Must-see nightlife in South America

  • Mushna

    South Coast

    A postmodern bar that looks like it has drifted across from Arica, Chile, Mushna attracts a fun young crowd and is a good place for a night out in the…

  • El Titicó

    Bogotá

    Half-hidden beneath a small shopping mall and not looking like much from the outside, this feisty bar in Chapinero is inspired by the classic salsatecas …

  • Café Floresta

    São Paulo

    Third Wave it ain't, but this iconic coffee stop inside Edifício Copan has been at it since 1979 and makes for an excellent downtown pitstop for one of…

  • La Ris

    Iguazú Falls & the Northeast

    One of Concepción's classic cafes, Ris is on the corner of the plaza and is a good spot to sit and watch the movement in town. It's a fairly minimalist…

  • Choperia Liberdade

    São Paulo

    For karaoke the old-fashioned way, head to this kitsch classic, which is decked out in Christmas lights, party favors, plug-in paintings and glowing…

  • Cervecería Petermann

    Sur Chico

    This microbrewery and pizzeria, named after Huilo-Huilo founder, Víctor Petermann, is the end-all, be-all of Huilo-Huilo nightlife in high season and…

  • La Taberna

    Punta Arenas

    This dark and elegant subterranean bar, with polished wood fixtures and cozy nooks reminiscent of an old-fashioned ship, is a classic old boys’ club. The…

  • Toca Raul

    Rio de Janeiro

    One for the rock-lovers, Toca Raul has live bands at weekends (typically from 8pm Friday and Saturday; check the Facebook page for the latest schedule)…

  • La Vieja Escuela

    Pucón

    This dark and sexy bar/club/live-music venue – 'The Old School' – caters to sophisticated 30-somethings who've outgrown the guide-versus-backpacker pickup…

  • São Paulo Tap House

    São Paulo

    Although it lacks a bit of soul and character, you cannot deny the 40 taps pumping out Brazil-wide craft chope at this bi-level Vila Madalena bar. If…

  • El Gran Combito

    South Coast

    Budget travelers should head here for breakfast or lunch. This little pink no-frills booth, next to Hotel Ecuatoriano, does fresh fruit smoothies and…

  • Grão Raro

    Rio de Janeiro

    Part of a new breed of coffeehouses sprouting up across Rio, Grão Raro (which means 'rare bean') has high-quality roasts, prepared to your liking …

  • La Taberna

    Guayaquil

    Walking up the steps in Las Peñas, take the first lane off to the left (step 37, to be exact!) to reach this lively, bohemian drinking den. It has salsa…

  • La Bodeguita de Cuba

    Quito

    With its warmly lit interior, graffiti-covered walls and outdoor seating, this is a great place for cocktails, Cuban food and fun. Live bands perform here…

  • Império do Café

    Minas Gerais

    Just below the tourist office, this cafe with exposed stone walls has simple food, fancy coffee drinks, and an extensive beer and wine list. It's an…

  • Irish Pub

    Santa Cruz

    On the east side of the plaza, this place is something of a second home to travelers in Santa Cruz. It serves comfort food such as Irish stew and chicken…

  • Bar Surfshop

    Rio de Janeiro

    A hole-in-the-wall drinkery that has a winning combination of burgers (R$28 to R$33) and beers, the Bar Surfshop draws a lively crowd on sunny days. As…

  • El Lobizón

    Montevideo

    Lobizón’s cellar-bar atmosphere, free-flowing pitchers of sangria and clericó (white wine mixed with rum and fruit), and tasty snacks such as its famous…

  • Vizinhando

    Rio de Janeiro

    Amid the bars and eateries of Baixo Copa, casual Vizinhando is a good anytime spot that serves ice-cold beers and loads of good sharing appetizers, plus…

  • Barlovento's

    Chiloé

    This restaurant and brewhouse with sea views is Quemchi's only recommendable nightlife option, with cervezas artesanales brewed in-house. The food centers…

  • Mama T

    Guayaquil

    In this trendy new part of town, half Miami Beach, half Ecuador, the menu focuses on fried things (like pizza in plantain crust) but you'll come here for…

  • Bajo Marquesina

    Coyhaique

    Lovers of football, unite! With vintage photos of Patagonian cowboys playing footie and jerseys from clubs all over Chile, this sports pub and dedicated…

  • El Diablito

    Santiago

    Old photos and vintage household items clutter the already dark walls of this smoky den. After dark, the tiny tables seem to invite you to huddle…

  • City Pub

    Armenia

    More a bar than a real pub, this open-air 2nd-floor terrace is a popular place to kickstart the evening. There are local and imported beers, sport on the…

  • Espresso Café Bar

    Cochabamba

    Just behind the cathedral, this traditional-looking place is filled with regulars, mostly men chatting with old buddies or perusing the papers while…

  • Mormaii Surf Bar

    Brasília

    One of several bars and restaurants at the Pontão that has an appealing waterside location, Mormaii is quiet midweek but gets much busier on Friday and…

  • Pasaporte

    Rosario

    Sublimely cozy with a pretty terrace and timeworn wooden furniture, the Pasaporte is a favorite for morning coffee with workers from the government…

  • Mito Urbano

    Santiago

    At this fun-loving nightclub, disco balls cast lights on the good-looking 20-, 30- and 40-somethings dancing to vintage hits and Chilean pop. Check the…

  • Baden Baden

    São Paulo State

    Campos do Jordão's own local brew is one of Brazil's most well-known quality (not quite craft) beers. Here they serve four standards on draft and at least…

  • Adventure Bar

    São Luís

    There are many bars on the sands along this stretch of Av Litorânea with plastic chairs crammed together under umbrellas, but Adventure is usually the…

  • London City

    Buenos Aires

    This classy cafe has been serving java enthusiasts for over 50 years, and claims to have been the spot where Julio Cortázar wrote his first novel. Your…

  • Side

    São Paulo

    In upscale Itaim Bibi, Side is one to simply sit at a great bar and imbibe well-crafted cocktails. The bar itself, half inside the restaurant, half…

  • Odoyá

    Salvador

    Drinks are standard, and you’ll have to deal with an endless stream of panhandlers sitting at these outdoor tables, but the views at night – several…

  • UK Pub

    Recife

    UK Pub is a fairly posh lounge that draws a sexy crowd for imported beers plus varied live bands and DJs. Despite the name it's mostly Brazilian music –…

  • Tostao’ Café & Pan

    Bogotá

    This no-frills cafe offers inexpensive coffee (COP$2700 gets you a large cappuccino) and something extra to munch on, such as pastries, cookies,…

  • Caramelo

    Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

    Part baking goods shop, part actual bakery, Caramelo is your go-to spot for teas, coffees, juices and smoothies in flavors ranging from mango to guava and…

  • Maluco Beleza

    Buenos Aires

    Located in an old mansion is this popular Brazilian boliche (nightclub). On Saturday nights it gets packed with upbeat revelers moving to samba fusion,…

  • León de Baviera

    Cartagena

    Run by an expat German named Stefan, this is one of the city’s few true watering holes. The intimate space fills quickly with locals swilling back 3L…

  • Barbacoas

    Leticia

    Unlike most Colombian billiards clubs that cater only to men, Barbacoas warmly welcomes women – although a predominantly male crowd plays pool at tables…

  • La Birrería 1516

    Bucaramanga

    Kick back with a good selection of imported standards and domestic brews (including Bogotá Beer Company) on the wraparound patio at this modern-style pub…

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