As Colombia’s capital, it’s no surprise that Bogotá is a hub of culture. Here are a few places where you can immerse yourself in Colombian music — from highbrow to pop — making unforgettable travel memories in the process.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Catch an Epic Show
The Grammy-winning Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá is a prized cultural institution, and the group performs almost every week at the Auditorio León de Greiff at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. In attempt to create a more inclusive classical music experience, the philharmonic hosts free concerts on Fridays and offers low-priced tickets on Saturdays.
You’d be wise to also check out the schedule for Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo and Teatro Jorge Eliécer Gaitán to track down Broadway-level shows, Hispanic hitmakers, international operatic ensembles, and — if you’re lucky — a folkloric ballet troupe from Colombia or another Latin American country that mixes ancestral steps and costumery with modern techniques and artistry.
Rock out at a Music Fest
In 2012, UNESCO recognized Bogotá as a City of Music for its progressive and bountiful musical offerings. Rock al Parque, hosted in July at Parque Simón Bolívar, is the biggest free rock festival in Latin America.
Estéreo Picnic, held in March, mixes international and national indie acts like The Killers, LCD Soundsystem, and Bomba Estéreo. Raíces Flamenbo celebrates the country’s Spanish influences. Colombia Al Parque brings forth traditional tunes from every region during its outdoor summer series.
The electro scene is also picking up in Latin America, and Bogotá is leading the charge with events like Baum Festival. Toward the end of the year, Misi Producciones draws the masses for its holiday musicals, running 30 years strong.
Dance Salsa with the Best of Them
Locals say Bogotá is “full salsero.” In other words, Bogotanos love to dance salsa — a tradition adopted from sister-city Cali, known as the Salsa Capital of the World.
In addition to having a large roster of clubs where the tropical sounds thump late into the night (Galería Café Libro, El Panteón de la Salsa, and Casa Buenavista are solid options); you’ll also find Cuban joints straight-from-the-island.
Hobnob with a Legend
Carlos Vives is one of Colombia’s crown jewels. In 1998, the vallenato king opened Cumbia House, formerly Gaira Café — a restaurant, disco, bar, and live music venue, located in the home where he spent his adolescent years.
The space opened in the ’90s as a stage for up-and-coming artists; over the years, it kickstarted the careers of other musical legends, including Juanes and Shakira.
Though Gaira is more known for its late-night dance parties and restaurant, it’s not uncommon to see Vives or any of his famous friends play a pop-up intimate show on any given night.
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