The 12th edition of ARTBO, the Colombian art fair that takes place in Bogotá, kicks off with a special preview on Wednesday, October 26. If you’re in town this week for the fair, you’ll need to know what’s happening in and around the main event. Whitewaller reached out to the Managing Director of The Assemblage and Co-founder of the Bogotá Art District Art, Magdalena Sartori, to get her insider take on all things Bogotá.
WHERE TO EAT
One of my favorites places to eat is Salvo Patria (Cl. 54a #4-13) in Chapinero, one of the hip neighborhood of Bogotá. For a more upscale experience, Black Bear in Barrio Norte is a good option for quality food in a bistro-type atmosphere with a good crowd. For weekend brunch, head to La Bodega de Abasto in Usaquen, an industrial warehouse where you can get delicious fresh organic food directly sourced from local farms.
WHERE TO SIP
Bar Enano is definitely the coolest place in town to have a drink, its minuscule absinthe bar hidden behind the hip restaurant El Bandido. For a more artsy crowd, go to KB (Calle 74 #22-20), an independent art space in the Bogotá Art District that turns into a bar at night, with great DJs on special nights.
WHERE TO SEE ART
The Bogotá Art District (BAD) has the best art spaces in town. Alejandro Castano’s private collection housed in the district is one of the most amazing collections of Latam emerging artists. He typically hosts a brunch during ARTBO. Make sure you check out BAD’s website for a list of all the art spaces. La Macarena in the old town is also an interesting neighborhood with some great independent art spaces.
WHERE TO HAVE FUN
This bar/intellectual cinema is one of the most interesting places in Bogotá: Cine Tonala (Carrera 6 #35-37). For good electronic music go to Floyd or Le Coq. The parallel art fair Barcu in Candelaria also has a great line up of DJs.
WHERE TO RELAX
This tine boutique hotel in Chuaci, Hotel Al Alba, offers a breath of fresh air from the city. It’s housed in the exotic gardens with natural natural baths. The botanical garden a few minutes outside of the city is also an amazing escape form the city’s famous pollution and noise.
TOP SHOWS TO SEE
Don’t miss Doho Sun at NC Arte, an independent art space owned by artist and collector Claudia Hakim in La Macarena. Also Sketch Gallery in the Bogotá Art District has the most daring art program of emerging artists.
