Keep reading for the best places to experience Puerto Vallarta nightlife.
From the Zona Hotelera to the Romantic Zone and beach bars to dance clubs, these are the best places to experience the legendary Puerto Vallarta nightlife.
Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and looking for the perfect place to let loose and have a good time? Partying is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta!
After this post, you will know the best bars and night clubs in Puerto Vallarta for everything from wild Saturday nights and spring break partying to a relaxed evening out with new friends.
This ultimate Puerto Vallarta nightlife guide covers the best places to find:
- Live music
- Reasonable prices
- Special events
- Happy Hour deals
- Tips to stay safe while partying
- & more!
Keep reading for my personal recommendations for the best bars and night clubs in Puerto Vallarta! But wait, before you hit the town, full up for your big night out at one of these best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links (at not extra cost to you). Please read my disclosure policy for more info.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
If your mission is to experience the nightlife in Puerto Vallarta, the best place to stay is the Romantic Zone.
This area of Puerto Vallarta is sometimes called Old Town (Viejo Vallarta) or Colonia Emiliano Zapata. It’s situated just south of downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone is where you’ll find the highest concentration of cafes, shops, restaurants, bars and nightlife spots.
Check out this post next for even more recommendations for where to stay near the Romantic Zone in Puerto Vallarta.
Hotel Amaca
- Adults-only (perfect for couples)
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Short walk to Los Muertos Beach
- Click here to see the prices for your trip
Hotel Posada de Roger
- Mexican-style architecture
- Spacious rooms equipped with air conditioning
- Rooftop terrace and onsite restaurant
- Click here to see the prices for your trip
Hacienda Escondida
- Outdoor heated pool
- Short walking distance to many of the best bars & nightlife spots
- Designated travel sustainable property
- Click here to see the prices for your trip
Does the nightlife in Puerto Vallarta have a dress code?
You don’t need to be dressed to the nines to have a great time in Puerto Vallarta. Overall, Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife offers great music in a relaxed atmosphere.
Even if you’re in Puerto Vallarta for a special event like a bachelorette party, don’t feel compelled to wear high heels. This Mexico packing list offers tips for what to bring on a beach vacation.
Overall, the Puerto Vallarta nightclub dress code is much more relaxed than places like Mexico City. Here are a few simple rules to follow (and, if I’m being honest, they apply more to men than women):
- No rubber flip flops
- No baseball hats
- No athletic wear
I find that men usually need more tips for what to wear to the clubs, so if you’re struggling to decide on an outfit, a short-sleeved button down unbuttoned one lower than you usually do paired with well-fitting shorts or pants and streetwear kicks is a solid go-to.
Women can get away with pretty much anything (yup, even flip flops and a bikini top). I don’t make the rules!
Of course, these dress code guidelines only apply to nightclubs. At beach bars, you’re free to embrace the beach vibe and dress casually.
Best Night Clubs in Puerto Vallarta
Keep reading for hot spots in Puerto Vallarta where party animals can get the full nightlife experience until the wee hours of the morning.
Strana
From the teardrop chandelier to VIP services like open bar access and party planning, Strana is the kind of place you go to celebrate a special occasion with a group of friends. Some reviews on Google even go as far as to say that this special place is more fun than clubs in Las Vegas and Ibiza.
Drinks are on the pricier side, and if you want a table, you will need to make a reservation and buy a bottle. The DJs play a mix of hip-hop, reggaeton, top 40 hits and house music.
- Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday
- Hours: 10:30 p.m. – 6 a.m.
- Cover can vary with demand
- Contact info for reservations in Instagram bio
La Santa
You can find lots of good spots for night life around the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) in Puerto Vallarta. La Santa has been a mainstay on Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife scene for years.
This night club is the perfect location for fans of techno and house, but some reviews on Google mention that the main floor is on the smaller side for dancing. The lights and decor make La Santa a fun vibe.
- Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday
- Hours: 10 p.m. – 4 a.m.
- La Santa Puerto Vallarta Facebook Page
Mandala
Located right on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, you can party the night away at Mandala while enjoying ocean views (and more importantly the ocean breeze). Bottle service is available, and Saturday night you should expect to pay a cover to get in.
The music is a mix of house and reggaeton. If you’re coming with a larger group, just know that the dance floor is small.
- Open every day
- Hours: 6p.m. – 4a.m.
- Mandala Puerto Vallarta Facebook Page
La Vaquita
Playing mostly techno and house music, La Vaquita’s relaxed atmosphere is what sets it apart from other night clubs in Puerto Vallarta. There’s even a swing above the bar!
While it opens early, the party doesn’t really start until at least 10 p.m. Be prepared to pay a cover.
- Open every day
- Hours: 6 p.m. – 3 a.m.
- La Vaquita Puerto Vallarta Facebook Page
Best Gay Bars in Puerto Vallarta
Top Sky Bar
In search of the best rooftop bar in Puerto Vallarta? Don’t sleep on Top Sky Bar (unless that is, you’re catching some z’s in one of their comfy sun loungers).
This LGBTQ bar is one of best spots for taking in sweeping views of Banderas Bay. To make sure you have a spot for sunset, arrive in the late afternoon and sip on one of Top Sky’s house mojitos while the sun disappears into the Pacific Ocean.
- Open every day
- Hours: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Call ahead to make a reservation
- Check out Top Sky’s online menu
Mr. Flamingo
Puerto Vallarta is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations in Mexico. Mr. Flamingo is a popular gay bar in the Romantic Zone.
