All-inclusive hotel? So, what! Come dusk, it’s time to hit the town!
When it comes to nightlife in Punta Cana, many tourists decide to stay within their resort to save money.
After all, most arrange all-inclusive packages with their resorts, so it makes economic sense to stay there and enjoy free beverages and entertainment.
Other tourists decide to venture outside their all-inclusive hotel and party with the locals. But whether you enjoy the nightlife at your resort or out in the streets of Punta Cana, you’re sure to have a great time.
At Punta Cana resorts, evening celebrations usually begin after nightfall around 9 p.m.
At this time, most hotels hold evening performance shows, which no guest should miss.
Many hire incredible performers for these night shows. Maybe even go try your luck at the resort’s casino with a hand of poker or a spin of the roulette.
Punta Cana after midnight
Punta Cana’s nightclubs start to fill up with people around midnight after everyone has finished dinner.
The bars and clubs (or discotheques) serve up plenty of dancing and delicious beers and cocktails.
Punta Cana is particularly well known for its rum-based cocktails, like Cuba Libre (rum and cola) and Santo Libre (rum and lemon-lime soda). For those who prefer beer, Presidente is the local beer of choice.
Club DJs play a lot of Merengue, one of the most popular music genres in the Dominican Republic.
In fact, Merengue is the Dominican Republic’s national dance. Dominicans once looked down upon Merengue because it was thought to be a dance of the lower class.
This changed when a lower-class man became president and brought Merengue to the mainstream.
Merengue has remained a lasting cultural icon of the Dominican Republic.
Tourists who would like to experience nightlife like the locals should consider taking Merengue lessons.
But the clubs also play other music genres, like rock, salsa, and reggae, in addition to all your favorite contemporary hits from the United States and Europe.
Where to go?
Mangu Disco
Without question, one of the most popular nightclubs in Punta Cana is the MANGU DISCO. Mangu is located at the Occidental Flamenco Hotel.
In addition to music and dancing, Mangu is also a great spot to catch a sports game.
Mangu boasts a huge television screen and the bar broadcasts important baseball, soccer, and football games nightly.
Areito Disco
Another popular nightclub is the AREITO DISCO, which is located at the Hotel Hodelpa Resort. Some say Areito is Punta Cana’s best nightclub for dancing.
After all, Areito does translate to English as “The Dance of the Gods.” Areito has two dance halls to satisfy different music tastes.
One hall plays traditional Merengue and the other plays international music. Areito is extremely popular. Expect to pay a cover charge most evenings.
Pacha
PACHA DISCOTHEQUE is another big dance club in Punta Cana. Its live music makes it stand out from the rest.
On select nights, visitors can dance to a Caribbean orchestra from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Pacha charges a cover fee on evenings live music is played.
Imagine Punta Cana
One of Punta Cana’s hottest discos. Seemingly straight out of a fairy tale, this castle converted disco is unlike any other night spot you have ever been before! You can book this activity clicking here.
This multi-roomed, multi-caved castle will leave you breathless from the moment you lay your eyes on its majestic stature.
You’ll dance the night away, savoring one of their signature cocktails, while being entertained by the fire breathing.
You will feel like royalty as you descend into one of three progressively larger caves. Each as magnificent and astounding as the previous!
Each cave comes complete with its own prominent DJ playing only the hottest tracks, rhythms and beats of the Dominican Republic, and the world!
Popular ORO Nightclub
This is the ultimate, most exclusive nightclub in the Caribbean.
Enjoy the experience of a luxurious and vibrant nightlife, with the best shows, concerts, themed nights, international and local DJs and so much more to get you going all night long.
This is the highlight of your week, every week. The venue collects a cover charge for entrance.
Onno’s Bavaro
It is part of the highly successful chain throughout the Dominican Republic. Their motto is “Eat Drink Party”, which pretty much sums it up!
Located on beautiful Bávaro beach (here you can check the best beaches in Punta Cana), the location is perfect for eating, drinking and/or partying.
They offer a full menu for all tastes, and DJ and live music for your entertainment!
