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When it comes to entertainment and leisure, Santiago de Cuba offers no-end of options to the visitor. Being the capital of the "Son", music is present in every corner--follow the rhythm and beat and you are bound to find somewhere to spend the evening, day or night.
The Casa de la Trova on Calle Heredia is a good place to start off. Musicians and artists gather here to improvise and entertain their audience.
In the Vista Alegre area, on Avenida Manduley, is the Centro Cultural Africano, which not only hosts exhibitions of interesting artistic works, but also has live traditional Cuban music every Friday. The Tropicana Cabaret, on the way to Baconao, very near the airport, will charm you with its show full of light, color and life.
On Plaza de Marte, Calle Pérez Carbó, is the Buró de Información Cultural, where you can not only obtain any information you might require, but also find out about the musical shows they organize in the Patio de los Abuelos, where you will have the chance to enjoy the sound of traditional Cuban music while you sip a long drink and have a bite to eat.
On Calle Calvario, next to the Parque Dolores, is La Isabelica café, the traditional place to go and try a delicious Cuban coffee in a very pleasant atmosphere. In the Parque Dolores itself, is Bar el Marqués, with a charming patio offering a wide range of drinks and cocktails.
If what you are after is going dancing, don't miss the best salsa disco in town: Espanatasueños at the Hotel Santiago.'Colibrí',on Daiquiri Beach is another great choice--before dancing the night away, try having a walk along the beach, perhaps even go for a swim.
The Museo del Carnaval, on Calle Heredia, on the corner of Calle Carnicería, is a chance to see what happens every year in the Carnival in Santiago (July). Musicians and artists get together to combine dancing and live music, all of which is marked by a strong African influence.
For those of you who prefer water sports, Daiquiri Beach is the ideal place to explore the deep-sea wonders. The Balneario del Sol hotel offers special deep-sea diving trips. The Siboney Beach, equally popular among Cubans and tourists, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the charms of the sea.
The Baconao park is a great natural reserve to the East of Santiago. Many hotels offer organized trips there, particularly fishing trips to the lake which bears the same name. If you are traveling with children, Mundo de la Fantasía, where they can see performances of traditional children's stories, or the aquarium, with the widest range of the most spectacular species of sea creatures, are both bound to be a hit with the little ones.
For those who enjoy hill-walking and mountaineering, the Sierra Maestra, with the Pico Turquino (the tallest peak in the island) is a dream come true. Many hotels organize trips to the mountains--a great opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings. The Parque de la Gran Piedra and the Valle de la Prehistoria are also perfect for those who are after a little adventure and fresh air.
For book-lovers, Santiago doesn't fall short either. The Librería Internacional on Calle Heredia, offers a good selection of literature in Spanish, and also a range of books in English and French. Into arts and crafts? Bazar Raíces on Calle 8, between Calle 11 and Calle B, has beautiful arts and crafts objects to offer, perfect for a present or a souvenir to take back home.
Modern art lovers will find a great number of galleries, exhibiting the works of famous local artists, as well as many works on sale. The Casa Municipal de Cultura, on Calle San Pedro, 653, not only hosts exhibitions, but also organizes live concerts every weekend. The Galería de Oriente, in Parque Céspedes, is a beautiful 19th century building well worth visiting. At the Galería de la UNEAC (Cuba's writers and artists union), on calle Heredia, 268, you will find an interesting exhibition of art from Santiago.
There is certainly no time to get bored in Santiago, whatever your tastes and interests might be.
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