Cancun Nightlife became famous a few years ago thanks to the massive number of students visiting its bars during the much-awaited spring-break. Since then, many channels on Internet and TV began posting and sharing videos of how fun are parties on this side of the Caribbean, thanks to the party soul that lives inside each of its visitors and locals.
Given the demand for excellent parties, Cancun nightclubs are constantly under renovation. Many open their doors, while others close to make space for new projects.
Currently (February 2020), in the area known as the Party Center (km. 9.5. Kukulcan Boulevard) there are 8 main discos where you can spend an excellent time living Cancun nightlife to its most. These clubs are:
Palazzo
Considered the most glamorous nightclub in the area. Palazzo is decorated with chandeliers and lights, giving it a chic and elegant style. In Palazzo, you will live the night to the fullest. There is only room for fun! This is probably the reason why it’s the favorite place for girls celebrating their degrees in Cancun.
Palazzo is frequented by tourists from all around the world, who let themselves go and seduced by the tempting lights of this fun club.
Opening only 2 nights per week, Palazzo’s dance floor is always full of life. Sing and dance until dawn to the rhythm of an excellent selection of house and electronic music. Among the artists who have visited Palazzo, are Marshmello, Nervo, Mak J, Dash Berlin, and Paul Van Dyk.
La Vaquita
La Vaquita, where everyone loves to celebrate. With a cow-style animal print, an open space, excellent dancers and the best hip-hop, reggaeton and R&B, you will be fascinated by this disco. Its famous liter-sized drinks won’t let you be thirsty at any time.
Irreverent and wild, nights at La Vaquita are full of surprises! Sometimes the staff dresses up and sometimes La Vaquita (“The Little Cow”) is signing autographs and giving free shots away.
Mandala Cancun
Oriental style, open facade, and great atmosphere. Screens all over the place, colorful stage, and a dance floor always full of partyholics, are some of the main features that make Mandala an experience you must try.
At Mandala, the night goes away while you listen, dance and sing along to great music. Share shots with both friends and strangers! The perfect place where party lovers can discover the best of Cancun’s nightlife.
Dady’O
An icon of Cancun’s nightlife! With more than 25 years of continuous party, Dady’O has maintained its force thanks to the excellent music played. The design emulates a cave, which lights up through a modern light system, creating the perfect place to celebrate.
Frequented by celebrities, socialites and partyholics from all over the world, Dady’O is the place to be seen while visiting the Mexican Caribbean. It is also one of the favorite venues for partyholics during Cancun’s Spring Break.
The City Cancun
The City is the place where people from around the world meet to enjoy a night full of parties and fun!
One of the most famous nightclubs in Cancun, not just because it’s the biggest club in Latin America, but because of its light show, its powerful audio and sound system and CO2 downloads at the rhythm of the beats. More than 6K people have danced to the hits of the international artists who have performed on-stage: Snoop Dog, Akon, Sean Paul, T-Pain, DJ Snake, Steve Aoki, Diplo, Tiësto, Nervo and many more.
Thousands of students cram this place, as no other club can compare to it. If you are one of those who have already followed the call to party at this club, you will surely keep the memory of the night in your heart.
Coco Bongo Cancun
Coco Bongo stands out among dozens of bars and clubs that form the party capital in Cancun. Just one street from the majestic Caribbean Sea, a spectacular colossus emerges, indicating to travelers the arrival to the most impressive night of their lives.
Get ready to be surprised with flying acrobats, impressive musical tributes and the continuous party atmosphere that has Coco Bongo world famous.
Sr. Frog’s Cancun
Sr. Frog’s has already become a staple for offering the perfect mix of fun and flavor. It is a restaurant to have a good time accompanied by family and friends while enjoying yummy dishes and drinks always served with a smile, surrounded by a fun and cheerful atmosphere.
It is known for its party ambiance and good humor. At Sr. Frog’s the only rule to follow is to follow no rules!
Congo
This small open-air bar is in the middle of all the action in Party Center. Always full of fun-loving locals and tourists all night long. As a relatively small bar, the open-bar prices are lower than those charged in larger venues. Since it’s open on two sides, anyone can see how wild & crazy the party is before even entering.
