The most elegant way to spend an evening in the capital is to head to a highbrow performance downtown at the spectacular Teatro Nacional Manuel Bonilla (Av. Barahona, at Parque Herrera; tel. 504/2222-4366), modeled after the Plaza Athenée in Paris. It has been restored every few decades, most recently in 2007. On select nights throughout the year, you will find opera, dance, and concerts featuring some of the best performers in the country. You can ask at the box office or check the local newspapers for dates and prices. If you walk in during the day, there's usually someone there to enthusiastically show you around and give you a bit of the history of the building.
There are several casinos in Tegucigalpa hotels, though the only one that's any good is the Casino Royale at the Honduras Maya. They have table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a small section of slot machines. Bring an ID to get in and don't even think about wearing shorts -- it's a dressy nightlife spot.
Most of the city's bars and clubs are located in Colonia Palmira, along Boulevard Morazán, and most have covers of about L100. Bull Bar (tel. 504/9781-0246), on Avenidas República de Chile in Colonia Palmira, is a rock club that attracts a diverse, cool crowd. Long lines at the door can be a bit dissuading. On the third level of the Nova Centro mall in Barrio Pueblo Nuevo, there are several sleek nightspots and restaurants, like Baretto's Lounge, Terrazza's Martini Bar, and Nox, that stay open late and lure in all the young and pretty people. Nau, the sushi lounge in the Real InterContinental, also attracts a crowd on most nights. Most of the seating is outside on the patio surrounding the pool, so this is the spot for a laidback lounge experience with an attractive crowd.
Also, don't count out Sabor Cubano (Av. República de Argentina 1933; Mon 11:30am-5pm, Tues-Thurs 11:30am-11pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am-2am) for salsa dancing. Hipsters will want to check out Café Paradiso (Ave. Paz Barahona 1351, in Barrio la Plazuela; tel. 504/2222-3066), a cafe and cultural space with frequent film screenings, poetry readings, and live music.
If you'd like to catch a movie, the best theater is the Cinemark (tel. 504/231-2044; www.cinemarkca.com) at the Multiplaza Mall on Avenida Juan Pablo II.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
