Guatemala City Nightlife

This old bar is located in the Pasaje Aycinena in zone 1, very close to the Parque Central. It´ a nice bar very cheap and bohemian and is always crowded, decorated with graffiti´s from the visitors and pictures of famous revolucionaries. Good Beers and Mojitos, also serves typical food.

This Passage located in zone 1 near the Main Plaza, is an old colonial structure with some bars and restaurants. If you´re into the bohemian mood this place is for you. Some of the bars offers Live Music, and is a meeting place for the Ngo´s and collegue students community.
The most famous bars in the area are the Cien Puertas, Bacabes (formerly known as El Tiempo), the Blanco y Negro and the recently opened Cappuccino Bar and La Luna.

I first discovered Shakespear's Pub sometime in June. It is one of the oldest bars in the city and is located smack in the middle of Zona viva. It's a great place for those of us who prefer somewhere we can get a drink, make new friends, meet the old ones and, oh yeah, talk in english! Even though there is a fare share of Guatemalans, Americans, English, Australians and Germans you're bound to find a bountiful supply of interesting friendly people. If you're a talker and like to socialize, this is the place to go. I consider it my own little safe haven in the middle of the madness and ruckus of the crowded discos and loud bars.

An important thing to keep in mind is that though there is no longer a curfew, there is what they call "ley seca" which means that after 1 a.m. you cannot purchase alcohol anywhere and most bars will close.

Drinks are relatively cheap as well as most the food. The most expensive dish is the Shepard's Pie which is usually quite good (and even that is not very expensive).

Expect to pay USD2-3 per drink depending on what you like to have.

Dress Code: Shakespear's is a very relaxed environment. Dress as you feel most comfortable.

Most people come to the city and check out Zona Viva (Zona 10) where I would consider to be the most expensive and snobby area in the city to go out. Go to Zone 1 instead and hear awesome live music and hang out with the progressive minds of Guatemala. I'm not 100% sure but I think that La Bodeguita is where Che spent a lot of time when he was in Guatemala.

Dress Code: Dress down!

What happens in Guatemala City stays in Guatemala City . . .

But, if you're looking for some good nightlife, try heading to Zone 10 (Zona Viva) where there are plenty of clubs and good restaurants and bars (they don't call it the "lively zone" for nothing).

Located near The Hoiliday Inn in the trendy Zona 10 district...this place gets jammed packed with locals looking for a great time. Come early come and it`s a bit empty but when the clock strikes 10 p.m. the place gets packed !!!! Drinks can be bought in either single drinks or by the bottle as it is accustomed in Central America.......spend a tad more and sit in the club's VIP area where you will be nicely attended to and it`s not as loud and crowded !!!!

Dress Code: no jeans, or sneakers

One of the most popular places in all of Guatemala City for the high end crowd, you know what your getting yourself into, by just waiting outside...located on a second floor, the howrds of bodyguards stand outside as there rich boss's party inside. A huge bar with outside terrace makes this place, the place to be and to be seen !!!!! Come early to get in and grab a valuable outside table for the best service.

Dress Code: no jeans, no sneakers

This trendy and very popular club is a bit small, but it has plenty of character......it has huge windows which look up to the surrounding mountain tops. The prices are a bit pricey for locals, but a steal for the US traveler. On Friday night a live band plays, and it's very popular with the high end local crowd !!!!

Dress Code: No jeans, no sneakers