Our guide to the best nightlife in Cancún

What is it? One of the biggest clubs in Cancún, Coco Bongo combines nightlife with stunning acrobatics and pop-culture performances.

Why go? Ever-popular Coco Bongo is a club like you’ve never seen before. ‘Michael Jackson’ wanders through the dance club, ‘Spider-Man’ flies through the air, acrobats spin from the ceiling, and bartenders serve and perform. Coco Bongo is a club that even non-club people will enjoy, but it does get packed after midnight, particularly on weekend nights. Open 10:30 pm to 5 am every night. Tickets with drinks range from $66 to $195.

What is it? A house-turned-bar-and-restaurant, Amarula con Acento Tropical is a fun hangout in downtown Cancún on La Ruta Nader.

Why go? Great cocktails and a much more relaxed atmosphere than you’ll find in the Hotel Zone. Amarula also has a weekly ladies’ night and all-you-can-gin nights, and frequently plays electronic and house music.

What is it? A salsa-dancing hotspot where the beers are cold and the bands get going after midnight.

Why go? Dress up to dance salsa, cumbia, or maybe a little bachata with a fun crowd of locals and tourists in downtown's Plaza Hong Kong. Live music plays Wednesday through Saturday (it's closed Sunday through Tuesday). 

What is it? Sure, it's likely the first place you think of when you hear the word Cancún. We can’t talk about nightlife in Cancún without mentioning Señor Frog’s.

Why go? Sometimes you just want to let loose without shame. The house philosophy here is ‘have fun, let yourself go’ and there is literally zero chance coming here and not having at least one laugh—whether it's at your own expense, or someone else’s.

What is it? Cancún’s largest gay nightclub.  

Why go? Expect to see go-go dancers, DJs, and a mixture of regulars and tourists. 11:11 Club has been in the city's nightlife scene for more than a decade and isn’t far from Láser Hot Bar (formerly Picante), the oldest gay bar in Cancún. 

What is it? An all-you-can-drink Cancún pub crawl.

Why go? When you simply can’t decide where to go for fun, Cuncrawl is the answer. The club crawl provides entry to three venues with an open bar and no lines to slow you down. It's a low-fuss way to spend the night on your own or with a group of friends.

What is it? A daily nightclub with quality hip hop in the Hotel Zone.

Why go? There’s a good mix of old school and new hip hop plus rap and reggaetón at this easygoing nightclub near Coco Bongo. The best part? The entrance fee doubles as a food and beverage credit. 

What is it? A popular gay bar with drag shows.

Why go? Enjoy happy hour promotions, no-cover early entries, and a fun-filled drag show with stellar impersonators at this popular club (the oldest gay bar in town). While you won’t break a sweat on the dancefloor, it’s perfectly fine to sing along to chart-toppers—just don't forget to cheer on the drag queens while you're at it. 

What is it? A Tulum-esque eatery with nightly music and entertainment.

Why go? It’s no wonder there’s a dress code at Chambao—the place is full of models showing off bespoke fashions. Nightly entertainment includes a DJ pumping out electronica (or sometimes an acoustic guitarist) and surprise appearances from contortionists or even fireworks (sometimes both!) at this waterside venue. Order bottle service and you'll be rewarded: fashion models will drop off a bottle at your table with sparklers.

What is it? A stylish nightclub with DJs nestled along the Nichupte Lagoon.

Why go? This see-and-be-seen weekend club has a dress code of “party chic.” House beats cue up as the intimate and sophisticated scene turns into a pulsing dance party. Open 10 pm to 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays only.