Mexico is one of the most exciting countries in the world. The food is incredible, the people are friendly, the beaches are idyllic, the history is fascinating, and the nightlife is pulsating. There’s a lot to love about this huge country. Each city and beach town has its own personality and vibe, especially when it comes to nightlife, so fitting a few destinations on your trip is always the best way to get a real feel for a country. And the places on this list are certainly worth including in your itinerary. Here are seven of the best nightlife destinations in Mexico.
Best Nightlife in Mexico
1. Mexico City
Mexico City has some of the best nightlife in all of Latin America, let alone Mexico. It’s one of the biggest cities in the world, so it might not come as a surprise that when it comes to nightlife, Mexico City knows what its doing. There’s a happy mix of ex-pats, locals who love a good time, and young people– the vibe is infectious.
There are three main areas – Condesa, Polanco, and Roma Norte. The city is absolutely huge, so sticking to one (or two that are close together) is a good idea if you don’t want to be carted around in taxis all night. Anywhere you go, you’ll find a wonderful mix of DJs blasting out house music, reggaeton, Latin pop, rock, hip-hop, and more. Most clubs don’t get going until at least 2am, but when you stumble out of the club you can be sure to be greeted with incredible tacos.
2. Cancun
We ummed and ahhed about including Cancun in this list, because everyone knows it has some of the best nightlife in Mexico. But the nights out here are infamous for a reason, from the raucous Spring Break to the beloved Coco Bongos. Cancun is the place to be for Las-Vegas-style superclubs and wild nights that go on until the wee hours. Another great thing about Cancun is its all-inclusive adults-only resorts, which tend to have parties on until the minute you open your eyes until when you fall into an inebriated slumber. There’s usually in-house nightclubs, guest DJs, and pool parties at these resorts, or you can pick a beach party nearby pretty easily.
3. Puerto Vallarta
Nestled along the glittering coast, Puerto Vallarta is a dreamy beach city that’s perfect for those seeking a party. The city is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places in the world, with a laid-back, inclusive vibe that welcomes all. A night out here is fun loving and full of laughter, with lots of the partying congregating around the beaches, be it day or night. There are tonnes of bars and nightclubs that are lined along the boardwalk, or you can head further inland to Zona Romantica for countless bars and events. Puerto Vallarta is highly regarded for its food scene, so be sure to line your stomach with some excellent local dishes.
4. Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is pretty close to Cancun at around an hour and a half away by car. Its proximity to the party city has made it a popular choice for travellers. The party spills over from Cancun into Playa del Carmen, and now it has excellent nightlife in its own right. It is touristy, but it’s still a good place to spend a few nights exploring the sprawling 5th Avenue strip. It’s a lot more chilled out, with plenty of relaxed outdoor lounges, but there are also raggaeton superclubs for when you fancy a dance. Essentially, it’s a great alternative to those who don’t want all of the hustle and bustle of Cancun, but still want a good party beside the sparkling Caribbean Sea.
5. Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico, so it’s bound to be a hotspot for nightlife. There are over 5 million people here who are all down for a good time. The nights out here are wild and varied, with several districts across the city offering up a slice of hip-swinging raggaeton, hip-hop, and more. Zapopan and Chapultepec are two of the most popular nightlife districts in the city, with traditional cantinas, trendy nightclubs, tequila bars, chilled-out lounges, and so much more – it’s variation of venues is what makes the nightlife in Guadalajara better than good. The town of Tequila is just an hour away, so you’ll certainly be sending a lot of shots back in Guadalajara.
6. Oaxaca
Oaxaca is an absolute gem. It’s a while away from the coast, so it’s definitely not going to be a beachy getaway, but it should be on your Mexico wishlist for its incredible culture, food, people, architecture, and nightlife. During the day, Oaxaca’s colonial-style centre gives it a small-town, wholesome feel, but it comes alive once night falls. There’s a huge range of tequila bars, electronic nightclubs, salsa clubs, Latin bars, and more.
7. Tijuana
Tijuana used to have a bad reputation as one of Mexico’s most dangerous places, but government reform of the last 10-15 years has seen a massive change in the city. It’s full of life, eccentricity, and it’s only a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. A lot of the nightlife is located around the Red Light District, but that’s also where you’ll find the majority of tourists. If you want to escape the tourist crowds and experience the real Tijuana, La Zona Norte is where you’ll find authentic Mexican fun. Traditional cantinas and reggaeton spots line the streets – you certainly won’t struggle finding a party here.
