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25 Best Things to Do in Bogotá (Colombia)

Don’t be intimidated by the sprawling, bustling city of Bogotá. Colombia’s capital is truly historic and packed with touristy things to do, but it’s also got a cool, hip, and even chic side to it as well. From its weekly Ciclovía bike route through the streets to its upscale neighborhoods filled with great restaurants, parks, and excellent nightlife, Bogotá is a real cosmopolitan city.

At the same time though, you’ll love all of the authentic culture, markets, and street art that you’re surrounded by on a daily basis. And after you’ve explored La Candelaria all the way up through Zona Rosa, you can head out of town for some day trips to colonial villages, beautiful lakes, and dramatic waterfalls.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Bogotá :

1. Stroll Through La Candelaria

This is probably the first thing tourists do in Bogotá because La Candelaria the historic center of the city.

These colorful, bohemian streets are convenient to several tourist attractions, but the area can but a little sketchy, especially at night, so be aware of pickpockets.

Follow the cobblestone streets past colorful Spanish colonial buildings and university halls, check out the street art, and pop into a few cathedrals.

Have a drink at one of the many bars, cafes, and restaurants, and people watch – there are many artists and musicians around the area.

Available tour : Bogotá: private historical tour of La Candelaria

2. The Gold Museum

Bogotá’s Museo del Oro is the most popular (and possibly the most interesting) museum in the city, and it’s home to more than 30,000 pieces of gold.

There are three floors filled with artifacts collected from Colombia’s pre-Hispanic cultures, each focusing on a different theme.

Learn how these people discovered, mined, and then worked the metals, making jewelry, masks, bowls, offerings, and armor.

Discover the symbolism and spiritual aspects of gold’s everyday uses.

The whole museum is very well done and absolutely stunning, plus the entrance fee is small for this dramatic and detailed look into the past.

Guided tour : Bogotá Gold Museum: 3-Hour Guided Tour

3. Climb Monserrate

Walk the steep steps up the hill (or take the funicular) to this incredible viewpoint of sprawling Bogotá.

There’s a little white church at the top, but the act of climbing Cerro Monserrate and seeing the city from above is the real attraction here – be sure to stay hydrated and aware of the altitude though. There are a couple of overpriced fancy restaurants up top, but there’s also a snack bar where you can grab drinks and food while you take in the views (they have coca tea if you’re hurting from the climb). Be careful who you go with though, the Colombian superstition surrounding the hill says that couples who visit Monserrate together will never get married.

Suggested tour : Private Tour of Monserrate

4. Plaza Bolívar

Head to the center of this capital city to see where government business gets done.

This sprawling, pigeon-filled plaza is home to Colombia’s Palace of Justice, the Capitol Building, the Cathedral of Bogotá, and the city mayor’s office.

You’ll see lots of police around, but they’re just for security as the Presidential Palace – the Palacio de Narino – is just around the square too.

Learn a little about Colombia’s history, from its fight for independence to the days of Pablo Escobar’s siege of the Palace of Justice, to really get the most out of your visit here.

5. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

One of the most popular day trips from Bogotá, the Salt Cathedral is located in the town of Zipaquirá about an hour outside the city.

This whole cathedral was carved deep underground in a salt mine, and it contains alcoves for worshipping and beautifully lit crosses.

It’s huge too, like a small town set 590 feet (180 meters) beneath the earth with places to eat and buy trinkets as well.

Get here early to beat the crowds, sign up for one of the frequent tours, and take some time to explore the colonial town nearby once you’re done.

Recommended tour : From Bogotá: Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral Guided Tour

6. Andrés Carne de Res

It’s not just a restaurant, it’s an experience.

The original Andrés Carne de Res is in Chia, a little town outside of Bogotá, but now there’s a location in Zona Rosa as well.

When you’re ready for a wild night out, go with a big group or sign up for a trip with a hotel or hostel that’ll provide transportation (and instant friends). This is a restaurant turned nightclub turned carnaval where you can get your fill of Colombian food and all the merengue and salsa dancing you can handle.

With different themed rooms, the atmosphere is like a festival or circus with tons of vibrant decor, cocktails, confetti, and even parades.

Book online (with transfer) : The Best of the Night: Andres Carne de Res

7. The Botero Museum

Colombia’s (probably) most famous artist, Fernando Botero, was from Medellín and he painted portraits, famous people, animals, and fruits… all chubby.

The artist is known for his paintings of overweight folks, and many of his works now hang in the Botero Museum in Bogotá.

Located in a lovely, renovated colonial house with an internal courtyard, admission to this internationally important collection of art is free.

The museum is also home to several pieces of art by other famous painters like Picasso, Monet, and Renoir.

Guided tour : Guided Visit to Botero Museum

8. Street Art Tour

You could just stroll aimlessly through Bogotá and stumble upon a ton of great street art, but why not get the pros to show you around? Graffiti tours are another super popular activity here, and they’re a great way to see the best of the best.

Local guides will tell you a little something about the artist and the social movements that the paintings represent or the politics they’re speaking out against.

It’s an eye-opening look into both Bogotá and Colombia’s tumultuous past and hopeful future.

Book online : Bogotá: Capital Street Art

9. Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén

This street market takes place on Sundays in Usaquén, a neighborhood in the north of Bogotá.

Vendors set up stalls and tents in the park and down the streets to sell handicrafts, trinkets, and lots of stuff that’s different from the typical souvenirs you’ll find in Colombia.

You can buy high quality, handmade goods like bags, shoes, and jewelry here.

This area is filled with upscale restaurants and cafes, but during market days you’ll find tons of cheap foods options on the street – like cupcakes, sausages, fresh juices, and cheesecakes – plus Bogotá Beer Company has a location here for when you’re done shopping.

10. Take a Bicycle Tour of the City

While it wouldn’t seem like the best thing to do in a big, bustling city, bike tours of Bogotá are really popular.

