Marcela may not be any fit state to ‘rumbear’ (party) at the moment since she’s expecting a baby quite soon, but once upon a time she was relied upon as a dependable source of information for where to go in Bogotá. Of course, these days I’ve taken it upon myself to work hard and try to fill those boots, but there’s really no beating a Bogotá native when it comes to things like this so I’ve dug up an old post from Marcela’s Travel Blog that should help anyone looking to party when they’re enjoying a little bit of Bogotá travel. Here’s Marcela’s top 5 places to enjoy Bogotá’s unforgettable nightlife:
5. Gaira (La Casa de la Cumbia)
http://www.gairacafecumbiahouse.com/pag/
About 7 years ago Guillermo Vives, a famous actor (and brother of Carlos Vives) opened Gaira, known to locals as ‘La Casa de La Cumbia’. Here you’ll find a wide selection of traditional home-made gourmet cuisine from the north coast of Colombia, as well as a load of typical music like vallenato and cumbia. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll even have the chance to see Carlos Vives perform live! A great night of partying in typical Colombian style.
4. Full 80’s
http://www.full80s.com/
Although it has been a while since the 80s left us, Full 80s allow us to forget that sad fact and re-live the madness that was Duran Duran, Madonna, Michael Jackson and much more. This is the perfect place to hear house classics from the 80s while watching things like “Automan”, “Chips”, “American Super Hero” in the background. The decoration includes a cool collection of Transformers and Star Wars memorabilia. On Thursday there is a live band (cover is about US$13).
3. Bogota Beer Company
http://www.bogotabeercompany.com/
BBC (no relation to the British Bradcasting Corporation) has over 10 branches all over the city so you wont miss it even if you wanted to. I love BBC because it is a truly Colombian “pub” (if that is possible). They produce 5 different types of beer, but I’m only going to tell you about my 3 favorite ones:
1. Chapinero Porter, which is a black, London-inspired beer
2. Monserrate Roja, red and a must
3. Candelaria Clasica, a more traditional lager beer.
You can buy your beers in pints, half, jar or the local atraction Jirafas (giraffes) which are a 1 yard long glass full of any beer you want. As for food, they have named some of their starters after some of Bogota’s most famous neighborhoods such as Campin Calamari or Cedritos Chips. Great place for a pint and a chat!
2. Salto del Angel
http://www.saltodelangel.com.co
El Salto del Ángel is an enourmous place with lots of terraces, levels and bars. When going to El Salto you should be ready to party all night long, and be prepared to jump a lot!During By day it’s a classy restaurant but when it gets dark it’s packed with very good looking people going to party. I’ve always had a fantastic time there but it is better if you go in a group. They have live bands almost every weekend and a fantastic DJ that will keep you dancing on your table.
1.Andres Carne de Res
http://www.andrescarnederes.com/
Well we have reached my top 1! I shouldn’t really write anything about Andres and just say YOU HAVE TO GO AND SEE IT for yourself.
There are no words to describe a night out in Andres. It has such a special atmosphere. Andres is rumba and food Colombia style and really lives to its name (Andres Beef is an approximate translation). I have eaten good meat in Buenos Aires and Montevideo but if you want to try the tastiest piece of beef you must go to Andres. And it doesn’t stop there. Their fruit juices and friteries are to die for. Pleases try a Punta de Anca and a portion of Criollitas (tiny yellow fryed potatoes) and a glass of Maracuya juice ( passion fruit) and you’ll know what I’m talking about.
The decoration… well, where do I start? Once you get there, you are greeted by hundreds of staff members dressed in all sorts of costumes and the first couple of things you’ll see are windmills and winged cows… then you know you’ve reached Andres. Inside it’s like a zoo, or a David Lynch dream! There are all sorts of antiques and crafts hanged from the ceiling. There are around 23 areas called comedores where you can sit and enjoy your meal. Remember to look for your comedor’s name before going to the toilet, they are usually heart shape and glow in the dark. It is for sure the best rumbeadero (party place) and a must when you travel to Colombia.
So there you go, the master has spoken. If you’re on your way to Bogotá, don’t miss the opportunity to sample these great destinations and get engaged with your hip-shaking, Aguardiente-swigging Colombian alter-ego.
If you’re coming to Colombia and want to see Bogotá from the inside, check out our Bogotá travel tours here.
Paul (and Marcela)
