Mexico City Nightlife
Nightlife in Mexico City starts late and ends late, making it something of a struggle to get up for the next day's sightseeing. Nevertheless, you will feel entitled to a morning of rest if you managed to take in a few of the nightspots listed below, as Mexico City of an evening can be a wild and raucous adventure.
Locals begin heading to the city's bars from around 22:00 and the visitor will find there is much to keep them entertained within the central district. Remember to take account of the altitude, which has found out even the most sensible of drinkers and be aware that many places are shut on Sundays.
In the Centro Historico, the Bar La Opera is one of the most famous spots to head to. Look for the bullet hole in the ceiling, made by the revolutionary Pancho Villa, who, when sampling Mexico City's varied nightlife scene for himself, rode his horse in to the bar and began waving his gun around.
Close at hand, behind the cathedral, you will find La Casa de las Sirenas. Set up in a 17th century house, this place is ostensibly a restaurant, but most people head there for the 180 varieties of tequila on offer.
The Centro Historico is also home to the city's gay scene. One of the largest venues is Butterflies, which houses five busy bars and puts on elaborate stage shows and is straight friendly as well.
Beer lovers should try out Salón Corona in the Centro part of town. This beer hall has been in existence since 1928 and serves large mugs of light and dark beer and a vast array of Mexican bottled lagers.
For those looking to venture out on to the city's dance floors, there are a huge number of options. El Colmillo in Juaraz is one of the top venues. The club has a large, loud dance floor in the basement playing dance music, while further up punters will find an unusual lounge hosting performing arts.
Rioma in Colonia Condesa is one of the classiest clubs around and it is important to dress up or the fussy doormen will send you packing. Once inside, the evening begins with electronica before moving on to techno in the early hours.
For live music enthusiasts, the Plaza Garibaldi on the corner of Republica de Peru, is a must. During the early evening, mariachi bands will entertain you. As the night goes on, a huge number of musicians descend on the place, all vying to play you personal songs for a fee. They can be somewhat persuasive so if you don't want to pay, walk away.
The Centenario cantina in La Condesa is also good fun and has a good variety of traditional Mexican musicians on every night of the week.
In Alameda, those looking for a more serene night's entertainment will enjoy the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The ornate theatre puts on a number of major operatic and dance productions throughout the year while the recital halls play host to chamber groups.
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Nightlife
