I can gush on and on about Mexico. The beaches, the scenery, the food… Oh god, the food. My stomach is rumbling just thinking about it. A fat plate of tacos al pastor washed down by a crackling cerveza would hit the spot right now. Aaand I’m drooling. Anyway, back to the topic at hand. If you couldn’t tell by the name of my blog, I enjoy a poppin’ fiesta about as much as I enjoy an overstuffed gordita. In other words, Mexico is a nearly unbeatable travel destination for me.

With the help of Kay over at The Awkward Traveller, I’ve compiled a list of the best party destinations in Mexico. I love the parties in Mexico. Whether you prefer making a fool of yourself at a salsateca or moving like a zombie to some house music, Mexico has got you covered. It’s not even just about the clubs or the music. The party-loving people of Mexico are what makes the nightlife great. They’re always laughing, dancing, singing, and joking around. Seriously, Mexicans just know how to have a good time no matter what, and it is absolutely contagious.

Wherever you go, as long as you are with good people and a local crowd, the party will be of peak quality. Rest assured, you can’t go wrong with these criminally poppin’ party destinations. Without further ado, these are the best places to party in Mexico.

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And hey, if this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.

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Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca

Oaxaca de Juarez has gained popularity in recent years, particularly for its legendary Dia de los Muertos parades and parties. Despite being one of the larger cities in Mexico, it maintains a charming small town vibe, especially in its historic city center where you’ll find the heart of the action. While Oaxaca is also lively during the day, it truly becomes a different animal at night, as nightlife-goers flock to its endless options of cozy bars, rooftop mezcalerias, and eventually, the discotecas and salsatecas to dance the night away.

Don’t miss out on a visit here during Dia de los Muertos. Oaxaca, home of many Day of the Dead traditions, such as alebrijes, is one of the top destinations in Mexico for the festivities. Although Day of the Dead is the best time of year to visit Oaxaca, you’ll find a good party year round. Oaxaca has a wide range of bars, salsa clubs, Latin clubs, and even house music clubs to fit your taste. And it gets wild in Oaxaca. I celebrated my 24th birthday in Oaxaca with a fun group of people I met at Casa Angel Hostel. Let’s just say the winding six hour drive through the mountains to San Jose del Pacifico the next morning did not sit well with my stomach. I don’t remember much from my birthday, but I know the mezcal flowed freely and my fumbling feet embarrassed me on the dance floor.

The Complete Travel Guide to Oaxaca de Juarez

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Guadalajara, Jalisco

Coming second only to Mexico’s sprawling capital when it comes to population, Guadalajara is unsurprisingly a hotspot for nightlife. Seriously, I barely left Guadalajara intact. The nightlife here is absolutely sizzlin’, with a wide variety of nightlife districts, such as the upscale districts of Zapopan and Chapultepec. Some good hostels in the lively Chapultepec neighborhood are Bohostel Chapultepec and Hospedarte. Don’t even get me started on the girls in Guadalajara. You’ll get your heart broken by a different girl every night, and you’ll still want to keep coming back for more.

Guadalajara honestly might deserve the crown when it comes to best party destinations in Mexico. When you think Mexico, you think Tequila. Less than an hour away from Guadalajara is the town of Tequila, the birthplace of none other than, you guessed it, tequila. This region of Mexico might be responsible for the majority of the world’s hangovers. A day trip to Tequila is a must while you’re visiting Guadalajara.

What else has Guadalajara given to the world? Mariachi, to name another iconic part of Mexico’s fiesta culture. Guadalajara’s sheer size alone makes it a huge cultural hub. In Guadalajara, you’ll find anything from film festivals, sporting events, to all kinds of crazy parties. You can’t go wrong with Guadalajara. There’s always something going on in arguably Mexico’s top party destination.

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Guanajuato City, Guanajuato

It didn’t take long for Guanajuato to absolutely steal my heart. This city takes partying to another level. There is always music playing in the streets, but the vibe becomes completely different at night. The callejoneadas take the tourists throughout town, telling jokes, singing songs, and leading them in dance. It’s a perfect way to kick off any night for someone visiting Guanajuato.

