7 Best Bars & Clubs in Tulum

Mexico › Tulum › Bars & Clubs
Updated: February 20, 2024

Tulum Nightlife – Tips & Advice

Cash: Most bars in Tulum accept cash only, even the high-end ones. Some accept U.S. dollars, but most require payment in Mexican pesos. If given the option, pay in pesos to get the best rates; you will always overpay if using dollars. Many bars that do allow credit cards add a 3% surcharge.

Tipping: Tipping is part of the custom here, and 10 to 15% is the standard rate. But first check bill for the word “propina” (meaning tip) to see if it has already been added to the bill. If so, add the necessary amount to bring the propina total up to 10 to 15%. Tipping in pesos is best, so the staff don’t have to pay a bank to exchange it into pesos.

Most of Tulum’s best bars are in the Pueblo or Middle Beach Zone. The Pueblo has more laid back, affordable bars, while the Middle Beach Zone has more chic, upscale spots. Most bars in the beach zones are on the jungle side of the road with outdoor seating.

Tulum’s top 5 nightlife take turns hosting the biggest parties, with each bar being the designated party spot on a certain night of each week. All of the bars are open every night, but the biggest parties follow this schedule:

Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar (Pueblo)

Thursdays: Casa Jaguar (Middle Beach Zone)

Fridays: Gitano (Middle Beach Zone)

Saturdays: Papaya Playa Project (Beach Town)

Sundays: Salsa Night at La Zebra Hotel (South Beach Zone)

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The 7 Best Bars and Clubs in Tulum

1. Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar – Pueblo • $

Batey is the soul of Tulum Pueblo’s bar scene, with most other bars built like satellites around it. Best known for their fresh fruit mojitos, be sure to peek inside to watch them press the fresh sugarcane in a converted VW Bug. Live music most nights. Open almost all day with a chilled-out vibe early and a lively crowd later, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

2. Casa Jaguar – Middle Beach Zone • $$$

A trendy, Caribbean restaurant through the week, Casa Jaguar hosts wild jungle parties every Thursday night on their back terrace. Parties begin after 11:00 and run late into the night with local and international DJs setting the tone. Casa Jaguar hosts smaller jungle parties on Tuesdays and some Saturdays.

3. Gitano – Middle Beach Zone • $$$

With a swanky Mexican restaurant in front and a sultry mezcal bar in the back, Gitano is the place to be on Friday nights. DJ sets start around 11:00 with all night drinking and dancing under the jungle canopy. Gitano also hosts smaller jungle parties on Friday nights. On Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, live bands play earlier in the evening at a more subdued pace.

4. Papaya Playa Project – Beach Town • $$$

The biggest, most hedonistic party of the week is held on the beach at Papaya Playa Project on Saturday nights – especially during the Full Moon Parties, held monthly on the Saturday closest to the full moon. Big-name DJs spin and dancing goes on until 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. Cover price varies but generally begins at $25. The largest parties take place in December, January, and New Year’s Eve, with crowds of up to 3000. For these parties, buy tickets in advance and show up early to avoid waiting for hours to get in.

5. Sunday Salsa Night at La Zebra Hotel – South Beach Zone • $

Every Sunday, La Zebra Hotel hosts a free, family-friendly, salsa dance party. Free lessons are offered from 6:30 to 7:30 followed by 3 hours of dancing with a live band. The party is served by the main bar and restaurant and by their beach bar The Mulberry Project, offering an amazing selection of handcrafted, signature cocktails. Free admission.

6. Kin Toh – Beach Town • $$$$

With the best bar design in Tulum, Kin Toh features outdoor “nests” with sunset views over the jungle and indoor island-like tables surrounded by hanging catamaran nets for lounging. The signature drinks are thoughtfully crafted, while the food served in the main restaurant is experimental – not for everyone. Reservations recommended for sunsets, dining, or groups but not usually necessary for a single or couple visiting the bar. Kin Toh has a 25 USD minimum consumption, which will be charged to a card on arrival.

7. Ki’bok – Pueblo • $

Tulum’s best coffee shop, Ki-bok, opens its upstairs terrace at night and becomes a fun, open-air bar. The balcony faces over the street above Batey, for a bird’s eye view of the festive street below. Drinks are simple and affordable.