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For visitors whose vacation truly starts after the sun has set, there are plenty of hot nightspots to visit in Punta Cana. The resorts where many tourists stay have multiple bars and clubs within them, so sometimes you don’t even have to leave the property of your own resort.
If you do choose to venture out into town, there are lots of local spots to hit up. Though you can get the usual beer and cocktails, you may want to be adventurous and try some of the island and tropical drinks that they have in many of the bars.
Now, to be honest Punta Cana is no Vegas but in recent years some very good discos and nightclubs have entered the local scenery and a night out on the town has suddenly become FUN.
There’s something for everyone too, you have your merengue and salsa dancing clubs and those which mostly play american music. Quiet bars to have a drink and talk or places where you could make a video called something like Spring-breakers gone wild.
We at iHeartDR are all about the insiders’ scoop. We think locals know best and that’s even truer when it comes to choosing the BEST places to go out at night. The places listed below are approved by the locals so we guarantee you’ll have a good time should you choose to venture out into town and visit one (or all) of them.
Imagine Punta Cana Disco
This disco is everyone’s favorite, tourists and locals alike. It is ranked the #1 nightspot in Punta Cana.
Imagine is visually stunning, from the outside is a medieval castle but when you get inside it’s actually a cave (yes a cave, where you can actually run into a bat from time to time).
This place is huge and rather than one big cave it is divided into four caves smaller with different themes (not all caves are open on slower days) the most active days for Imagine are Fridays and Saturdays.
Main Cave: Imagine’s Heart
Music: Top 40 – Merengue, Bachata, Reggaeton, Hip Hop, R&B… All mixed in one place. The animation team (male and female) are very friendly and encourage you to dance with them for a quick lesson on the local rhythms.
Electro Cave: Electronic Music
Music: Electro House. They claim this cave has the most powerful sound system in Punta Cana, which combined with the natural acoustics of the cave make the music a thing to experience.
Universe Cave: Events & Festivals
This grotto has a capacity of 3,000 people and it’s where they stage concerts, events and private parties. They’ve had international DJs such as Supermartxe, Dayglow, LMFAO and some of the best dominican performers.
Chill Cave: The magic Cave
This cave is marked for special occasions, playing ambient music perfect for a relaxed night out talking to your friends and enjoy a VIP service on a more private setting.
Bottom Line
Imagine Punta Cana Disco is one of the hottest places in town where you can mingle with the locals (who start arriving after midnight) in a very open minded environment. The Disco offers roundtrip transportation if you purchase one of their packages. To see a list of hotels they offer transportation to and from click here.
Mangu Disco
The Mangu Disco Bavaro is one of the most popular nightclubs in Punta Cana. Open from 11pm to 5am is visited by tourists and locals alike. It is part of the Occidental Grand Flamenco hotel but it’s open to the general public (guests of the hotel enter free of charge) and is located at the entrance of the hotel.
With a capacity of 1,800 people the disco is spread over two floors, the lower floor plays a mix o music with an emphasis on merengue, salsa and bachata;the upper floor is mainly techno house hosted by resident, national and international DJs.
They hold events regularly and often host themed nights to keep things fresh. Mangu has 5 bars and a terrace restaurant great to satisfy those late night munchies.
Bottom Line
The Mangu Disco Bar has been a long time favorite in the Punta Cana/Bavaro area and it has been recently renovated. If you want to mingle with the locals this is one of the places to be. It is currently ranked the #2 nightspot in Punta Cana.
ORO Nightclub
The newest addition to the Punta Cana nightlife scenery is the ORO nightclub. Part of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino but open to the general public. It is not the cheapest option but it definitely is one of the best.
The resident DJs play a mix of music (from latin, to reggae, hip hop and finish off with Dance/House music).
Some people say it’s a little bit crowded at times and you should consider buying a bottle (~$300 and $1,200 USD) to have access to the reserved areas where you will be more comfortable.
A range of local and international DJs and performers such as Juan Luis Guerra, DJ Pauly D, Eric Morillo, Bob Sinclair, Daddy Yankee, Juanes, SuperMartXé, Akon, David Guetta, Steve Angello and others have been to the Hard Rock hotel.
Bottom Line
The ORO nightclub is quickly rising to be one of the hottest clubs in Punta Cana. It may not be the cheapest option but they’ve showed they have a big enough wallet to bring some of the hottest performers to Punta Cana. It is currently ranked the #4 nightspot in town.
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