CityBuddy
Cabaret Tropicana (Tropicana)
Best time to visit
Evening shows are best, the main performances start late at night so plan for a late evening; arrive early to stroll the gardens and secure better seating.
Budget tips
Show-only tickets are the most affordable, dinner-and-show packages raise the price significantly; expect roughly $40–120 depending on seating and dining option, so book in advance through the official box office or a reputable operator to avoid markups.
Recommended for
Live music lovers, Nightlife seekers, Photography enthusiasts, Couples
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: Velvet curtains part to reveal a riot of feathered headdresses, glittering choreography, and a live big-band sound that pulses through open-air gardens. Guests often leave buzzing from the sensory overload, since soaring brass, tropical scents, and cascading sequins make the show feel like a nonstop, vintage party.
Highlights: Under a starlit open-air canopy, a live big band blasts mambo and bolero while dancers in towering feathered headdresses and sequined skirts parade across the garden stage, the air thick with rum, citrus and cigar smoke. A quirky tradition dating back to 1939 sees performers pause mid-show to invite a lucky table up for a spontaneous rum toast and conga, a moment that often ends with the audience stomping and shouting as confetti and rose petals rain down.
Insider tips
- Dress smart; men should avoid shorts and many visitors wear a jacket or smart shirt for better seating options.
- Arrive 45–60 minutes before curtain to explore the gardens and photograph the exterior and stage from favorable angles.
- Book tickets in advance and pick up reservations with your passport at the official box office rather than buying from street sellers.
- Bring small, widely accepted currency and confirm payment methods when you book to avoid surprises at the door.
Where to Stay in Havana
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in HavanaPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Havana, Cuba, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
