The 10 Best Bars and Pubs in Holbox
What the nightlife of Holbox has to offer
Nightlife in Holbox
Although the nightlife in Holbox may seem limited, it has a lot to offer. Unlike Cancun or Tulum, there are no loud discos or parties until dawn on Isla Holbox. Instead, the island is home to chilled bars and lively restaurants with live music and DJs, creating an atmosphere that ranges from relaxed cocktails at sunset to exuberant dancing late into the night. Learn more about the nightlife on the island and where to find the best bars and pubs in Holbox.
Fiestas in Holbox: Where Tradition Meets Party
The people of Latin America are known for their joie de vivre and exuberant lifestyles. This is particularly true in Mexico, where the fiestas are perhaps the most popular. On Holbox Island, these original traditions have been largely preserved, so the whole island is in a party mood for days on end, especially during the big fiestas such as Carnival and Easter. A huge stage is set up in the main square or on the beach where live bands play and people dance all night to Mexican folk music, salsa rhythms and Latin beats.
Sunset Vibes at Holbox Beach
When there are no festivities, things are a little quieter, but there are still plenty of opportunities to have fun in the evening. This starts as soon as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, as Holbox is famous for its magical sunsets. At this time, countless spectators flock to the beach to witness the daily spectacle and immerse themselves in the mystical atmosphere. The numerous beach clubs are also an ideal place to watch the sunset with a cocktail and a pleasant musical backdrop. Most of the beach clubs close between 7 pm and 8 pm, with the exception of the generally louder Capitán Capitán Beach Club, which stays open until 11 pm.
Tip: Mosquitoes are especially active in Holbox at sunset. A tropical repellent can keep these annoying pests at bay.
Restaurants, Bars and Pubs with Live Music and DJs
As night falls, the otherwise sleepy city wakes up to the sound of pleasant rhythms emanating from various restaurants and bars, inviting you to dance. Many bars host live concerts or DJs who encourage their guests to stay late. Even if you don’t want to dance, you can still be infected by the good mood of the performers and the audience. Restaurants and bars in Holbox are usually open until 11 pm or 12 am, which means that the downtown area begins to quiet down around midnight.
Tip: Although many restaurants and bars accept credit cards, this is not always the case, so always carry cash. You should also be careful when paying the bill, as the tip is often included in the price.
Holbox Nightlife: The Hottest Places to Dance and Party
If you want to explore Holbox’s nightlife late at night, there aren’t too many options. However, the Hot Corner Bar is always a good starting point for a party atmosphere. At the proverbial hot corner, more and more people gather in front of the usually crowded bar as the evening progresses, following the loud music from outside. Across the street is a small supermarket that stays open until the wee hours of the morning, ensuring a supply of cheap drinks. Around the corner, right on the beach, is the Bikini Bottom Bar. This bar is also known for its loud music and parties in Holbox.
The nearby Tribu Bar is also worth a visit with its daily changing program. And a little further away, near the port, the Che Hostel & Bar has long been known for its own parties. In any case, it’s worth taking a look around and sometimes just following the crowd as it moves from one hot spot to the next late at night.
1. The Hot Corner
The best Holbox bar for dancing and music
The Hot Corner Bar and Restaurant lives up to its name as it is always busy. While the delicious seafood dishes are the main attraction at lunchtime and in the evening, the restaurant becomes the hotspot of Holbox’s nightlife later on. There is live music every day from local and international bands and DJs, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. Musical styles range from salsa and reggae to electronic and rock. There are also delicious, sometimes creative cocktails and even champagne alongside the classic drinks – all at slightly higher but still reasonable prices.
The bar is divided into an indoor and an outdoor area, both of which fill up quickly when the crowd is large, adding to the exuberant atmosphere. This often spills out onto the street, which increasingly becomes the meeting point for the rest of the evening. Not only because of its central location, but also because the supermarket across the street sells cheap drinks, the intersection in front of the bar is often as crowded as the bar itself. The Hot Corner is open until 1:30 am every day and until 11 pm on Sundays.
2. La Combi Holbox
The best bar in Holbox with live Mexican music
Bar La Combi is similarly atmospheric, with a restaurant open during the day and live music every night. This popular bar has a terrace on the second floor and is open to the street, so the usually very loud music can be heard from afar. The live bands play typical Mexican music such as salsa, cumbia and merengue, and there is a small dance floor in front of the stage for dancing. However, most guests enjoy the lively atmosphere from their tables.
In addition to the usual drinks, there are small Mexican snacks such as nachos, tacos and quesadillas. The prices are in the middle range, but it gets cheaper if you take advantage of the generous happy hour offers. The bar has numerous screens on both levels showing important sporting events, so it is often used as a sports bar. La Combi is open until 1 am every day.