Bachata Rosa Restaurant by SBG
Pays homage to iconic Dominican singer Juan Luis Guerra. His music inspired every nook and cranny in the place.
Bachata Rosa was the singer’s most internationally acclaimed hit, earning Guerra his first Grammy. It introduced the world to the second most popular musical genre on the island, bachata.
A vivid place made of colorful balconies, colonial lanterns, musical instruments, and diverse atmospheres according to levels.
As you climb higher, you will experience an increasingly higher joyful and festive environment.
Bachata Rosa offers a creative, delicate and tropical menu inspired by his songs.
Jewel
Jewel is another Punta Cana hot spot. Located inside Plaza Palma Real Shopping Mall it features 3 floors equipped with 315,000 LED lights, 60 robotic heads, 7 lasers and 12 guns led by Cryo Blaster.
Areas are distributed in the main ballroom and conservatory Retro Tech, decorated with elegant tables overlooking the runway and stage.
Legacy Disco
Wrap yourself in an atmosphere of exclusivity, the club has 15 elegant VIP areas, 5 VIP Plus areas, designed with the highest quality standards.
Legacy Disco is located on the premises of Casino Avalon in the Bavaro-Punta Cana area.
Its classification lies exclusively by the musical mix by four resident DJs and presentations of national and foreign artists.
Every day you can find Caribbean rhythms and international beats from 11 pm until dawn.
Una Mas
If you want a nice place to chill out, have some drinks, and enjoy yourself without being rubbed up against by a bunch of sweaty people, then this is the place to go.
Una Mas is located right across the street from the Bavaro Princess Hotel and Casino.
The club is located on the second floor and you almost feel like you’re outside but you’re not.
Even if you want to go somewhere crowded afterward, make sure you drink here first.
The drink prices are much cheaper than anywhere else, so it’s a great place to start the night off. Una Mas has a very casual atmosphere and T-shirts and shorts are allowed.
Sins4Two
This is in an old mansion that has been converted into a disco. The club is tastefully decorated and truly unique.
They do not accept singles as it is only for couples. You will need to make a reservation to get inside.
Music is not loud, so you can easily converse with other people. You should come prepared to take a dip in the club’s marvelous Jacuzzi with some very sexy people.
Unlike many of the other clubs in Punta Cana, dressing up is very important here.
What About Night shows?
The resort-produced shows tend not to be very good; if your stay is long, chances are you will likely see a repeat performance.
We recommend you sit through a variety of them, though, as they are entertaining, and the cast tends to interact with the audience to make the fun more light-hearted.
However, if you wish to spruce things up and try a livelier ambiance, COCO BONGO SHOW & DISCO is Punta Cana’s most-acclaimed spot.
Buy now: Coco Bongo Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket
Described as a combination of Cirque du Soleil, a concert theatre and disco! Expect to find a high-energy party atmosphere offering a live show with well over 40 performers recreating scenes from famous movies.
Dancers, trapeze artists, gymnasts, and famous movie scenes are all combined to create an atmosphere full of fun.
It is a show that keeps visitors constantly amazed. Next thing you know, you will be singing and dancing along with the acts.
Prices begin at US$ 65.00 and an open bar is included in the price of admission.
Safety Comes First
While Punta Cana is considered a safe tourist town, one of the country’s most rampant crimes is petty theft.
Always remain vigilant of your belongings, as cameras; cell phones and wallets left unattended are prone to be stolen.
Use common sense while walking on the streets and amongst large crowds. Avoid visiting dark or desolate places.
Restrain from walking alone at night. Your best bet is always to stay in groups.
Street vendors are likely to approach you with the intent of selling you different types of merchandise, don’t be afraid.
If you do not wish to purchase anything, kindly tell them you are not interested. However, if you wish to take back a souvenir from your trip to the Caribbean, make sure to haggle the price down and get your money’s worth.
Short on cash? We recommend always using an ATM located at the resort you are staying or using one in a well-lit area.
If you shall need assistance or file a police complaint, look for a POLITUR officer.
These uniformed officers, dressed in dark blue pants and white shirts, are part of a separate police force tasked with helping and protecting tourists visiting the Dominican Republic.
