Exploring La Paz by Night
September 2025
Why See a City Twice?
We are back in La Paz for a new blog post, and today we’re going to talk about traveling, and why it’s so cool to explore the same place twice. Not only during the day, but also with the same spirit of exploration at night. Because it’s not just about going out to eat; it’s about really seeing, feeling, and experiencing a place after dark. Tonight, we’re looking at how La Paz changes when the sun goes down, and maybe even becomes cooler. Let’s dive into what you can do, and how you can explore the city even more at night. And don’t forget to listen to this week’s podcast, where we talk to the owner of one of the coolest bars in La Paz and hear his night stories. HERE
Spring & Friendship, September 21 in La Paz
Even if La Paz celebrates spring throughout September, the big day is the 21st. Known as the Day of Spring and Friendship, it’s all about flowers, gifts, and celebrating time together. You’ll see groups of friends walking with teddy bears, exchanging cards, and enjoying cafés and restaurants that fill up quickly. If you’re traveling with friends, take a little extra time to celebrate your journey together. If you’re on your own, it’s a perfect chance to connect, join local events or our delicious friendship treats.
Three cool things to do with a friend on this day, Sunday, Sept 21:
Bring flowers or a small gift and join locals in the plazas, it’s a tradition to give and receive.
Share a long lunch or coffee in Sopocachi or Sagárnaga, breathing in the spring vibe.
Take a sunset walk to El Montículo to enjoy the view and celebrate friendship with city lights around you.
La Paz After Dark, A Different City
Most travelers see La Paz during the day, the busy markets, the colorful streets, the traffic and the cable cars up in the air. But like many great cities, La Paz changes completely after sunset. The streets take on a different turn, slower in some corners and surprisingly lively in others. Food stalls appear that you won’t find in the daytime, with smells of anticuchos, salchipapa, and api through the night air. Viewpoints that look impressive in daylight suddenly glow with the lights of the city in the night, in a very magical way. Even familiar streets, like Sagárnaga or San Pedro, feel different when you walk them under streetlights. At night you notice other things, the sound of live music, sharing a traditional té con té in a garden under the moon, with heaters around you, or a quiet story over a cup of api. Experiencing both sides of La Paz is what makes the city truly unforgettable.
Street Food Under the Stars
La Paz at night wouldn’t be the same without its street food. Once the sun sets, grills fire up, small kitchens open, and the city smells of smoky meat, fried snacks, and sweet drinks. Eating outside is part of the culture here, quick, cheap, and full of flavor. Here are five of the most iconic night-time bites you shouldn’t miss, and where to find them.
Anticuchos – Sopocachi & San Pedro
Skewers of beef heart grilled over charcoal, with hot peanut sauce, and served with potatoes. The smoky flavor and late night vibe make them the ultimate nighttime snack.
Api con Pastel – Sagárnaga & Rodríguez Market area
A hot purple corn drink that warms you instantly, always paired with a fried puff cheese pastry sprinkled with sugar. Best enjoyed on chilly nights around the market streets.
Salchipapas – El Prado & Sopocachi
Sliced sausages mixed with fries, topped with mayo, ketchup, and spicy sauce. It’s the Bolivian answer to fast food, especially popular with groups of friends late at night.
Burgers from Small Kitchens – San Pedro & Plaza Abaroa
Tiny food stalls and improvised kitchens serve burgers packed with fried eggs, cheese, and avocado. Forget gourmet, these are messy, cheap, and perfect after a night out.
Choripán – Sopocachi & El Prado
Grilled chorizo sausage tucked into fresh bread, finished with spicy sauces. Simple, smoky, and one of the most satisfying quick bites after dark.
Unexpected Things to Do After Dark
La Paz isn’t only about food when the sun goes down, the city has a whole other side that often surprises travelers. Streets that feel busy and chaotic by day can turn cozy, creative, or even magical at night. The views get sharper with city lights, the music scene opens up in hidden corners, and plazas fill with a mix of locals and visitors. Some experiences are easy to stumble upon, while others you’d never expect unless someone tells you. Here are five ideas that show off the unexpected charm of La Paz after dark.
Ride the Cable Cars at Night
See the city from above when the cable cars glow across the hills. The view of La Paz that lights up under the stars is unforgettable.
Sunset & Night Views from Montículo or Killi Killi
Two of the city’s best viewpoints where the lights spread out below you, with Illimani in the background if the night is clear.
Explore Sagárnaga and San Pedro Streets by Night
Familiar streets look different after dark, with street art, souvenirs, and people gathering in plazas. It’s a mix of calm and buzz you don’t get in the daytime.Discover Hidden Music Bars in Sopocachi
From live folk bands to small garage-style venues, Sopocachi hides some of the best late-night music spots in the city.Join the Locals in the Plazas
Plaza Abaroa, Plaza San Pedro, or smaller squares filled with families, couples, and groups of friends. It’s a chance to sit down, people-watch, and feel part of local life.
✨ Download our little checklist with ideas to explore La Paz by night. See how many you can check off, from street food to hidden bars, and use the checklist to get inspired for what to do this 21st of September, Spring Day in La Paz. A perfect day and night to celebrate friendship and enjoy the city after dark!
Be Safe
La Paz is in general a very safe city, but just like anywhere in the world it’s good to be a little extra careful when exploring at night. Stick to well lit streets and avoid walking alone late if you don’t have to, especially if you’ve been drinking. Use recommended taxis to move around safely after dark. Keep your valuables out of sight and carry only what you need. And most of all, explore with friends when you can, it’s not only safer, but it also makes the night more fun.
The Stories & the Energy
What makes La Paz at night so special isn’t only what you see, but what you feel. The streets carry stories, some told in legends and myths, others in everyday conversations over food or music. After dark, the energy changes: people slow down, dress warmly, and gather in plazas. It gets cozy. The lights, the flavors, and the sounds all mix together into an atmosphere you don’t notice in the daytime. But it’s so worth exploring.
You can discover all of this on your own, but if you ever have questions about how to explore more at night, just write to us and we’ll be happy to help. Also, check our Inspiration Station for more info, news, and updates from La Paz. Hope to see you around at Café del Mundo sometime soon.
