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The most state-of-the-art of them all among Cancún’s mega-clubs, a vast, multilevel, multi-space venue with music that covers all the bases – techno, rock, Latin – from DJs and live bands, and a space to eat. Ultra-extravagant theme nights, live shows, and other eye-popping surprises are house specialties

Always the most popular among American student “Springbreakers,” this equally huge venue across the street from the Coco Bongo guarantees a noisy, down-home party atmosphere – theme parties are a permanent feature. Next door, the only slightly smaller Dady Rock is a live venue with a bar-restaurant, plus more fun and games.

Easily identifiable by the old British red phonebox by the door, this enormous club is known for the most adventurous music policy in Cancún, with several spaces where you can choose between rock, funk, indie, high-voltage techno, and many more unexpected and invigorating sounds. Other attractions include a restaurant and a wonderful open-air terrace where you can take a breather.

For a slightly more sedate time try another Cancún specialty, with live shows, games, dinner, and dancing to live bands all on board as you sail around Laguna Nichupté or to Isla Mujeres. Each one is themed: Cancún Queen (from Aqua World, is like an old stern-wheeled riverboat, the Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise is on a replica Columbus-era galleon, and Captain Hook’s Pirate Night is, of course, on a pirate ship (see Captain Hook’s Pirate Night, Cancún).

Playa del Carmen has changed enormously since its original beach bar opened in the early 1990s, but through it all the Parrot has remained the number-one place to meet up and mingle. There’s always a buzzing scene, and you get a fabulous view of the moon over the sea.

The sleekest hip hotel in Playa, Deseo (see Deseo, Playa del Carmen) also houses the trendiest bar in town, with ultra-stylish designer décor, booming dance music, and a range of elaborate cocktails. It attracts a young, attractive, internationally style-conscious crowd to match the surrounds.

Centrally located close to the main avenues in Playa del Carmen, this club features two separate levels playing different sounds (electronica downstairs, house music upstairs). It’s a fun place for people of all ages, who come here to dance, drink, and enjoy the good ambience.

The familiar burgers-and-rock‘n’roll format found the world over is right by the waterfront in Cozumel. Live rock bands perform every night. There’s also a big Hard Rock in Cancún, in the Forum by the Sea Mall.

Enjoyable, crowd-pleasing food and a non-stop, bright-and-breezy party atmosphere are the keys to the success of the Anderson group’s bar-restaurants, found all around Mexico under several jokey names – Carlos‘n’Charlie’s, Sr. Frog’s, El Shrimp Bucket. The Cozumel C‘n’C in Punta Langosta mall is one of the biggest.

Nightlife in Mérida is much more low-key than on the Riviera, but Pancho’s, with its vaguely Mexican-bandit theme, is consistently the most enjoyable venue in the middle of town. Lively socializing is helped along by the fast and friendly staff, and at the back there’s a dance floor under the stars.