Plaza, which offers half a dozen clubs in a single, relatively secure high-rise building.

Old City nightspots have more character, and many are conveniently clustered in two adjacent pedestrian walkways, the Pasaje Rubio and the Pasaje Aycinena. Like the Edificio Paseo Plaza in the New City, these two venues are the best bet for out-of-towners, for their convenience as well as relative safety.

Pick a place you want to visit, take a taxi there, and have your hotel or restaurant call one to take you back. Most clubs in both the Old and New cities are closed on Sunday and Monday nights, and the action often doesn't heat up until Thursday.