Top 4 Bars & Entertainment Spots in Quetzaltenango (Xela)
Written by Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
02/08/2025
Bella Xelaju, Wikimedia Commons
Quetzaltenango, often called Xela, has a vibrant and authentic nightlife, offering diverse venues that cater to both local residents and international visitors, particularly language students.
Entertainment and Music:
The music and entertainment scene in Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela, is vibrant and diverse, catering to both locals and travelers seeking cultural experiences and social evenings.
For live music, Bar Salón Tecún, located in the Pasaje Enríquez, is a popular choice, featuring live performances from local and national artists nightly. El Cuartito offers a lively beer garden setting with independent musicians performing on Thursday nights. El Shamrock provides a variety of musical entertainment, including acoustic artists and DJs on Fridays, and rock bands followed by DJs on Saturdays. Additionally, Pool And Beer - Social Xela hosts Salsa Wednesdays with dance classes, creating a dynamic atmosphere for those interested in Latin music and dancing.
1. Salón Tecún
Type: Bar / Restaurant
Located within the Pasaje Enríquez, this popular spot offers a cozy atmosphere with long wooden tables and bench seating. It is known for its delicious pizza and hosts live music performances every night, drawing a mix of locals and language students.
Getting There: Within walking distance from Parque Centro América and the main central area.
2. El Shamrock
Type: Irish Pub
This cozy Irish pub provides a friendly atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists, especially Spanish students. It is known for its good vibes, excellent service, and regularly hosts a popular quiz night on Thursdays, as well as live acoustic music and bands on weekends. It can be found by looking for a black door with a shamrock sticker, giving it a speakeasy feel.
Getting There: Within walking distance from the main central area.
3. El Cuartito
Type: Bar / Beer Garden
Offering a relaxed and mellow ambiance, El Cuartito is a small, cozy place with a beer garden. It is a popular venue for independent musicians on Thursday nights, creating an electric atmosphere. The bar also offers a selection of local and microbrews, along with food options like nachos.
Getting There: Within walking distance from the main central area.
4. Sky Bar Xela
Type: Rooftop Bar
This captivating destination offers stunning panoramic views of Quetzaltenango and a relaxing atmosphere. It blends modern design with traditional Guatemalan charm, providing a welcoming space to unwind. The menu includes local beers and handcrafted cocktails, making it an ideal spot for enjoying a sunset drink.
Getting There: Within walking distance from the main central area.
Check out our other pages on Quetzaltenango (Xela)
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.