Bolivia Info
Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 16
Home Country: bolivia
|
 Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2006 5:07 am Post subject: NIGHTLIFE IN BOLIVIA / BOLIVIA NIGHTLIFE GUIDE |
 |
|
NIGHTLIFE IN BOLIVIA
LA PAZ
Once the sun sets in La Paz, the temperature drops dramatically. Instead of going home (often to unheated apartments), many locals seek the warmth of bars and pubs. The nightlife scene in La Paz can hardly compare to New York or even Buenos Aires, but there are some funky places in the heart of the city where you can relax and kick back a few drinks. Peñas provide a place for visitors to experience traditional folk music and dance, although they tend to be very touristy.
Note: Most bars (except in hotels) are open only Wednesday through Saturday.
Bars & Pubs
The best hotel bar in La Paz is at the Radisson; they have a very popular happy hour nightly from 6:30 to 8:30pm offering two-for-one drinks, and it's popular with expatriates and tourists alike. One of the most popular British-style watering holes in the city is Mongo's, Hermanos Manchego 2444 (near the corner of Pedro Salazar, half a block up from Av. 6 de Agosto). It has a cozy feel and a wood-burning fireplace. Get here early, as the place fills up late at night; the food here is also surprisingly good. Coyote Bar, Av. 20 de Octubre 2228 (corner of Pasaje Medinacelli), is smaller and less popular than Mongo's. Malegría, Calle Goitia 155 (a few steps from the Plaza del Estudiante), is very popular on Thursday nights for its Afro-Bolivian band; the lively music sometimes gets people dancing on the bar. One of the trendiest bars in town is Sol y Luna, Calle Murillo 999. Metal revolving doors lead into an industrial-looking space with a very in-crowd sipping on rather expensive cocktails. Nearby on Illampu between Santa Cruz and Sagárnaga is Ojo de Agua, where you can drink wine and chew coca leaves while you listen to a mix of classic rock and native music.
Discos & Dance Clubs
El Loro en Su Salsa (tel. 0102/2342-787), down from 6 de Agosto on Rosendo Gutiérrez, is one of the best dance clubs in La Paz; salsa is the specialty here. Boccaccio, J.M. Reyes 28 in the Calacoto neighborhood (tel. 0102/2771-112), is also happening on Friday and Saturday nights. Also popular are Coco Loco in Miraflores in the Edificio Providencia, which is on the curve right south of the stadium, and Noa Noa on Calle Conchitas between 20 de Octubre and Heroes del Arce. In general, the cover charge for clubs in La Paz is about 10Bs ($1.30).
Peñas & Live Music
These days, it's hard to find an authentic peña that caters to locals. Fortunately, for the most part, you'll hear authentic Andean music and watch folk dancers wearing unique but traditional costumes. Restaurant Peña Marka Tambo, Calle Jaén 710 near the corner of Indaburo, puts on a good show Thursday through Saturday nights. The cover is 25Bs ($3.25). The traditional Bolivian dishes are good. The show starts at 9:30pm. Casa de Corregidor, Calle Murillo 1040, is a similar venue -- typical Bolivian food and music. There is a show here every night during the week; this place feels a bit more laid-back than Marka Tambo. Boca y Sapo, Indaburo 654 (corner of Jaén), attracts locals as well as tourists; there's no dinner here, only live music, which makes it feel a bit more authentic.
Equinoccio, Sánchez Lima 2191 between Aspiazu and Guachalla, is one of the best venues for live music; the club manages to book some great local bands. For live jazz, try Thelonious Jazz Bar, Av. 20 de Octubre 2172. A lot of the bands that play here are from the United States.
SUCRE
Because Sucre is crawling with young university students, there are tons of charming bars near Plaza 25 de Mayo, especially on Calle N. Ortiz leading away from the square. I recommend the Joy Ride Café & Bar, Calle N. Ortiz 14 (tel. 0104/6425-544), owned by a Dutch guy and serving good beer and excellent light meals. This is where many gringos spend the evening. Next door, Picadilly (no phone) is another popular bar. If you're looking to boogie, there are some great dance clubs here, too. Some of the best are Coyote Rodeo, Avenida Venezuela at the corner of Avenida Del Maestro; Mitos, Calle Francisco Cerro at the corner of Calle Loyaza; and Tío Lalo, Calle San Alberto 680. Up/Down, Calle Gregorio Mendizábal and F. Ruck (tel. 0104/6453-587), is a popular spot for karaoke; the cover charge is usually 10Bs ($1.30).
COCHABAMBA
Cochabamba is a university town with more than 27,000 students. On Friday and Saturday nights, this town is hopping. Most of the trendy bars and cafes are clustered around Avenida España between Colombia and Ecuador. One of the most happening is newly reopened Metrópolis on the corner of España and Ecuador. In Recoleta, there are several bars and nightclubs on Av. Uyuni, close to La Estancia restaurant . Also, locals come out in droves on the weekends to sip beer and watch the action on the Prado -- there are tons of cafes and places on Avenida Ballivián (Paseo el Prado). They're all within a block or two of the Hotel Diplomat.
SANTA CRUZ DE LA SIERRA
The Irish Pub on Calle 24 de Septiembre right on the main plaza is a popular watering hole for foreigners. Avenida San Martín in the second ring is lined with outdoor cafes, bars, and pubs. Automanía on Calle Comercial El Chuubi and La Ronería (right next door) are two of the most happening places in town. Salsa dancers should seek out El Loro en Su Salsa at Warnes 280. |
|
Register
Log in
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
