Nightlife Cancun: Mexico is known for its partying and there's no better place to party than Cancun. Cancun is a vacation destination offering world-class resorts and restaurants, sweeping white sand beaches, and azure Caribbean waters, but Cancun is perhaps best known for its outstanding and wild nightlife. And the party doesn't stop until the sun comes up. Here is the ultimate guide to the best bars and nightclubs in Cancun.
Nightlife Cancun
Cancun is a city in southeastern Mexico located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula and facing the Caribbean Sea. Home to Mayan archaeological wonders, turquoise waters, lush marine life and world-class resort facilities, Cancun consists of 21 kilometers of pristine white beaches and is considered the gateway to the Mayan world.
This destination is primarily a hotspot for tourists and parties in the summer, making Cancun's nightlife world famous. There are many places where parties and other cultural activities take place during the night, mainly concentrated in the Hotel Zone, with its beaches and luxury resorts, and downtown Cancun, where the locals live.
While most tourists spend their entire vacation in the Hotel Zone, the more adventurous know that downtown Cancun is home to some of its most exciting attractions. A short bus ride from the city, you'll find great shopping, a fun, community vibe, and some of Cancun's best bars, restaurants, and nightlife . If you want to see the side of Cancun that the locals know, hop on a city bus and explore the downtown attractions.
Cancun nightlife is like no other! With nightclubs and literally hundreds of bars in the Hotel Zone, it's no wonder Cancun is rated one of the top destinations for a great night out. Cancun's nightlife popularity began when college students discovered this tropical paradise and turned it into one of the best spring break spots on the planet nearly 30 years ago, but Cancun's nightclubs are open all year round . year round , and are frequented by revelers of all ages.
Cancun's many nightclubs , including world-famous Coco Bongo, The City and Mandala, can have long lines of people waiting to get in, but the party is worth the wait. Many clubs and some bars sell open bar wristbands which allow you to pay club entry and drink all night long. Cancun's nightclubs are one of the city's biggest attractions : they offer great drinks, huge crowds, pounding beats and an atmosphere that will keep you partying all night. In fact, it is not uncommon for the main nightclubs in Cancun to stay open until 6 in the morning.
Cancun's nightlife is spread throughout the city. There are several lively streets/areas in the city where cafés, concert halls, dance halls, galleries and restaurants offer something special for all lovers of culture, shopping and nightlife. There are many pubs and bars that really satisfy the cravings of thirsty visitors and where you can enjoy craft beers and cocktails.
Cuncrawl: Bar Crawl in Cancun
A great way to experience Cancun's nightlife and party in its best nightclubs is to join the Cancun Bar Tour. The guided Cuncrawl VIP Tour allows you to visit 3 of Cancun's best nightclubs ever, all inclusive with unlimited drinks, cover charge and VIP entrance (skip the line).
This bar crawl takes you to the hottest nightclubs in Cancun and includes three of the following: Congo Bar, La Vaquita, Mandala Disco, Mandala Beach Club, Palazzo Night Club, Dadio, City Night Club.
Make your way to the first club of the night to join the group and start the tour! For more information, visit the official CunCrawl site .
Boat parties in Cancun
Join a boat party in Cancun on a hip hop cruise and enjoy hours of entertainment as you cruise along the coast. You can dance all day or enjoy a drink at the open bar while the DJ plays R&B and hip-hop. Snorkel and swim in the warm turquoise waters or keep dancing on board. A cruise along the coast of Cancun is a great option to dance until sunset on a fun party boat. Enjoy light snacks and unlimited tequila, vodka, rum and beer. The party begins with a champagne shower and a live DJ.
For information and reservations: https://viator.tp.st/pw1m944A
Where to party in Cancun
Cancun attracts an international clientele from all walks of life, with hotels and nightclubs that cater to the ultra-wealthy, the budget, and everyone in between.
With a good range of discos and fun bars, Cancún's nightlife is divided into two zones: a more traditional one in the center and a more modern one on the beach.
The hotel zone of Cancun
Cancun's Hotel Zone is built almost entirely around the tourism industry and is home to some of the best nightclubs in Cancun . There are many all-inclusive resort hotels. Stay there if you don't mind spending your holiday with many other tourists. Most tourists come mainly from English-speaking North America, with a large proportion of them coming from Europe, but Cancun also receives many visitors from other parts of Mexico.
