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Looking for the best party cities in Mexico? You’re in the right place – I live in Mexico, and I love to party! In this guide, I’m sharing my 11 favorite places to party in Mexico.
There are so many reasons to love Mexico – the food, the culture, the landscapes, and of course – the parties. If you’re looking for a fun holiday, head to one of these cities in Mexico for an unforgettable time.
Whether you’re looking to party by the beach or in a cosmopolitan city, Mexico has it to offer.
From the Yucatan Peninsula to the Pacific Coast, these are the best places to party in Mexico.
Best places to party in Mexico on the beach
#1. Puerto Vallarta
Of course, I have to start this guide to party cities in Mexico with my current home and favorite place in the world – Puerto Vallarta.
Call me biased, but Puerto Vallarta is hands down one of the best beach towns to party in Mexico. This is especially true for LGBTQ+ travelers, as it’s the gay capital of Latin America.
Zona Romantica is the official gaybourhood of this coastal city, where you’ll find many of Puerto Vallarta’s best nightclubs.
There you can find live music, eccentric drag shows, and late-night clubs open into the early hours of the morning. I’ve had many late nights dancing at Flamingos!
Zona Romantica is always a fun time for people-watching, especially during pride week at the end of May every year when thousands of people come to the beautiful city to celebrate. Gay beach clubs like Mantamar are out of control during this time!
Speaking of beach clubs, head to one of these places if you’re looking to party during the day in Puerto Vallarta. After all, you’re probably here to enjoy the beautiful beaches.
After the sun sets, as you walk along the Malecon (the boardwalk), you’ll find some of Puerto Vallarta’s wildest nightclubs, such as Zoo, La Vaquita, and Mandala.
From the outside, you’ll hear loud music and can see people in cages dancing and getting absolutely wild on the dance floor. If you’re looking for a fun place to party with your bachelorette squad, this is an perfect place to go. It isn’t my favorite, but many tourists enjoy it.
For something a bit tamer to start your night in Puerto Vallarta, head to one of the cocktail bars. I love the drinks at El Colibri, or a slushie from Blondies is always a good start to the night.
My favorite bars for dancing in Puerto Vallarta are Yambak in 5 di Dicembre, with DJs spinning good music and vibes on the weekends. Weekends at Majahuitas beach club are like a mini music festival and always a good time dancing under palm trees with twinkling lights.
Be sure to save some energy to explore the many outdoor adventures Puerto Vallarta has to offer, it has some of the most beautiful places to go snorkeling in Mexico!
#2. Sayulita
If you happen to get bored of partying in Puerto Vallarta, you don’t have to go far to find a new place to party in Mexico.
An hour up the coast is the town of Sayulita. While it may be small in size, it has anything but a small-town vibe.
Sayulita has become massively popular in recent years thanks to its great surf conditions and party vibes.
Start off sipping margaritas on the beach while the sun goes down, and then take a self-guided tour through the town’s bars. Yambak is always a great time!
While staying overnight is an option, you can also visit Sayulita as a day trip and return to Puerto Vallarta after a night of partying. The buses won’t be running, but Ubers and taxis are available.
#3. Cancun
Famed for its wild spring break parties, a list of party cities in Mexico wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo.
It’s long been a favorite of Americans coming to Mexico to get loose. It’s a bit too touristy for my liking, but if you’re looking for a fun holiday, then Cancun is a solid bet. There’s a reason it was nicknamed the Las Vegas of Mexico!
When deciding where to party in Cancun, it comes down to going downtown or staying in the hotel zone. This part of Cancun was built specifically for tourism, and it’s where you can find a strip of hotels, restaurants, and bars.
If you’re staying at one of the all-inclusive Mexico party resorts in Cancun, you don’t have to worry about overspending – you can just enjoy the unlimited booze!
Many resorts in Cancun have their own DJs and clubs inside them, so this can be a great option if you’re traveling with a group of friends.
If you’re starting the party early, the beach bars are the best places to go in Cancun. Places like Coco Bongo and Coco’s Beach Club offer day bed packages that you can split with a group.
If you’re visiting Cancun, don’t miss the chance to see Chichen Itza, one of the seven wonders of the world nearby that can be visited as a day trip.
