Since Cancun's whole rationale is to encourage almost two million visitors each year to "have fun, " the entertainment scene is lavish - or remorseless, depending on which way you look at it. There's everything from sports and gambling bars to romantic piano bars and fun bars, even just plain drinking bars: enough choice to ensure that you can find a place to have a good time without being ripped off. Most of the nightclubs, on the other hand, are pricey, with a "no shorts or sandals" dress code. A couple of cinemas show new American releases subtitled in Spanish: the largest downtown is the multi-screen Cine Royal on Tulum opposite the bus station; in the zona, Cinema Kukulkdn is in the Plaza Kukulkan.

Bars and nightclubs

La Boom,
Boulevard Kukulkan Km 3.5 at the front of the Hotel Aquamarina Beach (98/83-16-41). High-tech disco in an "English setting" with continuous videos. No cover charge on Mon; check Cancu~ Tips and Cancun Nights for other events.

Cats
Yaxehilan 12. Downtown club with live Jamaican bands. Daily 9 p.m.-5 a.m.

Christine's
In the Krystal, Boulevard Kukulkan Km 9 (98/83-11-33, ext. 499).
The most sophisticated and expensive nightclub in town, famed for its light show. Thurs. is 1970s and 80s night: look in the free magazines or phone to check other weekly events. Don't turn up in shorts, jeans, sandals or without a shirt.

Daddy'o
Boulevard Kukulkan Km 9, opposite the convention center. A 21st-century nightclub with a high-tech sound system and a light and laser show. Casual dress but no shorts.

Fat Tuesday
Boulevard Kukulkan Km 6.5, and in the Terramar Plaza in the zona hotelera (98183-26-76 or 83-03-91). Restaurant-bar with an outside dance floor and a choice of 60 flavors of frozen drinks. Cover charge after 9 p.m.; open until 4 a.m.

Pat O'Brien's
Flamingo Plaza in the zona hotelera (98183-08-32). Live rock, blues and jazz in a larger than life version of the famous New Orleans bar. Three bars: a piano bar, a video lounge or an outdoor patio. Open until 2 a.m.

Senor Frogs
Boulevard Kukulkan Km 5.5. Live reggae bands and karaoke nights.

Tequila Rock
In the Party Centre Boulevard Kukulkan Km 9 (98/84-81-32 or 90-98-45). Pop, rock and disco music with high-tech effects. Check for the daily events - open bar, two-for-one drinks, ladies night and the like. Casual dress, shorts allowed.