I'm getting married in Antigua early next year and I'm curious what can we do after the reception. I hear there are strict laws governing bar closing times. Is it true most, if not all the bars stop serving after 1am?
Can anyone who's been recently or is currently living in Antigua let me know what's the nightlife scene is like on a Saturday night after 1am.
Thanks.
We were there last in March 2014 and went out a few times. Everything closes at 1 am. The streets were pretty deserted by then. We did hear some people talk about a private after party. We didn't go so I don't know what they are about or if they are safe.
It is indeed true, though some of them push it a little bit (many with informal agreements with the police). There are around half a dozen "afters" (this is the word they use in Spanish) where things continue till dawn... some of these are actually quite atmospheric and relaxed. It really depends on which way the wind is blowing at that moment though; there are periods where it's all going fine and the police get their cut, and others where neighbors complain and they make a big show of shutting them all down. There are enough middle- and upper-class young people to make sure that it's always in the interest of proprietors to find a way to provide entertainment in the wee hours.
This is a fun place for nightlife and sometimes goes on till a bit past 1. The whole street (one block west of the central park) is filled with folks at that time and if you ask someone, "sabes donde hay un after?" they will almost definitely know the latest:
After thinking about it, I guess that navigating the after scene might be difficult if this is your first time in Antigua and/or if you don't speak Spanish... but you'll probably be in a great mood at that point and making friends at a place like Sunset Terrace (or nearby clubs) should be easy. Obviously there is a somewhat increased risk factor late at night and after a few drinks, but if you're able to meet up with a friendly group, they will probably be migrating in a herd over to wherever the hottest after is, which should be safe and fun. Yes, thefts to happen (phones especially), but it's rare if you keep your eye out.
This is another pretty reliable nightspot as well... it used to just be called "Casbah" but now has a longer name. A bit more upper-class. Note that the address on the FB map is not correct, it's basically right next to the famous arch on 5ta Norte:
Anitgua has pretty vibrant nightlife, lot of bars and cafes etc, but things cool down around midnight overall.
The Casbah is a cool place, I think they stay open on that roof top area, not the garden patio, but we left before Midnight...Rent a home there for the wedding and then you can have your own party. Plenty of places for rent in Antigua...
When the bars close most folks have bought a bottle and take it to the street where they continue to party usually under the window of where ever I am staying. If not doing that they take s bottle to their room and get on the cell phone hill the sun comes up..
The advice of renting a house by #6 is best. What a large party would spend in the bar after hours would just about cover a weekend rental of a house. Having a private place means you control who is there, the quality of the food and beverages, type of music and you avoid the walk home at the time the police are catching up on their rest.