subject: Nightlife in Arequipa [print this page] Nightlife in Arequipa Nightlife in Arequipa
One of the loveliest cities in Peru, with white buildings made of the local volcanic stone, sillar, and myriad colonial buildings, churches, and fascinating museums, Arequipa is without a doubt one of the highlights of Peru, and well deserves a stay of a few days. But Arequipa isn't historians and sports buffs' heaven only. Once you are filled with museums and history and would just like to relax, mingling with the locals, sharing your adventures with fellow travelers, and sipping on a delicious frozen Pisco sour, Arequipa will not disappoint you. Party goers and merrymakers can rest assured Arequipa boasts a relatively busy nightlife which will keep even the hardliners entertained until dawn.
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days, with all places filling up with locals around midnight. Nightlife is mainly concentrated in two areas of the city, in the center, where you will find many smart bars and discos, where tourists generally go, and Avenida Dolores, where the young Arequipea crowds gather at night.
Many bars and restaurants are housed in impressive colonial buildings, where you can enjoy a cocktail, delicious snacks and some live music under white sillar vaulted ceilings. Calle San Francisco and calle Zela are generally the most active in the center of Arequipa, and there are also a few interesting places in the alleyway behind the Cathedral and Santa Catalina Monastery. Don't be afraid to enter the myriad patios located on these streets in which you will find as many as 5 or 6 bars or restaurants distributed over the various floors. Climb the stairs and maybe you will find a gem of a bar!
For traditional Andean music and an authentic Arequipea bar scene, head to Las Quenas, a pea bar which also serves some excellent Peruvian cuisine. Live music can also be heard at El Tuturutu, a restaurant on the main square, and Afro-Peruvian music at La Troica. If you prefer the pub ambience, Arequipa has several good options, from beer taverns such as Siwara and the Farrens Irish Pub, popular among foreigners tired with local brews, to more eclectic bars such as Montreal Le Caf Art.
If you're looking to show off your dance moves, head out to the Forum Rock Caf on San Francisco, a restaurant, bar and club, or to Dj vu, where travelers and locals alike generally gather to dance the night away on the busy dance floor.
