Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is a city that truly comes alive at night, and if you’re looking for the ultimate Bogota nightlife guide, we have you covered. With a diverse range of nightlife options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away in some salsa clubs, enjoy live music, or simply have a few drinks with friends for a chill evening, Bogota has it all.
Where to Party in Bogota
The Bogotá nightlife scene is primarily centered in the neighborhood known as Zona Rosa or Zona T. On a map, Zona Rosa encompasses the area between Avenida 79 and Avenida 85, and between Carrera 11 and Carrera 15. Zona T is a smaller section within Zona Rosa and is located near the Andino shopping mall, specifically the pedestrian area. This is where you can find a concentration of bars, clubs, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for those looking to experience the city’s nightlife.
Not far north from Zona T, you’ll find the Parque 93 area, a little more upscale with fancy cocktail bars and clubs.
Another unique place to experience Bogota nightlife is La Candelaria, the historic district of the city. Here, you’ll find a variety of bars and clubs, many of which are housed in beautiful colonial-style buildings. For a truly authentic Colombian experience, head to a traditional salsa club, where you can dance to live music and enjoy a few drinks.
Bogota Nightlife & Safety Tips
– Many bars and clubs in Bogotá have a dress code, so it’s a good idea to dress nicely and check the dress code for the specific venue you’re planning to visit.
– It is advisable to avoid walking alone during the night hours. Instead, consider taking a taxi or walking with a group of friends. Additionally, it is best to stick to well-lit areas when returning home, rather than traversing through poorly lit or dark areas.
– If a woman you don’t know approaches you in a bar, it is important to be cautious. There have been reports of individuals, often associated with prostitution, who spike drinks or use drugs such as scopolamine, also known as “devil’s breath,” to incapacitate their victims. This drug can cause unconsciousness or memory loss, leaving the victim susceptible to theft or being taken to withdraw money from an ATM without their knowledge.
– Many bars and clubs in Bogotá don’t get busy until late, so you can pre drink at your place to save money. It’s a good idea to head out a little earlier to avoid long lines and crowds.
– Don’t forget to tip: While tipping is not really a part of Colombian culture, it’s still a good idea to carry small change and tip bartenders and servers for their service.
How Expensive is it to Party in Bogota
Partying in Bogota will cost about as much as any other city in Colombia, maybe a little bit more than Medellin for example, but not by much.
When visiting the high-end bars and clubs in Zona Rosa, it’s important to note that many of them charge cover on weekends. The cost can vary, but it’s generally between COP 20,000 and COP 50,000.
As for the drinks, prices can also vary depending on the venue. In cheaper bars, a normal can of beer will typically cost COP 5,000, and hard drinks or cocktails can range from COP 10,000. In more upscale venues, you can expect to pay COP 9,000-15,000 for a beer, COP 20,000-30,000 for a cocktail, and around COP 350,000 for a bottle of premium alcohol.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider sharing a bottle of Aguardiente with friends. Prices for a bottle can range from COP 50,000 to COP 80,000.
Here is a basic overview of what you can expect to pay to enjoy the Bogota nightlife scene:
Nightclub cover: 20,000 – 50,000 COP ($4.50 – $10.50 USD)
Bottle of beer: 4,000-15,000 COP ($0.85 – $3.20 USD)
Craft beer: 15,000-30,000 COP ($3.20 – $6.40 USD)
Cocktail: 14,000-50,000 COP ($2.50 – $10.50 USD)
Bottle Service: 50,000 – 350,000 COP ($10.50 – $80 USD)
Best Bars in Bogota
Vintrash
Gringo Tuesdays is a weekly event at Vintrash where foreigners and Colombians gather to practice their Spanish and English. The night continues with a party starting at 9 PM, featuring games, pool, and beer pong to encourage socialization.
It’s one of the best Bogota nightlife spots and we recommend it for anyone new to the city. The bar has an exotic atmosphere with two floors, and the DJs often play reggaeton. Entry is free from 5 PM to 9 PM, and cover is COP 20,000 after that.
Andrés Carne de Res
This iconic restaurant and bar is located just outside of Bogotá in Chia. It’s famous for its delicious grilled meats and lively atmosphere. This unique establishment is truly one-of-a-kind and is certainly one of the best Bogota nightlife experiences you can have.
