An open-air hipster lounge, El Cielo (Paseo de Montejo at Calle 15, tel. 999/944-5127, 8 p.m.–2 a.m. Tues.–Sun.) is a great place to start a balmy night. All-white decor with mellow tunes set the mood perfectly. The place where beautiful people come to see and be seen.

La Casa de Todos (aka Peña, Calle 64 at Calle 55, 9 p.m.–2 a.m. most days) Reggae, rock, and trova figure prominently in this small bar known for its live music and leftist leanings. Drinks and light fare served; opening hours and cover charge vary with the act.

Live Caribbean rhythms get people spinning at Mambocafé (Plaza Las Américas mall, 999/987-7533, 9 p.m.–2:30 a.m. Wed.–Sat.). Yes, it’s in a mall; and yes, it’s a chain but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the hottest dance spots in town. Especially fun—and crowded—after 11:30 p.m. No cover on Wednesdays, open bar Thursday (US$14 men, US$6.50 women), US$5.50 cover Friday and Saturday.

Azul Picante (Calle 60 between Calles 55 and 57, 9 p.m.–3 a.m. Wed.–Sat., US$4) is another Latin music dance spot where live salsa and merengue bands keep the crowd moving. On Saturdays, bands often play outdoors—you’re sure to see people spinning on Calle 60—experts and novices alike.

Tequila Boom (Paseo de Montejo at Av. Campestre, 9 p.m.–3 a.m. Wed.–Sat., US$5) is a classic discotheque with a DJ spinning everything from Mexican rock to retro funk. Popular with 20-somethings.