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Bars and clubs open and close in La Paz in the blink of a llama’s eyes, but some have stood the test of more than a couple of months of existence and are worth visiting, especially for live music. To check what’s going on and what’s still open, check out a free weekly culture and nightlife guide, such as Mañana Seguro, MetroBlog, or the excellent Bolivian Express.
Since 2006, this has been La Paz's best-loved (and worst-kept) secret. A maze of rooms are spread over two floors and filled with thousands of antiques and oddities. You can easily spend hours browsing from room to room while mingling with La Paz's hip bohemian crowd.
For nearly two decades this has been the night time refuge for painters, poets, and musicians. Subterranean, low-lit, and dingy, this is a place for beer and cigarettes, long conversation, and great musings deep into the morning.
Well-to-do thirtysomethings hole up with '60s, '70s, and '80s music videos and pricey beer at Capotraste. Take a look at their menus—every one is a classic rock album. There's a well stocked wine bar downstairs and the music is always good.
The quirky steampunk theme here makes for an interesting place to have a drink, though the cocktail menu isn't nearly as inspiring as the surroundings. Stick with the local craft beers.
A good option for live local rock, the cover charge averages Bs. 25.
Two blocks from Plaza España, this cavernous club is frequented by the city's well-dressed twentysomething set and is good for a long night out if you've got the stamina.
Sopocachi's most popular dance club is well frequented by tourists as well as locals. Go Friday night for salsa and Saturday for electro.
Located on the charming Calle Jaén, Marka Tambo is traditional and serves good food. It's not the cheapest option, but the location and mood are just right.
Mongo's Rock Bottom Cafe turns into a lively club in the evening Thursday through Saturday, playing a blend of Latin dance, modern house, and disco. Get there early or expect a long wait. The crowd is more foreign than local; don't bother with the food.
This popular hangout has been around for years but is still loved by a friendly mixed crowd of locals and tourists thanks to the music, which often includes good live shows. It's a great spot for dancing, and not bad for food either if you arrive earlier in the evening. Reserve ahead to avoid the squeeze.
For authentic Bolivian music, Peña Huari is one of the best. The cover is $15 USD and does not include dinner.
A suitably dimly lit atmosphere sets the perfect mood for the programmed live performances (Wed.–Sat., check the flyers outside) and the impromptu jazz sessions (Tues.) at this club, which has become an insitution in the La Paz nightlife scene.
This is probably the hippest bar in town once the music—techno, trance, and ambient—kicks off after 10. It attracts a young, relaxed dance crowd.
This is a pleasant, laid-back option for live music. They often feature reggae (particularly on Tuesday) but also encompass everything from rock to alternative Latin. The bar isn't exceptional but is famous for its fiesty fruity cocktail of singani and papaya, the Tutuma.
