Nightlife in Colombia
The nightlife in Colombia is red-hot, and this South American country knows how to party. Latin Americans of all stripes love nothing better than to let their hair down after the conclusion of the week, and Colombia is no exception to this. Whether you’re in Bogota, Medellin, or beyond, there’s always something happening after the sun goes down. From exclusive nightclubs with pounding beats to upscale restaurants to the finest in entertainment, Colombia has all the nightlife a traveler to this country could possibly enjoy.
While some may disagree, the undisputed champion of nightlife in Colombia is Bogota. Although other cities may have a larger number of pure Latin and salsa clubs, Bogota wins hands down for the sheer number of entertainment options available. Whatever your particular favorite brand of music, it can be found in this vibrant city. Reggae, rock, jazz, classical music are all relatively easy to find. Additionally, Bogota’s bars and restaurants tend to be lively every night of the week, setting it apart from its sister cities, which tend to be much more weekend-oriented. Bogota has two main nightlife areas, and which one you choose depends on your particular taste. The Zona T district, also known as the Zona Rosa, features a wide array of upscale bars and restaurants and is where you can find many of the city’s clubs. Most nightclubs in the area will charge a cover, and appropriate dress is required. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, the La Candelaria district offers more in the way of tourist attractions and relaxed bars, and is where you’re more likely to find alternative live music.
Medellin is no doubt the king of salsa music, and it’s reflected in its variety of nightclubs. The after-dark scene is taken very seriously on the weekends here, and knowing how to navigate them is your key to enjoying it. Called discotecas, these clubs are centralized in Medellin’s Parque Lleras area, and get jam-packed on Saturday nights, so it’s best to arrive before 11:00 pm. All clubs in Medellin play a type of music called crossover, which features a mix of electronica, Latin, salsa, and reggae. Dress doesn’t matter so much in this city, as the women tend to dress up more than men anyway. For men, jeans and a t-shirt will get you into the venue just fine.
When heading out to experience the nightlife in Colombia, traveling by taxi is your quickest, safest, and most economical option. Metered taxis are available in all cities, and will generally be painted bright yellow. All taxis are metered, displaying the price in pesos, however Bogota’s taxis require a conversion table to figure out the final fare. Hailing a taxi on the street is easy to do and can ensure that you don’t end up going to an undesired part of town.
Few countries in South America have a nightlife as vibrant and fun as Colombia. Whether your travels take you to Bogota’s Zona T, dancing to electronic beats in Medellin, or enjoying the abundance of other nighttime venues around the country, Colombia certainly has a nocturnal activity for you.
