Bogota is Colombia's capital and largest city (8 million people). It is much less touristy than Cartagena or Medellin, probably because of the weather (a bit cold and rainy) and the traffic situation.
In terms of nightlife, though, Bogota is certainly the best place for partying in Colombia (and one of the best in Latin America). You have at least 50 nightclubs, hundreds of bars and countless live music venues where you can dance salsa, champeta, vallenato, kizomba, zouk or tango, etc.
In this Bogota nightlife review, I will give you a list of tips to prepare your night out: Nightlife areas and where to stay nearby, the top bars and nightclubs you can't miss, how to meet people, how to stay safe, etc.
If you still have questions, please just leave a comment at the end of the article.
Bogota Nightlife Areas + Hotels.jpg)
As you can see on the map above (click here to enlarge), there are three main nightlife areas in Bogota:
- Zona Rosa
- Chapinero
- Parque 93
Let's have a look at each of them in details:
Zona Rosa/Zona T
Zona Rosa/Zona T
Bogota nightlife is highly concentrated in a party area called Zona Rosa/Zona T. On a map, Zona Rosa goes pretty much from Avenida 79 to Avenida 85, and from Carrera 11 to Carrera 15. Zona T is a smaller part of Zona Rosa, basically the pedestrian area next to the shopping mall Andino.
The easiest way to party in Bogota is to go to Zona Rosa, walk around, and go to whatever bars and clubs you find most appealing. You could start by drinking a few beers in bars like El Irish, BBC, El Mono Bandido, then head for one of the popular clubs of the area like Mad Radio (house/techno), El Coq (techno), Clandestino (crossover music), or Presea (latin/reggaeton).
The main problem is that the hotels there can be quite expensive. The two best affordable choices are Avani Royal Zona T (US$70 per night) and Hotel Saint Simon (US$57 per night).
Chapinero
Another recommended location with plenty of bars and clubs is Chapinero. This is a middle-upper class neighborhood, popular with students, with a lot of affordable restaurants. It is slightly less safe than Zona Rosa, but more authentic. It is also within 15-20 minutes from the historic city center.
On a map, it goes from Calle 44 to Calle 74 and from Carrera 4 to Avenida Caracas. As you can see, it is considerably larger than Zona Rosa:
Many of the best nightclubs in Chapinero are located along Carrera 13, and near the Basílica Nuestra Señora de Lourdes. I think staying anywhere nearby would be an ideal choice to enjoy the neighborhood's vibe and the nightlie.
However, be aware that unlike in Zona Rosa, it is not really safe to walk around in Chapinero at night. Furthermore, the venues are more spread out so you will certainly need to use Uber to go from one place to another.
Parque 93
The nightlife in the area surrounding Parque 93 is more laidback and less touristy. This is one of the nicest residential neighborhoods to live in Bogota, so you can feel it has an exclusive vibe.
There isn't any big nightclub there, but many bars like Black Bear, El Mono Bandido, BBC Cerveria, Apache, or District. It is pretty safe, even at night, and it's just 5 minutes by taxi from Zona Rosa.
Bogota Travel Tips
Weather
Bogota's weather is quite stable all year round. The average temperature is 20°C (68°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night. It rains a little bit almost every day, particularly during the wet seasons (March to May and September to December). This means that you'll usually need to bring a jacket with you when going out.
Mobile Phone
It is really useful to have the internet with you at all times while in Colombia. Personally, I bought a Claro sim card with 2.2GB of data directly at the airport in Bogota for just above 40,000 Colombian Pesos (COP) - US$13. If you don't buy it at the airport, you can find shops easily on the streets or in malls. Recommended providers apart from Claro are Movistar and Tigo.
Bogota's weather is quite stable all year round. The average temperature is 20°C (68°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night. It rains a little bit almost every day, particularly during the wet seasons (March to May and September to December). This means that you'll usually need to bring a jacket with you when going out.
Mobile Phone
It is really useful to have the internet with you at all times while in Colombia. Personally, I bought a Claro sim card with 2.2GB of data directly at the airport in Bogota for just above 40,000 Colombian Pesos (COP) - US$13. If you don't buy it at the airport, you can find shops easily on the streets or in malls. Recommended providers apart from Claro are Movistar and Tigo.
Going Around
There is no metro/subway in Bogota, but they have buses with dedicated lanes. Called Transmilenio, I was using them quite often during the day as they go quickly to most of the major sights in the city. It is comfortable, except during rush hours (5PM to 8PM) when you will be squeezed in with hundreds of other commuters. You can buy a Frequent User Card and top it up with credit. Each ride will then cost you around 3000 COP (US$0.70).
After 11PM, there are no buses available so you'll have to take taxis or Uber. The cost is reasonable, about US$5 for a 20-minute ride in the evening. Avoid walking at night when going out of clubs, except in the Zona T/Zona Rosa.
Safety
If this is your first trip to Bogota, you may feel apprehensive because of its past reputation as a drug and murder capital. This is no longer the case, but you still need to be careful.
