Bogota's Bold, Beautiful Banquet  

 Bogotá in Colombia offers many conflicting and yet somehow complementing contrasts sure to dazzle or disillusion its visitors, depending on which side of the fence you are straddling at the moment.  On one hand, you have modern shopping malls, high-rise apartments and avant-garde towers almost rivaling the structures found in more developed countries.  On the other hand, you also see traditional open-air markets, makeshift shanties and colonial churches either hiding behind or co-existing with their more glittery counterparts. 

 Such displays of contrasts extend to its dining scene and cuisine.  In Bogotá, restaurant menus are wonderful blending of indigenous cuisine with strong African influences and a dash of European flair.  And the places where you can see restaurants, cafes and nightclubs offering their gastronomic delights lining the blocks are many, too!

 There are four major districts in Bogotá where an abundance of choices in the dining scene can be found - Carrera 15, La Zona Rosa, La Calera and Parque de la 93.  Carerra 15 has a flower market amidst restaurants, cafes and discotheques. La Zona Rosa boasts of the liveliest nightlife in the city even in such a relatively small space while the Parque de la 93 is the place to be for international cuisines spanning the five continents.  Yes, indeed, Bogotá is a tasty study in contrast!

 Keep in mind that dining establishments and nightclubs close by 3 A.M. at the latest so be prepared to rest by then.  You may want to extend your party time through the so-called "after parties". 

 And speaking of rest, you should book your hotel accommodations in Bogotá as early as possible.  Although there are many hotels in the city, you cannot risk becoming an unwitting target for unscrupulous persons what with your touristy aura going from one hotel to the next looking for just the right accommodations.  You should book online to significantly lessen the hassles associated with booking your room on the spot. 

 Now going back to the issue of food, Bogota boasts of over 1,000 restaurants, thus, making for one of the most varied choices available in the country and elsewhere in the region, as previously implied.  You can choose from traditional Colombian foods like arepa and sancocho, both of which are generally considered as national dishes, as well as regional favorites like the lechona Tolimense, bandeja paisa, ajiaco, cuchuco and the mote de queso.  Ask for them in any local restaurant and you are likely to get and enjoy these dishes. 

 Or you can go for international cuisines coming from many different countries.  And then you will start thinking that Bogotá is where it's at in the region, if food is to be the basis. 

 The prices for the foods in even the most upscale of Bogota Restaurants are very friendly to the pockets, too.  You can have a very filling meal for just $2, which generally consists of rice, potatoes, beans and a big helping of meat.  Or you can just say fritanga and you are set to be not-so-hungry anymore. 

 Indeed, the banquet in Bogotá bold in its variety of options and beautiful in its tastes.  Now, that definitely cannot be beat!

Make sure to choose a well located hotel Bogota for your stay in this marvelous city.