The city of Santa Marta is pretty small with a total population of around 500,000. The night life is a more low key “pueblo/village” compared to the much bigger cities of Medellin and Bogota. Santa Marta offers a number of small bars and clubs around Parque de Los Novios which nevertheless make for a great night out.

Even without a major nightlife district or “Zona Rosa”, there are numerous places to go out to in Santa Marta and Rodadero. On Calle 17 between Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 you can find great bars to socialise, have some drinks and dance the night away. New and modern bars are opening up and will add more entertainment options to the old city. Visit Ouzo restaurant at Parque de Los Novios for a great meal and some drinks before venturing out to sample the nightlife in Santa Marta. Ouzo itself can get quite animated with live music outside and the neighbouring bars in the Parque de los Novios.

The best nights to go out are Thursdays to Saturdays, particularly mid and end month when the locals have been paid! You will be exposed to a variety of music genres. There is a fusion of Salsa, Vallenato, Latin Pop and some European/American music thrown into the mix. A popular bar and nightclub in Santa Marta is La Puerta, one of our favourites for a relaxed night of dancing. La Puerta is located on Calle 17 #2-29 and offers a great mix of music and people, generally university age up to around 30-40, but there is no limit!

A slightly upper class option great for some salsa dancing and more of a lounge feel is Latinos, in the Carrera 2 between Calle 17 and Calle 18. You will appreciate the air conditioning, this place gets full with local groups and couples, a little more expensive and posh than La Puerta, it’s a very comfortable option. For electronic music and an amazing view, check out Miko on Calle 22 next to the Marina and a stone’s throw from the seashore. Miko’s is a covered outdoor roof bar with amazing international music, great drinks, and a fresh (sometimes strong) breeze all night long. One final option for a great night out are the terrace theme nights at Brisa Loca hostal on Calle 14. If you happen to be in town for any of the festivals (Halloween in particular) this is an unbeatable night out.

If you don’t want to stand still, check out a Chiva! A Chiva is an open-space party bus, filled with people, drinks, and Colombian music. The traditional and colourful bus will drive you around town as you dance and drink aguardiente the night away. Generally the Chivas leave from Rodadero, Santa Marta’s party sister. Ask at Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina if you would like more information.

Party on the beach at Rodadero. Rodadero has many nightclubs and live music events and caters mainly to domestic tourists from Bogota, Medellin, Barranquilla. It can still be a fun night out though. Beach parties kick off as the sun sets with locals enjoying a bottle of rum and local music by the shore, with a variety of street vendors serving up reasonable food all night long. For something more classy, dine at Burukuka up on a hill above Rodadero, great food with the party starting early on their beautiful roof terrace. For the best late night option, La Escollera is a large semi-outdoor club which often offers live music and enjoys a great setting close to a river creek.

If you are looking for a really heavy party, you should head to Taganga. Taganga is the hot spot for nightlife with a younger and more informal clientele, but one that likes to dance! There are many discos and bars along the beachfront. Popular names in Taganga include El Garaje, a popular bar on Wednesday and Saturday nights, located on Calle 8 with Carrera 3. Sensations located on Calle 14 #1., an open-air club playing cross over music, Salsa, Regaetton, Champeta, Vallenato and Electronic.

More nightlife in Santa Marta

Here’s a list of lively restaurants, bars and night clubs you may like to check out:

• Crab’s Bar – Crab’s bar was originally located in Bogota, but closed there five years after moving to its new location in Santa Marta. At this bar classic Blues & Rock never go out of style. Located on Calle 18 # 3-69.
• Roots and Sounds – A more chilled environment, this bar offers 3 x 2 and 2 x 1 shot promotions. This is the ideal spot to sit back and enjoy a couple of drinks with friends and watch the Novios walk by. Located on Calle 19 # 2a-29 in Parque de los Novios
• Son Tapas – Great late night vibe with live Salsa. This place is less crowded than La Puerta and can be found off Parque de Los Novios. Located on Calle 21 # 3-10.
• Comodoro – This amazing nightclub is in Parque de Los Novios. This place has 2 floors. The first floor is Crossover music and the 2nd floor is strictly Electronic music. On the first floor you can enjoy drinks from the bar and hang outside in their patio area for when it gets too crowded. Located on Carrera 3 # 19 – 17.
• La Escollera – Open till 4 am, La Escollera is the most exclusive club in Santa Marta. This club sits on a island in the middle of the lake where it can hold 1,500 people. The club attracts famous performers and DJs such as the famous regaetton artist Nicky Jam. Although entrance is more expensive than other places, La Escollera makes for one unforgettable night.

Have fun!

The nightlife in Santa Marta offers many options. Enjoy a nice meal at one of the many great restaurants around the city, play friendly game of pool at the one of the pool halls, or strap on your dancing shoes and head out to the nightclubs.

Staying at Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina?

Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina is located close to the restaurants and night clubs in Santa Marta. Just a short walking distance or cab ride to some the hottest spots of nightlife in Santa Marta. Even better, we are not located bang on the strip, but in a peaceful street a few minutes away. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any information about the nightlife in Santa Marta.