Tropicana Club, Havana

The Tropicana Club, situated in Havana, has been a popular nightlife spot since its establishment on December 30, 1939. It is located within a lush, six-acre tropical garden at the Villa Mina in Marianao. The club's origins can be traced back to the Edén Concert, an earlier establishment initiated by the Cuban impresario Victor de Correa in the late 1930s. This precursor combined a casino with a cabaret in a space rented from Guillermina Pérez Chaumont, also known as Mina.

The transition from Edén Concert to Tropicana saw de Correa utilizing Villa Mina's tropical gardens to create an enchanting outdoor cabaret setting. In December 1939, he moved his troupe of performers to a mansion on the estate, turning it into a venue that offered entertainment and dining, along with a casino managed by Rafael Mascaro and Luis Bular within the mansion's grand dining room. Initially named El Beau-Site, de Correa later changed it to The Tropicana to better reflect the club's lush surroundings. The club officially opened with a performance by the Alfredo Brito Orchestra, marking the start of a new era in Havana's nightlife.

Under the leadership of Martín Fox in the 1950s, the Tropicana continued to evolve. Fox, initially a gambler who rented table space in the casino, took over the club's lease by 1950 and initiated an ambitious expansion project. He engaged architect Max Borges Jr. to design one of the Tropicana's most iconic features, Los Arcos de Cristal. Under Fox's direction, the Tropicana Club solidified its reputation as a top entertainment spot, known for its blend of high-stakes gambling and captivating cabaret performances against the backdrop of its lush, tropical gardens.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Carol M. Highsmith.

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Sight Name: Tropicana Club
Sight Location: Havana, Cuba (See walking tours in Havana)
Sight Type: Disco/Nightclub

Walking Tours in Havana, Cuba

Create Your Own Walk in Havana

Creating your own self-guided walk in Havana is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Hemingway was a frequent patron at El Floridita, famous for its daiquiris.... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles

Historical Churches and Cathedrals Walking Tour

Discovered and conquered by Spanish colonists in the early 16th century, Havana has turned into a major religious center of Catholicism in the Caribbean. Although a communist regime is currently in power, many of the churches, cathedrals, and other religious buildings have been preserved and still give a glimpse of the city’s religious heritage.

The old Havana Cathedral, located in a... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

Old Town Walking Tour

The Spanish founded Havana in 1519. After French pirate Jacques de Sores ransacked the city in 1555, the Castle of the Royal Force was built to protect the city.

Havana became a major stopping point between the newly discovered Americas and ancient Europe. In the 1600s, Havana was a major shipbuilding port.

Old Havana is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city has five... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Old Palaces Walking Tour

Havana has been the seat of Cuba’s ruling gentry for centuries. Today, you can walk the streets of Old Havana and explore its palaces to get a glimpse into the city’s royal past. Although these structures now serve Havana’s citizens and visitors, they still catch your eye (and your camera lens!) with their architecture and history.

Start your trip with the ornate Presidential Palace,... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

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