This open air tiki bar is the perfect place to have a cocktail and make new friends. Test out a few dance moves at Mr. Flamingo before heading to one of Puerto Vallarta’s night clubs.
- Open every day
- Hours: 2 p.m. – 3 a.m.
- Good music & lively atmosphere (gets crowded)
- Mr. Flamingo Facebook Page
Best Rooftop Bars in Puerto Vallarta
Sky Bar
Happy hour is extra happy at Sky Bar thanks to the exceptional view. Without a doubt, this is one of the best rooftop bars for watching the sunset in Puerto Vallarta.
Special happy hour pricing is from 5:30-8 p.m. Just know you won’t be allowed to take a dip in the pool unless you’re a guest of Pinnacle Resorts.
- Open every day
- Hours: 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- To get there, keep in mind that it’s attached to Pinnacle Resorts
- Check out the view on Pinnacle Resort’s Instagram
Best Places for Live Entertainment in Puerto Vallarta
Roxy Rock Bar
If you’re looking to rock out in Puerto Vallarta, the best option for live entertainment is Roxy Rock House. This high-energy night club features live music every day of the week.
My travel companions and I loved this spot because the crowd is a mix of Mexicans and foreigners with everyone looking to have a good time. Bonus points that the cover band playing took requests!
- Open every day except for Sunday
- Hours: 9 p.m. – 3 a.m.
- Offers drink specials & live entertainment
- Roxy Rock House Website
Señor Frog’s
One of the mainstays on the Puerto Vallarta nightlife scene, no spring break trip is complete without a visit to Señor Frog’s.
Always a good time, Señor Frog’s is known for its live entertainment. The Puerto Vallarta location is situated right on the malecón (boardwalk), so you have an ocean view while enjoying your meal and drinks.
- Open every day
- Hours: 9 a.m. – 1 a.m.
- Reasonable prices on food and drinks
- Great place for celebrating special occasions
- Señor Frog’s Facebook Page
Garbo’s Piano Bar
Getting tired of margaritas and electronic music? Head on over to Garbo’s Piano Bar for some jazz and an expertly-prepared martini (I’ve heard good things about the cucumber sipper).
A gay-friendly establishment, Garbo’s has live music every night starting at 10:30 p.m. The lineup features jazz, Latin, Broadways tunes and standards. There’s even a dance floor in case the mood strikes!
- Open every day
- Hours: 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Garbo Bar Vallarta Facebook Page
Incanto Vallarta
Another of Puerto Vallarta piano bar favorite, Incanto Vallarta offers all kinds of live entertainment including theater, art, comedy and (of course) piano tunes.
Patrons appreciate the reasonable prices on food and drinks (although, it can get a bit loud if you’re trying to have conversation over dinner). Incanto Vallarta is one of the best places in Puerto Vallarta for salsa dancing.
- Open every day except Monday
- Hours: 4 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
- Check out the Incanto Vallarta events calendar
Bonus Dance Club: This awesome rundown of 101+ things to do in Puerto Vallarta suggests checking out La Bodeguita del Medio for Cuban salsa and Bar Océano for cumbia & bachata.
Best Beach Bars in Puerto Vallarta
Bar Morelos
Jalisco is the home of tequila, but mezcal fans can get their fix at Bar Morelos. In addition to a menu of handcrafted cocktails, this lively beach bar is one of the top dance clubs in Puerto Vallarta.
The music is a mix of reggaetón, techno, throwbacks and salsa. Bar Morelos is one of the best options for celebrating special occasions while in Puerto Vallarta—for the best service, make sure to plan ahead.
- Open every day
- Hours: 8 p.m. – 5 a.m.
- Offers bottle service & deals for special events
- Bar Morelos Website
El Solar
You can find all kinds of beach bars and nightlife options near Puerto Vallarta’s Los Muertos Beach.
El Solar is a great place to spend the day with a cerveza in hand with a beautiful ocean view. The menu has lots of tasty eats at reasonable prices including tostadas, fresh ceviche and more.
- Open every day
- Hours: Monday & Tuesday 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Wednesday & Thursday 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 a.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- El Solar Facebook Page
Bar La Playa
One of the most popular beach bars in Puerto Vallarta, Bar La Playa offers everything from handcrafted cocktails to jello shots.
If you’re looking for a small bar with a cool vibe, this is the perfect. I’m a sucker for a dive bar, and Bar La Playa is an unpretentious spot serving up quality drinks at reasonable prices.
For the best deals, stop in at Happy Hour daily from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Address: Lazaro Cardenas 179A
- Open every day
- Hours: 3 p.m. -12 a.m.
- Bar La Playa Facebook Page
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Final Thoughts on Nightlife in Puerto Vallarta
In recent years, the nightlife in Puerto Vallarta has made it a top destination for celebrating special events like bachelor and bachelorette parties.
To make the most of your time in Puerto Vallarta, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make reservations when possible—especially during high season.
As in any tourist destination, scams do occur from time to time. Take care to be aware of your surroundings (don’t get too drunk). Here are a few more tips for staying safe:
- Review your receipt before handing over your credit card (better yet, pay in cash)
- Order sealed beverages like beer or watch the bartender prepare your drink
- Stay close to friends & have a plan for how you will get back to your hotel
Are vip tables worth it for a bachelor party at the nightclubs if so which clubs do you recommend
If you’re a large group of guys, I think getting a table is a good idea…waiting in line at a bachelor party is no fun! I’d check out Strana and Mandala.