Bogotá is cleaning up its act -- and getting gayer by the minute.
April 01 2009 11:00 PM EST
June 19 2009 12:01 AM EST
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THE BED
104 Art Suites
Cra. 18A #104-77; +57-1-602-5959
104ArtSuites.com
Bunk down in style at this glistening but affordable boutique hotel in La Candelaria, where a group of Colombian artists have converted an apartment building into the HQ of Bogot? cool. The spacious rooms have a clean monochromatic decor and stark edginess that you won?t find at other area hotels.
THE BITE
80 Sillas
Cl. 118 #7-09; +57-1-619-2471
Tourists often don?t make it to this bright, trendy, colorful cevicher?a in the office district of Usaqu?n, but they?re missing out. Its walls are bathed in chalkboard paint, where a staggering variety of raw fish (delivered daily) and Colombian fruit combinations are listed above the heads of office workers and buttoned-up 30-somethings.
Andr?s Carne de Res
Cl. 3 #11A-56; +57-1-863-7880
AndresCarneDeRes.com
Less a foodie destination than a party involving dinner (think salsa dancing and theatrical performances), the fiesta never ends at this legendary steakhouse in the suburb of Chia. The 700+ seat institution may seem ridiculously large and touristy, but it?s a Bogot? must. Between rounds of mojitos (served in giant goblets), snack on plates of patac?n (pizza made with mashed, fried plantain in lieu of dough) and tender little papas criollas (roasted baby potatoes).
THE MORNING AFTER
Cerro Monserrate
Cra. 2 Este #21-48; Paseo Bolivar; +57-1-284-5700
CerroMonserrate.com
The $5 telef?rico (cable car) ascent to this gorgeously reconstructed church and monastery takes you over lush eucalyptus-scented hills to a dizzying 10,000-foot altitude, where food vendors and fancy restaurants await. If you?re feeling fit, join the regular Sunday pilgrims footing it up the hill?s windy paths (not to be done alone, or on any day except Sunday, due to muggers). The pilgrims come to visit the statue of Se?or Ca?do (Fallen Christ), which dates from 1640 and is said to perform miracles.
Part One | Part Two