Must-see nightlife in Chile

  • Pagano

    Valparaíso

    Die-hard clubbers both gay and straight can dance all week on Pagano's packed, sweaty floor. Plan to arrive well after midnight or you'll be dancing alone.

  • Vieja Habana

    Arica

    Has salsa and bachata classes (from CH$3000) Monday to Thursday from 8pm to 11:30pm, and functions as a lively salsoteca (salsa club) on weekends.

  • Mi Bar Coquimbo

    Norte Chico

    A reliable spot for catching live bands and DJ-spun grooves, with a mix of funk, soul, hip-hop, blues and jazz. The extra-large cocktails are legendary.

  • Tostaduría de Café Coyoacán

    Concepción

    The beans are roasted on-site at this cosy cafe by Universidad de Concepción; you won't sip a fresher or richer espresso coffee anywhere else in town.

  • Soho

    Arica

    The city's most happening disco; gets a variety of DJs as well as live salsa and rock bands. It's about 3km north of the center, near Playa Chinchorro.

  • Club Croata

    Iquique

    Plaza-side restaurant with arched windows, Croatian coats of arms and a clutch of tables outside. It's a fine spot for an afternoon pick-me-up.

  • Kanahau

    Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

    Kick off the night with a strong pisco sour at this cheerful hangout decked in wood. Serves excellent picoteos (tapas), too.

  • Puerto Luisa Cafe

    Puerto Williams

    Next to the dock, this little haven offers espresso drinks and cheesecake in a cozy setting of oversized chairs with great sea views.

  • Base Camp

    Puerto Natales

    Debut your park tall tales at this happening gringo hideout. With pub trivia nights, good pub grub and occasional live music.

  • Cúrcuma

    Middle Chile

    A hipstery juice bar and healthy brunch spot in a buzzing new shopping center, Altomar, at the southern edge of town.

  • El Europeo

    Norte Chico

    A small, welcoming beer bar on lively Aldunate serves up craft brews, gourmet burgers (around CH$4000) and snacks.

  • La Rocca

    La Serena

    Stay out late drinking on the interior patio at this popular student hangout with occasional live music.

  • Rapa Rock Resto Bar

    Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

    This open-air waterfront bar blasts rock and pop when live bands aren't playing on a stage in the sand.

  • Bravo Cabrera

    Puerto Varas

    Named after a Patagonian Robin Hood who stole beef from the rich and threw barbecues for the poor, this fashionable restobar is where you'll find upper…

  • BouleBar

    Puerto Montt

    Old Rolling Stone covers and other musical propaganda dot this classic, multiroomed bar lit with candles and featuring several tables and a bar rack made…

  • Bundor

    Sur Chico

    This seven-tap brewhouse in trendy Isla Teja brews commendable Russian Imperial Stouts, Wee Heavies, Oatmeal Stouts and American India Pale Ale, among…

  • Cervecería Petermann

    Sur Chico

    This microbrewery and pizzeria, named after Huilo-Huilo founder, Víctor Petermann, is the end-all, be-all of Huilo-Huilo nightlife in high season and…

  • La Taberna

    Punta Arenas

    This dark and elegant subterranean bar, with polished wood fixtures and cozy nooks reminiscent of an old-fashioned ship, is a classic old boys’ club. The…

  • La Vieja Escuela

    Pucón

    This dark and sexy bar/club/live-music venue – 'The Old School' – caters to sophisticated 30-somethings who've outgrown the guide-versus-backpacker pickup…

  • Barlovento's

    Chiloé

    This restaurant and brewhouse with sea views is Quemchi's only recommendable nightlife option, with cervezas artesanales brewed in-house. The food centers…

  • Bajo Marquesina

    Coyhaique

    Lovers of football, unite! With vintage photos of Patagonian cowboys playing footie and jerseys from clubs all over Chile, this sports pub and dedicated…

  • El Diablito

    Santiago

    Old photos and vintage household items clutter the already dark walls of this smoky den. After dark, the tiny tables seem to invite you to huddle…

  • Mito Urbano

    Santiago

    At this fun-loving nightclub, disco balls cast lights on the good-looking 20-, 30- and 40-somethings dancing to vintage hits and Chilean pop. Check the…

  • Caramelo

    Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

    Part baking goods shop, part actual bakery, Caramelo is your go-to spot for teas, coffees, juices and smoothies in flavors ranging from mango to guava and…

  • Baires

    Santiago

    Technically it's a 'sushi club,' but the nightlife at Baires is what brings in the crowds. The terrace tables fill up quickly, even on weeknights; there's…

  • Hotel Brighton

    Valparaíso

    Teetering over the edge of Cerro Concepción, this funked-out house has a terrific terrace that overlooks the port and city. Come around sunset for…

  • Black Forest

    Pucón

    Black Forest caters to a slightly more refined drinking crowd content to tuck away in chic lounge environs, soak up cocktails with decent sushi and enjoy…

  • Nación Patagonia

    Northern Patagonia

    Ideal for a coffee and a conversation, this eclectic cafe serves grilled sandwiches, lemon pie and fresh juices. It also sells trekking maps and local…

  • La Cafeta

    Chiloé

    A modified van running on caffeine serves some of Castro's best espresso. The beans are Peruvian and staff can whip up all the usual drink variations.

  • Cafe Noroeste

    Northern Patagonia

    Serving espresso drinks and sweets, this is the only town cafe – though true to local tradition, even this place closes at lunchtime.

  • Piel Roja

    Coyhaique

    Rumbling late-night life with local youth and the occasional adventure guide. Upstairs becomes a romping dance floor in the wee hours.

  • Cafe Mandala

    Northern Patagonia

    Wake up happy with the espresso drinks from this tiny plaza-front cafe, also serving juices, cakes and grilled cheeses.

  • Cervecería Tehuelche

    Northern Patagonia

    This small brewpub is a good place to grab a late-night pizza and quaff some decent local beer.

  • Sur Andes

    Northern Patagonia

    An adorable cafe and bar with a homespun feel and pub fare.

  • Cervecería Río Tranquilo

    Northern Patagonia

    Facing the tourism kiosk, this welcoming pub slash man-cafe makes beer on-site, served with intimidating plates of chorrillana: a bomb of fries with meat…

  • Jekus

    Punta Arenas

    A restaurant that serves as a popular meeting spot for drinks, with happy hours, karaoke and soccer on the tube.

  • El Alambique

    Puerto Williams

    Covered in murals, this cavernous haunt is the only venue with a pub atmosphere at night.

More destinations you need to see