Regarded as a diverse and vibrant city, Guadalajara nightlife has something to offer everyone. Traditional cantinas, fashionable dance clubs, and live music venues abound, and you’ll also find a thriving craft beer sector and many cultural events.
This lively Jalisco center is Mexico’s second-largest city and well known for mariachi and tequila. And, as you might expect, the nightlife here is fantastic, complete with traditional music which can be a breath of fresh air if you’re visiting after coming from the neighboring beach town party scene of Puerto Vallarta.
Guadalajara nightlife entertainment isn’t limited to raucous fiestas. After dusk, this sophisticated, culturally rich city offers various varied activities, from theatrical events to late-night shopping and traditional Mexican wrestling.
Whatever your interests are, keep reading to discover something to keep you entertained in Guadalajara when the sun goes down.
Where To Party In Guadalajara?
Guadalajara prides itself on its colourful nightlife, providing a wide range of choices to suit every mood and craving. Here are the main party hotspots in the city:
Chapultepec Avenue: This lively street is the nerve centre of Guadalajara’s nightlife, offering an assortment of trendy bars and clubs.
Lopez Cotilla: Known for its chic clubs and intimate bars, this area caters predominantly to the city’s younger crowd.
Providencia: This upscale neighbourhood is home to some of the most sophisticated clubs and lounges in Guadalajara.
Historic Centre: For a taste of traditional cantinas and mariachi music, head to the city’s historic centre.
Andares: This upscale shopping district houses some of the city’s most exclusive nightspots.
But remember, these areas are just the start; Guadalajara is brimming with vibrant venues waiting to be uncovered!
Guadalajara Nightlife Tips & Advice
The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old, and when it comes to enjoying the Guadalajara nightlife there is no exception. If you’re heading to a cantina or a craft beer pub, casual attire is entirely acceptable, but for nightclubs and expensive locations, try to dress up but don’t overdo it.
Although it is illegal to consume alcoholic beverages in public places, authorities rarely intervene with discreet public drinkers who do not cause a disturbance.
On weekends and holidays, many clubs impose a cover charge. If you arrive early, you may be able to escape the cover price. Women may be given free entrance during Ladies’ Nights and earlier in the evening or during dull times.
Check the prices of food and drinks before ordering, and keep track of your bill. To keep things easy and avoid unnecessary costs, it’s a good idea to clear out your drinking tab every two rounds. Carrying and paying in cash rather than using a credit card is preferable.
Getting about after 10 p.m. may be difficult because city buses cease sooner or later, but you may hire a Taxi or Uber. Taxis are typically safe, although extra vigilance is advised.
In each city, a traveler, like anybody else, is exposed to minor criminals. Guadalajara is no different. Local authorities and law enforcement can assist if something goes wrong while you’re away.
How Expensive Is It To Party In Guadalajara?
The official currency in Guadalajara and throughout Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). The cost of partying in Guadalajara can vary based on the venue and the specific day of the week. Here’s an estimated cost for some common party expenditures:
Cover Charge: Ranging from 100 to 500 MXN
Bottle of beer: Approximately 50 to 150 MXN
Cocktails: Roughly 100 to 300 MXN
Bottle Service: Between 1,000 to 5,000 MXN
Although Guadalajara’s nightlife is relatively affordable compared to many other international cities, expenses can pile up, particularly at high-end venues or during peak hours. Hence, it’s wise to set a budget for the night and stick to it to avoid overspending.
The Best Bars In Guadalajara
La Fuente
La Fuente is located in the city’s historic core and is a must-see landmark on any tourism itinerary. This is everything you might want from a classic cantina.
If you’re curious about the bike over the bar, it was purportedly left there by a drunken guest one night in the 1950s.
Escarabajo Scratch
Escarabajo Scratch, a laid-back pub a short walk from Guadalajara’s cathedral, is covered with beautiful murals and paintings of blues performers ranging from Robert Johnson to Tom Waits.
