Salsa is a significant musical genre in Latin America. It originated from the combination of various musical styles, such as Cuban son, bomba, plena from Puerto Rico, jazz, and Latin American rock, making it an infectious, joyful, and lively dance style that’s perfect for meeting people and having a great time.
If you’re looking for a truly unique salsa experience and you’re passing through the Colombian capital, here are the top 5 salsa bars in Bogotá.
1. Casa Quiebra Canto
Located in the city center at Carrera 5 # 17 – 76, this is one of the most iconic salsa bars in Bogotá. The venue has over 40 years of history and was founded by students from the National University with the aim of breaking the mold and enjoying musical genres like salsa, jazz, funk, and soul.
This bar is the perfect spot to enjoy with friends, dance, listen to live music, and meet people from different places, as it attracts many international visitors. It’s open from Thursday to Saturday, from 5:00 pm to 3:00 am.
2. Salsa Camará
Inaugurated in July 1988, this is another salsa bar with significant heritage and importance in the capital. It is located in Chapinero at Carrera 11 # 70ª – 22, and its hours of operation are Thursday to Saturday from 4:00 pm to 3:00 am.
The bar is known for its extensive liquor menu and its live salsa concerts featuring both national and international singers.
3. Galería Café Libro
With two locations, one in Parque la 93 at Carrera 11ª # 93-42 and another in the Palermo neighborhood at Transversal 15B #46 – 38, this venue perfectly combines music with art and culture.
Founded 40 years ago, it was created to bring together lovers of literature and salsa. It offers a varied Colombian food menu, art exhibitions for sale, a terrace for chatting with friends, and a stage to enjoy and dance to live salsa concerts.
Galería Café Libro is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 5:00 pm to 3:00 am at both locations.
4. Sandunguera
This venue is the home of classic salsa and Cuban music. Founded more than 27 years ago, it is the perfect bar to enjoy the music of artists like Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, Celia Cruz, and other great salsa performers.
In addition to providing a space for dancing and live concerts, Sandunguera offers salsa classes on Thursday and Saturday nights, earning it the title of the temple of classic salsa in Bogotá.
It is located at Calle 64 # 13 – 52, Chapinero, and is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and pre-holiday Sundays from 5:00 pm to 3:00 am.
5. Habana 93
A restobar focused on Caribbean food and music. This elegant venue is located in Parque la 93 and is the perfect place to enjoy a good Caribbean lunch with family or friends and then dance the night away to live salsa music. The prices are a bit high due to the exclusive menu of traditional rums.
It is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 am.
Without a doubt, Bogotá hosts important salsa bars, perfect for dancing the night away to the lively beat of this vibrant Latin music. Whether you’re a salsa expert or just starting out, you’ll find plenty of places to choose from and experience an unforgettable salsa night.
