Best Bars in Tulum 2025: Where the Nightlife Is Getting Seriously Interesting

La Malena - Intimate new mezcal hideout

La Malena is one of Tulum’s newest bar openings and it is already getting noticed. With a 4.4 rating from early visitors and a very strong growth score, it is trending because locals and in-the-know travelers are finding it before it hits the big guides.

Expect a cozy, candlelit interior that feels more neighborhood than nightclub. The vibe is relaxed but social, with bartenders who actually want to talk agave, not just pour it.

Why it is trending now

• Very new opening with a clear spike in recent reviews
• Word-of-mouth among mezcal fans and hospitality staff
• A welcome alternative to loud jungle clubs

Best for: Warm-up drinks before a big night, date-night cocktails, mezcal tasting with friends.

What to order:

• A mezcal flight with orange slices and sal de gusano
• A spicy mezcalita with tajin rim
• Classic margarita with fresh lime and a good blanco tequila

Tip: Arrive early in the evening when it is still quiet and ask the bartender to build you something off-menu based on your favorite spirits.

El Patrón Tulum - Elevated cocktails with local flair

El Patrón Tulum is another fresh face on the scene, with a 4.7 rating and rising buzz. It is trending because it combines serious cocktail technique with a laid-back Tulum atmosphere, instead of going full club.

The space leans modern tropical: think warm lighting, greenery, and a soundtrack that stays just below conversation level. It feels polished without being pretentious.

Why it is trending now

• New business with standout early reviews
• Growing reputation among cocktail-focused travelers
• Seen on social feeds for its photogenic drinks and bar design

Best for: Cocktail lovers, small groups, pre-dinner or post-dinner drinks.

What to order:

• House signature cocktail built around local fruits like maracuyá or guava
• A smoky twist on the negroni using mezcal
• Zero-proof cocktails with fresh juices for non-drinkers

Tip: If you care about mixology, sit at the bar and chat with the team. They often experiment with infusions and will happily customize something.

Gitano Beach - Iconic jungle-glam by the sea

Gitano Beach is not new, but it keeps trending because it still defines the Tulum jungle-glam aesthetic that visitors come looking for. With over 1,500 reviews and a strong growth score, it remains a top choice for a stylish beach bar experience.

Set right on the sand, Gitano Beach blends rustic wood, palms, and mood lighting with a polished cocktail program. It is the place people tag on social when they want their Tulum trip to look like a movie.

Why it is trending now

• Consistently strong reviews and steady recent buzz
• Beachfront location with that classic Tulum look
• Popular for golden-hour drinks and vibey nights with a DJ

Best for: Group nights out, sunset cocktails, special occasions, and anyone chasing that Instagram-ready Tulum vibe.

What to order:

• Jungle-inspired cocktails with mezcal and fresh herbs
• Frozen margaritas for hot afternoons
• Bottle service if you are settling in for the night

Tip: Make a reservation for sunset. It gets busy and walk-ins can end up in less prime spots when the sky turns pink.

Papaya Playa Project - Party-forward beach bar and club

Papaya Playa Project is one of Tulum’s nightlife anchors. With more than 2,500 reviews and a strong growth score, it keeps trending because it is where many visitors go when they want a real party by the ocean.

The venue is sprawling, with rustic-chic beach structures, stages, and open-air bars. On quieter nights it is a chilled-out place for a drink with a view. On big event nights it turns into a full beach club with DJs and dancing.

Why it is trending now

• Long-standing reputation for big parties and DJ nights
• Regular events that keep locals and travelers coming back
• Strong review momentum as new visitors discover it each season

Best for: Late nights, dancing, birthday trips, and anyone who wants a high-energy Tulum experience.

What to order:

• Simple long drinks like tequila soda or palomas for dancing
• Buckets of beer for groups
• Hydrating mocktails between rounds to handle the heat

Tip: Check the event calendar before you go. Cover charges, music style, and crowd size can vary a lot depending on the night.

Encanto Cantina - Lively town-center favorite

Encanto Cantina sits closer to town than the beach clubs, which makes it a go-to for people staying in Tulum Centro. With over 2,300 reviews, a solid 4.5 rating, and ongoing growth, it is trending as a reliable, fun spot that feels more local than the beachfront giants.

The atmosphere is colorful and energetic without being overwhelming. You get good music, a friendly crowd, and a mix of travelers and Tulum residents. It is a great place to start or end a night out in the center.

Why it is trending now

• Strong, steady review volume over time
• Central location that is easy to reach without a taxi splurge
• Fun cantina energy with better drinks than a basic bar

Best for: Bar hopping in town, casual nights out, and groups who want a lively spot that is not a full-on club.

What to order:

• Classic margaritas and palomas
• Mezcal shots with traditional garnishes
• Local beers if you want to keep it simple

Tip: Pair your drinks with some food here, then continue to other bars in Tulum Centro if you want a low-key bar crawl.

How to navigate Tulum’s bar scene right now

• Book or DM ahead for hotspots: Popular beach bars and party venues can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and event nights.
• Plan your transport: Beach-zone bars like Gitano Beach and Papaya Playa Project are a taxi ride from town. Confirm prices before you hop in.
• Dress code: Tulum is relaxed but stylish. Think light fabrics, sandals, and something you do not mind getting sandy.
• Cash and cards: Many places accept cards, but it is smart to carry some pesos for tips and smaller spots.

Tulum’s bar scene changes fast. MapsBuddy tracks real review momentum and new openings so you can find the spots that are actually trending, not just the ones that were hot three seasons ago.