#4. Playa Del Carmen
About an hour south of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll find Playa Del Carmen.
This part of Mexico doesn’t have as many all-inclusive resorts but instead offers vacation apartment rentals and boutique hotels by the beach.
Although it was once a sleepy beach town, Playa Del Carmen has definitely become known as a party spot in Mexico. It’s a bit more chill than Cancun but is growing rapidly.
Spend your day sipping Mojitos at one of the many beach bars, such as Zenzi or Cool Beach Bar. Then, when happy hour comes around, head to 5th Avenue to find cheap drinks. You’ll be able to party here for the rest of the night – or find some food to soak up all that alcohol.
If you’re not too tired the next day, be sure to check out some of the cenotes around Playa Del Carmen. These sinkholes are one of Mexico’s most impressive natural wonders, and the cool water will help beat your hangover.
#5. Tulum
If there’s a city that’s changed the most in Mexico over the last decade, it’s Tulum. I first came here as a backpacker in 2015 when Tulum was just a sleepy beach town. In fact, I actually used it as a place to recover from my party nights in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.
Oh my, how things have changed. Tulum is now widely known as one of the best party places in Mexico, much in part due to the vast amount of digital nomads in Mexico that decided to call it home during the pandemic.
Parties in Tulum are centered around the downtown area and the beach strip. The Papaya Playa project is one of the most beautiful. It’s also known for its jungle parties, where you can spend the night dancing under the stars to deep house and techno beats.
Unfortunately, Tulum’s growing popularity also means a change in prices. Tulum is not the place to go if you’re looking to party on a budget, but it is fun.
#6. Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a small surf town in the state of Oaxaca on the Pacific Coast.
While it’s not a bustling city, Puerto Escondido’s growing party scene is making its reputation among digital nomads and backpackers in Mexico. Because where there’s good surf, there are parties. And it’s one of the cheapest beach towns in Mexico!
This town seems to get more popular by the day! After the surfers come in from the ocean, the city becomes alive at night with parties that go well into the early morning hours. La Punta and Zicatele are the two main tourist areas with bars, but like Tulum, you can also find crazy jungle parties here.
As a bonus, Puerto Escondido has stunning beaches with some of the prettiest sunsets I have seen in Mexico. It’s also one of the best places to release baby sea turtles – a wholesome ecotourism activity after a night of debauchery.
So if you want to surf and party, look no further than Puerto Escondido. But while in the state, be sure to visit Oaxaca City afterward for some culture and great food.
#7. Cabo San Lucas (Los Cabos)
Another Spring break favorite, Cabo San Lucas is a great place for nightlife in Mexico near the beach. It’s located on the southern tip of the Baja California Sur, with many beautiful beach clubs to indulge in during the day.
At night, the place to go is downtown Cabo. Around Plaza Bonita, you’ll find endless bars and Mexico nightclubs. Don’t miss Cabo Wabo Cantina – which has earned a reputation for being one of the best places to party in Mexico since 1990.
After a night of partying, enjoy relaxing on the sandy beaches and taking in the breathtaking scenery of the unique rock formations that stick out of the ocean.
Best cities in Mexico to party
#8. Mexico City
As the country’s capital, you can bet that Mexico City is one of the best places in Mexico for young adults to party.
While you won’t find any beach clubs here, this cosmopolitan city has more than enough options. Take your pick from the local cantinas, rooftop bars, nightclubs, and more.
However, the city is massive, and you can spend hours just waiting in traffic top in-between neighborhoods. It’s best to stick to one area if you’re looking to party in Mexico City.
Roma and La Condesa are where most expats and digital nomads hang out, with many trendy bars and nightclubs. Polanco is an upscale neighborhood where you can find small underground dance clubs on streets just off the main avenue, and Zona Rosa is known for having some of the best nightlife in Mexico City.
One of my favorite memories of partying in Mexico City was taking a boat trip down the Xochimilco River. I did this on my 31st birthday with a group of friends, and it was so much fun floating down the river drinking beers as Mariachi bands serenaded us.
