Best Bars in Antigua Guatemala: The Best Nightlife and Drinks

Looking for the best bars in Antigua Guatemala? I have you covered!

I spent a month living in Antigua, eating my way through some great restaurants with the best authentic Guatemalan food. And more importantly, having a blast experiencing all of the great bars!

This town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a hidden gem for travelers. Antigua Guatemala offers a quaint and distinct atmosphere. It’s an excellent base for local excursions or strolling around the city.

Antigua is also known for its exquisite cuisine and exciting nightlife.

While smaller than Guatemala City, Antigua lights up at night, and you can enjoy cocktails on rooftops or dance all night long while visiting the city. You’ll find Irish pubs, dive bars, and world-class cuisine in Antigua, Guatemala.

So whether you enjoy mingling with locals and tourists or enjoying a romantic view from a sky bar, you’ll love Antigua. But what are the best bars in Antigua, Guatemala?

Today, I’ll dive into Antigua nightlife and cover which bars in Antigua have the best nightlife and drinks. 

The Best Bars in Antigua Guatemala

Does Antigua Guatemala have nightlife? If you enjoy a night in the town, you’re in luck. Antigua has a busy nightlife scene.

If you can’t figure out what bar suits you, I’m here to help. Below are the best bars in Antigua, Guatemala, broken into categories so you can easily find the bars you vibe with best.

Best Nightclubs In Antigua

There is plenty of dance floors in Antigua. You’ll find nightly events that host international and local DJs and bands playing live music while visiting this beautiful city. Be sure to check out these great clubs below.

Las Vibras de la Casbah

One of the biggest nightclubs in town, Las Vibras de la Casbah is a spectacle of lasers, music banging, and fancy cocktails. The crowd is young and ready to party all night long on the packed dancefloor of Las Vibras de la Casbah. 

International DJs play every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at Las Vibras. After working up a sweat, you can relax on the quiet terrace. The terrace offers some of the best pizza and hookah in town.

Las Vibras de la Casbah is located at 5 Ave Norte and is open Wednesday to Saturday night starting at 5 pm.

La Sala

One of the top nightspots in Antigua, La Sala, features thumping music, strong tequila drinks, and salsa dancing all night long. Open every night until 1 am, La Sala is one of the best late-night parties. 

Each night hosts a different theme, and you can expect techno parties, movie nights, and more while visiting La Sala. The salsa nights are the pride of La Sala.

Expect to dance the night away with new friends at La Sala during a salsa party. While La Sala’s specialty is dancing, they also offer a small menu of tapas, cheese boards, pizzas, and sandwiches if you get hungry.

Best Restaurant Bars

If you prefer a gourmet meal with your cocktails, these drinking establishments are the best in town.

If you want to know more about the food scene in Antigua, check out my list of the best restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala.

Por Qué No?

Located at 9 Calle Oriente, Por Qué No offers its world-famous menu. Antigua is known for amazing food and Por Qué No is one of the top restaurants and best places to dine in town.

It’s hard to pick a favorite dish on the menu. Locals suggest trying the lomito de res or Camarones Pomodoro. 

Along with great food, Por Qué No also serves fantastic drinks and is always packed. I advise making reservations before your visit to Por Qué No for dinner. 

Be advised that you need to climb a steep staircase to reach the tables. If you have mobility issues, you may have problems making it to the tables at Por Qué No.

Welten

Welten is elegant and romantic while serving exquisite meals with superior service.

Perfect for date night!

Open since 1984, this German restaurant has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Antigua. And the bar has the best bartenders in town.

Welten also has a diverse wine menu, including excellent house-brand wine.   

The dining menu offers a mix of French, Italian, and Central American dishes. The menu items also list a selection of seasonal fresh fish and seafood. Open for lunch and dinner, don’t forget to make reservations to ensure you have a table at Welten.

Best Irish Pubs

You don’t need to be Irish to enjoy an Irish Pub! Antigua offers two excellent pubs to help you get into all sorts of shenanigans.

The Snug

Can you believe you can find an authentic Irish theme bar in Antigua? The Snug is a cozy yet lively Irish bar in the heart of Antigua. It’s ideal for travelers who like to meet new people and enjoy a pint.

Moreover, The Snug is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and their meals are hearty and tasty.

If the inside is too cramped, The Snug also features an outdoor space area that hosts live music on the weekends.

You can also expect bar games, trivia nights, and other events nightly at The Snug. 

Reilly’s

For over twenty-one years, Reilly’s stands as one of the oldest and best Irish bars in Latin America. This high-energy party bar takes you back home to Ireland with its Celtic-inspired interior and aesthetic.

Depending on the night, you might catch a guitar competition, pub quiz, or live music while enjoying a pint.

Reilly’s delivers and offers a diverse selection of Irish whiskey and pints of Guinness for you to enjoy.

