Guam is not only famous for its beaches, unique culture and history, but is also home to world-renowned entertainment venues. That nightlife and bars in Guam offers something for everybody. If you ever find yourself on Guam, you owe it to yourself to at least take a peek at what the island’s popular nightspots must offer.
Here are some traveler-approved tips that will take your Guam barhopping experience to the next level.
Find Hotel Accommodations in Tumon
If you are traveling alone and the nightlife is the main reason you are in Guam, you may find it the best way to book a hotel in Tumon. While there are bars and clubs all over Guam, Tumon has most of them. They also largely hang around together within walking distance, making it easy to move between bars without the need to hail expensive taxis or rideshare services. Guam’s lack of public transport options also means you’d prefer to be in Tumon where there are lots of bars and other entertainment venues within easy reach.
Expect to Pay Slightly More Than You Would on the Mainland
Drinks can be expensive, at least when compared to the US mainland or wildly popular destinations like Cancun in Mexico, Ibiza in Spain or Koh Phangan in Thailand. This all boils right down to the proven fact that Guam is a remote island in the Western Pacific, literally in the ocean far from the United States. Nearly everything has to be shipped, which adds to the price of goods and services — including your drinks. Because Guam only has a small population, shipping is also somewhat rare, further driving up the price of everything on the island. However, don’t fret. Service on Guam tends to be better than on the mainland.
Look forward to a Relaxing Yet Thrilling Nightlife Experience
Despite the price of drinks and entertainment, Guam’s nightlife easily compares to any major US city. It’s also more cosmopolitan than any nightlife scene outside the major cities of the US East and West Coasts. Guam’s nightlife is less crowded than most major US cities, but it is no less fun, thanks to the fantastic people. Locals and longtime residents of Guam tend to be warm and relaxed, meaning you will leave the island with numerous fond memories. That is, if you ever beat the urge to live here endlessly.
Family Friendly Nightlife Options Available
If you are looking to go barhopping but are bringing the family, there are lots of things to do this do not involve a visit to one of Guam’s popular dives. Guam is not especially known for providing a family-friendly entertainment experience but still has plenty of options for family fun. The vacation season is an especially thrilling time to visit Guam, and you will find lots of family-friendly displays and night markets around Tumon and other villages. Be sure to visit the Chamorro Village Wednesday Night Market before you leave.
Bar Usually Closes at 2am
Bars in Guam tend to close at 2am on weekdays and 4am on weekends, which may be too early if you are used to the 24-hour barhopping experience found in many major cities on the mainland. Fortunately, most bars open around noon, so there’s plenty of time for fun.
There are many bar options to select from
There are, obviously, plenty of adult-oriented bars and nightclubs in Guam. But despite what you may have heard, that’s not the only type of entertainment on offer in the area. There are also plenty of pretty healthy clubs, and a few of them are great places to hang around. Most venues have fun themes that help keep things interesting, and a few clubs also specialise in several types of music. Whether you like electronica, hip-hop, disco, jazz, 80s hair metal, or simply about any popular music genre, there’s sure to be a club playing your favourite tunes. If you like dancing, there are many options for that too. If you are ever in Guam, make sure to check if there are any notable acts currently visiting. You might be surprised who you will meet!
Guam Also Has Some Big City Problems
Street crime and traffic safety is a problem in every major city in the US mainland. While Guam is not a “big city” by any means, it’s nonetheless affected by these issues. While you can and should disengage while in the region, it is vital to use common sense when you are barhopping. Thankfully, crime is not as big a problem as it’s in major American cities, so only moderate caution is required. If you are renting a car or if you are a designated driver, many bars will be happy to provide you with a free non-alcoholic drink if you are with a group.
Guam is probably the most underrated nightlife destinations in America, if not the world. Hopefully, these tips will help make your Guam barhopping experience memorable for all the right reasons.
What other tips do you have for enjoying the clubs and bars of Guam? We’d love to hear from you!