They’re also an excellent way to see a few neighborhoods that are rather spread out and some you wouldn’t stop by on your own.

From fruit markets to tejo games to the Plaza de Toros and a stop for coffee, you’ll get to taste (literally in some cases) many different parts of the city.

The guides are great at storytelling and keeping you safe, and it’s way easier to make it through that heavy traffic on a bike than you might think.

Bogotá Bike Tours has two tours leaving daily from La Candelaria.

Suggested tour : Bogotá Bicycle Tours, 4-5 Hours

11. Take a Day Trip to Villa de Leyva

Get out of the city and experience one of the most lovely little colonial towns in Colombia.

This village has an impressive central square, cobblestone streets, and very well-preserved Spanish architecture.

While you’re here, check out some unique attractions like Casa Terracotta, a whole functioning house made out of clay – many say it’s the largest piece of pottery in the world.

There’s also a museum of fossils and even a vineyard.

There are now plenty of boutique hotels if you want to spend the night, but avoid the weekends as that’s when the tourists from Bogotá flock here to visit and it gets crowded.

12. Zona Rosa

This Bogotá neighborhood is upscale, trendy, and known for its nightlife.

It’s also a good place to base yourself if you’re not too fussed about being located next to all the touristy stuff in town.

It’s home to tons of restaurants, boutiques, malls, bars, and the very nice Parque 93 which is surrounded by shops and even more places to eat.

You’ll find whatever evening activities your heart desires here, from laid back pubs serving craft beer to raging nightclubs and the party restaurant Andres D.C. “Zona T” is a great pedestrian area with outdoor seating and plenty of places for dancing when nighttime rolls around.

And El Chapinero is the gay friendly area within Zona Rosa with lots of gay and lesbian bars.

13. Laguna de Guatavita

Wanna take a break from the city and get a dose of nature? North of Bogotá and surrounded by green rolling hills, you’ll find Lake Guatavita, the place where the story of El Dorado originated and a spiritually significant area for local indigenous groups.

Trek through the biodiverse, jungle-like Paramo to get to the rim of this crater lake for views of the water below.

Arrange for a guide if you’d like transportation and to hear more about the Muisca people, the myth of the golden kingdom, and the flora and fauna of the area.

Suggested tour : Golden Guatavita

14. Parque Central Simón Bolívar

For a big capital city, Bogotá is full of green open spaces where people congregate, exercise, eat, and spend time with their families.

Simón Bolívar is the Central Park of the city, and it’s an enormous free park that gets super busy on the weekends.

There’s a lake with ducks where you can rent small boats and lots of trails where you can walk, jog, or ride bikes.

In the summer, bands and performers take the stage, and a popular event called Rock in the Park attracts famous performers and tons of fans.

Pack a picnic or grab a bite at the cheap cafeterías nearby for lunch on a bench, in the grass, or on the sand by the lake.

15. Play Tejo

The national sport of Colombia is tejo, a game that involves gunpowder, targets, and loud explosions.

It’s usually accompanied by a few beers, so you should definitely play a couple of rounds while you’re in Bogotá.

Players throw heavy metal disks across the room (about 20 meters) at small gunpowder-filled targets stuck into clay.

Hitting one results in a loud bang, cheers, and points for your team if you’re actually keeping score.

Try Club de Tejo La 76 if you want to play, and maybe head upstairs for “mini tejo” where it’ll be easier for beginners to hit the targets.

Some bicycle tours of Bogotá might also take you to a tejo joint.

16. Try Ajiaco and Chocolate Completo at La Puerta Falsa

Try some classic local cuisine while you’re in Bogotá, starting with ajiaco – a chicken stew with potatoes and corn, accompanied by toppings of capers, avocado, and cream – at La Puerta Falsa.

Established in 1816, La Puerta Falsa is a famous old restaurant near Plaza Bolívar that serves up traditional dishes.

Also order the the chocolate completo – hot chocolate, cheese, and fresh bread – a typical mid-morning snack in Colombia.

While it sounds like a weird combination, dipping your cheese into hot chocolate until it melts is delicious.

There are several restaurants alongside La Puerta Falsa serving the same things if it happens to be super busy.

17. Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao

Visit an authentic market while you’re in Bogotá to browse the fresh selection of foods and see how the locals shop for groceries.

Plaza Paloquemao is home to a brilliant selection of vendors who sell fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, eggs, seafood, and recently-butchered meats.

There are also stalls selling cooked foods like ajiaco, tamales, fried fish, and soups along the outside of the market.

Go early, don’t expect any English, and be prepared for an amazing sensory overload.

You can have breakfast at the market before roaming around to take photos and try a few exotic fruits.

18. Teatro Colón

Built in the late 1800s and designed by an Italian architect, the Teatro Colón was named after Christopher Columbus and it’s the national theater of Colombia.

This majestic building was constructed in the neoclassical style and it has beautiful interiors decorated by frescoes.

The seats are set in a horseshoe shape modeled around the Palais Garnier in Paris, though it’s only half the size.

Check online to see what shows are on and head to the theater to purchase tickets or take a guided tour to have a look around.

There are operas, concerts, and modern plays to choose from, and the whole experience has a magical, romantic vibe to it.

Just a little south of Zona Rosa is another high-end neighborhood that’s filled with hip restaurants, cafes, bars, elegant hotels, and beautiful tree-lined streets.

Zona G (the “G” stands for “gourmet,” of course) has a range of different cuisines, and though it isn’t that cheap, it’s a fun place to spend an evening eating and bar-hopping.

You’ll have your pick of steak, Mexican, Peruvian, Lebanese, and Colombian, plus a few coffee shops and breweries.

Aside from drinks and fancy, romantic dinners, you can wander your way over to the Plaza de Lourdes for its impressive church and cheap eats like churros and fried arepas.

20. Museo Nacional de Colombia

Built in 1823, the biggest and oldest museum in Colombia was originally a prison constructed in the style of a fortress.

