Colombia

Bclip

is a vast country that’s incredibly varied depending on where you travel. The hardest thing about any trip to the northernmost South American country is deciding where to go: straight to the hot 

 in the north? Or stop by Medellin for a party first? How many days are enough to tap into Bogota’s bustling creative scene?

We don’t have the answers, but Colombian producer bclip is on hand to talk us through some of his favourite spots across the country, highlighting the real beauty of the authentic. His music blends songs and styles popular across the region—from reggaeton-fuelled guaracha to northern champeta rhythms. His Colombian tips—on food, drink, and art—similarly draw from the authentic diversity of his home.

A 24-hour food spot, located away from the usual touristy areas, more ghetto. It's the perfect place to experience the true capital flavour—unpretentious but hearty. Recommended dish: Sobrebarriga sudada.

Seemingly hostile as it escapes the walled and gentrified Cartagena, this is where the true Afro essence of the city shines through in dishes that touch your heart. Recommended dish: Fried fish with yuca, mote de queso, and plátano pícaro.

Located in Barrio Abajo, the most carnival-spirited neighbourhood of Barranquilla, this is one of the best places to try one of the city's signature dishes: Sancocho. Recommended dish: Sancocho de Guandú con carne salá.

The best post-party culinary stop along Murillo Avenue. My favorite chicharrón spot in the city. Recommended dish: Chicharrón with bollo limpio and plátano con bocadillo.

If you want to experience true fast food from Colombia's Antioquia region, I recommend visiting Kamaos in Itagüí. Recommended dish at Kamaos: Hamburguesa de porketta with posta cartagenera, or porkcheta with French fries.


A consistent art project translated into a conceptual and avant-garde clothing brand in Medellín, representing skate culture and art in the city.

A classic 'estadero' (casual roadside eatery) for salsa brava and Afro-Antillean music, practically outdoors and a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the essence of my city, Barranquilla. Recommended drink: a Beer Costeñita "vestida de novia"

A tribute to ballroom dance music, with a black-and-white grid dance floor dedicated to respecting the dances of cumbia, tango, and salsa. It's a decentralised location far from Medellín's gentrified and touristy spots.

Given that Bogotá's party scene caters to all tastes—where collectives are more prominent than venues, Doña Ceci is one of the city's iconic pre-party spots. This is one of the few places that gathers everything Bogotá represents—every type of person that inhabits it and all musical tastes. 

There’s no DJ here, just several jukeboxes in the bar, where every attendee can choose one or more songs depending on how many coins they put in. The music spans every genre, from salsa, bachata, merengue, reggaeton, boleros, rancheras, to pop, and even full guaracha sets. Recommended: Aguardiente Nectar verde or Antioqueño azul with red Gatorade, playing bolirana, and spending lots of coins on the jukebox.

Discos Vertigo is a hidden gem in the depths of Bogotá’s city centre, perfect for listening to—and buying—good music. If you're lucky, the owner might offer you a glass of whisky.

Lotus Medellin

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