The vibrant venue showcases artists from various genres, but rock and blues are the staples. It even functions as a cultural center, hosting film workshops and book discussions. Escarabajo Scratch hits all the basics with inexpensive beer and fantastic food.
Pare de Sufrir
Pare de Sufrir translates to “Stop Suffering,” a lighthearted reference to a contentious evangelical church that employs the same slogan.
Pedro Jiménez, the project’s proprietor, works directly with artisanal producers to offer the greatest bottles to the bar.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and the origin of tequila, is linked with Mexico’s national spirit. However, Pare de Sufrir is a famed mezcal bar serving the smokey cousin of tequila since 2009.
Many of these spirits are from the southern state of Oaxaca, although others are regional favorites. If you want to try a fruity Jalisco-made mezcal, get a shot of raicilla.
Chango Vudú
If you want something dark and atmospheric, Chango Vudú is the place to go. The bizarre establishment, located in a windowless basement, combines speakeasy décor with fluorescent lighting and graffiti.
A low-lit bar runs along one wall, where you may order beers or a variety of drinks.
Chango Vudú has acquired a reputation as one of the city’s most remarkable live music venues since its inception in 2018. The large bar showcases a variety of live music performances, with a concentration on jazz and techno.
De La O
Nestled on the lively Chapultepec Avenue, De La O stands out as a beacon for craft beer and cocktail lovers. This trendy bar takes pride in featuring a vast variety of local and international beers, catering to both casual drinkers and discerning beer connoisseurs.
The bar’s atmosphere is lively and relaxed, often punctuated by engaging conversations and friendly gatherings. It’s a place where you can explore new brews, meet like-minded individuals, and soak in the city’s dynamic nightlife vibe.
The Best Clubs In Guadalajara
Guadalajara’s nightlife is well-known across Mexico for its exciting events, friendly people, and great nightclubs. These are the greatest places to go if you’re in the city and looking for a fun night out.
Bar Américas
Bar Americas, a name synonymous with the electronic music scene in Guadalajara, has been enticing the city’s clubbers for over two decades. The club boasts an outstanding sound system that immerses you in heart-pounding beats, while the pulsating lights create an electrifying ambiance.
Renowned DJs regularly take the decks, spinning a wide range of electronic music that keeps the energy high and the dance floor buzzing. With its high-octane atmosphere and stellar music line-up, Bar Americas promises a night of relentless dancing and unforgettable experiences.
Cantina Mexicaltzingo
Cantina Mexicaltzingo bar doubles as a fantastic nightclub at night and is steadily becoming a local favorite.
It’s located in the Chapultepec neighborhood, the city’s most dynamic sector, and they serve superb authentic Mexican food while live music or a DJ live performs up on stage.
Lola Lolita’s
This nightclub, located on one of the city’s most prominent roads, continuously hosts fashion displays, music festivals, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Lola Lolita’s contains all the traditional characteristics that make a nightclub great: fantastic music, excellent drinks, and good vibes.
Envy
If you’re looking for a gay-friendly Guadalajara nightlife venue Envy is a trendy nightclub with avant-garde décorations and a sophisticated ambiance. They offer unique cocktails and cooled beverages as live music fills the dance floor.
If you want to party with your friends or meet new people, this is the place to go.
Guadalajara Nightlife Summary
The Guadalajara nightlife isn’t restricted to boisterous fiestas. When the sun goes down, this sophisticated and culturally rich city comes alive with a variety of events. From the rhythmic dance clubs to the traditional cantinas, the nightlife is a vibrant mix of modernity and tradition. Whether you’re a fan of lively dance parties, relaxed pub nights, or unique cultural experiences, Guadalajara has something to offer!
This vibrant Jalisco hub, Mexico’s second-largest town, is widely renowned for mariachi and tequila. And, as one might assume, the nightlife is great, with traditional music and local beverages.
