Want to experience Nightlife in Cuenca Ecuador but have no clue where to go? Here is the best guide you will find out there to make the most of your night out in Cuenca, regardless of what you are looking for!
This article is all about 11 places you HAVE TO VISIT IF YOU WANT TO enjoy nightlife in Cuenca Ecuador!
First, the question I get asked the most: “Is Cuenca Ecuador Safe?”. The short answer is YES. But if you want to know more about safety in Ecuador, I have an entire blog post about it for you.
Now, let’s get onto what you are here for, “What are the best places to enjoy Nightlife in Cuenca Ecuador?”
Artisanal Beers IN CUENCA
When I first came to Ecuador, I was surprised with their lack of artisanal beers. I’m French, and in Europe we have A LOT of different kind, so drinking beer in Ecuador seemed boring to be honest.
But after searching for a while, I found out that artisanal beers are becoming a thing in Ecuador and really cool breweries open their bars around the country.
Here are the two best artisanal beers bars in Cuenca for your night out!
- Golden Prague Pub: Flavorful and diverse, I love all of their beers. And if you are a beer lover, you will too! The local in Cuenca is really cute (and HUGE) too, with a terrace, TVs for sports nights and an area to play ping pong. You will have a blast there.
Plus, if you go for the happy hour or on Tuesday and Thursdays nights they have a promo of 3 beers for the price of 2. A good way to save money while partying! Check their Instagram for more info!
- Latitud Cero: First artisanal beer brand created in Ecuador, Latitud Cero is a must if you love beer. With 3 locals in Cuenca, you will probably have one close to you, so you have no excuse not to try their beers! The only downside of Latitud Cero in comparision with other breweries in Ecuador is the price… They are rather expensive, but believe me they are DELICIOUS!
Maybe they will have some promos going on when you visit, so don’t forget to check their Instagram!
Terraces and chill vibes IN CUENCA
When the weather is nice, what’s better than chilling at a terrace and enjoying a drink with your friends, or even by yourself? Perhaps that’s because I am used to French terraces, but honestly, there are no vibes I’d rather enjoy.
Here are my two favorites terraces to hang out in Cuenca. And you know what? They have the same owners!
- Bumba: Might be one of the most praised bar in Cuenca! So make sure you go early to get a table. (They open at 5pm!) Giving garden vibes, you are going to love the atmosphere and quickly understand why so many people spend their evening there surrounded by their friends.
They sometimes host special events, so to make sure you don’t miss out, go take a look at their Instagram!
- Chucaro: Located by the Tomebamba River, Chucaro bar is one of the chillest place of Cuenca to have a drink. They have two terraces, one outside, by the river, and one upstairs so if the weather changes, you can still be outside but protected from the rain. (And believe me, the weather always changes in Cuenca!)
Fairly new, you should easily find a table there! And before you go, don’t forget to check their Instagram for any special event!
Rooftops IN CUENCA
Cuenca is a beautiful city, some might say the most beautiful of Ecuador, and enjoying the view from a rooftop is something you should consider while you are there!
Here are the 2 best rooftops in Cuenca, with view over the famous Cathedral!
- Negroni: Definitely the most famous rooftop in Cuenca, you should make a reservation if you want to go there! And especially if you are going with a group. Located on the edge of Parque Calderon, the view over the Cathedral is unmatched.
Be aware that drinks and food there are more expensive than in other bars of Cuenca, but the view is worth it. I mean, look at that!
- Itza: A bit more chic than the Negroni, the atmosphere at Itza is kind of bohemian-chic. The small terrace will give you a different view over the Cathedral, so why not try both?
The only downside of this place? The terrace has only two small tables, so you might have to enjoy the view through the panoramic windows. If you need more info, come this way!
LIVE MUSIC IN CUENCA
Who doesn’t love live music? It always adds something to your night-out and sometimes allows you to discover new small artists.
If live music is your jam, here are 2 places that often plan live music nights or open mics! Don’t forget to check their Instagram to make sure you are going the right night! (Sucré Salé & Bistro Yaku)
- Sucré Salé: Even though it sounds French, it is not! (Imagine my disappointment…) But it is a lovely place for a night-out in Cuenca. They regularly have promos on cocktails, so don’t forget to ask while ordering your drinks! Their food is good too, and relatively cheap, so maybe you could combine drinks and food to share?
- Bistro Yaku: Hidden in the inside patio of a hostel, Bistro Yaku is one of the most relaxed bar you could go to in Cuenca. The staff and the atmosphere are lovely and the place looks really cute. To be honest, it is one of my favorite place to go for a night-out in Cuenca.
So live music or not, check it out!
DISCOTECAS EN CUENCA (NIGHTCLUBS)
After a few drinks in one (or more) of the previously mentioned places, it is time to go danciiiiing! Dancing in Ecuador, and in all America Latina, is a huge deal.
It’s time for you to learn new moves to impress your friends when you go back home!
- Zoociedad: You either love it or hate it! Personally I love it, but if you are looking for typical Latina vibes, this might not be the right place for you. Most people going there are foreigners and the music played go from reggaeton, to US pop or traditional Ecuadorian music.
If you have more than one night in Cuenca, give it a go! And to check their Instagram, go this way.
- Raquel: Small club located in the Calle Larga, you must go there on a reggaeton’s night! Have a drink and let your body express itself while listening to the music! You’re going to love it!
Check their special events here!
- The View: My ALL-TIME favorite! The View is an LGBTQ+ nightclub, and parties there can go wild! Dancing, drinking, meeting new people, I assure you, you will have the time of your life!