Bars and Nightlife

playa_nightlife.jpg Playa del Carmen is a veritable hub for parties and nightlife after the sun has gone down the breezy tropical weather brings everyone out onto the streets. With both the European and Mexican influences, many people eat late lunches, have an afternoon siesta, and then head out for dinner and drinks closer to 9:00 or 10:00 PM. Although bars and restaurants are always busy during the afternoon, and during happy hour, the young party crowd hits the clubs and bars closer to midnight, or even 1:00 AM. Partying goes on into the wee hours with many clubs open until 4:00 AM or later.

The streets, clubs and bars are always alive with all types of music and entertainment. You can find belly dancers, stilt walkers, mariachi bands, live Cuban music, ska, reggae, hip-hop, lounge, good ole' rock ‘n' roll, and blues all adding to the eclectic atmosphere we all know and love in Playa del Carmen. The energy of Playa del Carmen at night captivates and enthralls everyone, and has made Playa del Carmen famous for its energetic nightlife.

Whether on vacation, or if you live here year round, Playa del Carmen has something for every one. There are kicked back beach bars where you can feel the soft sand on your toes as you look out onto the beautiful Caribbean Sea, all the while sipping on a frosty beer, or perfectly blended margarita. Live music venues with rock and roll, or a Cuban salsa band, will surely inspire you to shake your groove thing. Want to be with the "in" crowd and be tragically hip? Try one of the minimalist roof top lounges where you can order a top notch martini all the while lounging on a bed under the stars. Try one of the rowdy sports bars to catch your favorite sporting event while quaffing chilled buckets of beer. Want to hang out with the local folk? There are great local watering holes where you can get the latest buzz going around town. And of course there are the world famous, raucous Mexican party spots, with beer sold by the yard and young people going wild. With so much fun to choose from where are you going to begin?

There is always something for everyone while in Playa del Carmen; No one ever gets bored.

  • Beach Bars  ( 6 items )

    The main attractions to Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya, are our alabaster beaches, tanzanite colored water, and the delicious tropical weather. So why would you want to go anywhere else to grab a drink then the beach? There are a number of places to choose from to enjoy an icy bucket of beer, or creamy pina colada that can be found on our beautiful beaches overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Whether it is to enjoy a low key happy hour, or to dance the night away under the stars, the beaches of Playa del Carmen have plenty to offer.

  • Shake it Up  ( 10 items )
    This is our" catch all" category where you will find great spots to enjoy a cocktail, or glass of wine. An outrageous underground lounge, chili flavored margaritas, beer by the liter, or a romantic spot to enjoy a glass of wine, Shake it up has something for everyone.
  • Watering Holes  ( 8 items )
    There are a handful of local watering holes where you can kick back and talk to the old timers of Playa del Carmen, or get the latest gossip going around town. Inexpensive beer and spirits, friendly service, and a true local crowd will make you feel right at home at any one of the local bars.
  • Trendy Lounge  ( 9 items )
    Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya have such an eclectic and international flavor that it brings all walks of life to our area. A major part of our population, both visiting and who live here, are the young and trendy hipsters from Europe, South America, and from other parts of Mexico. With this cool crowd brings the latest fashion trends from all facets of life including cocktail lounges and dance clubs. So, if you want to dress up with attitude and follow the beautiful people try one of these trendy lounges.
  • Sports Bars  ( 7 items )
    Whether you are an avid soccer fan, love American football, follow the PGA Tour, keep tabs on tennis, or are a fanatic for Formula 1, there are plenty of places to sit back and watch a game or sporting event while here in Playa del Carmen. You can check a score, grab a burger and beer, or even place a bet; whatever type of sports fan that you are there are plenty of Sports Bars to choose from.
  • Live Music  ( 6 items )
  • Dance Clubs  ( 6 items )
    Enjoy outrageous fire, water and balloon effects, party on the beach, mingle with other hipsters at an open air roof top lounge, boogie to the tunes from the 70', 80's and 90's, or go to a gay nightclub and bar; anyone you choose will ensure you have a night that you will never forget (unless you hit the tequila to hard!).
  • Crazy Fun  ( 3 items )
    The raucous Mexican bars are very popular through out Mexico, and are always a great place to check out. Although they cater to a younger crowd, and tend to fill to the brim at Spring Break, there is always a mixed crowd. So, if you like to order drinks by the yard, or do the drunken limbo, one of these popular spots might be for you.
  • Cantinas  ( 5 items )

    Traditional Mexican cantinas are usually found in more rural surroundings, and prohibit women and children from entering. They were originally designed for men to come together, to socialize, drink, eat botanas, listen to live music, and play dice. Modern urban cantinas have banished the restrictions on women visiting cantinas, but in many areas it is still viewed as improper for upstanding women of a community to be seen visiting a genuinely authentic cantina.

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