It’s truly massive and contains over 20,000 pieces of Colombian history that are on display in over 17 permanent galleries which used to be cells.

There are pre-Colombian artifacts as well as exhibits about the colonial times under Spanish rule.

Browse the artwork, furniture, and their Afro-Caribbean collections, and be sure to check which traveling exhibits are there when you visit.

The museum hosts lots of special exhibits, seminars, and musical performances which are quite popular.

21. Biblioteca Público Virgilio Barco

Book nerds and fans of architecture will love this enormous library in Bogotá.

Located just next to Parque Simón Bolívar with plenty of gardens and spaces for reading, it was designed by one of the most important architects in Colombia, Rogelio Salmona.

The round building is encircled by mirror-like waters to create a serene environment.

They have free wifi and art exhibits on display frequently – you know, in addition to all the books.

There’s a cafe offering snacks and drinks, as well as an open air theater on the roof where views of the city are great when it’s sunny.

22. Jardín Botánico de Bogotá

This peaceful place is never too crowded and it’s always super peaceful and lush.

Entry to the botanical gardens is cheap (less than 1 USD), and you’ll have free reign over the 19.5 hectares of gardens for a perfect day of being surrounded by nature.

There’s plenty of room to do some walking, or you can head out in search of lizards, turtles, ducks, peacocks, and other animals.

Because Colombia gets nearly 12 hours of sunlight a day, the range of flora here is superb, and you’ll find exotic flowers as well as a rose garden.

Have a snack from one of the food stalls nearby or take a guided tour to learn more about the plants here.

23. Eat More Colombian Food

There’s a lot to eat here in Colombia.

You’ll need to try sancocho, a thick, meat-filled stew with potatoes and corn, and then some of the succulent, slow roasted pork known as lechona.

You’ve also gotta grab an Aguila or Club Colombia beer and some cheese-filled arepas.

Be sure to taste their amazing Colombian coffee, fruit juices, and the anise-flavored liquor aguardiente.

Or better yet, enlist the help of a seasoned guide and take a Food Safari with the Bogotá Foodie.

You’ll get to hit traditional markets to try exotic fruits and sample foods like fish stew, lechona, pastries, cheesy breads, coffee, and empanadas.

24. Hike to La Chorrera and El Chiflón Waterfalls

These two waterfalls are located outside of Bogotá, and they’re about a 3-hour round-trip trek through lush and bright green vegetation.

The drive there will take you through the edge of the Andes with beautiful views of picturesque colonial villages, cliffs, and forests along the way.

Take the bus there yourself and pay the entrance fee, or opt for an organized trip with a hostel or tour company so that you’ll have transport, guides, and meals all arranged.

The routes can be a bit strenuous and muddy, but the trails are well-marked and the pounding waterfalls are incredible (and great for a swim after all that walking).

25. Ciclovía Sundays

If you’re here on a Sunday, you’ll get to see how awesome Bogotá is when it closes down over 100 kilometers of roads to cars for the weekly Ciclovía.

Families and friends come out with their bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, and dogs to get moving around the city.

Rent a bike and join in on the fun like a local – it’s a great way to experience regular life in Bogotá while getting some exercise yourself.

Roadside food stalls pop up on Sundays so you can grab a fresh juice or arepa as you explore.

And if you feel like joining in on an exercise or dance class, you can pop over to one of the parks along the cycling route for what’s called Recreovía – they’re free!

25 Best Things to Do in Bogotá (Colombia):

• Stroll Through La Candelaria
• The Gold Museum
• Climb Monserrate
• Plaza Bolívar
• The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
• Andrés Carne de Res
• The Botero Museum
• Street Art Tour
• Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén
• Take a Bicycle Tour of the City
• Take a Day Trip to Villa de Leyva
• Laguna de Guatavita
• Parque Central Simón Bolívar
• Try Ajiaco and Chocolate Completo at La Puerta Falsa
• Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao
• Teatro Colón
• Museo Nacional de Colombia
• Biblioteca Público Virgilio Barco
• Jardín Botánico de Bogotá
• Eat More Colombian Food
• Hike to La Chorrera and El Chiflón Waterfalls
• Ciclovía Sundays

15 Things to do in Bogota, Colombia

Welcome to the sprawling metropolis of Bogota, a melting pot of towering skyscrapers and cobbled streets bordered by green mountains. The capital of Colombia is often missed in favor of other parts of the country, but it’s completely underrated. Spend a few days here enjoying the vibrant street art culture, the historical center, the delicious food, and connect with the friendly locals! Enjoy all the top things to do in Bogota, Colombia.

Things to do in Bogota, Colombia

Bogota is one of the largest cities in South America and the capital of Colombia. It’s a megacity of epic proportions, sprawling out into endless suburbs with gritty streets and glass skyscrapers mixed in with pretty colonial buildings.

Also see: The Ultimate 3-week Colombia Itinerary (Travel Guide)

It may have more attractive parts than others, but one thing is for sure, you’ll always find something to marvel at in Bogota. 

The city is usually the starting point of any Colombia itinerary (especially as most people fly into Bogota), so don’t skip it; enjoy all the top things to do instead!

Here are all your hotel options in Bogota.

1. Iconic Plaza Bolivar

The heart of the historic center of Bogota is the Plaza Bolivar, surrounded by some of the most important buildings in the city, like the cathedral and the mayor’s office. Most important of all is the Simon Bolivar statue that sits in the middle of the square. He was the man who liberated South America and was an icon of independence. 

Join the locals who use the square as a meeting point and enjoy imagining what it would have been like when it used to be one of the busiest parts of the city; under Spanish rule, you would have seen bullfights, circus acts, and many stalls here. 

Also visit Cartagena in Colombia .

2. Street Art Tour: Top Thing to do in Bogota

Street art in Bogota is something else, with streets filled with colorful murals depicting stories, myths, and political messages. This kind of art was highly illegal in the past, and the history between artists and the police was very turbulent. These days, CRISP (one of the most famous graffiti artists in Bogota) says that the lack of fear over being jailed allows artists to have more creative freedom, painting murals that have significant value for the community. 