From the moment you walk in, you’ll be blown away by the atmosphere and ambiance. While there is another location in the Zona T neighborhood, it doesn’t quite compare to the original location in Chia. It’s definitely worth the trip to experience the true Andrés Carne de Res
Meeting House
Meeting House is a laid-back spot in Bogota for informal language exchanges and a great place to meet other tourists and locals. They offer a variety of events throughout the week, including movie and games nights, so be sure to check out their social media for updates.
Calle Dragones
If you’re looking for a more unique Bogota nightlife spot, Calle Dragones offers live music and cabaret performances and is a sophisticated spot to visit in Zona T. It’s a great place to savor drinks and great food, rather than a party destination, making it a must-try experience for your nightlife itinerary.
El Coq
El Coq is a popular spot among Bogotá’s artistic community, known for its craft cocktails and indie electronic music. The venue boasts a stylish atmosphere, complete with unique decor and a tree growing in the center of the space.
Bungalow Bar Rooftop
Bungalow bar is an upscale rooftop bar located above the 4.40 Music Hall nightclub. They typically play reggaeton or Cuban Rumba, but it is quite expensive so be prepared to spend a lot.
Quiebracanto
Quiebracanto is a popular salsa club located in the Santa Fe area in the south of the city. It’s popular among tourists to practice their salsa moves to excellent and energetic live music.
Revellion Cultu – Bar
Located in the downtown section of Bogota you’ll find this steampunk-themed restaurant and cocktail bar with impressive live music and even more impressive cocktails.
Best Nightclubs in Bogota
Theatron
Theatron is among the biggest nightclubs in Latin America, and its size is reminiscent of an entire city, making it one of the best Bogota nightlife spots. It features five floors with 13 distinct atmospheres, and while it’s primarily an LGBT venue, it attracts partygoers of all backgrounds because of the great party atmosphere and excellent value – open bar from 8 PM to 2 AM for 60,000 Pesos ($13 USD). If you’re planning to visit, the best night to go is on Saturdays.
Video Club
Video Club is a great spot to experience house, disco, and electronic music. It’s located in Chapinero, with an entrance that’s easy to miss – just an unmarked black door inside a beautifully remodeled warehouse-style building. The club offers a space to dance and enjoy the DJ, as well as an outdoor terrace for conversations with friends. It’s also one of the few clubs that stays open until 5 am.
Forty Nine Club
The Forty Nine Club, situated in Bogota, is a vibrant nightlife destination. Boasting a dynamic atmosphere, this club is renowned for its eclectic music selection, energetic dance floors, and stylish ambiance. Patrons can revel in a diverse range of entertainment, from live performances to DJ sets. With its central location and cutting-edge design, the Forty Nine Club stands out as a premier destination for those seeking an unforgettable night out in the heart of Bogota’s nightlife scene.
Octava
This large club has a futuristic design and is spread across three floors, featuring music genres such as techno, electro, house, EDM, and Reggaeton. It also has a nice terrace on the rooftop. Entrance fee is around 30,000 and beer is around 20,000. The club attracts a mid-to-upper-class crowd.
Clandestino
Clandestino is a newer nightclub in Bogotá, known for its lively party atmosphere. It draws Bogotá’s fashionable and trendy crowd, so be sure to dress up. The club is a bit hidden and requires walking up four flights of stairs to reach. One floor features reggaeton and current top hits, while the other has a rooftop playing electronic house music.
Latino Power
This club situated in Chapinero is an excellent spot to listen to live Colombian artists of various genres such as Indie Rock, Funk, Ska, Champeta, etc., from 20,000 to 30,000 Colombian pesos.
Presea Bar
Perhaps the best Reggaeton nightclub in the city, this stylish rooftop bar/club is one of the best Bogota nightlife spots in our opinion. The party gets really crazy one, so be prepared to dance endlessly all night. We recommend following their insta to see how crazy it gets.
La Negra Bar
If you’re into traditional coastal music such as Marimba, Champeta, Electrocumbia and Zouk, then you’ll love this bar in the center of the city. Drinks are very reasonably priced, and you’re sure to have a great time meeting lots of strangers and new friends.
Bogota Nightlife Summary
No matter what you’er looking for, the Bogota nightlife scene has it all. Whether you’re hanging out in Zona T, La Candelaria, or Parque 93, you’re bound to find something that suits your style. From electronic and deep house music to indie rock, reggaeton and salsa – there is more than enough for everyone!
You can also find many places that host events and parties, such as Vintrash, that is famous for its Gringo Tuesdays event and other events throughout the week, making it super easy to meet people. Bogota ranks among some of the best nightlife in Latin America.
While I agree you should tip. Tipping is NOT part of Colombian culture and never has been…