I knew as soon as I set foot in Guanajuato that I would be coming back time after time. After I left it for the first time, I didn’t even last a week before I came crawling back. This city is just something special. The nightlife scene may not be as large or as booming as some of the other places on this list, but it is always fun. It is also very cheap to have a crazy night out in Guanajuato. There was a bar that sold 10 mezcal shots for 100 pesos ($5). We went in every single time we passed it. From rooftop bars to local cantinas, you’ve got your pick of the litter in Guanajuato. It’s a university town, too, so there’s a party every single night of the week. I recommend kicking the night off at Nigromante for sunset. They’ve got cheap mezcal, beers, and pulque, as well as an assortment of delicious cocktails.

Once you’re done there, you’ve got quite a few bars to choose from. La Compania, Los Lobos, and La Antigua are a few of my favorites for cheap drinks and chill vibes. Once you’re ready to groove, make your way over to Grill, Bar Fly, or La Dama de las Camelias. The drunk street food is always flowing in Guanajuato, which is yet another reason why I’ve fallen in love with this city.

The Backpacker’s Guide to Guanajuato

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San Andres Cholula, Puebla

Puebla is a scenic and historic city, but if you’re looking to heat things up, take a quick ride to the neighboring pueblo magico of Cholula. The nightlife here is spicier than the hot sauce that’s named after it. Colorful, colonial Cholula feels like a small town until the nightlife starts churning. At that point, you just wonder how half of the city suddenly turned into a nightclub. Cholula’s nightlife district is massive for how small the town is. This can be attributed to the large university population in the city that is more dedicated to dancing than studying.

We were drastically unprepared for a night out in Cholula. We expected a quiet town where there might be one or two discotecas that people flock to as the night goes on. As soon as we got to the nightlife street, we were overwhelmed. There was a much wider selection of clubs than I expected.

Oh yeah, and Cholula also has an entire bar district built out of shipping containers. It’s dope as hell and worth visiting just to see it. The drinks there are much cheaper, as well. I recommend downing a few shots there before moving onto the main nightlife district at San Andres. Being well-dressed will get you into most of the nicer clubs. I wish I knew what that felt like, because like I said, we did not come prepared.

The best thing about a small town like Cholula is that if you ever get bored, Puebla’s only a quick ride away. That opens you up to plenty more nightlife options. While Puebla may not have the renown as a nightlife capital, instead boasting a mind-boggling 365 churches, it still has plenty of cool places for a drink.

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Cancun, Quintana Roo

Coined the “Las Vegas of Mexico,” Cancun is often synonymous with over-the-top partying and wild nightlife. For good reason. It’s absolutely true. However, before you get down to the get down in Cancun, you have to make the decision if you want to party at an all-inclusive resort, or party in town. The pros of staying at an all inclusive resort in Cancun means you get to party literally from the moment you wake up until closing your eyes to a drunken slumber – all without the worry of overspending or losing your credit card at a bar. Many of the adults-only resorts in Cancun offer entertainments nights and guest DJs to liven up the pool parties and in-house nightclubs.

That said, Cancun has so many more outside of the resorts that you might not want to stay there all day anyway! In that case, opt-out of the all inclusive package and head to the Cancun hotel zone “strip” to find the hot spots! During the day, head to a beach bar to soak up both sun and alcohol; Congo Bar, The Surfin’ Burrito, and Coco’s Beach Club offer the best views, food, and drinks on the strip. If you have a large group, Coco’s Beach Club offer’s beach beds for $125 USD for up to 6 people. For solo travelers, Congo Bar will be easier on your wallet but keep the fun atmosphere! But if you would rather mingle with the locals, Los Arcos, La Playita, and Black Pub are less touristy and even host live music from local artists!

Once you’re sufficiently juiced up to start your afternoon, it’s time to experience Cancun’s attractions. Take a day tour to nearby Chichen Itza, one of the seven wonders of the world. This also usually includes at least one shot of tequila on the bus ride over. Or, if you need a bit of solid fuel, sign up for a food and beer tour and hop between the city’s hidden gems!

Once the sun sets, it’s back to the wild life. Mayan Monkey Hostel is a great hostel for solo travelers to meet some fellow party people before heading out. Hands down, the showstopping club in Cancun is Coco Bongo, which is basically an acrobatic impersonation show with a dance floor and all you can drink bars. It is also the most expensive entry rate, with promoters starting the ticket price at ~$80usd. To get cheaper entry to nightclubs in Cancun, buy your tickets in advance IN PERSON on the strip. Club promoters are usually chilling around the clubs in the afternoon trying to find people who want to party. You can talk them down to 50% off the asking price of the ticket, maybe more if you speak Spanish! Cheaper clubs that are still fun include Mandala, The City, and 11:11 Club – or experience them all on a bar crawl! You can never run out of party options in Cancun.

