Nightlife & the Arts in Guadalajara

With the exception of a few well-established nightspots like La Maestranza, downtown Guadalajara is mostly asleep by 11 pm. The existing nightlife centers around Avenida Vallarta, favored by the well-to-do under-30 set; Avenida Patria, full of bars for young people who party until early in the morning; or the somewhat seedy Plaza del Sol. Bars in these spots open into the wee hours, usually closing by 3 am. Dance clubs may charge a $15-$20 cover, which includes an open bar, on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Dress up for nightclubs; highly subjective admission policies hinge on who you know or how you look. The local music scene centers around Peña Cuicacalli and the Hard Rock Cafe.