Book your spot at this popular street art tour.

La Candelaria is one of the most famous districts for street art and the location for most of the street art tours in Bogota. Join a tour to learn more about political expression and the importance of street art in the city. After the tour, take advantage of the endless hipster cafes and art galleries nearby—it’s a fantastic place to hang out for a few hours.

These are some of the best streets to spot incredible art:

• Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo
• Calle Del Embudo
• From Calle Del Embudo, follow to the end of Carrera 2

3. Cerro Monserrate

Bogota sits in the shadow of the majestic Monserrate, a beautiful mountain just outside the city that stands over 3000 meters tall. For those looking for a bit of adventure and exertion, you can hike to the top of the peak. However, be aware that this can take between 2-4 hours, so take a reusable water bottle with plenty of water. It’s safe as guards are posted throughout the hike for safety but keep in mind that you can only enter the trail in the morning.

Read: Tips to travel plastic-free!

If you don’t have that much time, take the exhilarating cable car or funicular instead! The cable car flies high and incredibly fast, sweeping over the forest and providing magical views below. The views get even better once you’re at the top, particularly at sunset. At the top, you can also discover the small church, the tranquil garden walk, or enjoy a coca tea at the English-style cafe. Alternatively, join a guided city walking tour including a stop at Monserrate.

The price is 22000 COP (~5.50 USD) for a return ticket with the cable car.

4. Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens are a fantastic thing to do in Bogota. After spending time among the bright lights and noise of this buzzing metropolis, what better way to unwind than to visit this peaceful oasis at the heart of the city. Walk around the 19.5 hectares of land among 20,000 plants, beautiful rose gardens, and animals. 

Entry fee: Best of all, the botanical gardens are a cheap activity in Bogota, costing just 1 USD.

5. La Candelaria 

La Candelaria is the most beautiful and historic district in Bogota, a place you can come to escape the modern buzz of the city and visit the colonial streets and houses.

Also visit: Tatacoa Desert: Colombia’s Best Kept Secret !

The colorful, bohemian neighborhood is full of history and filled with artists and musicians practicing their crafts. Because of this, one of the best things to do in La Candelaria is simply to sit down at one of the cute cafes and people watch.

Tip: While in La Candelaria, visit Casa de la Moneda, a fascinating museum where you can learn more about how money developed in Colombia and the country’s up and down economy in general.

 Join a guided walking tour in La Candelaria and learn more about Colombian history

6. Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen

Nestled within the historic district of La Candelaria is the beautiful church of Santuario Nuestra Senora del Carmen. Unlike the typical look of most churches, this one is covered in red and white stripes, looking like a piece of candy among the city’s roofs. 

The exterior is pretty, but the interior is where the church really comes to life; the red and white theme continues but with the addition of beautifully detailed tiles and ornately carved pews. Open daily from 07:30 AM – 11:30 AM.

7. Dinner at Madre

After spending time in the historic district of La Candelaria, head out for a delicious dinner at the pizza restaurant ‘Madre’. You’ll find a beautiful restaurant with a fun industrial-style interior hidden down a small alley. They do great pizzas, delicious cocktails and often have live music while you eat!

Read about the best things to do in Colombia .

8. Lunch at Quinua y Amaranto   

Another La Candelaria gem, Quinua y Amaranto, is a small intimate restaurant serving tasty vegan and vegetarian food. This is an excellent option for a reasonably priced veggie lunch in Bogota, with lovely wait staff and great vibes. 

9. Sunday Usaquen Market 

A lovely thing to do in Bogota if you happen to be in the city on a Sunday is the Usaquen Market. Beautiful stalls line the streets, selling souvenirs different from the standard ones you’d find at most markets.

Leave a little room in your suitcase for some of the high-quality handicrafts made by the finest artisans in the city, whether that’s bags, shoes, or jewelry. You’ll also be able to buy delicious (and cheap!) street food—yum! Opening times: 11 AM – 4 PM

Tip: If you’re not in Bogota on a Sunday, head for Pasaje Rivas , a small hidden market in La Candelaria. You’ll discover beautiful handicrafts here, from handmade hammocks to wooden furniture.

10. Salt Cathedral, Zipaquira  

Just 1 hour from Bogota is the fascinating Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. Underneath the ground, discover the salt mine tunnels and a cathedral carved down to a depth of 200 meters. The massive space is lit with neon blue light to highlight the alcoves, stones, and pews. In fact, people still attend church services here; it’s a completely unique religious site!

Explore the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira on this day tour

11. Botero Museum 

The Botero Museum is a free art museum in Bogota home to multiple modern art exhibitions. It’s named after Fernando Botero, the most famous Colombian artist (from Medellin ) renowned for his colorful, funny, and large paintings. His artwork is totally unique, painting and sculpting humans with proportions far bigger than the average! There is even Botero’s version of the Mona Lisa. You will love it! You can see his work displayed all over the world, in major cities like Madrid or Singapore . 

Opening times: 9 AM – 7 PM (closed on Tuesdays. Open 10 AM – 5 PM on Sundays)

12. Bike Tour

Bogota is such a big sprawling city, so a bike tour works surprisingly well! The bike tours are very well organized, and a guide will help you navigate the busy streets, so you don’t need to worry about traffic. It’s the perfect way to see the city and learn more from knowledgeable locals who are passionate about their city. Make sure to ask for recommendations on top things to do in Bogota and places to eat!

Join this popular bike tour in Bogota .

13. Gold Museum

The Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is a top thing to do in Bogota. Home to over 34,000 gold items, it’s no surprise that this museum has been named one of the greatest in the world. Each piece tells an incredible historical story, with many coming from the rituals and practices of indigenous communities. 

