Fun and entertainment Colombia

No cover at the entrance. Many people on weekends. ., salsa, vallenato and reggaetón listen. They drink force rum and aguardiente.

The partygoers will not fail to make the trip from Bogotá to know this mythical nightclub! Opened in 1994, it became one of the biggest clubs of the country, of the continent say some! Five atmospheres: La Cantina (popular music, llanera, classical vallenato...), La Discoteca (crossover), El Bar (reggaetón and modern vallenato), El Jardín (ranchera), El Patio (urban and electro). Last advice, as everywhere in Colombia, even where it's very hot, proper dress is required, avoid Bermuda shorts, you'll be turned away!

This very small bar, which also wants to be an alternative cultural space, promotes since 2008 artists of more or less experimental music, from punk to cumbia, through traditional music, or jazz. The stage is tiny and we are close to the artists, the atmosphere is there. They also serve delicious arranged rums and events are proposed almost every night: concerts, performances, conferences, documentaries or independent films projections... A good plan for the amateurs of the undergrounds arts.

This neoclassical theater, with its beautiful stone façade, is the symbol of the cultural life of the capital. Built by the Italian architect Pietro Cantini in 1885 and inaugurated in 1892, it was named after Christopher Columbus to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. Declared a National Monument in 1975, it was restored between 2008 and 2011. If you have the chance to go there one evening for an opera, a ballet or a play, you will be charmed by the talent of the Colombian artists and the enthusiasm of the local public!

At the corner of Carrera 44 and Calle 74, you can find the most emblematic place in the city to go salsa dancing! A completely informal open-air bar that has been declared a cultural and musical heritage of Barranquilla. Delicious salsa vieja, for lovers of authentic salsa. But be careful, once you come here, you always come back, that's what they say here... Since 1966, the concerts inflame the dancers who crowd there all generations and social classes confused. Unavoidable to feel the spirit of Quilla!

Founded in 1973, Teatro Libre was created by the theater group of the prestigious University of the Andes.

The idea was to make popular theater, which participates in the struggle to transform Colombian society. Teatro Libre has two locations: in Candelaria, with a capacity of 200 spectators, and in Chapinero (600 people). The program includes quality plays and music, including the Bogotá International Jazz Festival, which is usually held in September and is a must for fans.

A nice place to have a coffee, inside or outside, in a large patio. Many students from the nearby La Javeriana University, because the setting is friendly, but also because it serves excellent original coffees. The coffee is professionally selected, roasted on site and prepared by expert baristas, with 3 types of roasting and 9 different filtration methods, to best exalt the acidity, bitterness, body or sweetness of each coffee bean. Varietale also offers teas and food.

One of the best cocktail bars in the capital, with real mixologists who invent original recipes to surprise our senses. Author cocktails made with an impressive variety of herbs, fruits and organic vegetables grown in Colombian lands. Huerta Bar moved to a new space at the end of 2021 and opens during the day from now on, offering an interesting menu from healthy and local ingredients, in the same spirit as the elaboration of cocktails.

A little above the Parque de los Periodistas, in Las Aguas, a very nice cafe-bar, full of students at the end of the courses (the university of Los Andes is not far). The setting is rustic, warm, artistic, with a colorful decor and lots of recycled objects. A long open patio in the back, very pleasant in the afternoon when the weather is nice. Always good music, with concerts from time to time. On the menu, fruit juices, coffees (from Huila, delicious), hot chocolate, craft beers... and food : sandwiches, lasagna, pies..

Carlos Vives, the Colombian star from Santa Marta, opened with his brother Guillermo the restaurant Guaira Café, which quickly became a cult place for Caribbean music. The pandemic and family differences led to a new concept and Carlos remains alone at the helm of Cumbia House. The concerts, the dancing, and every space in this large house are reminiscent of Colombian cheerfulness. The cuisine from different regions is average, one comes here especially for the festive atmosphere. Reservations are required from Wednesday to Saturday.

In a beautiful 1938 building on Carrera Séptima, one of the most important cultural spaces in the capital. A modern program that exalts Colombian culture: Bogotá Film Festival, Ibero-American Theater Festival, International Jazz Festival, International Contemporary Dance Festival, as well as numerous concerts, ballets and quality plays. There is also an exhibition hall for photos, paintings, plastic arts...