3. Tequila O’clock
The best Holbox bar for extensive tequila tasting
The Tequila O’Clock Bar, located in the center of Holbox, specializes in tequila and other agave spirits. With its authentic atmosphere and pleasant background music, it offers a unique experience for all tequila lovers and those interested in Mexican tequila culture. Here you will find an impressive variety of tequilas, mezcal, raicilla (mezcal from Jalisco) and other agave distillates. The friendly staff will be happy to help you choose from the vast selection, which can be overwhelming. Cocktails are also plentiful, from delicious margaritas to unusual mixers. There are also Mexican snacks to go with your drinks, all at reasonable prices. The bar closes at midnight.
4. Tribu Bar
The best bar for a varied Holbox nightlife
The Tribu Bar near the center of the associated Tribu Hostel offers a particularly varied program of events. It is a popular cultural center for tourists and locals, where creative activities, events and music evenings take place every day. On Fridays and sometimes on Wednesdays there is live music from different bands from 9:30 pm, with funk, rock, salsa, electro-cumbia, jazz and other musical styles. Thursdays and Sundays are known for jam sessions and open mics, where musicians improvise spontaneously. Wednesday’s Art Night is full of variety. This is an evening of cultural performances such as theater, cabaret, and fire shows. We especially like the Magic Show, where a magician dazzles the audience with his tricks.
Very popular are the Salsa classes, which are held regularly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. They are suitable for beginners and advanced dancers and are free of charge. There are also creative cocktails, for which special mixing classes are offered, and small snacks at reasonable prices. The Tribu Bar is open daily until 1:00 am and offers an inviting atmosphere ranging from relaxed to energetic.
5. Che Holbox Hostel & Bar
The best party hostel in Holbox
If you’re staying at the Che Holbox Hostel & Bar, you don’t have to go far for a lively nightlife in Holbox. Although this vibrant hostel is located a bit away from the center, near the port, where the ferries to Chiquilá dock, it has its own party temple built right into it. Karaoke, beer pong tournaments, theme parties and the infamous Che Nights take place every night. The social activities and loud music create a relaxed atmosphere that promises to keep the party going until midnight and beyond. The bar also offers cheap drinks and food, making it tempting to stay at the hostel instead of going downtown. The hostel is not recommended for those seeking peace and quiet.
6. Bikini Bottom Holbox
The best beach bar to party in Holbox after midnight
As soon as the first bars close and it gets quiet in the center of town, Bikini Bottom Beach Bar is the place to be after midnight. When the Hot Corner closes its doors, the still-happy crowd moves around the corner to the so-called Letras (Holbox letters), where the only bar on Isla Holbox is still open. Almost all the night owls of the island gather here, and it is accordingly lively.
The often loud music ranges from electronic beats to Caribbean rhythms, creating an energetic dance atmosphere right on the beach. There are only a few places to sit, and the large selection of strong cocktails and beers adds to the exuberant atmosphere. Depending on how busy it is, the bar is open until around 3:30 in the morning, although this is less popular with the surrounding hotels and their guests.
7. Bar Arena
The best Holbox rooftop bar with panoramic views
The Rooftop Bar Arena is located on the roof terrace of the Arena Hotel overlooking the main square and offers breathtaking views of the island, especially at sunset. If the wind is not too strong, you can relax around the small pool and enjoy a delicious cocktail such as the Mexican Machine while watching the sun slowly disappear behind the horizon. Late on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, DJs play electronic music and Latin rhythms for a party atmosphere. In addition to a large selection of cocktails, beers and spirits, the menu includes small snacks such as ceviche, tacos and burgers. The prices are a bit high, but fair. The bar closes at midnight.
8. Soulbox Roof Top
The best rooftop bar in Holbox for dinner
An equally good view of Holbox’s spectacular sunsets can be enjoyed from the roof terrace of the beachfront Hotel Mittoz, where the Soulbox Rooftop Bar is located. Those who make it up the steep stairs will find a lively atmosphere with regular live music and evening events. In addition to delicious cocktails, the restaurant bar also serves a variety of food, including burgers, pasta, and fish dishes, making it a popular place for a cozy dinner. Prices are slightly above average.
9. ALMA Bar
The best Holbox bar for relaxing cocktails at sunset
ALMA Bar on Isla Holbox is the ideal place for a relaxing afternoon or a cocktail at sunset. Located on the east side of the island at the Hotel Villas Tiburón, this stylish rooftop bar with its own pool offers spectacular views and a wide selection of creative cocktails such as the Mojito Colada and El Flamingo. On weekends, DJs occasionally play pleasant house music, creating a chilled lounge atmosphere. Delicious snacks such as tapas, ceviche, guacamole and seafood tacos are also available at reasonable prices. The bar is open until 8 pm.
10. El Chiringuito Restaurante Bar Zomay
The best bar in Holbox for sunset on the beach
El Chiringuito Restaurante Bar, part of the Hotel Zomay, is a great place to watch the sunset in Holbox. The popular beach bar is a real attraction and offers a breathtaking view of the daily spectacle thanks to its exposed location. The picturesque view is accompanied by pleasant background music and fruity cocktails made with fresh mango, passion fruit and pineapple. The adjacent Beach Club serves light fare such as guacamole, burgers and other snacks. The Beach Bar is open until 10 pm and the prices are a bit higher, but it’s worth it.
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