Most visitors stay at their hotel since they all have form of nightly entertainment, usually a Broadway theatre review or local cabaret-style show. These can vary from comic to totally professional. Most give way to a dance party.
Tropicana Matanzas
It is located about 20 minutes away on the outskirts of Matanzas. The show resemblances the same legendary show with the same name in Havana city with dancers and costumes taking you through the different stages of the Cuban music history.
La Comparsita
Located in Calle 60 3rd Ave, it is a lovely open-air space built to re-create the feel of a colonial-era courtyard. There are good sightlines from all the tables here and an excellent nightly show highlighting a wide-range of Cuban music and dance styles. They also have a happening bar upstairs.
Cueva del Pirata
Located almost at the end of the strip, it is a midsize cave that has been converted into a popular cabaret and dance club. Lights create eerie shadows among the stalactites. The nightly cabaret show has a pronounced Afro-Cuban emphasis. It's followed by dancing to either a live band or a DJ.
Mansión Xanadú
It is a good spot for a quiet drink with a nice view on the world famous mansion.
Other options include: Cabaret Continental at Varadero Internacional at International Hotel and Club La Pachanga in the Hotel Acuazul.