Kuta has been struggling with its identity ever since some beach protection efforts went astray and the beach found itself massively eroded.
The tourist town has also been eclipsed by Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud as better places to go for most visitors.
However, it’s still a great spot for a party if you know where to go. You can find international DJs filling the main dance floor of a club or small bars with friendly staff catering to a select few. Either way, these are the best places to go for a great night out in Kuta.
The 15 Best Places For A Night Out In Kuta
Engine Room Bali
Engine Room is a 3-storey club that goes nearly all night long. It’s for fans of hip-hop, dub and more and you’ll find that people dance from opening time until closing time here.
They have some decent cocktails and we like that thhey put covers on the glasses, so you can’t spill them (or throw them on someone) while you’re on the dance floor.
Hours: 8 PM – 4 AM
Address: Jalan Legian No.89, Legian, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Engine Room
Vertigo Rooftop Bar @ Four Points by Sheraton Bali
If you’re looking for a rooftop bar far above the hoi-polloi and a view over the area, then you can’t go wrong with the aptly named Vertigo.
They offer a nice swimming package to non-hotel guests that gives you a towel, access to the pool, as well as a snack and a glass of juice.
Later on, after the sunset, you can enjoy more of a nightlife vibe in this place, and they regularly have live DJs, which ensure some of the best high-life pool parties going.
Hours: 10 AM – 10.30 PM
Address: Jl. Benesari, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Marriott
Espresso Bar
Espresso looks kind of modest from the outside, but don’t be fooled, if you love live music, you won’t want to miss out on an evening here. The bands are incredible.
This is the kind of location where you bring a bunch of mates and just let your hair down and have fun.
We would note that it’s best to stick to the beers in Espresso, though, the cocktails here aren’t very strong and there are better bars for drinking mixed drinks than this one. You can’t argue with the prices though. Espresso is cheap.
Hours: 5 PM – 2 AM
Address: Jln Legian No.83a, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Espresso
Sunset Bar @ Bali Dynasty Resort
As the name suggests, this is a bar where you’re meant to spend your time watching the sunset.
It’s part of a large and attractive hotel complex with several bars and restaurants around a bigger pool area. So, if you get bored, you can always wander off and find somewhere else to drink later in the evening without changing venues.
We like to get this bar at about 5 p.m. because that’s when happy hour starts, and it means we can find a decent spot to watch the world-famous Bali light show in the sky too.
Hours: 1 PM – 10 PM
Address: Jl. Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Bali Dynasty
Sunset Cigar Lounge @ Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel
For those who enjoy a cigar, there isn’t a huge amount of choice in Bali. While cigarette smokers are catered for almost everywhere, outside of the beach clubs and the occasional shisha lounge, cigar lovers are pretty much on their own.
However, if you enjoy a snifter and a cigar and want to enjoy the sunset without people coughing and complaining about the smoke, this is the place to do it.
We love how stylish this place is and how good it looks in our Instagram feed. We also really appreciate the excellent air conditioning, which feels amazing after a day in the hot Bali sun.
Hours: 9 AM – 11 PM
Address: 75C8+7M5, Jalan Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Kartika
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock is what it is, and you won’t get much in the way of hip hop or modern chart music here. It’s all about the classic rock, and unlike some other Hard Rock locations in the world, it’s kept to that promise faithfully.
Sure, it’s a chain and what you get is an expensive (but good quality) burger or ribs with some expensive beer and cocktails but the price premium is really all about covering the in-house band.
And they are great, when they hit the stage, you’ll be singing along and ready to dance with the best of them. Then, you might stop in the gift shop to pick up a t-shirt as a souvenir on the way out.
Hours: 11 AM – 1 AM (or later)
Address: Jalan Pantai Kuta, Banjar Pande, Mas, Kec. Kuta, Denpasar, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Hard Rock
Gracie Kelly’s Irish Pub
It’s an Irish Pub and that means you ought to know exactly what to expect at Gracie Kelly’s and you pretty much do.
The food is Irish, the drinks are Irish (and sold in pints) and the music is Irish. It’s all about the craic and the young crowd here seems to like it that way.
So, if you fancy a pint of Guiness and some decent live entertainment, you may want to stop into Gracie Kelly’s.
Hours: 12 PM – 1 AM
Address: Jl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Gracie Kelly’s
The Seven Rooftop Bar @ Kutabex Beach Front Hotel
This is an excellent place if you love to be able to jump in a swimming pool every now and again to cool off.
This rooftop bar also has a pleasant music policy which plays a great mix from a bunch of different eras, so that everyone in a mixed party is happy.
We really appreciate the ocean view from this spot at the Kutabex and and it’s nice to be far above the busy street below and enjoying the sight of the waves.