Taking an audio tour of the Gold Museum is possible, but you don’t necessarily need to, as each piece of art has Spanish and English descriptions.

Entry Fee: 4000 COP (~ 1 USD)  or 9000 COP for an audio tour. On Sundays, the Gold Museum is free.

14. Visit a Local Coffee Plantation 

Colombian coffee is widely known as some of the best in the world, so make the most of being in Bogota by visiting one of the many coffee plantations up in the surrounding hills. Not only will you learn all about the growth, production, and sale of coffee, you’ll get to try the coffee too!

For more coffee visit Salento in Colombia

By taking part in a coffee tour, you’ll also get out into the beautiful nature just a stone’s throw away from the city, learning a little more about the farming culture in Colombia.

15. Food Tour

Colombia is home to some delicious flavors, and Bogota, being the capital, has some of the best restaurants of them all! If you want to try lots of delicious local foods, learn more about the ingredients, and find some traditional restaurants, we highly recommend joining a food tour. There’s something for all tastebuds: ceviche, empanadas, filling arepas, or cheesy palitos! 

Join Bogota’s populair food tour here.

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Bogota, Colombia

Bogota is full of incredible restaurants! Try some delicious local dishes at one of the typical Bogotan cafes, or head to a super cool restaurant like Andres Chia, which turns into a nightclub after dinner.

Our favorite restaurants in Bogota:

• De Una Travel (perfect spot for lunch)
• Varietale (delicious coffee and cakes)
• Quinua Y Amaranto (vegetarian local food)
• Madre (hidden gem in the center of Bogota)
• Enchiladas La Candelaria (mexican)
• Nativa Arte y Comida Natural (vegan food)

An absolute top thing to do while in Bogota is head to Puerta Falsa, where they sell traditional tamales and hot chocolate (in fact, Anthony Bourdain even visited once!).

Where to Stay in Bogota

The best place to stay in Bogota is the historic district of La Candelaria , a beautiful, atmospheric neighborhood of colorful streets and cute houses with balconies. There are few cars here and many pedestrianized streets making it feel less noisy and busy than other areas. Plus, it’s also the safest neighborhood in Bogota.

Hotels in Bogota 😴

Although a little bit more expensive, Zona Rosa is also a great place to stay. It’s one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city, filled with fancy restaurants, nightclubs, and high-end shops.

How to Visit Bogota

Bogota is the capital city of Colombia and, therefore, has excellent transport links. There is an international airport in Bogota, and most global flights arrive here or in Cartagena and domestic flights leave for other parts of the country.

Getting Around Bogota

Bogota is a massive city so you’ll need to take public transport to visit all the sights. The good news is that the bus system is super cheap, as well as the local taxis and Uber. Bicycles and buses have their own lane, making it faster to get around this way. If you’re planning on cycling, we recommend taking a bike tour to learn as much as possible and travel safely around the city. 

How Much Does Bogota Cost?

Bogota is a really affordable city to travel in, and you can stay in beautiful accommodation for very reasonable prices. Although most sights have paid entry, it’s always cheap, especially the food! 

Tip: We got Claro sim cards at Bogota Airport at the Techport shop located on the 2nd floor.

Costs of Traveling in Bogota

Travel on a budget in Bogota, from $190 − $480 USD weekly per person, mid-range $350 − $660 USD, and high-end from $660 − $1080 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $20 − $120 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $15 − $50 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $3 − $20 USD Book public transport
• Food: $3 − $10 USD
• Activities: $3 − $15 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Safety in Bogota

Despite its reputation, Colombia, in general, is safe. Bogota is a big city, so it does have higher crime rates, but as long as you exercise caution, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself freely on your trip! For example, don’t walk alone in the evenings, don’t go down dark and quiet streets, and always store your valuables at your accommodation/put a padlock on your bag.

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Make sure to also always use the official taxis as those without proper accreditation have been known to scam or steal from tourists.

Read: How to travel safely

Although it’s technically illegal, Uber is the safest taxi service in Bogota. Because of this, the driver might ask you to sit in the front, so it looks more like they’re driving a friend (particularly if the police stop you!). This is something to be aware of when you use Uber.

Please note: This article is based on the safest areas of Bogota, mainly La Candelaria. In this neighborhood, there are police with dogs on every street corner. We don’t recommend leaving the main, busy tourist areas. 

Best Time to Visit Bogota

Bogota is 2600 meters closer to the sun, so even on cloudy days, you can get burnt! It’s pretty warm all year round, and the driest months are between December-March and July-August. It can be stormy outside of these months, but it’s still a nice time to visit (March-September is the primary rainy season), and best of all, the prices are lower!

Tip: Whatever time you visit, be aware that weather changes quickly in Bogota, so it’s always best to come prepared with layers, waterproofs, and sunscreen .

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The 13 best things to do in Bogotá

Aug 17, 2023 • 11 min read

Take in the enormity of Bogotá from atop Cerro de Monserrate © Manuel Rueda

Historical streets, mountain trails, trendy markets and one-of-a-kind museums coexist in Colombia ’s capital city, located 2600 meters (8530ft) above the sea.

In Bogotá , you can start your day with a walk in the local cloud forest, spend your afternoon meandering through the 18th-century streets of La Candelaria, and enjoy dinner at a restaurant that turns into a raucous dance club.

It’s a busy city of 8 million people but the main sites are located just a short taxi ride from each other. Make the most of your visit with our round up of the best things to do in Bogotá.

1. Get a bird’s eye view of Bogotá at Cerro de Monserrate

Visit this green mountain that towers above the city center and get a sense of Bogotá’s colossal size – all while you breathe fresh air from the cloud forest and nibble on some local treats.

Most people take a cable car to the top of Monserrate but if you're up for the challenge, there’s a well-marked trail with hundreds of steps that takes about an hour to complete. Once you’re at the top you can stroll through the market stalls selling souvenirs, coca tea, arepas and fruit juices, as well as hearty lunch and breakfast platters.