Downtown Cancun
A few miles from the Cancun Hotel Zone is El Centro, also known as Downtown Cancun. Unlike the Hotel Zone, downtown Cancun is a place where you can experience the most authentic Mexican nightlife and get a glimpse of how the locals live. When visiting Cancun, get out of the Hotel Zone and walk downtown to see the real Cancun.
Clubs and discos in Cancun
The City (Blvd. Kukulcan Km 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open Fridays from 10pm to 3am.
With a capacity of more than 5,000 people, The City is arguably the largest nightclub in Cancun , always packed during spring break and in the summer. The three-story club often hosts performances by internationally renowned artists such as Ludacris, 50 Cent, Akon, Flo Rida and very famous DJs. A powerful sound system and 650 square foot video screen play all genres of music.
They also have a spectacular mobile dance stage that extends from the 3rd floor all the way to the center of the club. The VIP area is located on the 3rd floor, and is equipped with comfortable sofas and carpets only for luxury lovers. The large lighting structure in the center of the club's roof is shaped like a spider, with its four light triangles moving to the four corners of the club. The club also has a giant cinema screen and the world's largest disco ball.
The City also has a private beach club overlooking the deep blue Caribbean Sea, consisting of two pools, plenty of cushioned loungers, and cabanas, all overlooking a wide beach. This nightclub represents the best nightlife experience in Cancun and is also the right place to meet beautiful girls. If you plan to attend a concert or special event at this club, arrive before opening and stand in line.
To skip the long queues at the entrance and save on the price of admission and drinks, we strongly suggest you buy the Golden Pass .
Coco Bongo (Blvd. Kukulcan 30, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open daily from 20.00 to 3.00.
Coco Bongo is the most famous nightclub in Cancun and is characterized by the shows that are staged throughout the night. Masked characters such as Beetlejuice, Spider-Man and acrobats appear at the club every night and perform above the crowd. Even the bartenders and waiters take to the stage and sing and dance the night away in the crowd.
Upon entry, a set of escalators takes you to the top of the club, where you enter the stadium-style nightclub with three levels of seating. The nightclub consists of a raised main stage with a central bar that has the dual purpose of serving drinks. There are also comfortable platforms for dancing, two of which are elevated on either side of the stage for exhibitionists. This club gets very busy, so grab a table in one of its ground floor areas to avoid the crowds.
Also, discover the Coco Bongo Beach Party on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Expect nonstop parties with DJs and impressive performances by talented acrobats while sipping delicious cocktails. Book your ticket here!
Senor Frogs (Blvd. Kukulcan km. 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open every day from 11.00 to 1.00.
The name Senor Frog's is synonymous with fun and wild parties in Cancun. This bar and restaurant serves international and Mexican dishes by day, and transforms into one of Cancun's most popular nightclubs . Senor Frogs never disappoints and is now the focus of any party centre, with crazy nights attended predominantly by 18-25 year olds.
Here too they have an all-inclusive option: pay the cover charge and drink "free" for the rest of the evening.
Please note that some all-inclusive hotels provide wristbands for free. In the evening, the venue can seat up to 1500 people and hosts live music, DJs and competitions every day. Glow parties and foam parties are just two of the fun events held at this club, including the infamous Cancun Wet T-Shirt Contest.
On Wednesdays, its classic-form parties with electro, house and hip hop music set the mood. A great place to have fun and meet new people.
La Vaquita ( Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open Wednesday to Monday from 21.00 to 3.00.
Located on Kukulkan Boulevard in the Hotel Zone, La Vaquita is one of Cancun's newest and most popular nightclubs. This casual open-air bar and nightclub is decked out in red, black and, of course, cow prints, plus plenty of sexy go-go dancers. Here too you can choose whether to buy individual drinks or choose the open bar option, including huge one-litre drinks! The music focuses on a nice mix of old school and new hip-hop, rap and reggaeton.
Congo Bar (Blvd. Kukulcan Km 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open every day from 8.30pm to 3am.
Located in the heart of the action in Cancun's party hub, this open-air club is always buzzing all night long with fun-loving locals and tourists alike. Being a small bar and not a nightclub, the prices of the open bar are lower than in the bigger places. It's open on two sides, so you can see how the party is going even before you enter. Live rock 'n' roll and salsa bands, an inexpensive open bar, and conga lines at the bar set the stage for long nights of margarita drinking and dancing.
It tends to open earlier than some of the bigger clubs, making it a popular place to start your night out in Cancun.