Founded in 1988 by the charismatic Fanny Mickey (1930-2008), an actress of Argentinean origin and a figure of Colombian theater (whose foundation is at the origin of the Bogotá International Theater Festival), the Teatro Nacional offers high quality shows, very accessible in general, in all styles including comedy. The Teatro Nacional is spread over three locations: in Chapinero (Teatro Nacional Calle 71), in the center (Casa del Teatro Nacional) and in the Castellana neighborhood (Teatro Nacional La Castellana).

The "Bar des Souvenirs" displays the memories of Gustavo Toro, an emblematic figure in the village. This former projectionist and cinema enthusiast arrived in Pijao in 1999, after the terrible earthquake that destroyed Armenia. He has built up an impressive collection of posters and photos of artists, with which he has decided to line the walls of his bar. It's a nostalgic bar, where old LPs of salsa, tango and bolero are played. Today, Gustavo's daughter has taken up the torch: an absolutely typical address!

In Chapinero, in the Carrera Séptima, in front of the Parque de los Hippies, a very nice and not stuffy club, appreciated by 25 years old and more, with an open and alternative spirit. Two rooms, two atmospheres. Sala Jaguar plays salsa, merengue, champeta, boogaloo, or even chucu chucu! Sala Disco broadcasts rock as well as dancehall, through funk, hip hop and reggaetón. Buena rumba in general, and good child atmosphere which becomes animated towards midnight. Drinks not too expensive, and half of the cover is for a drink.

A temple of the salsa of Bogotá! For 40 years, we sway to the best Caribbean rhythms: salsa, son, bolero, Latin jazz... The collection of vinyls at the disposal of the DJ's is enormous! A space of artistic freedom which awaits you! Very good concerts at the end of the week. The bar is located in a small street 2 minutes walk from Parque de la 93. Another Galería Café Libro has recently opened in the Palermo neighborhood. Besides dancing, you can eat Colombian specialties, but also burgers and vegetarian dishes.

It is the emblematic bar of San Andrés. A very simple and colorful place, located on the beach of San Luis and held by a certain Kella Williams since 1980. You can find there the roots of the reggae roots and the dancehall, in front of the turquoise sea. A must at sunset. The atmosphere rises in the evening, especially around midnight. Kella is very popular on the island, because he created a shelter for injured and abandoned dogs. He takes care of them and puts them up for adoption.

This "cultural center of audiovisual arts" replaced in 2019 the old Cinemateca Distrital, which was located since 1971 in a wing of the Jorge Eliécer Gaitán theater. It has several movie theaters, an experimental room where audiovisual arts meet music, dance and theater, a media library specialized in cinema, and rooms for audiovisual exhibitions and workshops. The program ranges from Latin classics to independent and auteur films. Very accessible prices and numerous sessions every day.

The temple of the salsa brava! Like at Casa Quiebra Canto in the center of Bogotá, a warm bar where people dance until the end of the night, and that for about 40 years! Warm colors and beautiful posters of salsa legends. The place is located at the entrance of Getsemaní, and enjoys a clear view of the old city from the small balcony. On the first floor, La Caponera is a more informal, no-fee bar, with cheap beers and good salsa as well. Excellent atmosphere in general between locals and tourists.

An unpretentious café or tea room in old Usaquén. The space is airy, with small intimate rooms decorated with rustic objects and a warm patio, overlooking the street, with heavy iron tables where we are served (a little slowly sometimes) a cappuccino or a chai tea, fruit juices, wines and beers and also solid food including good Argentine empanadas... A nice place for a breakfast, or a break during his wanderings in the neighborhood. A lot of people on weekends (normal for Usaquén), more quiet during the week.

The Ciudad Móvil Cultural Center is an independent, self-managed space located in Cartagena. It is dedicated to the creation, training and dissemination of artistic activities. Every week, it offers entertainment activities and cultural services such as live music concerts, dance shows, yoga, salsa, zumba, contemporary dance and tango classes. The center also features a restaurant, GastroLab "Sur", offering unique flavors blending Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine. It's a great place to visit to discover Cartagena's artistic and cultural scene.