Pura Vida Sky Bar

Pura Vida occupies a multi-story structure on Strada Selari that's been designed with tropical escapism in mind. Bamboo railings, plants, string lights, and bright colors create an atmosphere that's half beach bar, half urban terrace. The ground floor entrance gives way to stairs that climb through multiple levels, each with its own bar and seating arrangement.

The lower levels fill first and offer faster service. The top level has the panoramic view but the longest wait for drinks, especially on busy summer nights. The middle level hits the sweet spot: good sightlines, reasonable service speed, and enough space to move. Hookah is available at most seating areas and adds a social element that keeps groups lingering.

Cocktails are competently made without reaching craft bar standards. The tropical menu (mojitos, daiquiris, pina coladas) suits the theme and goes down easily on warm evenings. Beer and wine are available for those who prefer simplicity. Prices are in line with Old Town averages. Light food (nachos, bruschetta, snack plates) is available but forgettable.

The DJ starts quiet in the early evening and builds through the night. By midnight on weekends, the upper levels are loud enough that conversation requires proximity. It's not a club, but it's not a quiet cocktail bar either. The energy lands somewhere in between.

Pura Vida works best as a summer venue. The open-air design means weather matters, and a rainy evening sends everyone home early. On a warm Friday in July, though, it's one of Old Town's most enjoyable spots. The view, the social atmosphere, and the steady flow of cocktails create the kind of night that extends itself without effort.

The entrance is easy to miss at street level. Look for the signage on Strada Selari.