Bars and nightlife in Cancún

Make no mistake: With cover charges starting at about $100 it’s not exactly a cheap night out at this hotel zone favorite but the price of admission gets you bottomless drinks, spirited dancing and captivating live entertainment featuring high-flying acrobatic performances and lip-synched music acts. Expect a thumping, boisterous atmosphere night in and night out. If you want to keep the party going, Coco Bongo also operates a beach club with an oceanfront pool and a serious day drinking scene.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan 30, Punta Cancún, Hotel Zone

Up above Harry’s Steakhouse and overlooking the Nichupte Lagoon, this swanky dance club presents resident and international DJs spinning mostly electronic dance music, with the occasional ’80s retro nights. The elegant H Roof bills itself as a place that’s ‘not for everyone’ and based on the steep drink prices and strict dress code you’ll get no argument here. In other words, if you can’t be bothered to change out of your sandals and shorts, it’s probably not for you.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km 14.2, Hotel Zone

This former bullfighting ring was converted into a concert and live entertainment center, but over time its exterior area has morphed into a mini bar zone that has become a popular local haunt. Around the circular building, you’ll find several sidewalk bars and eateries serving up affordable beer, mixed drinks and tacos. Most of the businesses keep late hours and stay open on non-event days. It makes a good spot to brush up on your Spanish skills, loud music permitting.

Address: Avenida Bonampak, SM 4A, CancúnCentro

Catering mostly to young backpackers who stay in the budget hotel downstairs, this convivial rooftop bar also welcomes non-guests looking to join in on the fun. The open-air space has a swimming pool, foosball and billiard tables and it hosts festive DJ nights on weekends. If you get the munchies, they prepare decent pub grub, and the mezcal cocktails are worth trying as well, but they pack a punch.

Address: Avenida Carlos Nader, SM 2A, Cancún Centro

This enormous three-tiered venue can hold up to 6,000 people, and while that may sound like a lot of space to fill, just imagine what the turnout looks like during spring break, especially since it only opens on Friday nights. Like most of the big hotel zone nightclubs, the party usually gets started after midnight, and even if you’re not a fan of electronic and pop music, the atmosphere is undeniably electric. Admission starts at $20 but they will try to upsell you ‘consumption credit,’ an odd way of saying drink coupons.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km 9, Hotel Zone

If the rowdy Cancún party scene isn’t your thing, take a ferry across the bay to Isla Mujeres and pull up a lounge chair at this pretty beach club. The drink menu includes an extensive wine list, top-shelf mezcals and Mexican craft beer. Hungry? The fish and shrimp tacos usually do the trick. Zama’s oceanfront pools afford amazing views of the Mexican Caribbean.

Address: Avenida Rueda Medina MZ 1, Isla Mujeres

Yes, you might see some motorcycles parked out in front but it’s anything but a rough-and-tumble biker bar scene. Having said that, the old-school cover bands grinding out Metallica and Rolling Stones covers provide a viable alternative to the glitzy discos. They serve food here but you’re better off saving your appetite for the downtown taco joints.

Address: Avenida Yaxchilan MZ 17, Cancún Centro

There’s a lot to like about a place that still serves beers in classic Corona ice buckets. We also like the casual atmosphere, the fun dancing and the live music and DJ sessions featuring rap, reggaeton and cumbia sounds. Take a dip in the small pool to cool off after dancing.

Address: Alcatraces 45, Cancún Centro