I recently went back to Mexico City for the Electric Daisy Carnival, which was a crazy three days of partying until the early hours of the morning. It happens every February, so save this in your calendar if you’re looking for a fun rave in Mexico.
#9. Guadalajara
Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the nightlife scene, thanks to its large population of college students.
It’s in the state of Jalisco, four hours away from Puerto Vallarta, making it a perfect weekend trip idea.
One of the best things to do when you’re in Guadalajara is visiting Tequila which is the birthplace of, you guessed it – Tequila!
Take a tour to see how Mexico’s most iconic drink is made from the agave plant into alcohol, and of course, try as much as you like. Then, after a day of drinking tequila, head back to Guadalajara, where you’ll have no trouble finding a party.
The best nightclubs in Guadalajara are Zapopan and the main street on Chapultepec Avenue. Bar Americas is a great place to go dancing into the early hours of the night, but my favorite place to start the night in Guadalajara is Galgo Speakeasy. They have fabulous cocktails and great music!
@explorewithlora Such a vibe #guadalajarajalisco #guadalarajara #speakeasyvibes ♬ Party – Bad Bunny & Rauw Alejandro
If you’re looking to party, one of the best times to visit is during Corona Capital, a 2-day music festival that happens just outside the city. I went in 2022 and had a blast! They also have it in Mexico City during the fall.
#10. San Miguel de Allende
While not as crazy as some of the other cities in Mexico on this list, San Miguel de Allende in the state of Guanajuato deserves a spot on this list.
Mainly because I’m not sure there is a more picturesque place to party than the Instagram-worthy town of San Miguel de Allende. Seriously, it’s impossible to walk around a corner here without wanting to take a photo!
The colorful houses, the cobblestone streets, and the historic buildings – this place looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. It’s no wonder it was named a UNESCO world heritage site.
The stunning scenery has drawn more tourists into San Miguel de Allende, which means the Mexico nightlife has also picked up.
Although it’s not as nearly as crazy as Mexico City or Guadalajara, this is a good place to enjoy a more relaxing nightlife atmosphere amongst stunning colonial architecture. La Mezcaleria or Mama Mia are two good options to start your night!
#11. Tijuana
While Tijuana has had a reputation for being dangerous in the past, the city is now coming into its own.
It’s having a renaissance of sorts, with many new art galleries, museums, and culinary restaurants popping up each month.
But still, it retains its reputation as one the most infamous Mexico party destinations. This is partly because it’s only two hours away from LA and 30 minutes from San Diego, making it a quick getaway from the United States.
Tijuana’s red light district is almost as famous as Amsterdam, but if you want to immerse yourself in the Mexican nightlife here, head to La Zona North to experience a more authentic side of this Mexico party city.
FAQ: Party cities in Mexico
Which city in Mexico has the best nightlife?
Mexico has many cities with great nightlife. For LGBTQ+ travelers, Puerto Vallarta is one of the best cities for nightlife. While those looking for a close escape from the U.S. might head to Tijuana. Check out this guide to help you decide which party city in Mexico to visit.
Is there a party city in Mexico?
There are many party cities in Mexico! Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Mexico City are some of the top places in Mexico to party.
Is Tulum a party town?
Yes. Although it was once a sleepy beach town, Tulum is now one of the biggest party towns in Mexico.
Where is the best nightlife in Mexico?
Mexico’s best nightlife can be found in cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta, known for their vibrant clubs, bars, and beach parties.
What is a party in Mexico called?
In Mexico, a party is often referred to as a “fiesta,” which is a celebration or social gathering typically involving music, dancing, and festive activities.
Does Mexico City have good nightlife?
Yes, Mexico City has a thriving nightlife scene with a wide variety of bars, nightclubs, live music venues, and trendy neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma offering a diverse range of entertainment options.
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Mexico is a country that knows how to party. From the famous beach towns of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta to the vibrant streets of Mexico City, there is no shortage of exciting places to party. It’s one of the reasons I chose to call Mexico home!
Whether you’re looking for beachside clubs, traditional fiestas, or trendy urban hotspots, Mexico offers something for everyone. So pack your dancing shoes, embrace the vibrant culture, and get ready to experience the unforgettable party scene that Mexico has.
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