To make things simple, safe neighborhoods are in the North. In Zona Rosa, Chico, Virrey or Parque 93, you have little to worry about, even late at night and even when you are alone in the streets.
Then the situation gradually deteriorates as you go to the South of the city.
In Chapinero or La Candelaria (tourist area), it gets more tricky. During the day, it is safe as long as you stay in busy streets. At night, do not walk home by yourself going back from nightclubs, even for short distances.
Further South is supposed to be even more dangerous and you should avoid going there alone for no reasons.
Wherever you are, avoid tempting wannabe thieves and pickpockets. Do not show your cameras, cell phones, wallets, jewelry or valuables.
If this is your first trip to Bogota, you may feel apprehensive because of its past reputation as a drug and murder capital. This is no longer the case, but you still need to be careful.
To make things simple, safe neighborhoods are in the North. In Zona Rosa, Chico, Virrey or Parque 93, you have little to worry about, even late at night and even when you are alone in the streets.
Then the situation gradually deteriorates as you go to the South of the city.
In Chapinero or La Candelaria (tourist area), it gets more tricky. During the day, it is safe as long as you stay in busy streets. At night, do not walk home by yourself going back from nightclubs, even for short distances.
Further South is supposed to be even more dangerous and you should avoid going there alone for no reasons.
Wherever you are, avoid tempting wannabe thieves and pickpockets. Do not show your cameras, cell phones, wallets, jewelry or valuables.
Bogota Nightlife Tips
This is what you should know before heading out to party in Bogota:
Events
I follow these Instagram accounts to know about parties in Bogota:
I follow these Instagram accounts to know about parties in Bogota:
- BCapitalTechno and Techn0event for electronic music
- Qué Hay Pa Hacer (generalist)
Price of Clubbing
Many high-end bars and clubs in Zona Rosa will charge an entrance fee on weekends. It is usually very reasonable, between COP20,000 and COP50,000 depending on the event.
Typically, cheap bars will charge COP5,000 for a 33cl can of beer, COP10,000 for hard drinks or cocktails. In upper-class venues, you can expect to pay COP10,000/15,000 for a beer, COP25,000/30,000 for a nice cocktail, COP300,000 for a bottle of premium alcohol (Black Label, Jack Daniel's, Grey Goose, etc).
If you are on a budget, you can share with your friends a bottle of locally-made Aguardiente. It is usually cheap (COP50,000 to COP80,000 for a bottle).
When to Party
Wednesday and Friday are the biggest nights out. Surprisingly, Saturdays can be quiet as many Colombians will stay with their families on Sunday. Some clubs are open until 5AM, but generally, the peak clubbing time is 2AM.
Many high-end bars and clubs in Zona Rosa will charge an entrance fee on weekends. It is usually very reasonable, between COP20,000 and COP50,000 depending on the event.
Typically, cheap bars will charge COP5,000 for a 33cl can of beer, COP10,000 for hard drinks or cocktails. In upper-class venues, you can expect to pay COP10,000/15,000 for a beer, COP25,000/30,000 for a nice cocktail, COP300,000 for a bottle of premium alcohol (Black Label, Jack Daniel's, Grey Goose, etc).
If you are on a budget, you can share with your friends a bottle of locally-made Aguardiente. It is usually cheap (COP50,000 to COP80,000 for a bottle).
When to Party
Wednesday and Friday are the biggest nights out. Surprisingly, Saturdays can be quiet as many Colombians will stay with their families on Sunday. Some clubs are open until 5AM, but generally, the peak clubbing time is 2AM.
Music
The DJs of most nightclubs will play "crossover", a mix of popular Latin and EDM tracks that can include reggaeton, pop, salsa, merengue, champeta, bachata, etc. It's always music that makes people want to dance.
The DJs of most nightclubs will play "crossover", a mix of popular Latin and EDM tracks that can include reggaeton, pop, salsa, merengue, champeta, bachata, etc. It's always music that makes people want to dance.
Bogota, compared to Medellin, has a very strong techno scene as well, with at least 10 venues specializing in it.
Dress Code
In Zona T, avoid wearing sandals and jeans. They are rarely accepted. Plus they make you look like a tourist. Remember that the weather is cold at night so it's weird not to be wearing pants.
Meeting people
If you are new to Bogota and you want to make some new international friends, go to Gringo Tuesday, a fun weekly language exchange that brings together travelers, digital nomads, backpackers, and locals.
Speaking Spanish will help you tremendously to make friends in Colombia as English is not widely spoken. The country is a great place to learn the language because it is spoken with a neutral, easy-to-understand accent. Personally, I learned to say the basics stuff quite rapidly (2 months) using the free version of Mondly App, then practicing during Uber rides, dates, daily activities. It helps that Colombians are friendly and easy to talk to.
Dating in Bogota
ColombianCupid is an interesting option to meet Colombians if you are not in Bogota yet and you want to make some contacts prior to your trip. This dating site has thousands of members, many of whom do not mind long-distance relationships.
Some of my friends use the luxury dating site Seeking.com instead. It is extremely effective as you have over 8,000 users in Bogota only. Many are beautiful, but they have some financial expectations.
