Ask anyone who’s traveled to Bogotá about the local nightlife scene, and they’ll tell you that the Colombian capital comes alive at night. Bogotá, though beautiful in the day, takes on an entirely new charm when the sun sets and nightlife institutions swing their doors open. From salsa clubs and fantastic restaurants to beautiful neighborhoods and bars, the best things to do in Bogotá at night range from relaxing to rowdy – all you have to do is decide what type of evening you’re after.
Don’t let your day in Bogotá end when the sun sets because there’s plenty more to see and do that will make your travel experience here even more unforgettable. (We’ve tried to be as accurate as possible, but be sure to do a quick Google of the places you want to visit to make sure COVID-19 regulations won’t ruin your plans!)
According to our team of local hosts that call Bogotá home, these are some of the top things to do in Bogotá at night.
Photo credit: facebook.com/SlowBeerColombia/photos/a.85
Experience the craft beer scene
The craft beer culture in Bogotá is more exciting than it’s ever been thanks to a wealth of new independent breweries that have perfected the art of a great beer. The beer scene here is taken so seriously, in fact, tha Bogotá has its own unofficial craft beer zone in a secret area known as eje cervecero, which has managed to stay off the tourist trail. Here, a group of beer aficionados has begun its own beer commune. Pop into places like Slow Beer, where each brew is named after a region in Colombia, and Bárbaros Brewing Co, a hipster haunt where you can down a beer and listen to Spanish punk.
Grab dinner at a restaurant
Since Colombians eat lunch as their main meal, dinner service starts fairly late. So why not make a sit-down meal form a significant part of your night out? If you’re a fan of trying a variety of different dishes, head to Tapas Macarena, the first (and best) tapas bar in Macarena serving Iberian dishes and fascinating fusion food. Send your taste buds on a tour and sample small plates like grilled banana served with a sauce handmade by indigenous Amazon people, or tangy vegetarian ceviche inspired by the wild Amazon jungle.
Attend Gringo Tuesdays
You might not think of Tuesday as being the pinnacle of nightlife anywhere in the world, but in Bogotá, this overlooked day of the week is also one of the wildest. That’s because of Gringo Tuesdays, a weekly language exchange that starts as a way to learn different languages from other international travelers and devolves into a massive party complete with DJs, dance floors, food, and even board games! This is one of the best things to do at night in Bogotá not just because it’s pure fun but also because it’s a great way to meet other travelers and get more tips and recommendations for your trip.
Listen to live music at Armando Records
Despite its name, this Bogotá institution is anything but a record store. It’s an urban nightclub, which welcomes a slew of live bands and DJs for after-hours events that keep the party going until the early hours of the morning. One of Bogotá’s more high-end party spots, Armando Records isn’t just for dancing the night away – it also has an outdoor terrace and rooftop bar for guests who want to have a conversation and listen to the music with a drink in hand. It’s one of the best things to do in Bogotá at night no matter what your speed is.
Get cultured at Teatro la Candelaria
La Candelaria is the historic heart of Bogotá, but it’s not only for the daytime. One of the best things to do at night in Bogotá is paying a visit to Teatro la Candelaria, a tiny theater and cultural institution loved by locals. This venue has hosted some of the city’s most important plays, and it’s well worth a visit if you want to experience some after-hours arts and culture. Catch a show or a performance of live music in this cozy theater and learn a little more about the city through a local performance.
Explore nightlife neighborhoods
The La Zona Rosa neighborhood is the city’s nightlife hub, so if it’s nonstop entertainment and crowds of people you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Bars, clubs and disco halls make up a seemingly endless list of places to party, and you could easily spend an entire night bouncing from one venue to the next (with a couple of late-night snacks in between, of course). Just five minutes away, the Parque 93 area is packed with polished restaurants and sleek bars that also make for an amazing night out. In this area, you have your pick of things to do in Bogotá at night.
Eat, drink and be merry at El Sitio
If you want to experience Colombian culture while enjoying a night out, El Sitio is the place to be. This is a place where you can experience salsa and rumba dancing while also enjoying traditional Colombian cuisine. Live local music creates an excellent atmosphere, and you could easily spend hours learning the local dances between bites of tasty cuisine. Be sure to bring your appetite and your stamina because a night at El Sitio is never a short one.
Do some sightseeing
There’s no reason you should only explore Bogotá’s most iconic sites during the day. One of the best things to do at night in Bogotá, in fact, is sightseeing. That’s because when the hordes of tourists have cleared out, you can get even closer to the attractions. At dusk, when the last light is still in the sky, take a stroll through usually busy areas like La Candelaria and explore attractions like Bolivar Square and famous museums. Then, end your evening at centuries-old La Puerta Falsa, the oldest restaurant and snack bar in the city and one of the most iconic attractions in its own right.
Drink up the cocktail culture
In recent years, Bogotá has become the Colombian capital of experimental drinks and fantastic flavors. Quirky cocktail bars have cropped up all over the city, creating cocktails you can’t get anywhere else in the world. The art of mixology is truly thriving, and you’ll find it at places like Black Bear, a restaurant and cocktail lounge that has put a Colombian twist on classic drinks, and Huerta, an artisanal cocktail bar with an on-site garden growing all the herbs and botanicals used to create signature drinks.
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