There are also a couple of gourmet restaurants with panoramic views of the city and a church that is visited by thousands of pilgrims on Sundays – skip the crowds by visiting on a weekday.

Local tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds at the cable car stop . The best times for photos are before 8am when the sun rises over the mountains and will be behind your back as you face the city, or after 5pm when the sun begins to set over Bogotá.

2. Gawk at centuries-old jewelry at the Museo del Oro

Colombia’s aboriginal people didn’t construct massive pyramids like their peers in Mexico or Peru . But they were experts at working with gold and bronze and produced carefully crafted jewelry that has survived for centuries.

At the Museo del Oro , hundreds of earrings, nose plates, necklaces, breastplates and small sculptures depicting birds and mammals provide a window into life in Colombia before the arrival of European colonizers.

The museum is run by Colombia’s Central Bank, which started the collection in 1938 and has now gathered more than 34,000 gold items from the Pre-Columbian era, making this one of the world’s largest collections of bling.

The first item ever purchased by the museum can be found on the fourth floor. It is a golden gourd topped by four spheres known as a poporo . Indigenous people would store lime in these gourds, and then mix it with coca leaves while chewing on the sacred plant.

3. Take a stroll through La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic neighborhood

Walk along narrow streets lined by colorful homes with clay roof tiles in La Candelaria, one of Colombia’s best-preserved colonial-era neighborhoods. Start out at Plaza de Bolívar , where you can see the neoclassical congress building, the Baroque era cathedral and the modern supreme court building. Then walk towards the mountains along steep Calle 11, where you will find local art shops, restaurants selling tamales and hot chocolate, and the circle-shaped Gabriel Garcia Marquez cultural center whose terrace provides a good view of the neighborhood.

La Candelaria is also home to the Museo Botero , and El Chorro de Quevedo , Bogotá’s original public square. Many houses in the neighborhood have been converted into coffee shops and bars frequented by students, and on weekends buskers play live music in the streets.

Detour : For a unique culinary experience try Prudencia , on Carrera 2. The restaurant is located in a former 19th-century home and offers an elaborate tasting menu featuring meats that are carefully cooked in a firewood oven. But make sure you get there on time – Prudencia only opens from midday to 5pm.

4. Try a game of tejo at Barrio San Felipe

Throw back a couple of beers and test your aim as you play tejo, a sport that was born in rural Colombia and has become increasingly popular in Bogotá.

The sport consists of throwing an iron disk at a board that is covered with clay and topped off with small paper triangles packed with gunpowder. Hit one of the triangles in the center of the board and boom! You get extra points.

While tejo competitions exist, most people do it just for fun. The San Felipe neighborhood has a couple of tejo venues that are easy to get to and popular with locals and visitors, including Tejo La Embajada , which sells craft beers and finger food and turns into a dance party later in the night. You can reserve a tejo lane on their site.

Detour: If you visit one of the tejo spots in San Felipe, check out the neighborhood park which is lined with trendy cafés and restaurants and several art galleries. It’s a five-minute walk from Tejo La Embajada, on Calle 75 and Carrera 22.

5. Trek through the cloud forest that carpets Bogotá’s Cerros Orientales

If you’re tired of Bogotá’s hustle and bustle, head to the mountains on the eastern edge of the city where you can walk along several trails that cross the quiet cloud forest.

There are currently five trails that are open to the public and are free of charge, including Quebrada La Vieja, which starts just a 15-minute walk from the financial district on 72 nd  street and will lead you to a viewpoint where you can appreciate the northern half of the city.

The cloud forest itself is teeming with eucalyptus trees, pines, ferns and local bird species. It is a favorite spot for locals who are trying to get some exercise in the mornings or just seeking a respite from the noise of the city.

Local tip: The trails open only in the mornings and they’re run by Bogotá’s water company, EAAB. You must visit EAAB’s website to book a spot. Try to visit on a weekday – the weekends can get a little crowded.

6. Visit Museo Botero for a unique take on modern art

Fernando Botero is not your typical 20th-century artist. While his peers experimented with cubism or more abstract forms, his work celebrates life with its lively tones and round, voluminous characters with tiny eyes and delicate hands.

You can check out some of Botero’s most famous paintings and sculptures at Museo Botero , which is located inside a stately historical building in La Candelaria. As you wander through the different exhibits, notice how Botero even manages to make fruits, trees, birds and musical instruments look large, round, lively and fat.

Botero donated more than 120 sculptures and paintings to the Colombian government so that the museum could be built. He also threw in dozens of paintings that he had acquired for his private collection, which includes works by Picasso, Degas, Renoir and Monet.

Detour:  Adjacent to the Botero museum, you will find a building that contains the Banco de la Republica ’s art collection. It includes works by 20th-century Colombian artists like Enrique Grau and Alejandro Obregon. Room 5 has an interesting exhibit on Colombia’s armed conflict produced by photographer Jesús Abad Colorado.

7. Join the late-night crowd at Theatron, Colombia’s most raucous nightclub

Dance to Cher and Abba under a giant disco ball in this former movie theater that's now a club , and spend the night wandering between its 17 rooms as DJs also spin reggaeton, latin music, electronica and gothic trance.

The massive five-story club has long been the prime party spot for Bogotá’s LGBTIQ+ community and it describes itself on Instagram as “the largest gay-themed night club in Latin America.” But Theatron is also becoming increasingly popular with straight folks who don’t want to miss out on the fun.

There are drag queen shows on weekends – usually in the room modeled after a Mexican cantina. Theatron can fit up to 6000 people and runs later than most dance clubs in Bogotá, closing at 5am on weekends. Check out the website for directions.

8. Hit the dance floor at one of Bogotá’s Salsa Clubs

Bogotá might be chilly but that doesn’t mean its residents are strangers to tropical rhythms. You can see locals busting their best moves at one of the city’s salsa clubs, where people of all ages and expertise levels dance to tunes by Grupo Niche, Celia Cruz and Hector Lavoe.

In the center of the city, check out El Goce Pagano , where DJs have been spinning old salsa tunes from Cuba, Colombia and beyond for the past three decades. For live acts make sure to stop by Quiebra Canto , a Bogotá musical institution that has hosted local salsa, champeta and tropical pop bands before they became famous.

In the north of the city, near Parque 93, Galeria Café Libro also hosts live bands. For a smaller, more intimate feel, try Sandunguera near Plaza Lourdes, which also does lessons early in the evenings.

9. Try Colombian comfort food and dance off the calories at Andres Carnes de Res

With its lively music, over-the-top décor, and hearty plates Andres Carne de Res has become the place to go for Bogotanos celebrating their birthdays, having a loud night out, and showing off Colombian culture to visitors from abroad.

Try pizza made from fried plantain at the chain’s Bogotá branch and down it with a tangerine vodka cocktail known as the Mandarino. Or go for a locally brewed beer accompanied by portions of pork rinds, sweet corn arepas and chorizos with lime. The three-story restaurant turns into a dance club at night, with DJs belting out Latin pop favorites and rock – en español.

10. Explore trendy Usaquén and go shopping at its crafts market

The quaint neighborhood of Usaquén is buzzing with activity on weekends as dozens of artisans set up small stalls on its narrow streets and sell all manner of goods.

At Usaquén’s craft market , you can get gold-plated earrings in the shape of toucans, colorful hand-painted mugs, wooden carvings of Colombian hummingbirds and skin care products made from Amazonian fruits.

There are dozens of trendy restaurants in the neighborhood when you're ready to take a break from shopping, as well as a rum bar and a coffee shop that roasts its own grains.

Detour:  To see the work of local designers check out the Ambardae market, which is located inside one of the neighborhood's colonial-era homes. You might leave with a hand-stitched sweater, or with matching pajamas for you and your pets.

11. Go on a tropical fruit safari at Mercado Paloquemao

This massive market to the west of the city center receives fresh produce from around the country each day. Take a walk through its busy corridors and spend a few pesos tasting brightly colored tropical fruits with names like lulo, guanabana and pitahaya. Try the crunchy yet refreshing seeds of the granadilla or go for the sweet pulp of the mangostino, a fruit that is purple on the outside and white inside.

Thirsty? Hit the juice stands and get a smoothie made with curuba, an acid fruit from Colombia’s highlands, or try zapote juice from the Caribbean coast.

The market gets busy on weekends when families do their grocery shopping and haggle with the stall owners to lower prices. For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays.

Local tip:  Breakfast stands at the market also sell local favorites like the changua egg soup, and pork and chicken tamales.

12. Rent a bike and explore the city during the Sunday ciclovia

On Sunday mornings cars are banned from many of Bogotá’s main roads so that they can be enjoyed exclusively by pedestrians and cyclists.

This weekly ritual is known as the ciclovia and it gives residents a good excuse to exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and experience the city in a family-friendly atmosphere. It also makes it easier to explore Bogotá on two wheels, without the usual congestion.

So rent a bike, strap on a helmet and join the crowd to see some of the city’s sights or stop at fruit juice stands along the way. Cars are banned from more than 100km (62 miles) of roads while the ciclovia lasts, including Carrera Septima, which connects the historical center with Usaquén and passes through the trendy neighborhoods of Chapinero and Rosales.

Detour : If you want a physical challenge, head towards the municipality of La Calera and join dozens of amateur riders along a windy mountain road that provides sweeping views of the city. The steep climb to La Calera starts on Carrera Septima with Calle 85. Most cyclists stop at the Los Patios toll booth at km 7, where there are restaurants and food stands that provide a rewarding meal.

13. Take a graffiti tour and see the modern side of Bogotá’s historical center

Back in 2011, a policeman shot a sixteen-year-old dead as he sprayed his tag under a bridge. The tragedy unleashed large protests that forced the local government to rethink its approach to urban art.

Bogotá decriminalized street art and now has a permissive attitude towards graffiti that has made it easier for artists to decorate – or scribble on – the city’s walls. One of the best places to see this eclectic mix of urban art is the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria, where artists offer walking tours of the murals.

Check out Guache’s colorful pieces depicting indigenous motifs, the anti-capitalist stencils of the Toxicomano collective, or Pez’s ubiquitous smiling fish. Some of these colorful murals cover the walls of 18th-century homes that have large windows and clay roof tiles, making for an interesting mix of old and new.

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Plan Your Trip to Bogota: Best of Bogota Tourism

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Bogota Is Great For

Cultural tours.

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• Salvio Parque 93 Bogota, Curio Collection by Hilton
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• Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia Hotel
• Hotel Santa Monica
• Andres Carne de Res DC
• Cantina La 15 Bogotá
• Santa Fe Cafe & Restaurante
• Mount Monserrate
• Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)
• Barrio La Candelaria
• Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica
• Guatavita and Salt Cathedral - Group tour and daily departure
• Walking Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá
• Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure
• Private Tour City Tour Bogotá + Cerro Monserrate (+5Hrs)
• La Candelaria, Optional Monserrate and Optional Gold Museum Bogotá City Tour

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Bogotá Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

The capital of Colombia , Bogotá, is a city most people tend to pass through on their way to explore other areas of Colombia. They make an obligatory visit since they are in the country and go off to spend time somewhere “better.”

Most travelers say Bogotá is only worth a few days.

Those travelers are wrong.

I loved traveling around Bogotá. Devoid of a lot of the Gringofication you find in other parts of the country, it felt like the most Colombian of cities to me.

There is a lot to do here too. There are tons of museums, parks, activities, walking tours, food tours, nightlife options, and an incredible foodie scene. It has some dramatic scenery (it’s at the bottom of two mountains with a church on top of each) and has some amazing street art.

I think it is a really underappreciated city because too many travelers compare it to Medellín.

