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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

The magical neo-baroque Grand Theatre on Central Park, decorated in muses and angels, houses Havana’s most magnificent theatre.

Come for the variety of performances including ballet by Cuban National Ballet dancers; modern performance by Carlos Acosta’s new Acosta Danza troupe, and contemporary moves by Danza Contemporánea de Cuba.

Tours of the building are available, too, giving access to the gorgeous marble staircase and upper floors.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £20
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 15+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 hours

Getting there & doing it

Performance information for the next week, sometimes two, is posted on blackboards outside the theatre.

You can buy tickets in advance or on the day in cash at the theatre box office (you can’t currently buy online). Seats are sold separately (at a higher price) to foreigners. There is usually no queue and just two box office windows for both Cubans and foreigners. If it’s something popular like Carlos Acosta’s new dance company – you will need to buy in advance as it will sell out.

When to do it

Performances are held all year round. The box office is open every day except Monday.

The Festival Internacional de Ballet de La Habana is held every two years at the end of October. The festival lasts two weeks. The 27th edition will take place in 2022.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana

Havana, Cuba[0.2 miles]

Havana’s best 5-star hotel, located on the edge of Old Havana, with a wonderful rooftop pool and the best breakfast in town.

Official star rating:

Casa Vitrales

Havana, Cuba[0.7 miles]

A Cuban-owned boutique B&B in trendy northern Old Havana, with a roof terrace offering fantastic views across the city.

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SO/La Habana Paseo del Prado

Havana, Cuba[1 miles]

Only five-star hotel in Havana right on the ocean road. It’s convenient for all the top attractions in the Old Town and beyond.

Official star rating:

Malecon 663

Havana, Cuba[1.2 miles]

Design-led, family-run boutique stay right on Havana’s Malecon in Central Havana. A lively vibe and a fabulous rooftop terrace and bar.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Havana

Cuba

Sensual and sultry communist Caribbean capital, home to captivating, crumbling architecture, and enlivened by dance, music, avant-garde art and cocktails.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

The Malecon

Havana, Cuba[0.9 miles]

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Best for ages: 8+ | Free

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Watch the ancient artisanal craft of rolling Cuba’s world-famous cigars at one of the very few working factories in Havana that opens to the public.

Best for ages: 13+ | £8 | 1+ hours

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Castle of Los Tres Reyes del Morro

Havana, Cuba[1.5 miles]

An impressive fort, which took 50 years to construct, that has become the iconic symbol of Havana. Climb the 19th-century lighthouse for a view of the entire city and Malecón.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Havana Museum of the Fine Arts
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Best for ages: 13+ | £6

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People in front of El Floridita, historic fish restaurant and famous cocktail bar in Old Havana / Habana Vieja, Cuba, that was regularly visited by Ernest Hemingway
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Legendary American writer Ernest Hemingway downed a record 16 daiquiris in one sitting at this, his favourite Havana bar. The bartender mixed him a sugarless and double rum tipple and named it the Papa Doble. Come early to bag a barstool at the glamorous scarlet bar.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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El Cafe
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El Cafe

Havana, Cuba[0.5 miles]

This funky, Cuban-run cafe and coffee roastery in Old Havana is a popular stop. It sells arguably Havana’s best coffee, great breakfast and exceptional sourdough sandwiches including ample vegan and vegetarian options.

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