Cuba Guide
Varadero and Matanzas
Cabarets and live shows
1 Cabaret Eco Disco Complejo Mediterráneo, Calle 54 e/ Ave. 1ra y Ave Playa Opening time: Daily 8pm–3amPrice: $5–10CUCAlthough this is one of Varadero's least glamorous and glitzy cabarets, set in the courtyard of a modest restaurant and bar complex, the songs and routines are performed with as much gusto as you could hope for. Shows are usually followed by a disco.
2 Cabaret Kawama Hotel Kawama Opening time: Mon– Sat 11pm– latePrice: Cover $5 for non-guestsOne of the more stylish cabarets, set in a cosy underground jazz-style nightclub.
3 Casa de la Cultura Los Corales Ave. 1era e/ 34 y 35 
45/61-2562 Opening time: Daily 2–10pm Price: Free– $5CUCThe nearest thing to a local community venue, with a main performance area resembling a town hall, the live music here ranges from rap to traditional Cuban styles. There are dance shows as well, a programme for the month is usually posted in the front window.
4 
Casa de la Música Ave. Playa no.4206 e/ 42 y 43 45/66-7568 High-quality live music is offered every night at this converted cinema, the newest and best live-music venue in Varadero. Covers a broad variety of mostly Cuban styles, from jazz to son and salsa.
5 La Comparsita Centro Cultural Artex, Calle 60 e/ Ave. 2da y Ave. 3ra T45/. Opening time: Daily 10pm–2am Price: $10CUCThis relatively professional stage venue attracts a lively mix of locals and tourists. Though performances are often in the cabaret spirit they don't always get the full treatment, so some nights you might get the wailing vocalist but without the dancing girls and other nights something more subdued altogether. Live music and dance are, however a mainstay.
6 Continental Hotel Internacional, Ave. de las Américas 45/66-7038 Opening time: Tues– Sun 8pm–3.30am Price: $40CUCVaradero's best and most famous cabaret. All the exaggerated costumes and heartfelt renditions of cheesy love songs make this show, which has travelled internationally, a classic. There's a disco afterwards, with a second show following the main event between Thurs and Sun.
7 Cueva del Pirata Ave. del Sur, next to the entrance to Bahia Principe 45/66-7751 & 61-3829 Opening time: Mon– Sat 9pm–2.30am Price: $10CUCThe show and the disco that follows take place in a cave, which makes for a different atmosphere. The performers dress as pirates for a slight twist on the usual dress code.
8 FM17 Ave. 1era esq. 17. A good range of live music, from traditional Cuban styles to modern salsa anthems, is played on a regular basis at this popular but slightly slipshod outdoor caféteria.
9 Mambo Club Carretera Las Morlas, attached to the Club Amigo hotel beyond the Marina Chapelín 45/66-8565Price: $10CUC Opening time: Open till 2amPrice: $10CUCAs good a place as any in Varadero to appreciate musicians playing classic 1950s Cuban styles such as cha-cha-cha, merengue and, in particular, mambo. A DJ spins salsa and international hits after the show, and also during a short intermission, but this place is all about the live music, which goes on until 2am. Entrance is $10CUC with a free bar all night and there's a pool table, too.
10 Snack Bar Calle 62 Ave. 1ra esq. 62. This lively but soulless roadside bar hosts a weekly entertainment programme, usually live bands, on its small stage.