Bogota Party City is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:
- 11 Reasons Why I Still Don’t Want to Travel
- North Korea – Level 4: Do Not Travel
- We’re All In This Together, So Long As You’re Miserable
- Air TPOL Retiring From Travel
- Kayak Answers, “Can I Travel to…?”
- Don’t Route Via Panama
- Breakthrough Infections: Another Reason Not to Travel
- COVID Test for Return Travel Is Stupid
- COVID Test to Come Home Is S-T-U-
Do you recall the last party guide? I had to dig into the annals of TPOL to the Shanghai party guide (see TPOL’s Guide to Libations in Shanghai). Then I had to dust off my dancing shoes in preparation for my trip to Bogota. With only two nights to do damage and with light Covid restrictions in place (3AM last call, capacity controls), I cannot give a full assessment. What I can say is that Bogota is an overlooked party city. From what I saw, it has the potential to make TPOL’s Best Nightclubs in the World list.
Below is where I went. I have ordered it from Old Man Conservative to Clutch Cargos Pontiac, Michigan circa 2000.
Can’t Be Bothered
If you’re staying at the JW Marriott, you can have drinks at the lounge during happy hour. Only the first two are free.
Old Man
Like going to a nightclub, the last time I was in a proper pub was in Shanghai. In Bogota, I went to Cafe Verona and had a Delerium. This is a nice, quiet way to start an evening.
TPOL’s TIP: The address is Cra. 11 ###70-05, Bogotá, Colombia.
Young Professional: Chapinero Area
Young professional is what I will call myself indefinitely. If you identify as such, go to the Chapinero Area to start your evening. There, I went to La Brasserie and sat at the bar sipping on Colombian rum. Surrounding this restaurant was bar after bar, each with a long line. Clearly, people were ready to go out and drink after this Covid ordeal.
TPOL’s Tip: The address is Cra. 13 #85-35, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.
18+
Feeling adolescent and unprofessional? Go to the Ghetto. That’s the name of the establishment. Was I the oldest person there? Hardly. But it did have the old school feel of the aforementioned Clutch Cargos, the club from my youth. There were four floors. One with hip-hop called Pantera, one with oldies and an arcade called Sector 9, a terrace, and the drug level. I stuck to the first two.
TPOL’s Tip: Check out the ghetto’s website.
Prices
The exchange rate was excellent. Even at the upscale bar, drinks were only $6-$7.
Diversity
The music was great. The prices were right. What makes Bogota a great party city is the diversity of the people. Everyone goes and everyone parties.
Next Time
We tried to go to Theatron, but it was at capacity. It really looks like a place for young interns, not young professionals.
TPOL’s Tip: Calle 58 #10-32, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Overall
Most go to Medellin and Cartagena and skip Bogota. While the city center of Bogota is not aesthetically pleasing, it should not be discounted as a party destination. In fact, I’m more inclined to return to Bogota over the other two.
