Nightlife in Mexico

The nightlife in Mexico City is as lively and varied as everything else the city has to offer.

From gentle supper clubs with floorshows to loud, brash nightclubs, and from piano bars to antros (or disco-bars) and bars that offer traditional Mexican music – all tastes are catered for. The most popular districts are Polanco, San Angel, Coyoacán and, more recently, Condesa (a residential neighbourhood just south of La Zona Rosa). La Zona Rosa is still a popular nightspot but has lost ground to Polanco and Condesa in recent years. The exception is the Centro Histórico, which is surprisingly quiet at night. Nightlife starts late in Mexico and ends late. There are no licensing hours but many bars and nightclubs are closed on Sundays.

Bars: In the Centro Histórico, La Opera Bar, Avenida Cinco de Mayo 10, is a late 19th-century establishment with a lively atmosphere. Look out for a bullet hole in the ceiling, said to have come from Pancho Villa’s revolver. For another Mexican specialty, head for La Casa de las Sirenas, Guatemala 32, a bar and restaurant offering over 250 varieties of tequila.

Rioma, Insurgentes Sur 377, Condesa is one of the trendiest bars at the moment there is a very strict entrance policy but if you do get past the doormen expect a mix of electronic lounge music with louder techno sounds as the evening progresses. Another popular bar is the rooftop bar of the Hotel Habita, Avenida Presidente, Msasaryk 201: this minimalist bar in Polanco is a magnet for young media types. It’s not cheap but the view from over the city makes it worth the price.

Casinos: Casinos are illegal in Mexico.

Clubs: The Colmillo, Versailles 49, in a colonial house in the Juárez district, was founded by two English men and remains one of the hottest clubs in Mexico City, with DJs playing acid jazz upstairs and techno below.

In the bohemian Roma district, Avant-Garde, Puebla 310, pumps hardcore techno to a devoted crowd, while the Living Room, Orizaba 146, in a delightful high-ceilinged colonial mansion, is one of the most popular gay clubs in town. Also in Roma is the fun Mama Rumba, Queretaro 230, an institution with salsa lovers, who groove the night away to live bands.

Live Music: Mexico City attracts big-name international rock and pop acts. The main venues are Auditorio Nacional, Paseo de la Reforma 50, Teatro Metropólitan, Indepencia 90, and the Palacio de los Deportes, corner of Avenida Río Churubusco and Añil. Hard Rock Live, Campos Eliseos, 290 Polanco hosts well known international as well as Spanish-language bands in an intimate state-of-the-art venue. New Orleans Jazz, Avenida Revolucion 1655, San Angel, is classic jazz bar. For something a bit different Adonis Homero 424, Polanco has a club upstairs from the restaurant with belly dancing and a Middle Eastern band.