The nightlife scene in Costa Rica

Hello,

Having access to a good nightlife scene can be a determining factor for many expats upon choosing their next destination. Tell us more about the nightlife in Costa Rica.

In Costa Rica, what is the nighlife culture like: is it common for people to go out at night? Is there a big difference between the nightlife during the weekdays and weekends?

What are the most popular evening or nighttime activities (e.g. bars, nightclubs, shows, cultural activities, etc.)?

Is it safe to venture out in the evening and at night in Costa Rica?

Is there anything in particular that surprised you about the nightlife in Costa Rica?

Are there any apps or websites (or any other resources) that would help in staying informed about evening and nighttime activities?

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Priscilla

dont go to that country in 7 short yrs has gone down the drain will be under control of narcos  if ur american good luck these people will rob u in any way  i was denied entry after living there for 14 months by a paid off immigration officer from  a jealous ex of my costa rican wife   place is garbage

Hi DOM1STELLA > this topic is about the nightlife scene in Costa Rica. I invite you to stay on topic. Thank you

Hola Amigos,

Nightlife abounds in Costa Rica, espcially in the Central Valley. There are dancehalls, bars, restaurants, concerts, theaters and a whole lot more.

Here are some of the main spots to find entertainement: Barrios Escalante, Barrio Amon, Avenida Escazú, La Lindora and the malls.

At the beach try Jacó, Quepos or Tamarindo.

There is also entertainment off the beaten path.

Bottom line: You will never be bored in Costa Rica. You just have to go out and look for adventure. Costa Rica is a very user-friendly country for North Americans which makes it easy to live here.

As an expat friend stated, "There is something for everyone and everything for someone in Costa Rica."

Cheers

Christopher Howard
**

I can share a funny story about my first experience with CR nightlife.
It was my first time in CR and was staying in Jaco, so about 9.30 I went downtown with no idea where to go.

Soon saw a hotel/casino with lots of beautiful young women, most of the guys were 30-50 in typical US terrible shape...myself I had just turned 58 but I am a personal trainer and in great shape...so I figured what the heck maybe I will see a few older women and try my luck.

Within a couple of minutes several girls had smiled at me and then one started talking to me...figured I must really be doing good till she asked me if I wanted to do some business. Sat down my drink and got out as quick as I could LOLs only to find as I got in my hotel only to find I did not have my new IPhone.....remembered that I had sat on a beach chair in the club...made my way back to the club with the slim hope that no one had seen it. As I walked past the bar the same young lady approached me and said your phone is next to the chair you were sitting in....she had been watching it for me saying she was scared to pick it up...started to give her some money but she refused....Pura Vida!

PS Found a few clubs in the following days that had great live music, a chill atmosphere and great food (not a drinker so no idea on that front) .

Have taken 2 trips to Puerto Viejo CR and the nightlife is what you make of it. Many pubs with local music (Caribbean...bongo...Reggae.."Lazy Mon") Some rock, and some fine dining with muzak. Very safe. Watched the bicycle police bust a bunch of pot and perhaps coke selling youngsters right next to Lazy Mon on a Friday night. Not much different than many Caribbean beach side clubs. The best nightlife is about 200 yards into the jungle from the beach in a tree house with an ice cold beer listening to the night birds, insects, Agoutis, and monkeys....after 3 or 4 in Lazy Mon !!!!

Yeah, overbergerc, the best night life for me starts around 6pm watching a gorgeous sunset out over the Nicoya Gulf from my porch or picture window, with a beer or glass of wine.

Then a nice conversation with my wife or friends on the porch as the lights of Esparza between here and the Gulf appear and the sky turns dark.

Sometimes lightning bugs fly around and here they have a huge lightning bug called a "carbunco" about 2" long and 1/2" wide or so. It has TWO bright "eyes", much brighter than lightning bugs! A true miracle of Nature to behold!

Add a super bright Venus and other "stars"/planets and/or a bright full moon, and you've got what I call a great night life!

Of course I'm not 21 any more LOL.