Mandala Cancun (KM 9.5, Blvd. Kukulcan, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, Cancun)
Open daily from 8.30pm to 3am.
One of Cancun's most popular nightclubs , this beautiful mid-sized club features Indian-inspired decor: with its rich, vibrant colors and plush fabrics, it immediately tells you you're in a luxury lounge, not a ordinary disco. The fact that the front of the club is completely open to the street adds to the atmosphere.
This is one of the hottest and trendiest clubs in Cancun and has been hugely popular since it opened, and is a great alternative to the bigger nightclubs.
Mandala Beach ( Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, Cancun)
For the best pool parties in Cancun , come to the Mandala Beach Club. This club is always very popular, so put on your swimsuit, skip the queue with the open bar option. Here you can relax by the pool or in the hot tub and dance to the live music of the DJs.
The amazing pool party atmosphere during the day transforms into an exciting club atmosphere at night. This is one of the best open-air nightclubs in Cancun : Tuesday nights under the stars are legendary and not to be missed, with the best of modern house music that will make any pool party unforgettable.
D'Cave MX (Km. 9.5, Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
One of the newest luxury clubs in Cancun is D'Cave. It offers a spacious and contemporary nightclub with live entertainment, DJ music, cocktails and restaurants. For those who prefer to party in style, D'Cave is the place to be.
Join local jet setters and party goers from around the world at this exclusive club. Luxury fashion attire is required to enter D'Cave. Book in advance and have the party experience in one of the most luxurious clubs in Cancun .
Antique Puerto Cancun (Av. Puerto Cancun Edificio DIomeda, locales 7 y 8, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open Thursday to Saturday from 11pm to 5am.
Antique is one of Cancun's most exclusive nightclubs and where locals and visitors continue the fun after partying, with dancing and late-night drinks. You can find the hippest upscale crowd here, while the music consists of Latin and electropop, and admission is free for women. On Thursdays there is no entrance fee.
H Roof (Blvd. Kukulcan km 14.2, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open Friday and Saturday from 11.00 pm to 4.00 am.
Located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, HRoof is an elegant nightclub in Cancun open only on weekends. The house beat takes over as the intimate and sophisticated scene transforms into a lively dance party.
This exclusive club with breathtaking panoramic views is ideal for those looking for an intimate night out. The perfect venue with stylish design and decor and an exciting atmosphere provided by a live DJ. VIP perks include all-you-can-drink discounts and bottle service in restricted areas.
Chicabal Sunset Club (MARINA DEL REY, Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open Thursday to Sunday from 13.00 to 19.00.
Chikabaru Sunset Club is a fantastic nightclub that combines music, food, entertainment and fashion for a night to remember. The club offers a relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and handcrafted cocktails.
Book a cabana at Chikabal Sunset Club and dance to the latest music that will keep you in party mode long after dark.
AMMA Club (Km 12.7, Blvd. Kukulcán, Frente a bomberos, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open Fridays from 10pm to 5am.
The only club in Cancun with an ice bar, Amma Club offers a unique bar experience with its modern architecture, making it the perfect place to party in the evening.
There is a main lounge and two bars where you can order your favorite drink. Often there are also bachelorette parties.
Abolengo Cancún (Boulevard Kukulkan, Km 9.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open every day from 19.00 to 3.00.
Abolengo Cancun offers a fun atmosphere and great food, which includes tacos, pizza and guacamole. The refreshing cocktail list has something for everyone.
But Abolengo is not just a culinary experience. DJs bring the party to life with a wide variety of music, from pop, hip hop, reggaeton to Latin. Abolengo is one of the best clubs in Cancun with a tropical atmosphere.
11:11am Club (Av Tulum Smz 22 Mz 5 Lote 33, Cancún)
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10pm to 5am.
A part of the city's nightlife scene for over a decade, the 11:11 Club is Cancun's largest gay nightclub . Expect go-go dancers, DJs and a mix of regulars and tourists. The club offers delicious food, excellent cocktails, live entertainment and DJs. Explore the dark rooms, pop rooms and electronic rooms for an unforgettable experience.
Laser Hot Bar (Av Tulum 45, Cancún)
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 19.00 to 3.00.
Enjoy happy hour promotions and fun drag queen shows with great impersonations at this popular Cancun gay club.
The bars and pubs of Cancun
Hunter Bar Cancún (Alcatraces 45, Cancún)
Not your usual club, Hunter Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and a quiet place, ideal for backpackers and laid-back tourists alike.
