Havana
Havana has been part of Nairobi's nightlife for over a decade, outlasting trends and competitors through a formula that works: two dance floors, decent sound, and a crowd that comes to dance. The venue occupies a multi-room space on Woodvale Grove with a main floor for afrobeats and amapiano, and a second room that programs Latin, dancehall, and throwback sets. Entry costs KES 500-1,500 ($3.75-11.25) depending on the night. Beer runs KES 300-500 ($2.25-3.75), and cocktails KES 700-1,200 ($5.25-9). The Saturday night is the main draw, with the club filling from midnight and running until 4-5 AM. The crowd is mixed: Kenyan regulars, expats, tourists, and groups celebrating birthdays and nights out.
What to Expect
A proper nightclub that prioritizes dancing. The main floor is large and loud, with DJ sets that build through the night. The second room offers a change of pace when you need it. The crowd is there to have fun rather than be seen. Expect to sweat.
High-energy, democratic, and sweaty. A club for people who want to dance, not pose.
Main floor: afrobeats, amapiano, gengetone. Second room: Latin, dancehall, throwbacks
Smart casual. Closed shoes and trousers for men. Less strict than B-Club but bouncers will turn away shorts and sandals.
Dancers. People who want a nightclub experience without bottle-service pretension. Groups looking for a big Saturday night.
Cash, M-Pesa, and cards accepted. Cash is fastest at the bar during peak hours.
Price Range
Entry KES 500-1,500, beer KES 300-500, cocktails KES 700-1,200
≈ EUR 3.45-8.30 / $3.75-9
Hours
Thu-Sat 9 PM to 5 AM
Insider Tip
The second room (Latin/dancehall) is often less crowded and more fun than the main floor. Saturday is the night, but arrive before midnight to avoid the peak queue. Keep your valuables secure on the dance floor; the crowd gets packed. The drinks are cheaper than B-Club and the energy is often better.
Full Review
Havana's longevity tells you something. In a Nairobi nightlife scene where venues open and close within a year, Havana has held its ground since the early 2010s. The formula is simple and well-executed: two rooms of music, reasonable prices, and a crowd that self-selects for dancing.
The main floor is a rectangular room with the DJ booth at one end, a bar along the side wall, and enough space for a proper dance floor. The sound system is good without being exceptional. When it fills on Saturday night, the bass reverberates and the temperature climbs. The DJ sets lean toward whatever's current in the afrobeats and amapiano world, with Kenyan gengetone tracks getting the biggest reactions from the local crowd.
The second room is Havana's smart move. By programming Latin, dancehall, and throwback sets, the venue gives people a reason to stay rather than leave when they need a change of energy. The salsa and reggaeton nights in the second room have developed their own following, attracting dancers who might not visit for the main floor alone.
Pricing is accessible. Entry fees are lower than B-Club, drinks are cheaper than the high-end options, and there's no pressure to book a table or order bottles. This keeps the crowd diverse in terms of age, income, and background. On any given Saturday you'll see university students, mid-career professionals, long-term expats, and tourist groups all sharing the dance floor.
The door queue on Saturday nights can stretch. Arriving before midnight cuts wait time significantly. The bouncers enforce a basic dress code but aren't looking for designer labels. Being sober enough to walk in a straight line is the real test.
Security inside is present but not oppressive. Fights are uncommon. Pickpocketing on the packed dance floor is the primary risk. Keep valuables in a zipped pocket or leave them at your accommodation.
The Woodvale Grove location puts Havana in the center of the Westlands strip. Moving to another venue after Havana closes means a short Uber ride or, for the adjacent bars, a very brief walk with a security guard in sight.
The Neighborhood
Havana is on Woodvale Grove, the central nightlife strip of Westlands. Other bars and clubs are within the immediate area. Food options along the strip stay open late.
Getting There
Uber or Bolt from the CBD costs KES 300-500 ($2.25-3.75). The club is on Woodvale Grove; any Nairobi driver knows the area. Parking is available nearby but use ride-hailing at night.
Address
Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi
Other Venues in Westlands
Alchemist
Nairobi's most talked-about nightlife complex. An open-air, industrial-style compound with multiple bars, a main stage, and rotating DJ lineups. Afrobeats, amapiano, hip-hop, and electronic music. Entry KES 1,000-2,000.
B-Club
Nairobi's premier bottle-service club. High-end crowd, strict dress code, premium sound system, and a reputation as the city's most exclusive night out. Entry KES 1,500-3,000. Cocktails KES 1,200-2,500.
Brew Bistro Westlands
Craft brewery and rooftop bar with city views, house-brewed beers, and a food menu. The rooftop terrace is the draw. Live music on select nights. Beer KES 400-700, cocktails KES 800-1,500.
Kiza
Pan-African themed lounge and nightclub with live music, DJ sets, and a restaurant. The decor channels African art and culture. Strong cocktail program. Entry KES 1,000-2,000. A Nairobi institution.
J's Fresh Bar
Relaxed Westlands bar popular with the expat and young professional crowd. Casual atmosphere, reasonable prices, and a social vibe that makes it a natural starting point for a night out. Beer KES 300-500.