Historical Introduction
La Perseverancia was born in 1891 as a working-class neighborhood for the employees of the Bavaria brewery, which operated here until 2005. This neighborhood in the Santa Fe locality holds the memory of 20th-century industrial Bogotá within its steep streets. Today, although the factory has closed, the brewing spirit remains alive in its traditional bars and in the Festival de la Chicha, la Cerveza y el Guarapo celebrated every August.
What to Do in La Perseverancia
Beer Route
The neighborhood preserves century-old bars like El Templo de la Cerveza (Cra 5 #32-08), where they still serve Bavaria beer in clay mugs. On Friday nights, 32nd Street fills with locals and visitors bar hopping among these nostalgic establishments.
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Urban Art and Memory
The neighborhood's facades tell its story through murals. Don't miss the one at Cra 4 with Calle 30, where local artists depicted working-class life. Every April (like in 2026), the collective Perseverancia Mural organizes free guided tours.
Chicha Festival
Since 1996, on the first weekend of August, the neighborhood transforms into a popular celebration with music, dancing, and samples of traditional drinks. Chicha (an ancestral corn-based drink) shares the spotlight with beer in this tribute to the neighborhood's roots.
Where to Eat and Drink
Traditional Food
- La Pola de la Persa (Cra 5 #31-12): Ajiaco santafereño for $25,000 COP (April 2026) in an old tavern atmosphere. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
- Mercado Perseverancia (Cra 4 #30-10): Street food stalls with tamales and chocolate on weekends until noon.
Bars with History
- Bar La Oficina (Cra 4 #31-15): Founded in 1932, it maintains its marble tables and the ritual of serving beer in clay mugs ($12,000 COP).
- El Viejo Almacén (Calle 32 #5-20): Karaoke on Thursdays with a selection of Santanderean rum starting from $18,000 COP.
How to Get There and Transportation
The easiest way is to take the TransMilenio to the Museo Nacional station (Line J) and walk 10 minutes uphill along Cra 5. Feeder buses 8-3 and 8-8 also reach the neighborhood. Avoid arriving by private car – parking is almost impossible on weekends.
Local Tips
- Sunday mornings have fewer people and better light for photos.
- Wear comfortable shoes – the streets are steep and cobblestoned.
- If visiting in August (Chicha Festival), arrive before noon to avoid crowds.
- In traditional bars, it's customary to share tables with strangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to visit La Perseverancia at night?
The area around Cra 5 and Calle 32 is relatively safe until 11 pm due to the presence of bars. We recommend not venturing into dark side streets and using a taxi to return after that hour.
Where can I buy souvenirs from the neighborhood?
At Tienda Bavaria (Cra 5 #31-10), they sell magnets and t-shirts with vintage brewery logos. On Sundays, local artists sell postcards of murals in front of the market.
Are there organized tours to the neighborhood?
The foundation Caminos de la Perseverancia offers tours on Saturdays at 10 am ($35,000 COP per person, includes tasting). Book 24 hours in advance on their Instagram @caminosperseverancia.