A Guide to Eating and Drinking in La Paz

  Colorful Markets in La Paz

With its laidback locals and one of the largest concentrations of (semi-resident) backpackers in South America, you usually don't have to look far to find a good night out in La Paz.

Many of the city's top restaurants can be discovered around the Plaza Isabel La Catolica. Av 20 de Octubre and the Plaza Avaroa, meanwhile, have some fine places to soak up the views and some typical Bolivian cuisine.

Local specialties include 'picante de pollo', which is comprised of southern fried chicken, hot peppers, fried potatoes and rice, and 'lomo montado' (steak, fried eggs, rice and fried banana).

Unlike many major South American cities, there are a number of vegetarian options around the center of La Paz, such as on Calle Sagarnaga, which compliment the dozens of excellent meat dishes.

Bolivian beer is also highly recommended, with a more varied and subtle flavor than in other parts of South America. It's a good idea, though, to remember the altitude factor when you start drinking!

There are plenty of down-to-earth bars in La Paz where travelers can enjoy a drink. For a pleasant mix of locals and foreigners, head to Calle Presbitero Medina or Manchego. Here, cocktails and DJs make for a surprisingly chic scene.

In addition to a selection of restaurants, Plaza Abaroa also has a handful of wilder bars and clubs that are renowned for late-night dancing. Live music, however, is a bit more difficult to find; venues are too conscious of the tourist market and the many old-fashioned 'penas' now mostly attract foreigners.

There is still some Andrean music and revelry about in La Paz, though - you just have to be prepared to step off the beaten path for it. But, like the city as a whole, the vibrancy and color of the scene makes any effort worthwhile.

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