11 Best Bars in Cancún, Mexico

Open only on Friday nights, The City is a giant party complex with several large bars selling overpriced drinks and a cavernous dance floor with stadium seating. Dancing and live shows are the main draw during the legendary foam parties. This is by far the loudest club in the Zona Hotelera, so don't be surprised if you go home with your ears ringing. Doors open at 10 pm; expect to pay a MX$500 cover or MX$1,300 for open-bar entry.

The wild Coco Bongo has no chairs, but there are plenty of tables that everyone dances on and capacity for 1,800 people. There's also a popular show billed as "Las Vegas meets Hollywood," featuring celebrity impersonators and an amazing gravity-defying acrobatic performance with an accompanying 12-piece orchestra. After the shows, the techno gets turned up to full volume, and everyone gets up to get down. Doors open at 10:30 pm. Tickets are MX$1,400–MX$2,600 for open bar and shows.

Waiters here will occasionally abandon their posts to start singing or performing comical skits. It's not unusual for them to roust everyone from their seats to join a conga line before going back to serving food and drinks.

If you don't want to deal with the long lines or hefty entrance fees at Coco Bongo, CHC (or Crazy Hot Coyote, the name everyone calls it by) is El Centro's best spot for music, dancing, and entertainment. The MX$200 cover charge converts into a food or drink credit. There are burlesque shows every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Brought to you by the makers of the famed Coco Bongo, Congo Bar is hard to miss. This spot stops traffic due to the go-go dancers who perform on open platforms lining the street. Expect Jell-O shots, confetti showers, and loud music. A regular dance floor ticket costs $47.

Previously known as Dady'O, Cancún's original dance club has rebranded itself as D'Cave and is still very "in" with the younger set. A giant screen projects music videos above the always-packed dance floor, while laser lights whirl across the crowd. During spring break, Hawaiian Bikini contests make the place even livelier. It's only open on Saturday from 9:30 pm to 3 am, and a general access ticket costs $30.

The oldest gay bar in Cancún has been operating for more than 15 years. Doors open at 10 pm, but don't expect things to get underway until midnight. 

This Balinese-style party place is a buzzing beach retreat by day and a more upscale nightclub after dark. Both have bikini contests, DJs, pool parties, and bottle service. Don't forget your swimsuit and beach-appropriate shoes. Expect to pay a $20 cover.

This traditional Irish pub in Cancun's downtown is a favorite of locals who come for the great variety of national and international beers and stay for the live music. It's open every day until 3 am.

To mingle with locals and hear great music for free, head to the Parque de las Palapas. Every Friday night at 7:30 there's live music that ranges from jazz to salsa; lots of locals show up to dance. On Sunday afternoon the Cancún Municipal Orchestra plays.

Known for its over-the-top drinks, Señor Frog's serves up foot-long funnel glasses filled with margaritas, daiquiris, or beer, which you can take home as souvenirs once you've chugged them dry. Spring breakers adore this place and often stagger back night after night. For $29 you get your entrance cover, food menu, and a yard of beer.