Parque 93 is a safe and upscale area of Bogotá, located just north of the Zona Rosa area and centered around a lovely park – Parque 93. Dan and I stayed here for 5 days and found it to be a lovely neighborhood to base ourselves in Bogotá. Since Bogotá is huge and traffic is horrendous, no matter where you decide to stay, you will want to ensure that there is something to do close to where you are staying. While at least a 20 minute taxi from la Candaleria (more like 30 – 40 minutes), the Parque 93 aera has a lot to offer tourists in terms of things to do, and I highly recommend staying in this area. Plus, its only a 20 minute walk from the popular Zona Rosa (shopping/restaurants/clubs) area. We did the walk between Zona Rosa and Parque 93 during the day and it was very easy and safe.
Sites?
Parque 93 is short on sites, but it is a fun and relaxing area!
Parque 93 – Obviously the main attraction of Parque 93, Parque 93 is a grassy, flat park flanked by cafes, restaurants and not-too-rowdy bars. Always filled with lots of people, kids and dogs, Parque 93 is a good place to people watch, just hang out or even have a little picnic. You can’t miss it if you are staying in Parque 93. The cover photo is a vendor selling balloons in Parque 93.
Where To Stay ?
Atton 93 Bogotá – Dan and I stayed at the Atton 93 Bogotá. Atton is a South American hotel chain that is quite inexpensive at $50 USD a night. While cheap, the hotel was very well-kept and clean, with great staff who tried their best to speak English. Our room was large and included a mini-bar, flat screen TV and a large and modern bathroom. The room also came with a complimentary breakfast each morning that was probably the highlight of my day. I will definitely be staying here again.
Click Clack Hotel – The Click Clack Hotel is Parque 93’s newest and hippest hotel. We only visited to check our their popular Apache Burger Bar (see below), but it looked very nice, very new and very hipstery. Note that some people complain that this hotel is always very noisy due to the rooftop bar.
Where to Eat?
There are lots of restaurant and cafes in the Parque 93 area, from fast food to upscale. Some of my favorites are listed, but there are many, many more!
Crepes y Waffles – A Colombian chain serving crepes, waffles and a variety of other options, from salads and sandwiches to fancy drinks and desserts. A good choice for a casual lunch or dinner.
Andres Carne des Res – The Bogotá branch of the infamous restaurant in Chiá. Lower key but also closer, this restaurant is located just off Parque 93. And there is a fast food Andre Carne des Res in the food court next to the Atton Bogotá hotel, too. This is a good option if you cannot make it out to Chiá, but still want to experience the party.
Matiz -An excellent upscale restaurant in Parque 93. Make a reservation online in advance. We did the tasting menu, which ended with a “truffle hunt” themed dessert. AMAZING. While this restaurant is significantly more expensive than others in the area, it is much less than you would pay elsewhere for the quality. The chef even came out to say hi! From the tasting menu – the bottom is the “truffle hunt!”
La Xarcuteria – La Xarcuteria is a hip restaurant just off Parque 93 (very close to the McDonalds). The menu is “American gastropub” fare and it is quite delicious. I particularly enjoyed my tater tots and ice cream sandwich! Recommended for a casual and tasty dinner, or a fabulous cocktail. You don’t need a reservation.
Where to Drink?
Like restaurants, there are lots of bars in the Parque 93 area! If you are more interested in a club scene, I recommend traveling about 20 minutes south to the Zona Rosa area.
Bogota Beer Company – A large branch of Colombia’s most famous craft beer brand is located right on the corner of Parque 93 with outdoor seating. I highly recommend having at least a beer here! BBC only serves its own brews. It also serves limited food.
Chelarte – Another craft brewery in Parque 93, which makes Parque 93 your best bet for craft beer in Bogotá! Chelarte is a block off Parque 93. Like BBC, it offers limited pub fare and its own craft beers, which at times can be quite creative. I just missed a coconut stout! Worth a look if you like craft beer (I preferred this to BBC)! I particularly enjoyed the oatmeal stout!
Juan Valdez– For those who want a break, but not booze, check out Juan Valdez. This Colombian coffee chain started in response to Starbucks opening in Colombia and now has numerous locations throughout the country. This branch is located right on the corner of Parque 93 and has prime outdoor seating. While one can find better coffee in Bogotá, Juan Valdez is an easy way to ease yourself into Colombian culture. The coffee is very good.
Apache Bar– On the top floor of the Click Clack hotel, Apache Bar is an excellent place for a sunset drink and Bogotá views. Lots of trendy young people. Get there early or reserve ahead for a window seat.
STEAL OUR TRIP
Parque 93 – E: info@parque93.com. The linked website is pretty comprehensive.
Atton Bogotá 93 – Calle 93 #12 – 41, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia. T: +57 (1) 747 77 76
E: reservas-bogota@atton.com. Reservations can be made easily on the website. Comes with wifi, excellent breakfast, welcome drink, air conditioning and large rooms.
Crepes y Waffles – Calle 93 B No. 12-10, Bogotá. T: 57 + 1 6767600 Ex.708. Open Monday – Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Reservations not required.
Andre Carne des Res – Calle 82 interior centro comercial el retiro #12-21, Bogotá, Colombia. Open daily 12:00 – 3:00 a.m. I would ask your hotel to call and make a reservation.
Matiz – Calle 95 No. 11 a – 17, Bogota. Monday – Saturday 12:00 – 3:00 and 7:00 – 11:30. Reservations essential and can be easily made through Matiz’s website.
La Xarcuteria – Carrera 12 #93-43, Bogota. Open Monday – Thursday 12:00 – 12:00, Friday and Saturday 12:00 – 2:00 and Sunday 12:00 – 6:00. Reservations not required. Very limited English and no English menu. Fabulous cocktails.
Bogota Beer Company – Cr. 11 A No. 93 – 94 Bogotá, Colombia. T: + 57 8026765. Open Sunday – Wednesday 12:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. Thursday – Saturday 12:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. No reservations needed.
Cherlarte Cerveza Artesanal – Calle 94 85, Bogotá, Colombia. Seemed to be open during normal business hours.
Juan Valdez – Cl. 93a #11-60, Bogotá, Colombia. No reservations. Free wifi.
Apache Bar – Located on the top floor of the Click Clack Hotel. T:+57 (1) 6351916. Call and try to reserve a window seat at sunset.
ON A BUDGET
Bogotá is a very budget-friendly city. However, the Parque 93 area is not the most budget-friendly area of Bogotá. If you are really tight, try to stay and eat in La Candaleria. Of the places mentioned, all except Matiz are very reasonable, and I found the Atton hotel to be an extremely good value considering the excellent complimentary breakfast provided.
[…] If you can’t make it all the way to Chiá, there is a Andre Carnes des Res in Bogotá in the Parque 93 neighborhood. Note that this restaurant is neither as crazy nor as big, but it is in Bogotá proper. In […]