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The Revolution may have curbed the debauched excesses of the Fabulous Fifties, but Havana's brand of rum-fuelled hedonism still lures mega stars and tourists to its vibrant clubs and bars. Vedado has the lion's share of clubs and musical venues, from the swanky to the seedy, while Miramar and Playa is the locale for titillating cabaret and raunchy discos. La Habana Vieja is brimming with bars, tango houses and cultural centres. The main strip of Calle Obispo is the place to begin an old town bar hop, where a seductive musical soundtrack and spontaneous streetside grooving provides some of the city's best free entertainment. As the bars close at 2400, the clubs get into full swing, continuing until the early hours. You should expect queues at the weekends. For Cubans a night on the tiles means serious sartorial grooming and most clubs have a smart dress code, strictly enforced by the door staff. In theory, no one under 18 is admitted, although many places are frequented by jineteros bringing a less than wholesome feel to the proceedings.
The emphasis is on dancing, be it salsa and Latin dance styles, R&B, hip hop or rock. Most venues now feature matinées, aimed at young Cubans with entrance in pesos, which have a more authentic vibe. It's always worth checking out the cream of Havana's hotels, which provide the venue for big name bands. The Nacional usually has a great Saturday night line-up with home-grown Grammy winning favourites Los Van Van often taking time out from the global circuit. Prices start at US$25, or including dinner US$40..
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