Nightlife in Mexico City

This is a really difficult category to describe because there are literally thousands of places, including dozens that are worthwhile. Because it is such a competitive market, night clubs are constantly reinventing themselves and places that are packed one weekend are deserted the next. For that reason it would probably be best to Ask Sam.

The place to be seen at the moment is without doubt Moma (5281 1537). This two-level, New York-style club is where all the beautiful people come out to play attracting models and celebrities alike. Located in the upscale neighborhood of Polanco, Moma has chic decor with crystal tables and a fifteen-meter bar that serves up a whole host of exorbitant cocktails; be prepared to spend a lot. Tennyson 102, corner with Presidente Masaryk, Polanco.

For something a little out of the ordinary, try the Pervert Lounge (5510-4454) in the Historic Center where you're guaranteed some of the best cutting edge techno music around. The music is extremely loud so don't come expecting to socialize but purely to dance.

Now if you want to spend a night swinging your hips to Caribbean music, then a must for all salsa-lovers is Bar León (5510-3093), a very old and well renowned bar situated by the Zocalo, right behind the Cathedral. Another very popular place is Mama Rumba, with live Cuban and local bands playing on weekends. The atmosphere is very festive and fun without being seedy. There are two Mama Rumba's, one in San Angel (5550-8099) and another in Colonia Roma (5564-6920).

La Perla - Tucked away in the Centro Historico this cabaret bar is definitely for our more adventurous night-dwellers. Small, hot and decorated in gawdy colors, be prepared to step into a David Lynch speakeasy. La Perla boasts some outrageous female-impersonator acts along with a passion for the kitsch and the downright weird. The music can jump from salsa to Madonna to hard surf punk within minutes. Beer is served up in 2-liter bottles and the staff look like they might strike you down or equally give you a kiss depending on how they feel that night. If you get your kicks from strange places then La Perla is definitely worth a visit. Cuba 44, Centro Historico. Open Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m.

Bulldog - If the alternative rock scene waxes your lyric then the Bulldog has been championing the cause for several years now. Set in a huge club with three floors that look down onto the main dance floor, there's plenty of room to "mosh" if one so chooses. Although the music is quite grungy, the crowd is anything but; that's because the door entry is 250 pesos (or 25 dollars). The reason for such a high cover charge? An all-night free bar. Be prepared for a young crowd whose sole intention is to get drunk, make out, and dance the night away. Can be fun if you choose to go in a big group with similar intentions. Rubens 6, Mixcoac. Tel: 5611 8818.