4 reviewed party hostels · from €9.59/night · Hostelworld rated
Playa del Carmen’s nightlife kicks off on Fifth Avenue, a pedestrian street packed with bars, market stalls, and the kind of energy that keeps going until sunrise. Hostels here are built for backpackers who want to roll out of bed and into the action: most are just a block or two from the sand and the strip. CHE Playa Hostel & Bar, for example, sits right in the thick of it, with its own bar and a rooftop pool to escape the heat during the day. Expect cheap drinks, organised pub crawls, and a crowd that’s mostly solo travellers and groups of friends looking to meet people. If you’re not staying in a party hostel, you’ll still end up at one by midnight: most of the pub crawls start or end at them.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
A hostel that is close to the Carribbean Sea, and other popular locations. You will get the chancel to go to the best beaches in Quintana Roo, which is close from Playa del Carmen. You can enjoy trips by renting bicycles from the hostel. There's also a diving school in the hostel, as also tours in which you can participate in.
Crazy and fun party hostel with a lively rooftop pool, always crowded with people. There are plenty of bars and pubs in the area. Amazing staff will help you with anything you need and arrange great local tours and activities. Tropical-themed outdoor bar is hosting live music nights, perfect for meeting your bunkmates over a margarita (or three).
Insane party hostel with a party going on 24/7. The great pool area is a main party zone in the hostel, with international DJ sets and tequila included. There are many fun things to do with other travellers, like beer pong, Xbox tournaments, karaoke, etc. After a wild night, you can relax at the beach nearby, go fishing, snorkelling or simply join the party again.
Maui Hostel in Playa del Carmen boasts a prime location near the beach and nightlife, a rooftop pool with stunning ocean views, and a vibrant social atmosphere. Perfect for party enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the local scene.
Organised nights out with a local guide
This pub crawl is the most popular in town, visiting four bars and ending at Mandala or Coco Bongo. It includes free shots, a welcome drink, and skip-the-line entry to clubs. The crawl starts at CHE Playa Hostel & Bar and moves along Fifth Avenue, hitting spots like La Vaquita and The Fives. Expect a mix of backpackers and groups, with a guide to keep the night on track.
The Social Pub Crawl focuses on smaller bars and a more intimate group. It visits three venues, including a beachfront bar, and includes two free drinks and a shot at each stop. The crawl ends at a club with skip-the-line entry. The crowd is mostly solo travellers and small groups, and the guides are known for being friendly and engaging.
How Playa Del Carmen's nightlife zones break down
Centro is where you’ll find Fifth Avenue, the main drag for nightlife, shopping, and people-watching. The streets are pedestrian-only after 5 PM, packed with bars, restaurants, and market stalls. It’s touristy but undeniably fun, especially around 10th and 12th Streets where the clubs are. Stay here if you want to be in the heart of the action.
Playacar is a quieter, more residential area south of Centro, with wider streets and luxury resorts. It’s still close to the action: about a 15-minute walk to Fifth Avenue: but feels more relaxed. The beaches here are cleaner and less crowded, and there are a few hostels tucked away among the trees. It’s a good choice if you want to party but sleep without the noise.
Colosio is a local neighbourhood north of Centro, with fewer tourists and more authentic taco stands. It’s a 20-minute walk to Fifth Avenue, but the hostels here are cheaper and the vibe is more laid-back. The streets are lined with small shops and local eateries, and it’s a great place to experience Playa beyond the tourist strip.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
This hostel isn’t just a place to sleep: it’s a nightlife hub. The bar downstairs serves cheap drinks (beers from 40 MXN, cocktails 100 MXN) and hosts pre-game sessions before pub crawls. The rooftop pool is the spot to recover the next day, with a mix of backpackers lounging and swimming. It’s loud, social, and right on Fifth Avenue, so you’re steps away from the next bar or club.
Mandala is the biggest club in Playa del Carmen, with three floors of music: reggaeton, EDM, and Latin hits. The crowd is a mix of tourists and locals, and it gets packed after midnight. Entry is 500 MXN on weekends, which includes a drink. Dress to impress; the bouncers are strict on the door. If you’re on a pub crawl, you’ll likely end up here.
Coco Bongo is more of a show than a club, with acrobatics, live music, and performances alongside the dancing. Entry is pricey (600–800 MXN), but it includes open bar and a seat for the show. The crowd is mostly groups and couples, and it’s a tourist hotspot: don’t expect a local vibe. Book ahead or arrive early to avoid queues.
La Vaquita is a small, rowdy bar where the party starts early. The walls are covered in graffiti, and the drinks are cheap (beers 50 MXN, shots 40 MXN). The crowd is young and international, and the staff will spray you with tequila if you’re not careful. It’s a great spot to warm up before hitting the clubs or to keep the night going after they close.
Zenzi is a beachfront bar with live music: reggae, rock, and Latin bands play most nights. It’s more chilled than the clubs on Fifth Avenue, with a mix of backpackers and older travellers. Happy hour runs from 5–7 PM, with beers at 35 MXN. The sand under your feet and the ocean breeze make it a solid spot to start or end the night.
The Fives is a rooftop bar with a view of Fifth Avenue and the ocean. It’s a bit more upscale than the dive bars, but still backpacker-friendly. Cocktails cost 120–150 MXN, and the crowd is a mix of hostel guests and travellers. Go early to grab a seat: it fills up by 10 PM. The music is a mix of house and Latin, and it’s a good spot for people-watching.
Wah Wah is a beach club by day and a bar by night, with a laid-back reggae vibe. The crowd is mostly backpackers and digital nomads, and the drinks are affordable (beers 50 MXN, cocktails 100 MXN). It’s right on the sand, so you can dip your toes in the water while you drink. Live music starts around 8 PM most nights.
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