Havana

Perhaps the trendiest address in Havana, the FAC is an expansive, multi-purpose venue housed inside a refurbished oil processing plant. It boasts a fairly dense cultural program which includes art exhibitions, shows and concerts, and is currently the hippest nightlife hot spot of the Cuban capital. The on-site restaurant, Tierra, is wildly popular (reservations advised) and serves fine dishes of international origin.

Virtually every night of the week sees live music played on the venue's stage, while Wednesdays are reserved primarily for Afro-cuban jazz. Café Teatro Bertolt Brecht hosts local acts and is a haunt known to and well-visited by the artistic elites (see them mingle at the on-site cafe open to all).

Perhaps the most lustrous hangout for drinks in Havana, the rooftop bar of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski boasts views of the city's many major attractions, which can be seen from both the bar and crystal-blue waters of its open-air infinity pool. Taste the flavours of Cuba and international classics while enjoying spectacular views of La Habana Vieja.

Although Havana's iconic bar might have lost some of its former lustre over the years, it remains a must-do for many visiting the Cuban capital, not least for its iconic status and ever-flowing mojitos.

There is no shortage of thematic dance entertainment in Havana, ranging from folk dance and music performances of the PG-14 variety to feisty cabaret shows and the more familiar flamenco (held at Meson de la Flota). Some venues worth considering include Centro Cultural El Gran Palenque, Palacio de la Artesania, the Patio Amarillo by ARTexand Cabaret Parisien.

"Hipster" doesn't sound like a tired cliche when applied to El Dandy in Havana's Plaza del Cristo, a fun establishment with a touch of bohemian chic. The eclectic interior, cocktails and breakfast menu are some of El Dandy's strong suits.

Enter through a faux British phone booth and take in one of Havana's most beloved music genres — jazz — in the intimate basement of La Zorra y El Cuervo Jazz Club, which habitually gathers a line outside.