Night life in Antigua

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:

https://www.facebook.com/sunseterrace

Very useful. Many thanks!

Thanks. Looks like we'll have to organize something privately.

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:

https://www.facebook.com/lasvibrasantigua

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..

Paty you are too funny....aint that the truth...

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.

Hey I tell it like it is . My first night ever in Antigua was spent in the next room to someone who screamed into their cell phone all night. The party under the window wasn't that bad. I just wished I had bought my own bottle to lull me to sleep.

I had a house with a nice streetside sitting area on 1st street, I had to pick up empties every morning. I learned my lesson. I look for places with a simple steel door fronting the street with no room to hang out and drink in the wee hours.

Wow, invasion of the party poopers here! If you'd like I can set you guys up with an assisted living facility in GC... very quiet, unlimited Matlock, bedtime 8 p.m. ;)

Hiring a house for a private celebration makes sense if OP wants to keep it to the wedding party and a few invited guests. If the idea is getting out and hanging out with locals till the sun comes up, there's nothing like a classic Antigua after-party... still have great memories of one that used to be in an old house with a big courtyard and a bonfire (I think it was called Media Luna, closed down years ago). One option is to go out the evening before and do some research, and figure out where the best ones are going on right now. Not for everyone, but good for the young at heart and a nice way to have fun with locals.

I think Baywatch is the most popular Re-run in Guatemala...not Matlock.

Sorry E. but assisted living wouldn't like my very noisy Harleys or my friends. We spent way to much time working on the bikes and hanging out

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.