There isn’t really a dance floor, but that doesn’t stop anyone from dancing. Go-go dancers, shot girls and strong bursts of confetti. Grab a balloon and join the conga line.
Amarula
The only club of this list located in Downtown. Amarula has a chic and high-class atmosphere. Delicious cocktails, shots of the best tequila houses in Mexico and a very tropical-modern style.
It hosts nice parties with great DJs spinning the best techno and deep-house of the moment. Sometimes, there are live saxophone shows playing along with background great techno music. Definitely, the most trendy place in Cancun Downtown.
Enjoy nightlife!
If you plan to party in Cancun, you have those options available. You will surely spend a very pleasant time in any of these nightclubs.
The Fallen Ones
Now, “in honor of the fallen”, we decided to complement this post with the nightclubs that have left a mark on the history of Cancun nightlife. From those that have closed their doors, the best-known discos were:
Bulldog
Bulldog offered a concept similar to those found in most cosmopolitan cities around the world. People like you, good tunes, celebrities, jacuzzi and a splendid time was guaranteed for all. At first, it was a place by and for musicians. It featured great audio and lighting innovations, lasers, special effects, and live shows.
The stage was set up so that it could be seen perfectly to everyone in the club. There was an exotic jacuzzi available for the more untamed clientele. Bulldog entertained and surprised partyholics with innovative shows and the hottest hip-hop, pop and alternative rhythms, rockin’ until sunrise.
Basic
Basic was an open-air club, built on a pier over the lagoon. People attending to Basic had to be careful when dancing, as the dance floor had fountains built into it and, when they were on, everyone on the dance floor got soaked!
Wet T-shirt contest at Basic was very popular. Wednesdays and Sundays were the busiest nights at this club.
Sweet Night Club
Sweet was a nice nightclub that could hold 1,200 beautiful people and could host any type of event. For groups that required a catering service (buffet, chocolate fountain with fruit, hors d’oeuvres, etc), it had a fully equipped kitchen.
It played the latest music, had performances by DJs from around the world, excellent service, VIP areas, and partying with Cancun’s locals. Themed parties were held every day and for those who enjoyed a more retro ambiance, Friday night was dedicated to ’80s and ’90s.
Inside the club, you could find an outdoor lounge with a digital projector, water-based special effects and special lighting that would entice anyone to have a glass of champagne and enjoy the stars.
Cabana
Formerly called Cabana Beach Club, this one was situated on the powdery white sand beaches. It had 32 beach cabanas equipped with misting machines and personal sound systems as well as a sundeck, restaurant, and multilevel swimming pool. It was the perfect set up for a Spring Break beach party!
When the sun went down the party heated up with bikini contests, pool parties and the best DJs rocking until early morning.
Terrasta
This small, open-air bar offered a different experience than a big nightclub or a pub. DJs used to spin R&B, Hip-Hop, Reggae, and Reggaeton tunes. There was a little elevated dance floor in the middle of the space, perfect for those who wanted to show off their dancing skills.
The staff was relaxed, to say the least, so you could invite them to join the party. The closing time was when the last person left or when the sun came up, whichever came first.
Elevate
Elevate offered a nightclub party ambiance, resident and guest DJs, performances and shows. It also offered the newest nightclub laser technology, latest club music, shows, and a jumping party. Locals and visitors alike flocked to this hot spot, especially after hours.
Dos Equis
Dos Equis (Double X, XX) Bar and Terrace was decorated in a Caribbean style, with palms, palapas, hammocks, beds, and jacuzzi.
Offering first-class entertainment: Performances, dancers, live reggaeton, air-dancers, DJs and MCs that would make the crowd take the party to the climax. Music played included from classic rock, disco, hip-hop, and electronic tunes, to the most famous reggaeton, salsa, and latin music.
It performed a different themed party every day, to transport partyholics to a world of amusement and fun every night.
Ultra Sky Club
A high-class Sky Garden where everyone could relax and slow down from the intensity of the clubs. At Ultra, you could listen to in-house and guest performing DJs, enjoy unique performances, costumes, and funny shows that would entertain everyone all night.