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The entertainment choices in Varadero are almost unlimited. The intense nightlife here is in a league of its own, even when compared to La Habana. Every hotel, bar, restaurant, club and theater is accustomed to catering for visitors, and indeed many specialize in it. There is a mix of atmospheres and music here that will satisfy any taste.
Most hotels offer nighttime entertainment of some sort because few tourists venture out to explore the city and all its possibilities. For those with a taste for adventure and exploration, however, the choice is staggering. La Cueva del Pirata, on the Autopista Sur, presents the best Cuban bands live, and occasionally hosts cabaret shows. El Anfiteatro, near the Varadero bridge, offers a very popular cabaret and well-known Cuban bands sometimes stage concerts in the Parque Josone. One of the best salsa clubs in town is the Havana Club, near Hotel Siboney. If you are in the mood for a more private, intimate setting, you cannot beat Casa Du Pont and its top-floor piano bar. Here you can spend a relaxing evening enjoying nightfall and the gorgeous views.
La Casa de la Cultura, on Avenida Primera, is home to Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, a rumba group of nationally and internationally renowned musicians. Here, also, you can attend cultural events, poetry readings, folk groups, concerts of local trovadores (troubadors) and, every Saturday, the Sábado de la Rumba (Rumba Saturday) with Afro-Cuban dances inspired by santería (religion of African origin) rites. The Casa de la Cultura de los Corales houses the Sol y Mar art gallery, which exhibits an interesting selection of local arts and crafts. The Retablo gallery has a large selection of puppets and marionettes, and at Antigüedades gallery you can find antique ceramic, porcelain and glass for sale.
The Museo Municipal de Varadero, on Avenida Playa, presents a brief history of the city. The Museo Provincial de Matanzas has a more complete history of Varadero, as well as organizing cultural activities in its courtyard. On Saturdays it celebrates traditional Cuban music by presenting the Rincón Lírico band, and every third Saturday, hosts activities for children.
Another museum worth visiting is the Museo del Morrillo, an old colonial-era military fortress. The Museo Farmacéutico is a traditional 18th century chemist shop, which has been left intact, and is one of a kind. The Monumento al Esclavo Rebelde (Monument to the Rebel Slave) in Matanzas is an imposing feature, and demands a look; likewise the Monumento al Mambí Desconocido (Monument to the Unknown Mambí, or rebel in the Cuban Separatist War) in the Plaza de la Vigía.
For lovers of classical music, the Orquesta Sinfónica de Matanzas frequently gives concerts in the Plaza de la Libertad. If you enjoy theater, Teatro Sauto, an architectural jewel in Varadero, hosts regular performances while the Sala Papalote, on Daoíz street, presents shows for kids. For movies, try the Cine Varadero on Avenida Playa, which shows the best of Cuban cinema. In Matanzas, Cine Granma is also a good option. For bookworms, you are bound to find something of interest in the following: Santa Marta bookshop or José Smith Comas library in Varadero, Cultural bookshop and Pensamiento if you're in Matanzas.
Hotel Internacional offers an excellent show Mondays to Fridays, called Cabaret Continental, a colorful '50s extravaganza. Hotel Tropical gives you Disco Azúcar, which has an intimate and pleasant atmosphere. Hotel Tuxpan, with its disco La Bamba, is a favorite, a sophisticated nightclub that combines Latin and European rhythms.
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