitz.
2 Casa de la Música Calle 37 e/ 4 y 6, Punta Gorda 
43/51-1720 Opening time: Daily 10am–2amPrice: $1–5CUCThe biggest, most prestigious live concert venue in the city, where top Cuban musical groups – like Isaac Delgado, Bamboleo and La Charanga Habanera – have been performing since it opened in 2001. The venue's open-air section, which holds several thousand people, is used for famous performers, who almost always play on Fri and Sat. Less high-profile acts use the smaller indoor caféteria section, where drinks and light meals are available at the pontoon-style bar that juts out into the water and which, along with the adjoining disco, is open nightly, Live acts aren't always playing, so sometimes you'll have to make do with just drinks and dancing. performances usually start at 10pm. Entrance costs for big concerts vary and start at around $5CUC.
3 Club Cienfuegos Prado e/ Ave. 8 y Ave. 12 43/51-2891 Opening time: Sun– Fri 10pm–1am, Sat 10pm–2amPrice: $3–5CUCThe most reliable live music venue, with varied programming and something on almost every night; Cuban music predominates, but local rock and rap acts perform here too. You can enjoy waiter service from one of the tables on the wide terrace looking over the marina, where the acts perform. The entrance charge entitles you to $2CUC consumption.
4 El Cubanísimo Calle 35 e/ Ave. 16 y Ave. 18 Opening time: Mon– Thurs & Sun 9.30pm– midnight, Fri 9.30pm–2am, Sat 9.30pm–3amPrice: $2CUCJust over the road from the bay's edge, this open-air venue hosts contemporary and traditional live music on its sheltered stage, surrounded by tables. Attracting a good mix of locals and tourists, this is one of the more unvarnished live music spots.
5 Discoteca El Benny Ave. 54 e/ 29 y 31 43/55-1105 Opening time: Daily 10pm–1amPrice: $6CUCUnusually slick and polished for a Cuban nightclub, especially one in the provinces. Don't expect any action before 11pm. The cover charge is $6CUC per couple, and entrance is generally restricted to couples only. The music is dominated by pop and salsa.
6 Jardines de la UNEAC Calle 25 e/ Ave. 54 y Ave. 56, Parque José Martí 43/51-6117 Price: $3CUCThis semi-open-air patio has a basic bar and is one of the most congenial and intimate venues for live music. A great place to enjoy some local bands and soloists playing Cuban musical styles such as bolero, trova and son.