4 reviewed party hostels · from €6.74/night · Hostelworld rated
San Juan del Sur’s nightlife kicks off at Republik Bar, where backpackers gather by 10 PM for cheap drinks and reggaeton beats. The street outside fills with travellers spilling out from hostels like Casa Oro and Surf Town, all within a five-minute walk of each other. By midnight, the music shifts to live bands or DJs, and the crowd migrates to smaller spots like Crazy Crab, where a £3 shot buys you a story.
The hostel scene here is small but social. Most places double as bars, so you’ll meet people by the pool or on the rooftop before you even step out. Casa Oro’s shuttle runs to nearby beaches during the day, but at night, everyone ends up on the same strip. Don’t expect club bouncers or dress codes: just flip-flops, cheap beer, and a mix of surfers and digital nomads.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Awesome social hostel with plenty of activities for backpackers. The favourite one is definitely a SunsetFest when lovely staff is taking the guests for amazing beaches and throw a party. The hostel features several social spots like a beautiful pool, open-air terrace with hammocks, and a vibrant on-site bar with great music.
A party hostel that is just 5 minutes from the center of San Juan del Sur, a good place to socialize, daily events, beer pong tournaments, karaoke nights, DJ nights, trips to the beach or you can just simply chill out in the pool or rooftop bar with happy hour,
Hostel Pachamama is a vibrant beacon of party spirit in San Juan Del Sur. Steps from the beach, it's a lively hub with a refreshing pool, social spaces, and a legendary Sunday Funday Pool Crawl. The Pacha Family ensures unforgettable memories where celebrations and friendships thrive.
San Juan's newest beachfront hostel features a stunning rooftop bar with glass pool overlooking the Pacific. With discounts for Central America's legendary Sunday Funday Pool Crawl, weekly Taco Tuesdays, ping pong tournaments, and multiple socialising areas, it's party central on the beach.
Organised nights out with a local guide
This crawl visits four bars, starting at a local dive and ending at a beachfront club. Free shots are included at each stop, and the hosts keep the drinks flowing. The route changes weekly, but you’ll hit spots like Republik Bar and Crazy Crab. It’s a good way to meet people if you’re travelling solo.
How San Juan Del Sur's nightlife zones break down
The heart of San Juan del Sur’s nightlife, this strip is packed with bars, hostels, and street food stalls. By 10 PM, the road closes to traffic, and the party spills onto the pavement. It’s loud, busy, and where you’ll spend most of your nights. Hostels like Casa Oro and Surf Town are here, so everything is within walking distance.
A 15-minute shuttle ride from town, this beach is all about surfing and sunset sessions. The bar at Maderas Surf Camp serves £2 beers and hosts bonfires on weekends. It’s quieter than downtown but still social: expect travellers hanging out in hammocks or playing beach volleyball.
A residential area on the edge of town, El Ostional is where locals live and expats settle. It’s quieter, with a few small bars and comedores. The beach here is rocky, but it’s a good spot to escape the backpacker bubble. Walk along the malecón (boardwalk) for sea views.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
The main hub for backpackers, Republik Bar packs out by 11 PM with DJs playing reggaeton and dancehall. Drink specials run all night: £1 beers before midnight, £3 cocktails after. The crowd is mostly travellers in their 20s, and the dance floor gets sweaty by 1 AM. Arrive early to grab a table.
A tiny bar with a big reputation. Crazy Crab is all about shots (£2) and drinking games: expect beer pong and flip cup tournaments. It’s standing-room-only by midnight, and the bartenders pour heavy. If you want a wild night without the club scene, this is the spot.
Mexican-themed bar with wrestling decor and £3 margaritas. The crowd is a mix of locals and travellers, and the vibe is more chilled than Republik. They host lucha libre nights once a week: check the board outside for dates. Food is decent too, with nachos for £4.
Even if you’re not staying here, the bar is worth a visit. Happy hour runs 4–6 PM with £1 beers and £2 cocktails. The poolside area fills up with surfers and backpackers playing volleyball or pool. Live music on Fridays, DJs on Saturdays.
A rooftop bar with sunset views over the bay. It’s pricier than other spots (£4 cocktails), but the view makes it worth it. The crowd is older, mostly 25+, and the music leans toward rock and indie. Go early to snag a seat: it gets packed by 7 PM.
Not a venue, but a legendary bar crawl that starts at 11 AM. Tickets cost £20 and include a tank top, open bar at three stops, and entry to a pool party. It’s chaotic, messy, and not for the faint-hearted. Most hostels sell tickets: ask at reception.