The Backpacker’s Guide to Cancun

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Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

Cabo doesn’t need much of an introduction. This is one of Mexico’s most iconic party destinations for sun-lovers and spring breakers. Outside of being one of the most beautiful spots in Mexico, it’s also one of the liveliest party destinations in the country. It caters to any kind of partier, from the Bacchanalian spring breakers to people who prefer a microbrewery or even a wine tasting.

Of course, you can never go wrong with a sunset booze cruise (with an open-bar!) through this beautiful part of Mexico.

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Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Located about an hour and a half south of Cancun is Playa del Carmen. Its proximity to Cancun has made it a popular alternative for travelers, local and international alike. Admittedly, Playa del Carmen is very gringo-centric, although the beach is undeniably stunning here. It’s a bit more chilled out than Cancun but is rapidly growing and developing. Its central location between Cancun, Cozumel, and Tulum makes it a major hub for tourists looking to party. Walking along 5th Avenue, you’re bound to find a good party. Santino is a tried-and-true party spot. They’ve got a reggaeton dance floor to throw your booty back on, and a chill outdoor terrace dance floor bumping house beats for later on in the night. Staying at Hostel Che guarantees that you’ll meet a fun squad of travelers to take on Playa del Carmen’s nightlife with.

Unlike Cancun, Playa del Carmen lacks a sprawling metropolis to go with its beachy resort area. That makes Playa del Carmen pretty expensive compared to other beach destinations in Mexico, but depending on where you are coming from, still pretty affordable. Just keep in mind that you won’t be able to just escape into a city when you need cheaper food or cheaper nights out.

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Tulum, Quintana Roo

The chilled out beach town of Tulum has several different crowds. You’ve got the hippie backpackers like myself, the Instagram models in their bamboo palaces, and then the American tourists who needed a break from Cancun. It’s become the newest hot spot in Mexico, and you better get it while it’s hot. Tulum is great because during the day, there’s plenty to see and explore. The cenotes, the ruins, and endless adventures along the coast make it so that you’re never bored. If you’re into something more laid-back, then you’ve got plenty of shimmering ocean to kick back next to.

It’s a little quieter than the other booming beach towns of Mexico, and that might be Tulum’s biggest draw. There are no shortage of beach clubs to choose from. Whether you plan on staying in the fancy Zona Hotelera or the more budget-friendly town center, you’re bound to run into a fun fiesta. Che Hostel is a guaranteed pre-party spot to meet people and have some drinks, though.

There’s a good party to be had nearly every night in Tulum. Casa Jaguar on a Thursday and Papaya Playa Project on a Saturday are difficult to beat. Of course, if you don’t feel like shelling out a ton of money on a party, I Scream Bar will draw a younger crowd more focused on having fun than being seen. Tulum town also has a few nice spots, although some of the best parties are more local and low-key. Batey’s and Elixir are go-to spots, but the longer you stay, the more you’ll discover Tulum’s underground nightlife. For example, for those staying longer-term in Tulum, Maka Hotel hosts meet-ups on Wednesday that evolve into some pretty fun parties.

You’ll find your spots. Don’t worry.

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Merida, Yucatan

One of my wildest nights out in Mexico happened in Merida, and it didn’t even involve any alcohol. My friend and I wanted to go out with a bang since it was my last night in Mexico. We Ubered to the fancy nightlife district only for him to be turned back because he stupidly wore shorts. I really don’t know what he was thinking but he tried to solve the problem by asking local people if they could give him pants and he’ll give them shorts.

A fiery-haired gringo asking you to take off your pants in mediocre Spanish? I don’t think I need to tell you whether it worked or not. Anyway, we headed back to the city center when the undeniably thump of house music caught our ears. We got lost in the sauce at this amazing electronic party that I never would have expected to find in a city like Merida. Psychedelic graphics flashed on every wall of the open-aired dance floor, and we partied well until past a reasonable time to wake up for my flight.

Merida is one of my favorite local destinations in Mexico. The best part? It’s not that far from Cancun and the other tourist hot spots of Quintana Roo. The Yucatan is wildly underrated when it comes to Mexico travel destinations. Give Merida a chance. You won’t regret it.

