Must-see nightlife in South America

  • Leña Verde

    Pereira

    Great for people-watching, this popular salsateca (salsa dance club) attracts all types, from baggy-trousered homeboys to smooth romantics with tight…

  • El Sarao

    Caracas

    A longstanding destination for middle-class rumberos, this massive, subterranean space provides a continuous flow of rum, copious plasma TVs, great live…

  • Uvas

    Caracas

    This cozy wine bar feels as if you’re drinking in a wine crate. The vino is concentrated on Europe and South America, with oddly little by the glass;…

  • Birosca Carioca

    Venezuela

    As its Facebook page says, ‘if you’re someone who hates reggaetón, this is your place.’ It plays plenty of ska, rock and reggae, and occasionally hosts…

  • Lola

    Caracas

    There is Japanese fusion at this trendy, bi-level restaurant, but it’s all about rubbing elbows with the cornucopia of hotness that permeates the bar at…

  • Cheers

    Venezuela

    Ripping off the US sitcom’s logo and identity is this surprisingly pleasant restaurant-bar with a dark pub atmosphere, good food and a great U-shaped bar…

  • Bar Restaurant Jardín Sport

    Venezuela

    The locals’ favorite for chatting the day away is this informal open-air bar in a courtyard off Plaza Bolívar. It has a few pool tables in back and serves…

  • Greenwich Pub

    Caracas

    This supposedly English pub (No lager? No English speakers? No shepherd’s pie?) is small, dark and dungeony, with a rock-and-roll attitude. The crowd gets…

  • Bahia Rastabar

    Venezuela

    DJs spin trendy reggae and reggaetón in this youthful bar, conveniently across the street from Los Soles Restaurant. Outdoor tables are more relaxed, and…

  • Bar 21

    Venezuela

    It’s mostly standing room-only at this box-shaped bar teeming with youngish wannabe players, their chicas and an oddly eclectic mix otherwise fighting for…

  • Bar Morichal

    Venezuela

    This is as raucous as Canaima's nightlife gets: a pleasant bar with a spectacular view of the waterfalls on the lagoon where locals and tourists alike…

  • Suka

    Caracas

    Sexy Moroccan souk meets Karma Sutra chic at this dark and sultry bar full of patrons sipping creative cocktails like melon mojitos, orgasmartinis and…

  • El Emperador

    Venezuela

    Packed on weekends, this is the biggest party in the center. It also offers a peaceful, wood-paneled side bar for a quiet drink, and parrilla (mixed grill…

  • Gurten Café Poco Loco

    Venezuela

    This Swiss-owned sports bar packs them in till late with a mixture of rock, reggae and salsa. The owner loves fútbol (soccer) and it’s on every hour the…

  • La Gotera Art Café

    Venezuela

    Bean-bag chairs, romantic lights, a mellow vibe and tasty drinks make this swanky beachside spot a great place to hang out, inside or out under the shady…

  • Centro San Ignacio

    Caracas

    A major nightlife destination, boasting dozens of bars and clubs along the lower level, and the best mall within striking distance of a metro station.

  • British Bulldog

    Venezuela

    Plastered with Union Jacks, Margarita’s first and only British-style pub has live rock Wednesday through Saturday, but no pints.

  • Templo del Ritmo

    Pacific Coast

    On the bluff overlooking the sea, Templo del Ritmo cranks up the volume on weekends, when caleños come to party.

  • El León

    Caracas

    Sit on a lofty concrete terrace and knock back cheap beers and pizza in this well-known Caracas spot.

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