If the disco scene sounds a bit too energetic, but you’d still like to go out for a few drinks, you could go to the Expatriate’s Bar on 12 Calle, two blocks east of Avenida San Isidro. The bar TV is invariably showing the sporting event of the moment.

There are many bars open every night of the week in Barrio La Isla (the zona viva). A top hot spot, La Palapa, next to the Quinta Real, is a bit of a chameleon, changing from low-key restaurant to sports bar to disco, depending on what’s happening in town, and hours vary depending on the crowds. There’s a deejay on Monday and Thursday and live music on Saturday.

This giant champa (thatched roof hut with no walls), has a lengthy list of cocktails and frozen drinks, and a full menu is available (most plates US$7–9). It gets even more packed than usual during Semana Santa, when it’s best to call ahead to reserve your table and you can expect to pay a cover charge.

Take care at the bars and discos just over the estuary, closest to town—that’s the local red-light district.