They also feature a local restaurant serving delicious food like tasty burgers, huge salads, and sandwiches. Located on Calle Poniente #7, the bar is open daily for lunch until late.

Best Wine and Cocktail Bars

You can find fancy cocktails and rare wines at many of the bars in Antigua Guatemala.

Tabacos y Vino

It’s easy to find this quaint and quiet wine bar. You’ll find Tabacos y Vino underneath the iconic Santa Catalina Arch. The bar is open throughout the week from 10 am til 9 pm.

The perfect place for a date night, Tabacos y Vino offers a charming and romantic wine-tasting room.

Choose your favorite wine, or have the master sommelier choose the perfect pairing for your tastes. The bar also offers small plates and appetizers to go with your wine.

In addition, the cigar lounge carries a wide selection of Cuban cigars and other premium brands. 

Casa del Ron

Rum is an institution in Antigua, and you’ll want to try as many varieties as possible while visiting. Casa del Ron makes it easy to try the best rums in Guatemala.

Furthermore, the bar offers rum tastings and pairings along with small plates and dinner dishes.

Casa del Ron has two locations. The main location is located downtown on Calle Oriente. If you miss your chance to visit this location, Casa del Ron also has an airport location for a last-minute rum taste test. 

Ulew Cocktail Bar

Cocktails are the name of the game at Ulew Cocktail Bar. The bartenders are incredibly talented and craft unique artisan cocktails from a world-class selection of liquor.

The bar is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 4 pm, but you’ll want to arrive early as seats fill up quickly.

Beyond taste, bartenders excel at creating new and exciting presentations for their cocktails. From the La Perla cocktail served inside a brass oyster shell to the Pato-Poc served in an antique bird vase, each drink is Instagram-worthy. 

Best Rooftop Bars in Antigua Guatemala

Antigua has many venues with breathtaking views overlooking balconies. And who wouldn’t want to enjoy a drink while watching an active volcano in the distance!?

Luckily, there are plenty of rooftop terrace bars with rave reviews to enjoy the view.

Cafe Sky

Cafe Sky offers one of the best rooftop views of the Antigua Valley and Fuego Volcano (an active volcano).

I strongly suggest heading to Cafe Sky right before sunset to catch an awe-inspiring sunset over the mountains on the roof terrace. It is one of my favorite things to do in Antigua.

Aside from the view, Cafe Sky features a diverse menu of local foods, beer, wine, and artisan cocktails. Beer lovers can find a diverse selection of local craft beers as well.

Open from 8 am; you can stop by Cafe Sky for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks. 

Camino Real Antigua

Camino Real Antigua is a hotel, rooftop bar, and fine dining restaurant located on West Street in Antigua. This luxury hotel features some of the nicest rooms in town.

The restaurant and lovely rooftop deck are equally impressive. Open from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm; you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Petén Itzá while dining on local and international cuisine.  

While expensive, Camino Real Antigua is worth the cost. They offer a world-class wine selection and original cocktails from their bar. 

Best Brew Pubs and Breweries

Antigua has a healthy craft beer scene. These breweries offer a diverse collection of IPAs, pilsners, and stouts.

Hop on a bar stool and enjoy a cold beer at any of these beer pubs.

Antigua Cerveza

Crafted by hand, Antigua Cerveza serves premium local craft beers. This huge brewpub serves a wide range of beers, including ambers, blondes, and stouts.

Antigua Cerveza offers test flights if you can’t decide which cold beer to choose. 

Located on Avenida Norte #20, Antiqua Cerveza is open daily from 10 am. 

Antigua Brewing Company

If you’re passionate about beer, you should add Antigua Brewing Company (ABC) to your list of stops while visiting Guatemala.

This community-owned brewery, restaurant, and bar feature the best collection of craft beers in Antigua. 

Inside the venue, you can enjoy a tour of the beer production facility before tasting the amazing craft beers.  ABC also has a full dining menu to go along with your beers.

The outdoor terrace features DJs, live music, and one of the best views in Antigua. 

Antigua Brewing Company is open daily for lunch and is located at 3RA Calle Poniente #4.

Best Sports Bar and Speakeasy in Antigua

Sometimes you want to enjoy a beer in a comfy bar or watch your favorite football team win the championship. These bars offer great drinks and the perfect atmosphere.

Cafe No Se

Thanks to its cozy and downhome vibe, Cafe No Se is a great getaway after a busy day in Antigua. This dive bar has a real hipster vibe, but don’t let its aesthetic fool you. This is one of the hippest places in town!

The intimate bar setting and chatty, friendly bar staff make you feel at home while enjoying your cocktail at Cafe No Se. 

The bar is split into three distinct areas. Upon entering, you can enjoy live music at the front bar. The back bar offers a break from the music.

