6 Best Performing Arts in Eastern Cuba, Cuba

When they're not on tour, the highly regarded Afro-Cuban Ballet Folklórico Cutumba rehearses mornings from 9 to 1 from Tuesday through Friday. They present a show most Saturday evenings.

The folksy trova combines African rhythms with Spanish guitar, and the lyrics explore themes of romance or social protest. The Casa de la Trova has daily shows where groups play in one of four shifts: 10 am–2 pm, 3–7, 8:30–10, and 10 pm–2 am. Former Beatle Paul McCartney once visited; his autographed picture hangs on the wall here.

Just off Parque Céspedes, this bar serves cheap drinks on its outdoor terrace; sometimes there's live music here weekend evenings.

Early in the evening, a band plays at the bar-café on the porch of the Hotel Casa Granda. Its rooftop bar occasionally has live-music shows and is also a nice spot for a drink.

The Teatro Heredia hosts performances of classical and Cuban music and opera as well as poetry readings.

Sibling of the Havana original, the Tropicana puts on a full cabaret, with dozens of dancers—men in Spandex, women in feathers and jeweled bikinis—floating through the colored lights and tropical decor. It's undeniably touristy and Vegas-like. You'll come away entranced by the spectacle or a tad bored. It depends on your tastes. Most hotels offer cabaret packages for CUC$40 per person (including transport, entrance, and one drink).