It's also one of the cheapest places to party in Cancun , and has no entrance fee. The music is varied and ranges a bit for all genres.
The Surfin Burrito (Kukulkan Km. 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open every day from 8.00 to 1.00.
Surfin' Burrito is more like a hole in the wall than a bar and restaurant. You can order food and drinks, choose outdoor seating, or take it to the beach.
Surfin' Burrito is a local favorite for its lively bar and great food. A perfect place to relax after a day at the beach. Tequila shots cost around $2, so it's perfect for those on a budget.
Sirenas Raw Bar (Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 4.5, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open Monday to Wednesday from 9.00 to 24.00, Thursday from 9.00 to 23.00, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 1.00, Sunday from 8.00 to 22.00.
Located on El Embarcadero near the Calinda bridge, Sirena's Raw Bar is an open-air bar/restaurant that offers spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and the ships moored there. Cocktails and seafood are the specialties here, but they also serve pizza, tacos, nachos, and sandwiches. A great place to eat before or after the ferry to Isla Mujeres.
On Friday and Saturday nights, locals flock here to hear the Buena Vista-style Cuban band play after 8pm.
Chambao (Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 15, Zona Hotelera, Cancún)
Open every day from 13.00 to 3.00.
A Tulum style restaurant with nightly music and entertainment. It's no wonder there's a dress code in Chambao – the place is packed with models showing off their best clothes.
Evening entertainment includes a DJ pumping electronic music and surprise appearances by contortionists or even fireworks.
Monkey Business Cancun (Blvd. Kukulcan km 9, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, Cancun)
Open every day from 2.00 pm to 3.00 am.
Monkey Business is right in the middle of party Cancun but offers a different vibe with food, live music and nightly karaoke. The menu includes appetizers, Mexican favorites like tacos and burritos, and international favorites like pastas and burgers. The full bar has a mix of specialty concoctions and old favorites.
Monkey Business is open every day and hosts a different rock band and karaoke every night. Recommended for those who want to have a fun night out but don't like the big night clubs in Cancun.
Route 666 Bikers Bar (Avenida Yaxchilán Mz. 17 Lt. 100, Cancún)
Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 18.30 to 3.00.
Located on one of the downtown streets, Route 666 is a Cancun bar with live international rock music. While the location isn't very scenic, it is always packed with people from all walks of life, including bikers. Route 666 also serves appetizers and offers specialties like draft beer for 30 pesos. The staff is nice, the service is good, and the prices are reasonable. Come early, especially on tribute nights, as the bar fills up.
Nebrina Gin & Cocina (Av Huayacán SM 313, Cancún)
Open Sunday to Thursday 18.00 to 1.00, Friday 13.00 to 1.00, Saturday 13.00 to 3.00.
A great bar and restaurant in downtown Cancun, Nebrina offers a variety of gins and cocktails in a casual yet trendy setting. DJs often spin at night and its location on Ruta Nader makes it a great base for bar hopping in the area.
Rose Coffee & Bar (Plaza Aria, Av. Huayacán Smz 310, Piso 1, Local 15, Cancún)
Open every day from 8.00 to 22.00.
Part of the upscale ME Cancún Hotel, Rose Bar is a romantic lounge with dim lighting and a chic interior. It's a quieter place than other venues in the area, but it's still busy on weekends, with live bands and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays. There are often events and promotions, such as Ladies night, and the selection of champagnes is wide and tempting.
Los Arcos de Cancun (Av. Luciernaga SM. 500 Mza. 9 Lote 33, Cancun)
Open Wednesday to Monday from 12.00 to 20.00.
Located along Avenida Yaxchilán, a street known for its bars, Los Arco is one of the oldest and most popular bars in Cancun, decorated in a colorful Mexican style with a terrace overlooking the street and a late night live band playing classic mexican rock.
Order a liter of cerveza and a plate of cheese-topped nachos before preparing for an evening of partying and music.
Distrito Gourmet Puerto Gastronómico (Marina Town Center, Puerto Cancún, Cancún)
Open every day from 12.00 to 1.00.
Distrito Gourmet Puerto Gastronomico combines a bar, food court and nightclub. The restaurant has a large outdoor dining area spread over several floors. The package is completed by modern decor and entertainment, including live music and DJs most nights.
There's also the Mercado Gourmet, with stalls selling everything from Italian to Mexican to German to Japanese to vegan.
