Bogota Nightlife
Bogota offers the best of Colombian food. Many of the city's traditional restaurants provide a number of hearty meals, with ajiaco, a large stew made with chicken and potatoes, and puchero, which is a glorious hotch potch of meats, vegetables and rice, two of the favourites.
Bogotanos tend to eat at a fairly decent hour, with most restaurants in the city opening at around 19:00, with most staying open until around midnight.
Colombian coffee must be tried while out here, although in the mornings many locals will favour a santafereño, which comprises a cup of thick hot chocolate and slabs of cheese for dunking.
If it's good local cooking you're after there are a number of places to try. Surrounded by artwork from Colombia's distant past, Casa Vieja's famous dish is its ajiaco, which is very reasonably priced. The main restaurant is located on Avenue Jiménez, although there are a couple of other outlets in the city.
Those who like their grilled meat must head to Carbón de Palo on Calle 19. It is a favourite eatery of politicians, who come for the grilled steak, pork and chicken. Live music can be enjoyed on the weekends when the patio is open.
Seafood fans are not well catered for in general but La Fragata on Calle 100 is an exception. The restaurant is of the slowly revolving variety and the dark interior makes for a moody experience. Particularly recommended are the lobster, crab and the rainbow trout. Expensive by Colombian standards.
The majority of the city's top nightspots can be found in the Zona Rosa, which is comprised of the streets around Carerra 11/13 and Calle 80/86. Visitors who are here for a few nights may also wish to check out the bars around Carerra 5 and Calle 25. All the areas are reasonably safe, although it is best to arrive and return by taxi to avoid any mishaps on route.
Among the lively bars in the Zona Rosa are the Bogota Beer Company and the Palos de Moguer, both of which play a good blend of international and salsa flavoured music. Great fun.
There are plenty of good nightclubs to have a go at as well, with many of a salsan variety. If it's glamour and the potential for rubbing shoulders, but not a lot else, with past Colombian representatives of the Miss World contest, try Galeria Café Libro on Calle 81, which also has a live band most nights.
Nearby, Security is another good bet for clubbers, although this has more of an international feel and has the high prices to match.
The city does not have a huge gay scene but a good place to try is the Alex bar, which can be found on Calle 22 and Carerra 7. Expensive but lively.
Lastly, if it's classical music, ballet or opera you're after, a trip to the Teatro Colon is a must. The high quality of the productions is matched by this famous theatre's décor. Booking ahead is recommended.
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Nightlife and Eating & Drinking
