The Best Bars in La Paz, Bolivia

Unique city views from the top floor of the Europa Hotel (the stairs are worth it, we promise) make this an unmissable offering in La Paz. The view makes the city feel cosmopolitan. Often missed even by those staying at the hotel, this place is often quiet, making it a tranquil spot to escape the crowds and have a quiet drink with friends. Recommended by local insider Andrea Puente Mancilla

Named after the Bolivian area code, +591 Bar, on the seventh floor of the Atix Hotel, is passionate about the homeland with cocktails inspired by the flavors, cultures and stories of Bolivia. Try the San Mateo of vodka, grapefruit soda, cherry juice, lemon and bitters, or the Singani Sour with lemon, sugar, bitters and egg white. Take a tour of the hotel’s art exhibitions, or just head straight for a seat at the poolside bar. Recommended by local insider Andrea Puente Mancilla

In Sopocachi, you’ll find magic(k). Heralded as one of Bolivia’s coolest cafés, this spot has a team dedicated to using local and national ingredients to create a balanced menu of international and Bolivian dishes. The menu is as colorful and thoughtful as the laidback, fun decor. The food is spot-on, with sourdough bread making up the sandwiches, and salads with quinoa and amaranth to make you feel good. Don’t be surprised if you swing by for an evening drink and find a flamenco show or local band performing. Recommended by local insider Andrea Puente Mancilla

This spot has pizzas with a Bolivian flair and good cocktails from the wizard behind the bar. Enjoy your classic margarita pizza with views of the Illimani mountain – the views here rock. Close to Mirador Kili Kili, the Tata Café Pizza Bar is a great place to grab a bite before your trip up, or reward yourself with a cocktail afterwards. Recommended by local insider Andrea Puente Mancilla

Bolivians love dancing, drinking and live music, and Selina serves up all three with panache. This spot has colorful art on the walls, a global clientele thanks to the hostel upstairs, and a host of local musicians bring music to tap your feet or dance to until the 4am curfew. The cocktail menu is extensive, with local spirits taking pride of place, allowing you to travel Bolivia via your tastebuds. A wide variety of folk drink here, making it easy to strike up a conversation at the bar with your (new) friends. Recommended by local insider Shania Brassard

Malegria brings the vibes to La Paz, and it’s a hotspot for the city’s movers and shakers. It’s packed with dancers from midnight each evening, so the drinks and music will always be flowing. With an ever-changing roster of events, head here on a Thursday for the Afro-Bolivian saya and dance the night away! When you’ve worked up a hunger, the pizzas are top-notch and the bartender artfully blends the freshest flavors with the best liqueurs into, frankly, divine cocktails. Recommended by local insider Sabrina Morreale

Join the queue of clubbers at Gold Classics for a heady mix of disco, techno and everything in between at this old-school La Paz spot. The rule of thumb, as the name suggests, is classics only, so expect to know each and every tune that gets blasted out. It’s the place to let your hair down and where the drinks flow. The team here have been welcoming dancers for over a quarter of a century, and the decor hasn’t been updated much, which adds to the retro charm. Recommended by local insider Sabrina Morreale

The mastermind behind Diesel Nacional has a penchant for the eclectic. Doors made of trucks and piles of junk art and lighting fit for an actual mine certainly make for an interesting dining experience – interesting, and very, very fun. Diesel Nacional is a fabulous spot to visit with friends, share tapas, sip drinks and wonder at how a rusting truck fender can look so pretty. Staff are friendly and attentive, food is served till late and the drinks menu delivers. A winner in La Paz. Recommended by local insider Sabrina Morreale