×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange - Discovering the Best of Bucaramanga 2024
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In


Discovering the Best of Bucaramanga

By Betsy Burlingame

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Summary: Exploring the Best of Bucaramanga: Your Guide to Top Sites, Restaurants, Nightlife, and More. From Cultural Experiences to Outdoor Adventures, We'll Help You Make the Most of Your Time in the City.

Welcome to Bucaramanga! If you're planning to move to Bucaramanga, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Bucaramanga has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Bucaramanga.

Bucaramanga, is a city rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. One of the most popular tourist attractions is the Chicamocha National Park, a massive natural park that offers stunning views of the Chicamocha Canyon. The park also features a cable car ride, hiking trails, and a water park. Another must-visit is the Cathedral of the Holy Family, a beautiful neo-Gothic church that is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. For those interested in history and culture, the Bucaramanga Museum of Modern Art and the Casa de Bolivar Museum are worth a visit. The latter is a colonial house where Simon Bolivar, a key figure in Latin America's struggle for independence, once stayed. The city is also home to several beautiful parks, including the Parque del Agua, a large water park with various pools and slides, and the Parque Garcia Rovira, which features a monument to the city's founder.

The restaurant and nightlife scene in Bucaramanga is vibrant and diverse. One of the most popular restaurants is Restaurante El Cerrito, known for its traditional Colombian cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including bandeja paisa, a platter with beans, rice, meat, and plantains, and ajiaco, a hearty chicken and potato soup. Another popular spot is La Puerta del Sol, a restaurant that serves a mix of Colombian and international dishes. For a more upscale dining experience, Restaurante Casa Vieja offers gourmet Colombian cuisine in a charming, rustic setting. The city's nightlife is equally exciting, with a range of bars and clubs to choose from. La Puerta is a popular nightclub that plays a mix of salsa, merengue, and reggaeton, while El Garage Bar is a trendy spot known for its craft beers and live music. For a more relaxed evening, the Sky Bar at the Holiday Inn offers stunning city views and a wide selection of cocktails.

Recreational activities in Bucaramanga are varied and cater to different interests. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, paragliding is a popular choice. The city is known as the "paragliding capital of Colombia," and there are several companies, such as Parapente Bucaramanga and Paragliding Colombia, that offer tandem flights. Hiking is another popular activity, with trails in the Chicamocha National Park and the Cerro del Santisimo offering stunning views. For those who prefer indoor activities, the city has several bowling alleys, such as Bolera Mayorca and Bolera Unicentro, and movie theaters, including Cine Colombia and Cinemark. The city also has several golf courses, including the Ruitoque Golf Country Club and the Floridablanca Golf Club. For those interested in fitness, there are numerous gyms and fitness centers throughout the city, such as Bodytech and Smart Fit.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

Insider Tips from Expats in Bucaramanga: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"Expats in Bucaramanga often join various clubs and activities to meet new people and immerse themselves in the local culture. One popular option is the Bucaramanga Expat Club, which organizes regular social events and activities for its members. This club provides a great platform for expats to connect, share experiences, and get useful tips about living in the city.Language exchange groups are also popular among expats. These groups help individuals improve their Spanish skills while meeting locals and other expats. They often meet in casual settings like cafes or parks, making it a relaxed and enjoyable way to learn and socialize.Sports clubs and fitness groups are another great way for expats to meet people in Bucaramanga. Whether it's joining a local soccer team, a yoga class, or a hiking group, these activities not only promote health and wellness but also foster camaraderie and friendship.Expats also often volunteer in local community projects or charities. This not only allows them to give back to the community but also provides opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and form meaningful connections.In addition to joining clubs and activities, expats in Bucaramanga often meet people through their work or their children's schools. Many also attend local events and festivals, which are great opportunities to mingle with locals and learn about Colombian culture.Finally, online platforms and social media groups also play a significant role in helping expats connect in Bucaramanga. These platforms often have forums where expats can ask questions, share experiences, and arrange meetups," said one expat living in Bucaramanga.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Bucaramanga is generally pleasant and affordable. The city offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for those looking to work remotely. The city is known for its friendly locals, beautiful parks, and a relaxed lifestyle. Bucaramanga has a warm climate year-round, which is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The city is surrounded by mountains and has numerous parks, providing plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring. The city is also known for its safety compared to other Colombian cities, making it a comfortable place for expats and digital nomads to live. The healthcare system in Bucaramanga is excellent, with many high-quality hospitals and clinics available.The city has a good infrastructure with reliable internet, which is crucial for digital nomads. There are also several coworking spaces available for those who prefer to work outside of their homes. The food scene in Bucaramanga is diverse, with a wide range of local and international cuisines available. The city also has a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs.Learning Spanish is essential for living in Bucaramanga as English is not widely spoken. However, locals are generally patient and willing to help foreigners with their Spanish.Despite being a large city, Bucaramanga still maintains a small-town feel, making it easy for expats and digital nomads to integrate into the local community. The city also has a number of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, providing plenty of opportunities for socializing and networking.Overall, Bucaramanga offers a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle for expats and digital nomads, with its affordable cost of living, friendly locals, and beautiful surroundings," commented an expat living in Bucaramanga.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Contribute to Colombia Network Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides