Are you looking to explore the nightlife of Punta Cana? Do you want to continue the party from your resort in the streets and are looking for local nightlife recommendations? Are you interested in the best Punta Cana night clubs? Or are you simply looking for having more fun during some of the coolest evening activities, discos and bar/pub crawls in Punta Cana?
In this case, this super comprehensive Punta Cana nightlife guide is for you! We are listing all the options for your evenings full of fun and entertainment, including local favorites, easy nights out for ladies’ groups, bachelor party options (or for bachelorette groups) and some cool party tours where you just can enjoy an unforgettable evening in the Dominican Republic.
- General Information: nightlife in Punta Cana
- The best Punta Cana nightlife tours, activities and entertainment options
- Safety Precautions for the nightlife in Punta Cana
- Best Punta Cana nightlife areas
- Punta Cana nightlife: the best bars
- Punta Cana night clubs
- Best Resort Parties and Nightlife in Punta Cana
This is the ultimate guide with all the information about nightlife in Punta Cana.
If you like to party and are still looking for accommodation, you can check out the best party resorts in Punta Cana.
For a unique nightlife experience in Punta Cana, have a look at this extensive Coco Bongo Punta Cana review.
And for the best resort parties, check out everything about Riu Party here.
General Information: nightlife in Punta Cana
Before we’re starting with the detailed nightlife and nightclubs in Punta Cana, let’s have a quick look at what you shall expect in general when heading out for an unforgettable night in Punta Cana. This is particularly important as Punta Cana is not like your city at home where you simply go to the center and check out different bars or nightclubs. Punta Cana is very spread out, there is recommendable nightlife in very distinct spots of Punta Cana only and there are some areas at night you should be well aware of (or at least know what you’re doing). An additional fact you shall consider is that some all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana are pretty far away from where the nightlife in Punta Cana is going on, hence you need accordant transportation.
Therefore, you usually have two options when you want to explore the Punta Cana nightlife:
– you can either head on an organized tour that picks you up in your hotel (e.g. bar crawl, pub crawl, nightclub visit, Coco Bongo, Punta Cana party bus, etc.)
OR
– you explore the nightlife in Punta Cana on your own and visit – if you’re lucky – some of the best nightclubs and discos in Punta Cana.
Both are possible and both will be described extensively as a central theme in the following nightlife guide in Punta Cana.
The best Punta Cana nightlife tours, activities and entertainment options
Let’s start with the best nightlife tours in Punta Cana – those things to do in Punta Cana at night where you get picked up and dropped off at your hotel in Punta Cana. Those are the safest options if you simply want to drink, have fun and enjoy the Punta Cana nightlife without worrying too much about security and how you are getting from A to B.
Coco Bongo Punta Cana
Coco Bongo Punta Cana is the most popular option when it comes to the best nightlife in Punta Cana – and it isn’t a big surprise why. One of the most spectacular parties in Punta Cana is awaiting you and it is nearly guaranteed that you will have fun.
The very special thing about Coco Bongo is that it is a combination of a show, musical, disco and night club in Punta Cana. The whole night, starting from around 8.45 pm until much after midnight, you’ll listen to music from all around the world, have a fantastic crowd around you who is simply enjoying a great party and see great performances, unique show acts as well as multiple surprises throughout the show. After midnight, when the show is slowly finishing, it turns into one of the best clubs in Punta Cana, as the music and party continue until 2 or 3 am. And the best thing is: drinks are included all night long!
Coco Bongo is not without a reason the best option for nightlife in Punta Cana. It is easy, hassle-free and you will indeed enjoy a great night out as we did when we were there, it was simply mind-blowing and a unique experience for all senses.
Further information: extensive Coco Bongo Punta Cana review
Pub crawls/bar crawls in Punta Cana
Bar or pub crawls are a great option to get to know different places and areas of Punta Cana’s nightlife in just 1 trip, especially as this means that your transfer and guide are taken care of. Another advantage of those trips is that you easily get to know like-minded travelers and can have a great night out with them as guests on those tours usually love to socialize, drink and dance.
There are different bar crawls available in Punta Cana, some of them which also include some hours in a party bus, where you can feel every single vibe in the luxurious vehicle.
Currently, you can choose among the following bar crawl tours in Punta Cana:
Option 1* – this is a low-key bar crawl in the Corales Area, a part particularly known for its bars and restaurants. You head to four different bars with different settings + Hard Rock Café Punta Cana before, hence you get a good overview of the more laid-back nightlife in Punta Cana. A guide will accompany you throughout the evening. This option is great for socializing instead if hardcore partying. Check out the details here*.
Option 2* – this is another bar crawl combined with a Punta Cana Party Bus, which includes a DJ, drinks and a bartender. They also visit two different bars, but the focus here is more on the party bus. Check out the details here*.
Punta Cana Party Bus
If you’re only looking for a party bus without too many stops at Punta Canas’ night clubs, there is an option for you as well. You can rent this amazing and luxurious Punta Cana party bus, which offers an elegant design, a DJ just for you and the perfect place to get your private party started. Drinks and service are also included, hence it is the perfect start for your nightlife tour in Punta Cana. You can also customize this tour and add stops at any bar or nightclub in Punta Cana if you like.
Bachelor and Bachelorette Party Tour
It is no wonder that Punta Cana is famous for bachelor and bachelorette parties, considering you find endless sun, amazing beaches, cheap all-inclusive resorts and some of the best party hotels in Punta Cana. Especially Riu República, Royalton Chic and the Riu Party events are an amazing setting for bachelorette and bachelor groups in Punta Cana.
However, it is also possible leaving your resort to have even more fun, particularly when you want to get to know the local Punta Cana nightlife. While the options presented above, including Coco Bongo or a pub crawl with a party bus in Punta Cana, are already perfect for any bachelor party, there are particular programs just for bachelor groups and bachelorette parties in Punta Cana.
Safety Precautions for the nightlife in Punta Cana
Another important thing when you want to enjoy the nightlife in Punta Cana – especially if you head out without a tour – is safety and security. While in general Punta Cana is pretty safe, there are some things you have to take care of, particularly when heading out on your own.
Some of the things you should consider are:
- don’t get too drunk, as this increases your vulnerability to any kind of crime disproportionately
- don’t get involved in drugs or prostitution which are two of the main reasons in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic for serious crimes
- don’t take any valuables with you
- always watch your phone if you’re going to public bars or nightclubs
- when approached by locals offering drinks or services, always be cautious
- only move with authorized taxis or Ubers in Punta Cana
- if you feel that a place looks sketchy, move away from it and change your location to a safe place
- if you (as a man) get actively approached by local women in one of the Punta Cana nightclubs mentioned below, be aware that the intention usually is to get money from you for any kind of service
If you feel afraid of these safety precautions, think about heading on one of the tours mentioned above, which are in general much safer. You can read more about if Punta Cana is safe here.
Best Punta Cana nightlife areas
Ok, assuming you want to have some fun at night without an organized tour, you might ask which area you should check out. The following are the best where you can also wander around to a limited extent, keeping the safety precautions above in mind.
Downtown Punta Cana Nightlife area
Downtown Punta Cana is the most famous nightlife area in Punta Cana, particularly for tourists, ex-pats and some resort workers, with many things to do in Punta Cana at night. This is mainly because there are some popular places in Downtown Punta Cana, for dining, drinking and dancing.
Your best bet in the Downtown Punta Cana nightlife area is to stay around Coco Bongo Punta Cana, where you will find the Congo Bar (see below in this Punta Cana nightlife guide for the most famous bars), Hard Rock Café Punta Cana and the Mixology Bar. There is also the Sunix gas station around if you want to have a very local approach to the nightlife in Punta Cana. Maroca and the Caribbean Lake Park are located in Downtown Punta Cana as well, approximately 5-10 minutes walking from the Congo Bar area.
Best Downtown Punta Cana accommodation options
If you’re looking for an accommodation option right in the Downtown Punta Cana nightlife area, AC Hotel by Marriott Punta Cana is your best bet. It is located within walking distance of all the spots mentioned, among them Coco Bongo Punta Cana, Congo Bar, Caribbean Lake Park and Hard Rock Café. It is NOT an all-inclusive resort, hence you don’t pay for meals and drinks you’re not consuming in the hotel because you’re enjoying the nightlife of Punta Cana. Furthermore, there are no restrictions with Uber (contrary to most of the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana), hence you can also easily explore the other nightlife areas in Punta Cana.
AC Hotel Punta Cana is newly-built and offers modern rooms with a contemporary design, a spacious pool deck, a delicious continental breakfast and occasional live entertainment. It is the perfect choice if you’d like to avoid the hustle and bustle of the resorts and use 100% of your energy to explore the nightlife in Punta Cana.
Check out the entire AC Hotel by Marriott Punta Cana review here if you’re interested in further impressions.
Corales
A bit more relaxed as the Downtown Punta Cana nightlife is the area around Corales, which is particularly perfect for dining and pre-drinking. There are tons of restaurants and cool bars here, even hardly any one of them is open until super late, hence it marks the best spot for a dinner in a great atmosphere and some delicious cocktails. It gets quieter here around 11 pm or midnight, which is when you can head on to some of the other nightlife areas in Punta Cana.
Corales is particularly famous among long-term tourists and residents as well as resort workers from Punta Cana who want to have a relaxed evening with their friends or colleagues.
Best Corales accommodation options
If looking for cool accommodation options to get to know the Corales nightlife + have a great holiday at Bavaro Beach, there are plenty of options. Everything which is close to or around Calle Aruba, Calle Amarilla or Calle Marcio Maggiolo is perfect for a stay in this area.
Some of the recommendable accommodation options are:
– Sanctuary Los Corales* (for singles, couples and most kinds of travelers)
– Costa Atlantica* (for beach lovers and families)
– Villa Pandora* (fantastic beachfront villa for groups)
– Art Villa Dominicana* (for budget travelers)
Avenida España
If you want to get the real nightlife in Punta Cana with local night clubs, authentic experiences and mostly Dominican visitors, Avenida España is your place to go. Here is the heart when it comes to the nightly action, with liquor shops, bars and night clubs plying along the road. Particularly popular among locals are Kan and Drink Point, but you can also check out further options in this area.
However, being the local nightlife hotspot in Punta Cana also means you need to practice extra caution when coming here. Especially if you’re visiting the Dominican Republic for the first time, I would not recommend you to come here solely as a tourist. Get a guide or a local who knows the area. If you’re an experienced traveler, you can come here as long as you respect all of the precautions mentioned further above in this Punta Cana nightlife guide.
Don’t get me wrong, the area is not dangerous. But especially when you’re looking too much like a tourist, some random people could try to take the opportunity of you. “Opportunity makes the thief” as we say in German.
Best Avenida España accommodation options
Avenida España is really busy hence it is not the perfect location for a relaxing beach vacation. If staying there, I would recommend Grand Bavaro Princess, Princess Family Club or Occidental Punta Cana*, which are all-inclusive resorts that are all within walking distance of Avenida España.
Punta Cana nightlife: the best bars
If you’re looking for the best Punta Cana bars and clubs, let’s have a closer look at specific spots where you can head to. We’ll start with some of the bars, which are all offering a very different vibe. Punta Cana’s nightlife is very versatile. Most of these bars in Punta Cana are perfect for drinks after dinner before you’re heading out to dance. In other words, they are perfect for pre-drinking.
However, there are no set borders between bars and clubs in Punta Cana, some of them are serving both – having a relaxed drink first and partying and dancing afterwards. Therefore, it is worth reading the following recommendations, so you can find the perfect place for your preferences when it comes to the best Punta Cana bars and clubs.
Onno’s Bavaro
Onno’s Bavaro is an all-time favorite among locals and tourists. It is located right at the beach in Punta Cana (Bavaro Beach), has a beautiful terrace and great views of the ocean. It serves as a beach club, bar and disco. During the day you have this chilled laid-back vibe, while at the night you have great party music, sometimes with a DJ. There are drink and food specials at different hours of the day and the night, and themed parties are hosted on different days – a lot of options when it comes to Punta Canas’ nightlife.
Congo Bar
Congo Bar is one of the most popular bars in Punta Cana, which easily can be described as an open-air disco and nightclub as well. It is located right next to Coco Bongo Punta Cana and belongs to the same company, but the vibes are completely different. While Coco Bongo is frequented by tourists with around 85-90%, neighboring Congo Bar is particularly popular among locals, especially from Thursday to Sunday. The music mix here is international with a focus on Latin music, the vibe is a perfect combination of dancing, drinking and some decent animation.
Wacamole
If you’re looking for an easy and relaxed start into Punta Canas’ nightlife, Wacamole in the Corales area is a great option. It is a cool outdoor bar in Punta Cana with a very Caribbean feeling, usually frequented by ex-pats, residents, long-term tourists and resort workers. The cocktails are creative, the vibe easy-going, the music lounge-style and the menu international, hence everyone will find something to eat or drink. The best time to visit here is between 8 and 11 pm.
Soles
Soles is one of the most famous beach bars in Punta Cana and also marks a great visit to start your night out in Punta Cana. They often have live DJs – during the day and at night – and an extensive drink menu. Soles has a great vibe and character, as opposed to many of the newly-built beach clubs without any history and charm. Soles is also located in the Corales area, hence why not start with a sunset drink at Soles and later head to Wacamole for dinner?
Batú
Another option for dinner and drinks – but also just for after-dinner drinks – is the newly-opened Batú, which is located in the Caribbean Lake Park close to the Downtown Punta Cana nightlife area. They have an extremely appealing outdoor location, delicious homemade drinks and a super fully-stocked bar in a relaxed and slightly upscale outdoor atmosphere, while still maintaining a rustic setting.
Bomba Sunix
Did you know that a lot of parties in the Dominican Republic are happening at a gas station? What sounds weird at the first moment is indeed a regular tradition in the country, hence it is no wonder that Punta Cana’s nightlife count on a couple of party gas stations as well. Especially after 8 or 9 pm, tuned cars with enormous loudspeakers are turning up, including people looking for cold beers and the best Dominican rums. What a big “surprise” that these gas stations have chairs and tables as well, hence it marks a perfect drinking spot.
Please note that this is something very local, so please arrive here very low-key. One of the most famous gas stations attracting visitors during the evening is the Sunix one in the Downtown Punta Cana nightlife area. Alternatively, you can also try Texaco close to Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort or the Texaco gas station at Avenida España.
El Kan Drink House
Is it one of Punta Canas’ bars and clubs or even a nightclub in Punta Cana? There is probably no answer as El Kan is a bit of everything. You can come here as early as 8 or 9 pm and have a relaxed drink while listening to music and watching how the place fills up later at night. Or you only join at midnight when it’s crowded and the party gets started. El Kan is also a very local bar with 95% Dominicans, but it is one with style and without charging outrageous prices. Everything is outdoors here, hence you still can enjoy the Caribbean air. El Kan ist one of the best things to do in Punta Cana at night if you’re looking for local nightlife.
As mentioned earlier in this Punta Cana nightlife guide, be cautious when heading out at night on your own and watch your belongings and surrounding. However, El Kan for me is one of the best bars and clubs in Punta Cana when you want to experience authentic Dominican nightlife without paying too much and without heading into any kind of shady bars or nightclubs. Entrance is usually free and normally, there is no minimum consumption, but better ask before you’re entering.
Punta Cana night clubs
Drink Point Bavaro
The same questions as for El Kan Drink House can be asked for Drink Point as well, which is just a bit further down along Avenida España. Compared to El Kan I have put it into the Punta Cana night club section, as it is slightly more oriented towards the club and party scene, and it is slightly more shady than El Kan. On the other side, if you want to get in contact with local Dominicans it might be easier here – but please be aware that it might include paid services once it gets any kind of sensual or even further.
Oro Night Club Punta Cana
If Drink Point sounds too local for you, let’s have a look at the bit more elegant and international night clubs in Punta Cana. The most famous one is Oro Night Club Punta Cana, which is located at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. It’s popular for its pretty fancy appearance and its great parties and was one of the most renowned and best nightclubs in the Dominican Republic. There is just one problem: Oro Night Club Punta Cana is closed since Covid-19 which is now already more than 2.5 years ago, hence it is questionable when and if Oro will open again.
Coco Bongo Punta Cana
Therefore, the title for the best nightclub in Punta Cana currently goes to Coco Bongo Punta Cana, at least when you see it from the perspective of having a fun and thrilling time without having to worry about language barriers, security and prices. As described further above in this Punta Cana nightlife guide, Coco Bongo is a great mix between disco, show, musical and nightclub – one of the easiest nightlife outings and best things to do in Punta Cana at night. The best thing is: you just have to buy your ticket* and can enjoy it. Transfers from your hotel in Punta Cana as well as drinks throughout the night are included.
Imagine Disco Punta Cana
Coco Bongo’s counterpart is Imagine Disco Punta Cana, one of the most iconic places when it comes to nightlife in Punta Cana. It is a huge disco, bar and club located in a natural cave in Punta Cana, which gives it a unique vibe. Currently (as of winter 2022/2023), Imagine Disco Punta Cana is only open on Saturdays. While this won’t always coincide with the dates of your Punta Cana vacation, it is a big guarantee that Imagine will be packed – with tourists and with locals, you’ll find a great mix here. Usually, you can choose between a drink pack or an open bar, both include the entrance to Imagine Disco Punta Cana. Thanks to its branched structure, there are (usually) multiple floors, hence there should be something for every preference of music.
Maroca Punta Cana
A place that also offers a perfect balance between tourists, ex-pats and residents is Maroca, a disco and nightclub in Punta Cana that only opened its doors in 2022. It is one of the newest additions to Punta Cana’s nightlife and reminds a bit of Imagine Punta Cana as its home is also a cave (and both are located close to the Downtown Punta Cana Nightlife area). Currently (as of November 2022), Maroca Punta Cana offers four themed parties weekly, from Friday to Monday, including one day party in the cave on Sundays. It is an elegant place and located next to Batu Restaurant, which was presented further above among the best bars in Punta Cana.
Infinity Bar & Lounge
If you like it a bit more intimate but also more elegant than at Coco Bongo Punta Cana or Imagine, you can check out Infinity Bar & Lounge, which is a Punta Cana night club particularly focusing on hip-hop and reggaeton. It is a rather small club with just around 50-60 tables, hence it quickly becomes crowded which guarantees a great vibe. It is important to know that this place only sells beer and sodas, everything else can only be ordered through the bottle service. The average bottle price is around 250-300 USD, hookahs are widely available.
Personally, I have not been to this particular nightclub in Punta Cana, but you can give Infinity Bar & Lounge a try if the description sounds appealing to you. Security here is top-notch and the crowd is a mixed crowd of tourists and locals.
If you’d like to book your ticket and private driver to Infinity Bar & Lounge Punta Cana, you can do so here*.
Movie Disco Club
The Movie Disco Club (formerly Legacy Night Club Punta Cana) is a typical night club in Punta Cana, which offers daily parties, VIP areas, bottle service, hookahs and everything else you need for a great night out with friends or your partner. It is one of the posher Punta Cana night clubs. The crowd caters to wealthy locals and tourists likewise, even though Latins and Afro-Americans are predominant among international visitors. The night club is conveniently located at the end of Avenida España next to Avalon Casino, just behind Grand Bavaro Princess Resort.
Cocos Night Club Punta Cana
This is another nightclub in Punta Cana I don’t have experience with, but it might be a good option at the Avenida España nightlife area which is smaller and more intimate than the other Punta Cana nightclubs mentioned here, which is especially perfect if you’d like to connect quicker and easier to other guests, particularly locals (again, take into considerations the precautions mentioned above in this Punta Cana nightlife guide). Cocos Night Club Punta Cana is open daily from 9 pm until 6 am but shall be best visited after midnight. Feel free to share any experiences with Cocos (or any other of the nightclubs mentioned) in the comments.
Best Resort Parties and Nightlife in Punta Cana
Ok, now we had an amazing selection of places and recommendations for the nightlife in Punta Cana. But what if you don’t want to leave your all-inclusive resort for enjoying drinks, parties and social interaction at night? Let’s have a look at the best resort nightlife in Punta Cana. Fur further information, you can also check out the best party resorts in Punta Cana.
Riu República
You’re looking for a party and extensive nightlife in Punta Cana and are ideally a pretty young traveler? In this case, Riu República shall be your first choice when looking for the right all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana. It is – without any doubt – the best party hotel in Punta Cana, thanks to its younger crowd, plenty of bars, multiple (massive) parties, daily pool gatherings and the packed resort night club “Pacha”. You also have access to two weekly pool parties at the big Riu Party venue, which are explained further here. For further information about this resort, just read the Riu República review and you will understand why it is the best party resort in Punta Cana.
Further information: read the full Riu República review
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
If you are rather looking for some decent resort nightlife in Punta Cana incl. a lot of shows and entertainment instead of massive parties, Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana is a great option. The resort features a lot of daily shows, live music, DJ appearances and occasional parties on its open-air terraces. Especially Hard Rock Boulevard is a true paradise for nightlife lovers, as everything is centered around there and you can additionally find pop-up bars, celebrity performances and other entertainment options for a lot of unforgettable evenings and nights. Besides this, Hard Rock Resort Punta Cana also offers great quality when it comes to food, drinks and most rooms, hence it is a great choice for your all-inclusive vacation.
Further information: read the full Hard Rock Hotel & Casino review
Royalton Chic Punta Cana
Another great resort for nightlife in Punta Cana is Royalton Chic Punta Cana, which is kind of a boutique resort, as it is particularly compact and offers high quality in terms of drinks, food and entertainment. Especially the gourmet buffet is a treat, same as the hand-made cocktails at the Taboo Bar, which is quite an experience. There are multiple pool parties a week and several parties and social get-togethers at night, hence it will never get boring at Royalton Chic Punta Cana.
Further information: read the full Royalton Chic review
Riu Palace Macao
Are you looking for a quiet adults-only resort to relax throughout the day but still want to benefit from some of the best parties in Punta Cana? In this case, Riu Palace Macao is the best choice for you as it features full access to all Riu Pool Parties (four times a week) hosted at the neighboring Riu Party venue. The hotel itself is set in the medium segment regarding price and quality – it offers better food, drinks and rooms than Riu República but is not as upscale as Hard Rock Punta Cana for example.
Further information: read the full Riu Palace Macao review
Temptation Miches Punta Cana
Looking for the coolest resort nightlife in Punta Cana when traveling as a couple? In this case, check out Temptation Miches a bit more than an hour away from Punta Canas International Airport, which offers an exclusive concept with sensual parties and social daily entertainment. The resort is yet to open in November 2022, hence there are not many experiences yet, but the plans should coincide pretty well with those travelers looking for the best Punta Cana nightlife within the resorts.
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CHRIS
Author, Travel Coach & Industry Professional (Bachelor’s degree in tourism)Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean soul, who has been living in the Dominican Republic for 6 years. I’d love to be your Punta Cana expert, as I have stayed at more than 45 all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and the country, visited more than 70 beaches, explored more than 40 waterfalls and have seen basically all the attractions Punta Cana has to offer. I have also studied tourism for 3 years and worked in the tourism industry my entire life, which is why I am not only giving you recommendations and tips as a traveler but also the best secrets and travel hacks as an industry professional.
Do you need more information? Read more at my About Me Page, send me a travel coaching request or Contact Me here.
ALSO WORTH READING:
13 reasons why you should visit the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo
Grand Sirenis Punta Cana – a comprehensive guide for this family all-inclusive resort
The best all-inclusive adult resorts in Punta Cana for affordable luxury (mid-price segment)
Catalonia Punta Cana – a comprehensive review of this all-inclusive resort
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