A few tips on where to go and what to do to experience Cuba's LGBTQ nightlife, clubs and social scenes.
The Party is ON!
All Images ©ByronMotleyPhotogrpahy - All Rights Reserved.
There are several choices for Gay Night Life in Havana. Most are located in the Vedado section of the city.
Many venues have nightly Drag Shows (Cubans LOVE their Drag Queens) and some feature the popular “Proyecto Divino" which includes males strippers, a variety of musical acts, and yes...more Drag Queens (aka Transformista's)!
Cuba is one of the safest countries you will ever visit. But, like anywhere else on planet earth, you always want to keep your wits about you. Know where you are going. Who you are hanging out with. Don't leave your food or beverages unattended in crowded place. Be safe. And most importantly.........HAVE FUN!
WHERE TO GO YOU ASK? WHAT'S THERE TO DO? HERE YOU GO!
HAVANA: CLUBS/BARS
CAFÉ CANTATE
Located in the basement of Cuba’s National Theatre
Calle Paseo y 39, Vedado
+53 7 878 4275
Sat Only: 11pm-6am
*Drag Show/Male Strippers/Musical Acts/Dancing
LA ESCENIA
Calle B no.153 e/Calzada y Linea, Vedado
+53 7 836 3031
Mon-Sun: 6pm-3am
*Drag Show/Dancing
CABERET LAS VEGAS
+53 7 836 7939
Calle Infanta No. 204, esquina 25, Vedado
Mon-Sun 4-8pm and 10pm-3am
*Drag Show/Dancing
MADRIGAL BAR
Calle 17 No. 302 e/ 2 y 4, Vedado
+53 7 831 2433
Tue-Sun: 6pm-midnight
Fri-Sat: 6pm-4am
*Social Setting/Food
KING BAR
Calle 23 e/ D y E, Vedado
+53 7 833 0556
Mon-Sun: 7pm-3a
*Musical Acts/Dancing/Food
X Y (formerly Bar Myxto)
Calle Jovellar 3 | Marina y Oquendo (Front of Malecon)
(+53) 7878 4410
Tues-Sun: 10pm-3am
*Drag Show/Dancing/Snacks
**Popular Lesbian crowd
CLUB EL TABLAO
Basement of the Grand Theater Alicia Alonso, Havana Vieja
Thurs Only: 10pm-3am
*Musical Acts/Male Strippers
BAR KARABALÍ
23 y O, La Rampa, Vedado
Tues-Sun: 10pm-3am
*Dancing/Male Stripper
INTO QUEER HAVANA!
***My friend Susana Hernandez in Havana is an LGBTiQ woman and journalist who has launched"Into Queer Havana"excursions which you can book through AirBnB. This is a great way to get an introduction into Havana's Queer culture for travelers traveling on your own itinerary and need a good guide service to show you around. You can connect with Susana here! Tell her Byron sent yah to get extra special treatment! Susana is bi-lingual! You will be in good hands with her! https://es.airbnb.com/experiences/81783
Or connect via email or Facebook Messenger!
Susana Hernandez
intoqueerhavana@gmail.com
HAVANA'S LGBTQ HANGOUTS
EL MALECON
The Malecon is Havana’s storied seawall walking thoroughfare and is classic Cuba. The stunning setting is as much inspirational as it is romantic. Known as “Havana’s living room, you will find families, couples, friends hanging, athletes training, impromptu musical acts serenading passerby’s. At the intersection of Calle 23 (La Rampa) and Malecon (near the Hotel National), is the unofficial gay section.
EL BIM BOM
Once Cuba's scaled down version of a 7-11, the Bim Bom has transformed into a chic ice cream parlor much like that of Baskin-Robbins. Located on a dimly lit street corner in the shadow of the historic Hotel Nacional, the Bim Bom is swarmed on Friday and Saturday nights with hundreds of mostly gay men and transsexuals.
MI CAYITO BEACH
Located about 30 minutes outside the city limits of Havana, you can reach the beach by taking the hourly (air-conditioned!) tourist bus from Parque Central in Old Havana. The cost is 5 CUC for a return ticket. If you prefer to go by taxi the fare is around 15 CUC each way (depending on your driver).
SANTA CLARA, CUBA: LA CIUDAD LIBERAL (“The Liberal City”)
EL MEJUNJE
Calle Marta Abreu No.12; Santa Clara
Everyday: 10am-12am
*Events/Drag Shows/Art Exhibits/Musical Acts/Dancing
Recently celebrating its 25th anniversary, El Mejunje, located in the revolutionary historic town of Santa Clara, is Cuba’s first government sanctioned LGBTQ cultural center. Because of its historic relevance, this venue is not to be missed for travelers interested in Cuba’s LGBTQ history and culture.
MATANZAS, CUBA
LAS RUINAS DE MATASIETE
Playa de los Pinitos, near bridge in town center, Matanzas
Sat Only: 10pm-2am
*Events/Drag Shows/Dancing
All Images below are of various LGBTQ establishments, hangouts or areas in Cuba.
All Images ©ByronMotleyPhotogrpahy - All Rights Reserved.