Their highlight and the best part is the secret speakeasy-style backroom Mezcal bar! I love finding a speakeasy and this awesome place has an excellent selection of the best tequila and Mezcal.

Cafe No Se is open seven days a week from 2 pm until late. 

Monoloco

You don’t have to miss your favorite football team’s matches while visiting Antigua.

Monoloco is a popular sports bar. You can enjoy sports, football-sized plates, good food, and quality drinks.

Food is a mix of bar food, Mexican, and local traditional cuisine. Their standout dish is their nachos which is the best way to start your meal at Monoloco.

Located in Centro Commercial Plaza Obelisco, Monoloco is open daily from 9 am. It’s distinctly a sports bar.

Notably, they offer several televisions hosting sports from any country. So don’t hesitate to ask the staff to change the channel to your favorite sporting event!

Best Cigar Bars

Cigar fans are in luck while visiting Antigua. You can find shops around town, but these two offer comfort, relaxation, and premium cigars in the coolest and tiniest bars.

Antigua Cigars

This unassuming white building hosts the best cigar bar in Antigua. If you enjoy a good cigar in the company of like-minded travelers, Antigua is the best shop in town.

It’s open daily from noon until 7 pm and closed on Sundays.

Even if you’re an amateur in cigar smoking, you can enjoy a trip to Antigua Cigars. The staff are knowledgeable and will help you choose the right cigar. Once you’re ready, you can sit back and relax the cigar in the cozy cigar room. 

Cigar Boutique and Lounge Antigua

Cigar Boutique and Lounge Antiqua is open from 8 am daily and located on Avenida Norte #37. 

The boutique offers comfy leather chairs, a whiskey bar, a luxurious interior, and an excellent selection of guitars. There’s also a private hotel room that you can reserve. 

Best Bars for Live Music in Antigua Guatemala

You can find plenty of live bands and DJs in Antigua. While many bars offer music, El Illegal and La Taverna have the best musicians. 

El Illegal

A diverse selection of DJs and live bands take the stage at El Illegal in Antigua. El Illegal is home to techno, hip-hop, reggae, and Latin nights, along with live music on Saturdays.

The venue features a thumping sound system and an exhilarating dance floor. They host shows nightly from 6 pm. 

The bar is small and usually gets packed quickly. This makes the venue an ideal place to meet locals and travelers that have a party spirit.

El Illegal also has one of the best-pulled pork burgers in town. You can enjoy tapas,  Mexican-inspired dishes, and local fare as well after a night of dancing at El Ilegal.  

La Taverna

One of the best live music venues in town, La Taverna is your friendly neighborhood bar with exceptional musicians every night. The venue might be small, but it has a big heart.

The bar offers a list of local and imported beers, tequila, and cocktails. The music is the highlight of the bar, and you’ll find a mix of local and international acts on stage nightly.

La Taverna opens at 3 pm during the week and noon on weekends. Bands start at night and go until 11 pm. You can show up early to enjoy discounts on a happy hour beer at La Taverna.

Best Bar Overall: For Everyone

Even if you have a group of friends that like different things, this bar is a great option for a night on the town; El Barrio is a complex of bars that offers something for everyone while visiting Antigua. 

El Barrio 

If you only have one night out in Antigua, El Barrio is a great spot and one of my all-time favorite places. Located on Avenida Sur #3, it’s open from 9:30 am until 6:30 am. And it offers features of many different bars under one roof. 

So whether you love dancing to club music or relaxing with a cocktail, you’ll have fun at El Barrio. 

Consisting of Mystic, Lava, Bullseye, Vudu, Whiskey Den, and Graveyard Tattoo, it’s hard to choose a favorite spot in El Barrio.

Vudu is a great place to start with its adventurous shot collection. Bullseye is a sports bar featuring food and games. Don’t forget to get a tattoo at Graveyard Tattoo as a souvenir from Antigua! 

Nightlife in Antigua, Guatemala

I had such a great experience discovering the fantastic nightlife and best bars in Antigua, Guatemala.

And I had the best time finding the best things to do and eating some really fantastic food. After living here for a month, Antigua quickly became one of my favorite places in all of Central America.

After touring the UNESCO world heritage sites in monuments in Antigua, you’ll want a good drink to wind down. 

With this amazing selection of the best clubs, super fun bars, the best food, and a great view no matter where you are, Antigua is the perfect spot for travelers to enjoy a night out on the town.

In town, you’ll find everything from beach clubs to the best dive bars. There are also plenty of nightclubs with DJs and live music nightly. 

While visiting Antigua, be aware that venues close by 1 am on weekends. Local alcohol regulations require all bars and nightclubs shut down at 1 am.

Still, this lets you get home at a reasonable hour and get some sleep so you can do it all over again the next night!

So bookmark this guide, start planning your trip, and have a blast discovering all this beautiful Guatemalan city has to offer!