Hours: 7 AM – 11 PM
Address: Kutabex Beach Front Hotel Lantai 4, Jalan Pantai Kuta, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Kutabex
69 Bar Kuta @ Grand Istana Rama Hotel
If you fancy a nice open air spot with the sea breeze gently blowing through your hair as you eat, this is a great spot for early in the night.
It closes before midnight though, so if you’re in the mood to rave all night, you might need to change venues.
However, while you’re here, you’re unlikley to be bored as they have both a band and DJs playing here most nights.
Hours: 7 AM – 11 PM
Address: Grand Istana Rama Hotel Jl. Raya, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: 69 Bar
Stark Craft Beer Garden
If you love some craft beer, then there’s nothing better than grabbing a table at this beer garden.
Sure, it’s not a great place for views, but the atmosphere is convivial and you can enjoy lunch or dinner along with some nice cold brews.
We recommend trying every drink on the menu before settling on a favourite, they’re very good.
Hours: 11 AM – 2 AM
Address: Stark Craft Beer Garden, Jl. Kartika Plaza No.20, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
ENVY Bali Bar & Restaurant @ Holiday Inn Resort Baruna
Get there at 5 p.m. to enjoy the happy hour which has some of the best drink deals in Seminyak.
Then chill with friends in this wonderfully relaxed location, just be aware it’s not that close to the rest of the bar strip, so if you want to go on from here, make sure to book a Grab or Gojek early.
Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM (12 AM on weekends)
Address: ENVY Bali Bar, Holiday Inn Resort Baruna, Jl. Wana Segara No.33, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Baruna
Club Havana Bali @ Bali Beach Garden Resort
They do some huge cocktails in Club Havana and the bar area is huge.
You’ll often find expats rubbing shoulders with the tourists in this place and we suspect it’s the live bands and excellent salsa dancing that keeps people coming back.
Don’t forget to try the tapas though, not only is it in keeping with the décor but it’s also very good.
Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
Address: Club Havana Bali, Jalan Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Bali Garden
The Pub Cadabra (formerly Hogwartz The Pub)
This place used to be Harry Potter themed, and then suddenly it changed its name (we suspect due to underground legal pressure).
However, it’s probably the most family-friendly nightlife spot in Bali and kids and parents love the place.
Hours: 1 PM – 10 PM (closed on Sundays)
Address: Jl. Buni Sari No.1, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: The Pub Cadabra
Boshe VVIP Club Bali
If you love karaoke and clubbing this is the place for you. There is a main dance floor where most people gather and then a bunch of privage rooms where you can sing your heart out.
If you come as a group, we recommend getting a room, otherwise get on the floor and mingle! The DJs are great here.
Hours: 2 PM – 3 AM
Address: Boshe VVIP Club Bali, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.89X, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Sky Garden Bali
Sky Garden isn’t as glamorous as it once was, but there is still a decent mix of dance floors and bars in this venue.
It’s the kind of place you go to when you want to go clubbing but you’re not quite sure what kind of sound you want to dance to. Prepare for anything and let the good times roll.
Hours: 9 PM – 4 AM
Address: Jalan Legian No.60, Legian, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Sky Garden
What, No Beach Clubs?
Sadly, with the destruction of the Kuta shoreline, there’s a dearth of beach clubs in this area.
Fortunately, you are only a short taxi journey away from the island’s best beach club… and if you want to party, then we recommend you get a Grab and head to:
FINNS Beach Club
FINNS is the world’s best beach club, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention it here. If you’re in Kuta and you want to party, then a ride share to the main entrance of FINNS is likely to set you back less than $6 (100,000 IDR), and it’s the best place to party on the island, bar none.
We recommend that you book a daybed and go early in the day to enjoy the relaxed vibe and the infinity pools, then watch the amazing sunset over the Indian Ocean before dancing the night away.
The thing we like most about FINNS is that it has an accessible music policy combined with incredible entertainment, we’d say that it’s impossible to get bored t this amazing beach club in Bali.
Hours: 11 AM – 12 AM
Address: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: FINNS
Our Review: Is FINNS Beach Club The World’s Best?
Our Rating: 100/100
Final Thoughts On Nightlife Kuta
Sadly, Kuta is not the kingpin of the local nightlife scene any more and much of the area’s nightlife is in decline.
Places like the Bounty Ship Discotheque and Paddy’s Pub are gone, and the bar area is growing more anaemic.
However, there’s no doubt that the area still has some pull with a young crowd on a tight budget and with some of the older crowd seeking live music rather than a dance floor and hip hop or EDM.
Mostly, if you’re staying in Kuta, we’d recommend getting a Grab and checking out FINNS at least once during your vacation; otherwise, our guide above will help you find the best places to be in the area.