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Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Puerto Vallarta is a fan favorite Mexican beach destination; it has perfect weather, incredible food, enriching culture, and the cherry on top is that Puerto Vallarta is the most welcoming and LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Mexico, and possibly the best gay-friendly beach destinations in all of Latin America. If you prefer staying at an all-inclusive resort, Casa Culpa and Al Mar Resort are two resorts that keep the fun flowing with the hottest local DJs hosting in-house activities! However, Puerto Vallarta’s true party lies in the city. Stay anywhere in El Centro to be walking distance from the boardwalk nightclubs, or Zona Romantica to be near the best bars and events.

Start your days in PV off right with affordable mimosas and even better food at Coco’s Kitchen before heading down to the boardwalk. There you will find tons of bars and beach clubs such as Swell and Blondies! Along the Malecon (aka the boardwalk), that spans both the El Centro and Zona Romantica neighborhoods, there are also dozens of shops, boutiques, and Indigenous art galleries.

By the time night rolls around, you have two options. You can party the night away at one of the many clubs and bars, or you can take in a show. For a more laid-back vibe, grab tickets for the Rhythms of the Night Sunset Cruise which takes you through the history and culture of Mexico through dance, music, food, and of course drinks! On the flip side, to turn up the energy, you have to check out a drag show (or two, or three)! The world’s most famous drag queens frequent Puerto Vallarta to host the best shows featuring both international and local drag queens! And that’s just the pre-game. There’s even dancing almost every night in the town square, so no matter what your rodeo, you’re sure to find a party!

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Sayulita, Nayarit

An hour north of Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find the small beachside town of Sayulita. When I finally made it to Sayulita, I was quite caught off guard. I arrived on a Monday evening and went out to dinner with a friend, expecting a quiet Monday night in what is oft-referred to as a “sleepy surf town.” Nope, Sayulita knows how to party. We ended up bar-hopping and dancing the night away at Barrilito before the parties spilled onto the streets around Yambak and the main plaza. The vibe in Sayulita is immaculate, with laid-back travelers lounging around during the days before the abundance of happy hour deals throughout the city gets the night started. While many parts of Sayulita are quiet and relaxed, the main plaza is surrounded by bars and you’ll find people partying or hanging out at any hour of the day.

Sayulita is about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, and despite Puerto Vallarta being a great party city, I loved the party atmosphere of Sayulita. It was compact, affordable, and very easy to meet people, both travelers and locals alike.

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San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

San Miguel de Allende might be the most popular travel destination in Mexico that isn’t on the coast. This stunning city is a favorite for weekend getaways, meaning the nightlife scene is absolutely sizzlin’. The vibe here is always buzzing, and is especially electric during weekends and holidays. Kick off your night at a rooftop bar before hitting one of the many trendy bars and nightclubs.

San Miguel might be the trendiest city in Mexico. That does make it a little more expensive, but San Miguel is one of those destinations where you’ll want to treat yourself to a good time. Whether it’s a world-class restaurant or a cocktail made by an experienced mixologist, you’ve got options.

The Backpacker’s Guide to San Miguel de Allende

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Tijuana, Baja California

Tijuana might be Mexico’s most infamous nightlife destination. This city of sin is often renowned for its unforgettable nights, that you end up not even remembering. As the largest city on the Baja California Peninsula, it is a top destination for travelers coming from the United States. A big part of that might be the fact that it’s only two horus from Los Angeles and 30 minutes from San Diego. Talk about a quick getaway. There are plenty of attractions in Tijuana, but it is undeniable that nightlife plays a big part in enticing tourists. Tijuana’s Red Light District may be one of the most famous in the world.

If you really want to immerse yourself in the real Tijuana, you might want to consider glossing over the Red Light District and other tourist hotspots. La Zona Norte is where you’ll want to be if you want some authentic Mexican fun. The culture, the nightlife, and the food of Tijuana make it one of the top travel destinations in Mexico.

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Mexico City

Mexico City is not just one of the best nightlife destinations in Mexico, it might be one of the best in the world. The varied nightlife districts of Mexico City guarantee that there’s a scene that fits every taste. I could write a book on just how excellent the nightlife in Mexico City is. However, ain’t nobody got time for that so I’ll just brush over this city as thoroughly as I can.

There is a lot to know about Mexico City. As one of the world’s largest cities, Mexico City often feels like it could be dozens of different cities in one. The barrios range from modern and trendy, to more traditional and cultural. Mexico City often feels like multiple cities within one massive city. The nightlife offerings will vary by district, from local salsatecas to clubs that cater to a more international crowd.