Some of my friends use the luxury dating site Seeking.com instead. It is extremely effective as you have over 8,000 users in Bogota only. Many are beautiful, but they have some financial expectations.
Bogota Nightlife: Best Bars and Clubs
Large venue with different kind of music, from latin rhythms to techno (last floor). Surprisingly, a lot of people openly using drugs (Ecstasy, marijuana). Entrance is COP20,000 before 10PM and COP30,000 after that. Fun, alternative crowd. LGBT-friendly.
An alternative space in Zona Rosa. 3 different rooms, each with their own music (electronic, house, retro, 80s, hip-hop, latin): the patio, the terrace, and the music hall. They also have branches in Miami, Barcelona and Medellin. Price: COP 30,000.
Similar venue: Paradisco
Fantastic club with electronic music (techno, tech-house, deep house, acid jazz, etc) in the main room (600 pax), and Latin beats in the smaller one. It is housed in a renovated warehouse which gives the perfect underground vibe. They regularly have famous international DJs (Ben UFO, Legowelt, etc). Open until 5AM. Entrance fee from COP25,000 up to COP50,000.
A gigantic nightclub, presumably the largest in Latin America with 13 different rooms and a total capacity of 5000 people. It is officially a gay club and, as such, you will see male gogo dancers/transexual singers. Yet, there are also a lot of straight visitors in the crowd, including tourists. You can listen to almost every style of music: Salsa, house, EDM, techno, reggaeton, pop-rock, etc. Cover charge a bit expensive (COP60,000) but it gets you free drinks (open-bar) until 2AM. It's best to visit when completely packed (Friday, Saturday, special days like Halloween or Carnival).
Large club with a futuristic design built on 3 floors (techno, electro, house, EDM, Reggaeton). Nice terrace on the rooftop. Entrance fee around COP30,000. Beer at COP20,000. Mid-to-upper class crowd.
An iconic restaurant, bar and club that you should try at least once. Several floors with a beautiful, unique décor. There are two locations: One in Chia, about 45 kilometers from the city center, and one near Zona Rosa (Andres DC). The Chia branch is better, but you'll still have a lot of fun in the second one. You can go there for dinner around 8PM, order plenty of drinks, then join the party. Crossover music. There is a cover charge on weekends of around COP15,000-COP20,000.
Small, upscale bar featuring electronic music/deep house/indie rock. It is owned by a group of Colombian celebrities, including the actor Andres Juan. Beautiful yet pretentious crowd.
A new club with an upmarket crowd. Strict door policy: If possible come with at least one girl. Music is mostly electronic on the rooftop. They have a second room with crossover music.
One of my favorite spots in Zona Rosa at the moment. They host the weekly party "I love Miercoles" that often features great electronic/techno DJs. They have several spaces, including a restaurant that serves Asian food. Music is quite eclectic. COP 30,000 to enter.
Latino Power
This club located in Chapinero is a great location to listen to live Colombian artists. Various genres are played: Indie Rock, Funk, Ska, Champeta, etc. Alternative crowd. LGBT friendly. Entrance fee varies according to the event (usually COP20,000 to COP30,000).
Rooftop bar in Zona Rosa reputed for its reggaeton and perreo nights. Can be loud and tiring.
4.40 Music Hall
A laid-back medium-sized club where you can eat, sing and dance. Live bands and DJs play a bit of everything as long as it is festive (salsa, rock, top 40, merengue, bachata, etc). The crowd is older than average (over 35 years old). Popular with large groups celebrating special events. Owned by the successful Evedesa group which is also behind Bungalow Rooftop.
Retro club with 2 rooms. Music changes depending on the DJ: Reggaeton, soul, disco, funk. Crowd is over 30 and mostly made of Colombian groups. Cover charge is around 20,000 COP.
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Do you find Chapinero or Zona Rosa too touristy/boring? There are some cool clubs in Bogota that are completely unknown to foreigners. Toni-K is one of them. It is cheaper than average, fun, authentic, and quite friendly as long as you can speak some Spanish.
A trendy rooftop bar, popular with the local elite. Located just above 4.40 Music Hall, tiny entrance. The same group also owns the Furia (also upper class, crossover music).
Colombian Music Clubs and Bars
The clubs I listed above all have crossover, electro or reggaeton music. To experience a more local side of Bogota nightlife, you can try one of these bars and clubs:
Famous bar to listen to and dance to vallenato music. This slow-paced genre comes from the Caribbean coast of Colombia and it is characterized by the use of accordion. Large stage with a band all night long.
This club specializes in music from the Pacific and Atlantic coast, such as Marimba, Zouk, Champeta and Electrocumbia. They also serve traditional drinks like Arrechon or Viche. Popular with the NGO/Embassy expat crowd.
Famous bar to dance salsa. A bit touristy. For a more local place, go to El Goce Pagano.
Never been to Colombia - The girls on the road, I see they always in a door step of a building, do they have rooms in the building or we have to pickup them to our hotel? is hotels are girlfriends friendly?
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