Exploring Bogotá’s North Side

 

Category

Attractions

Destination

Bogota

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I think it is best to stay on the North side, which is a very nice and attractive neighborhood and then visit the other areas like the Centro Historico during the day. The North side is safe, with many hotels and restaurants to choose from. You will also find shops, large shopping centers and interesting contemporary architecture. Some of our recommendations include:

Harry Sasson: Harry Sasson is one of the top chefs in the culinary scene in Bogotá. He promotes local, quality ingredients. His restaurant, Harry Sasson, is located in a faux-1938 Tudor mansion that has been transformed by the addition of a white-steel bird’s nest extension, in 2011, that makes the experience. It is contemporary and attractive with an open kitchen concept where you can watch the chefs prepare your entree. The bar with its huge glass wine cellar is the main feature of the space.

The menu is extensive. My scallop entree was one of the best I have ever had in a restaurant. It came with a beautiful citrus sauce with orange pieces and pistachios. I also ordered a side of jasmine rice plus a perfect mango sorbet. Carrera 9 y 75 – 70.

Parque de la 93 Neighborhood: This is a Northside neighborhood that has many bars, boutiques and restaurants. Here you will find Mercado. This is a wonderful restaurant in the Parque de la 93 Neighborhood where you will find many restaurants, boutiques and bars along the park. The design is eclectic and the menu very extensive. I loved the half chicken in a delicious coconut sauce with a perfect rice dish of pesto and raisins. The Guanabana ice cream bars or palettas from the delicious local fruit and a touch of mint or hierba buena were the perfect way to top off the meal. It has a very lively young crowd with Colombian music in the background. I had great service and a great meal! Calle 93A 12 – 73

Sunday in Usaquen: Head North to the Usaquen neighborhood which is a great scene on Sunday where you can explore the flea market and have brunch. The small streets are filled with shoppers and vendors and the restaurants are full so go early. It is a charming neighborhood in which to feel like a local and relax!

Our recommendation is Abasto at Carrera 6 y 119b-52. It features locally sourced food in a beautifully designed space that is full of large groups of locals. Upstairs is very comfortable with both indoor and terrace seating. I had the best quinoa salad with sweet potatoes, cashews, tomatoes and other veggies, with the freshest turkey sandwich with arugula on their homemade bread and a perfect coconut flan. It was recently featured as one of the best restaurants in Bogota. It has a deli and small shop where you can buy their products.

Gaston Acuria, the famed Peruvian chef, has a La Mar Restaurant in the neighborhood if you want Peruvian ceviches and other specialties.