Metrocentro
Metrocentro
Metrocentro (Paseo de la Unión Europea, Managua, Managua) – this is part of a chain of shopping malls located throughout Central America. The Managua branch of this mall chain has 120 retailers, a food court, a supermarket, and a movie theater. Adjacent to this mall is the upscale InterContinental Hotel.
Galerias Santo Domingo
Galerias Santo Domingo
Galerias Santo Domingo (km. 7 Carretera Masaya, Managua) – this is perhaps the most upscale mall not only in Managua, but anywhere in Nicaragua. This mall boasts over 130 retailers, including international brands such as Benetton, Guess, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Mango, Nine West, Nautica, Steve Madden, and Tommy Hilfiger.
There are also over 20 restaurants, along with nightclubs, a karaoke lounge, a multiplex movie theater, and other amenities. Interestingly, concerts (of both Latin and dance music artists) are sometimes held here.
XS
XS (in front of TGIF’s Carretera Masaya, Zona Rosa, Managua) – this is another hotspot for Managua’s young crowd that’s into electronic dance and house music. A Miami-style “dress to impress” code is the order of the day (or evening) here.
The Reef
The Reef Bar
The Reef (Galerías Santo Domingo, Managua) – this is a surf-theme bar that gets lively at night – playing DJ-driven dance music, and occasional live bands appear here as well. Much of the crowd consists of 20-something yuppies. Theme events are also held here, such as “Chill Out Afternoon” (where visitors can show up on a Saturday afternoon wearing beach attire). Private events are occasionally booked here as well.
Moods
Moods
Moods (Zona Viva, Galerias Santo Domingo, Managua) – this disco-bar plays different genres of music (from electronic dance music, to old school House music, and even disco from the 70s & 80s).
Ruta Maya
Ruta Maya
Ruta Maya (east of Estatua de Montoya, Managua) – a.k.a. “El Centro Cultural Ruta Maya” this venue has an open-air bar and plays manly Nicaraguan folk music (with occasional live performances). Sometimes, “rock en espanol”-type bands are also booked here.
La Casa de los Mejia Godoy
La Casa de los Mejia Godoy
La Casa de los Mejia Godoy (in front of Crown Plaza Hotel, Octavo Calle Suroeste, Barrio Martha Quezada, Managua) – for those in a mood for tradicional Nicaraguan folk music, this is a good place in get immersed in that scene. Well-regarded folk singer Carlos Mejía Godoy is occasionally booked here. Interestingly, his brother Luis Enrique is a longtime Salsa star (with international acclaim, including among Hispanic in the U.S.).
Enoteca Vinos y Más
Enoteca Vinos
Enoteca Vinos y Más (Galerias Santo Domingo, Managua) – located in a shopping mall of the same name, this wine bar attracts a mature crowd that’s interested in tasting an assortment of vintages from different countries – from Chile to California (USA), France, and Italy. Occasional folk music acts are booked there. Private events are sometimes booked here as well.
Mirador Tiscapa
Mirador Tiscapa
Mirador Tiscapa (Bo Largaespada Paseo Tiscapa) – this is an open-air restaurant that overlooks the Tiscapa Crater Lake. There’s a large dance floor that often provides live Salsa, Merengue and Rumba performances on Saturday nights.
Hipa Hipa
Hipa Hipa
Hipa Hipa (Plaza Coconut Grove, Managua) – this club, in existence since 1998, has been attracting young collage-age members of Managua’s elite, with DJs here playing a mix of electronic dance music, Salsa, and Merengue music. On occasion, Hipa Hipa books major international dance music DJs like “Above & Beyond.”
