Colombia (Lonely Planet, 5th Edition) - Jens Porup [61]
A quirky option in Chapinero is Treffen (Map; 249 5058; Carrera 7 No 56-17; 3pm-3am Mon-Sat), which means ‘encounter’ in German, but no words describe the bar’s cartoon nightmare mood, with nooks and crannies filled with stuffed animals, colorful tables and games menus.
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Northern Bogotá
Though the area’s more famous for its clubs (and malls!), you’ll have no problem finding a place for a cocktail, beer or coffee around Zona Rosa or Parque 93. In the former, start in the pedestrian mall (Zona T), where you can find several bars, including the enduringly popular Irish-style Pub (Map; 691 8711; Carrera 12A No 83-48; noon-late) with Murphy’s on tap and fish and chips.
A couple blocks northwest, the raucous Museo del Tequila (Map; 256 6614; Carrera 13A No 86A-18; noon-1am Tue-Sat, noon-6pm Sun) serves excellent Mexican food, but is more proud of showing off (and pouring from) the 1585 bottles of tequila that grace its walls.
Up in Parque 93, Salto de Ángel (Map; 236 3139; Carrera 13 No 93A-45; noon-midnight Mon-Sat, noon-5pm Sun) is the go-to for late-night drinks.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Bogotá has far more cultural activities than any other city in Colombia. Check out the Friday edition of local paper El Tiempo, which carries a what’s-on section, Eskep, listing coming events and short reviews. Other listings you’ll find around town include Plan B (www.planb.com.co) and the slightly edgier Go (www.goguiadelocio.com, COP$3000), available at newsstands and at Zona G bookstore Authors (Click here). Cartel Urbano is a free alternative monthly available in some hipper bars and restaurants. There are more listings at www.terra.com.co.
For schedules and tickets to many events (theater, rock concerts, football games), check Tu Boleta (www.tuboleta.com).
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Nightclubs
That Colombia was deemed the ‘third happiest country’ in the world in 2008 may be solely due to the joy found on dance floors nationwide, and notably so across the capital. There’s all sort of ambience and musical rhythm on offer – from rock, techno and metal to salsa, vallenato and samba. If you don’t know how to dance, be prepared to prove it. Strangers frequently ask each other to dance and everyone seems to know the words to every song played.
The relatively laid-back club scene of La Candelaria caters to local students, who don’t always care what they’re wearing. Up north, particularly the chic scene around the sparkling, vibrant (if pretentious) salsatecas and clubs of Zona Rosa and Parque 93, you may be turned away for not being dressed up to the part (or, in uglier situations, minority visitors may find some clubs eternally ‘full’).
Cover charges vary from free to COP$10,000 or COP$25,000, depending on the scheduled event or day of the week.
CENTRAL BOGOTÁ
Escobar Rosas (Map; 341 7903; Calle 15 No 4-02; cover incl 3 drinks COP$12,000-15,000; 8pm-late Thu-Sat) An unsigned sad little corner building opens into one of La Candelaria’s most popular dance places – a gritty, cramped, two-level place with electronic, funk and rock music for arty youth. Carpe diem!
Quiebra Canto (Map; 243 1630; Carrera 5 No 17-76; cover on weekends about COP$7000; 6:30pm-2:30am Wed-Sat) Name-dropped first – for years now – by salsa-seekers across town, the Canto is a double-level disco a short walk from La Candelaria. Wednesday is big with expats for electronica DJs, but weekends go for live salsa.
El Goce Pagano (Map; 243 2546; Carrera 1 No 20-04; cover COP$20,000; 7pm-3am Fri-Sat) Nearing 40, the divey salsa/reggae bar near Los Andes university is a smoky place with DJs and sweat-soaked bodies.
Buenavista (Map; 245 4427; Carrera 6A No 35-37; cover COP$10,000-15,000; 6pm-3am Thu-Sat) Totally unpretentious salsa club located