Colombia is a country full of energy and colourful culture. One of the best ways to take it all in is by enjoying a drink on one of a rooftop bar, whether it’s in the bustling city of Bogota or the coastal paradise of Cartagena. Here is Indico Travels’ list of the best rooftop bars in Colombia.
Cafe del Mar, Cartagena
Baluarte de Santo Domingo
Our Indico travellers enjoying a drink together and the view over Cartagena. Check out our trip to Colombia!
Cafe del Mar isn’t so much located on a rooftop as it is on top of the wall that surrounds the city of Cartagena de Indias. If this historic location wasn’t cool enough, it also offers unbeatable views of both the Caribbean Sea and the city, particularly gorgeous if you can get there for sunset. The bar is spacious but usually full of people. While enjoying the panoramic views, enjoy a tropical cocktail and the beats of the music from live DJs.
Alquimico, Cartagena
Cl. del Colegio #34-24, Centro
Source: TripAdvisor
Located in the heart of Cartagena’s Old Town, Alquimico is a trendy bar set in an old mansion that sprawls across three floors, including its rooftop terrace. With good vibes that go late into the night, this is also a spot that specializes in mixology, where you can sample creative cocktails that highlight Colombian ingredients, such as the “Mandarino,” a blend of gin, mandarin-lemon liqueur, pineapple, and bee pollen.
51 Sky Bar, Cartagena
Cra. 1 #11 - 116, Bocagrande
Source: Instagram of @51skybar
51 Sky Bar distinguishes itself by being the highest bar in Colombia! Located on top of Cartagena’s Hotel Estelar, on the 51st floor, the 360° view takes in all of the city, the bay, and the endless ocean. Decorated in a modern style, the bar offers signature cocktails as well as snacks and live DJs.
La Azotea, Santa Marta
Cra. 3 #19-25
Source: TripAdvisor
Located in Santa Marta’s historic district, La Azotea is a disco bar on a rooftop that overlooks the Parque de los Novias. Playing everything from rock to salsa to hip hop, this is the place to be to dance the night away in the Caribbean breeze. There’s a good selection of drinks, too, and the servings are generous.
Alambique, Medellin
Calle 10 #43a-30, Poblado
Source: TripAdvisor
At the top of an art gallery in Medellin’s Poblado district, Alambique feels more like a living room than a bar. The appeal of this rooftop spot is not so much the view but the vibe, with good drinks and a hip crowd more interested in chatting and sampling the menu than partying. The bar’s name comes from the kit used by alchemists, and you can expect inventive cocktails as well as a selection of yummy Colombian dishes. It’s not so easy to find Alambique, which is hidden between a graffitied door and has no sign. Once you get to the address, go through the blue double doors and up the staircase to the art gallery, then continue on to the bar. It’s well worth it!
Envy, Medellin
Calle 9a #37-16, Poblado
Source: TripAdvisor
Perched atop the 17th and 18th floors of the Charlee Hotel in Poblado, Envy is a luxurious rooftop bar with a spectacular view. Its stylish atmosphere is accented with a swimming pool and upscale decor. This is the place where people come to be seen, and as well as crafted cocktails offers tapas and live DJ sets.
Los Rooftops, Medellin
Carrera 43e # 11-40, Poblado
Source: Instagram @losrooftops
Los Rooftops is featured on top the Los Patios boutique hostel, a popular spot among the flashpacker and digital nomad crowd. This means that the crowd is the perfect mix of locals and travellers. Los Rooftops also features a pool and serves cocktails, craft beers, and a diverse selection of dishes in a casual atmosphere.
Astoria, Bogota
Ac. 85 #12-66, Chico
Source: TripAdvisor
A newer rooftop bar in Bogota, Astoria makes our list as it attracts more of the 30+ crowd. Set atop the AC Hotel in the Chico district, its impressive interior design pairs perfectly with sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains. The bar offers a contemporary menu as well as creative cocktails and a wide selection of wine and spirits.
Sky 15 Rooftop, Bogota
Cra. 7 #No. 72-41, Chapinero
Source: Instagram @sky15rooftop
Set atop the Hilton Bogota in the Chapinero district, the Sky 51 Rooftop bar towers 54 metres above the streets below. This high-end venue has panoramic views of the skyline from its terrace and serves up sophisticated cocktails and fresh dishes from the grill, accompanied by lounge music.
BrewPub Rooftop, Bogota
Cra. 7 #123 - 35, Usaquen
Source: TripAdvisor
Colombia has a thriving craft beer scene, and to sample some of its offerings with a view, head to the BrewPub Rooftop on the 11th floor of a building in Usaquen. This makes the location the highest brewery in the country, and beyond a panorama of the skyline the bar offers a restaurant as well as cocktails and wine, and of course a selection of home brews.
Ready to enjoy a drink with a view? Explore Colombian nightlife with us on a trip with likeminded travellers in their 30s and 40s. We know the best bars as well as lesser known highlights in cities like Medellin and Cartagena, and can promise you more than a few nights to remember.