• Roma

One of the trendiest districts of Mexico City, Roma is where you’ll want to start any night out. Find a cozy cocktail bar, of which there are many to discover, before heading out to one of Mexico City’s booming nightclubs. A few favorites of mine in Roma Norte are Pulqueria Los Insurgentes, Mercado Roma, Bar Las Brujas, and La Clandestina. Later on in the night, Departamento and Mama Rumba are where you’re guaranteed to find a party.

• Zocalo

The Zocalo is the main historic city center of Mexico City and its surrounding neighborhood. It’s the most bustling part of Mexico City. There’s always something guaranteed to be going on in the area. While not known specifically for its nightlife, there are plenty of options for restaurants, bars, and live music. A weekly rave called Sunday Sunday also takes place just a few blocks from the Zocalo’s main plaza.

• Polanco

For the boujee, Polanco is where you’ll want to be. It’s one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in all of Latin America. I’m talking the highest concentration of Michelin Star restaurants and only the finest of nightlife establishments. I’ll admit that it’s a bit out of my price range, but hey, maybe this blog will take off and someday I’ll be buying rounds for everyone at Polanco.

• La Condesa

La Condesa might be the trendiest district in all of Mexico City. When I first arrived to Mexico City after midnight, La Condesa is what won me over. I initially was hesitant about visiting Mexico City, as it doesn’t get the best reputation internationally. La Condesa flipped those unjustified preconceptions and absolutely shocked me. There are plenty of trendy options for cozy cocktail bars here, but there are also a few clubs. Funk was my favorite in the area.

• Zona Rosa

While Zona Rosa is an excellent district for anyone to visit, it is particularly popular due to its vibrant gay community. Calle Amberes is the central hub for Mexico City’s gay nightlife scene. Most of the gay clubs in Mexico City can be found in this area.

The Ultimate Mexico City Bucket List: 43 Things To Do

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San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

There’s just something about San Cristobal de las Casas that stole my heart. Maybe it’s how much it reminded me of my favorite city in the world, charming Cusco in Peru. San Cristobal often did feel like a mini-version of Cusco. It lacked the booming mega clubs of the bigger cities, but never did the party feel any less fun. San Cristobal is far more local than the coastal destinations of Mexico, meaning that salsa clubs and reggaeton clubs are going to be the main nightlife offering.

But wait, there’s more! San Cristobal has a pretty interesting underground scene. I’m talking a pretty rad electronic rave at an abandoned warehouse pretty close to the city center. And I won’t say too much about it on here, but ask around at the hostels and they’ll let you know of a spot where you can buy whatever substances you want over a mercado counter.

Where San Cristobal lacks in size and options, it makes up for in pure, unadulterated fun. And hey, it might be the cheapest party destination in Mexico. Throw back double shots of the local pox for 20 pesos and you won’t have any issue having fun. It helps if you stay at the $10 a night Puerta Vieja Hostel where they have free cocktail nights twice a week.

The Ultimate San Cristobal de Las Casas Bucket List

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Acapulco, Guerrero

The bustling coastal city of Acapulco often plays second or third fiddle to some of Mexico’s other beach party destinations. Despite falling a little behind in popularity, it is actually Mexico’s largest beach resort city. It was gaining renown, especially among American spring breakers, but Acapulco’s dangerous reputation has slowed its rise as an alternative to Cancun. It’s mostly a fear thing, as most of the danger and violence in Acapulco is restricted to gangs and cartels, and hardly ever affects tourists.

Just be careful when choosing your options, and definitely keep your wits about you. A party destination like Acapulco can turn sour real quick if you find yourself too drunk and ending up in a dangerous situation.

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Monterrey, Nuevo Leon

Monterrey was my last stop in Mexico, and at that point, I was kind of tired. Monterrey brought me back to life immediately. I stayed at the barrio antigua neighborhood, which feels like a smaller town within this big, bustling city. Aside from Mexico City and Guadalajara, Monterrey is the largest city in Mexico. That means it has some amazing nightlife, and a variety of nightlife districts to choose from. The trendy San Pedro Garza Garcia is a great spot for dining and nightlife if you have a little more money to spend. Barrio Antigua is where I spent most of my time, with a variety of unique restaurants and cozy bars to start the night off at.

The Backpacker’s Guide to Monterrey

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