But, if you just take Bogotá for what it is, it’s an amazing destination. I ended up staying a lot longer than I originally planned and can’t wait to go back. Give the city a chance and spend a few extra days exploring it.

This travel guide to Bogota can help you plan a great trip there (and hopefully make you love it as much as I do).

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bogotá

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bogotá

1. Check out the view from Monserrate

You can walk 1,500 steps up to Bogotá’s famous Monserrate Church, which offers sweeping views from the mountaintop. It’s a steep climb so start early in the morning to beat both the sun and the crowds. There’s also a funicular if you don’t want to walk which costs 13,000 COP (7,500 COP on Sundays).

2. Admire the Street Art

Bogotá is all about its street art. Walk around areas like La Candelaria or Las Aguas area (by the TransMilenio station) and there are tons of beautiful murals. Take the Free Graffiti Tour Bogotá to get the best experience and context.

3. Visit the Botero Museum

Fernando Botero is the most famous Colombian artist and you can see his work all over the country. Bogotá Botero Museum hosts the largest collection of his work, with 123 pieces that were donated by the artist with the condition that the public could access them for free entry.

4. Take a Bike Tour

Bogotá is a huge city. One of the best ways to see a bit more of the city is by doing a bike tour. You not only get to see some of the more local areas, but most of the bike tours include a fruit and coffee tasting. Bogotá Bike Tours has tours starting at 45,000 COP and also offers standalone bike rental (30,000 COP for four hours).

5. See the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum)

The Museo del Oro has an impressive collection of gold artifacts that tell you the story of Colombia’s rich history. It’s not a huge museum but it’s one of the best in the country. The entrance fee is 4,000 COP but it’s free on Sunday.

Other Things to See and Do in Bogotá

1. tour casa de nariño.

Casa de Nariño is the president’s house. Beyond its attractive Neoclassical façade, its interior is filled with furniture, paintings, and sculptures from the Roman to the Renaissance era. They offer free tours Monday to Friday (you need to book online at least five days in advance), and they last around 45 minutes. If you don’t speak Spanish, be sure to request the tour in English. You can also watch the changing of the presidential guard on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 3:30pm.

2. Take a food tour

There are several food tours in Bogotá, including the Free Food Tour Bogotá which meets outside the Museo del Oro daily. The three-hour tour takes you around a few of the markets and gives you an overview of local fruits and traditional cuisine. Although the tour itself is free, you have to pay for your own food. You can register online or just turn up. There’s also La Macarena Gourmet Tour (305,000 COP per person), which takes you around Bogotá’s bohemian and artistic neighborhood. Their tour also lasts three hours and takes you to three different restaurants where you can sample a local dish and drink. Tours also include pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.

3. Taste Chicha in La Candelaria

La Candelaria is Bogotá’s oldest neighborhood and chicha is Colombia’s oldest alcoholic beverage so it makes sense to combine two historical experiences. Made from fermented corn, chicha has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years as people reconnect with their native heritage. There are many bars in La Candelaria serving it, especially on the street near Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo.

4. See the Iglesia de San Fransisco

Originally dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, San Francisco Church is one of the oldest churches in Bogotá (it was built between 1557 and 1621), with an eerily dark interior and a gorgeous gilded 17th-century altar. It was one of the few buildings that remained standing in the city center after the assassination of presidential candidate Jorge Eliécer Gaitán in 1948 (his assassination triggered a huge riot that killed 5,000 people as well as a ten-year civil war called La Violencia ). Admission is free.

5. Venture to La Chorrera Waterfall

Just an hour outside of Bogotá is the tallest waterfall in Colombia. Here you’ll also find some caves and a lookout point as well a restaurant and campsite. Admission starts at 35,000 COP (more expensive options include lunch or camping), and a guide is 40,000 COP. The alternative is to take a tour from Bogotá but those cost between 250,000-500,000 COP. The cheapest way to get there is to take the bus to Tercer Milenio, which costs as little as 7,500 COP each way. Be sure to check the times of the return busses at the tienda with the green roof when you get off the bus. From here, you can walk down to the trailhead.

6. Take a free walking tour

I always start my visits to a new city with a free walking tour. It’s the best way to see the main highlights on a budget. BeyondColombia has a great free walking tour that gives you a solid introduction to the city as it takes you through the city center. For a more specialized tour, check out the Bogotá Graffiti Tour. This one operates by donation, using the money raised to reinvest in future community art projects. Strawberry Tours and GuruWalk also offer free tours. Just remember to tip your guides!

7. Wander around La Candelaria

Bogotá’s historic and cultural neighborhood has narrow streets overflowing with artists selling their work, street art, hip cafes, and museums. It’s located between two of the city’s universities, so it’s often buzzing with students and young folks. Be sure to hang out on Plaza Del Chorro Del Quevedo as this small square often has a lot of street performers as well as an artist market.

8. Enjoy the nightlife in Zona Rosa

Most backpackers don’t venture out of La Candelaria and stick to the bars in that area. The Zona Rosa area is where most of the city’s expats live, and “Gringo Tuesdays” are always a lot of fun in La Villa nightclub if you want to party with the international crowd. Other popular places are Mint, the Colombian Pub, Zona T, and Morena Rooftop Bar.

9. Visit one of the many Sunday markets

Sunday is a great day for browsing the local markets. There is one close to Las Aguas station and one all the way up Carrera 7 before the pedestrian section ends on the right. If you want to eat some delicious street food you want the one on Carrera 7. The most popular stand is always the Lechona Tolimense, which sells roasted pig stuffed with rice.

10. Get on your Bike for Ciclovia

Every Sunday morning across Colombia the main roads in many of the big cities close for Ciclovia. Ciclovia is a government scheme to get people outdoors and exercise. People take to the streets on bikes, rollerskates, or they walk or run. Rent a bike and enjoy being part of this Sunday Colombian tradition! The cost of a bike rental for two hours is around 9,000 COP.

11. Visit the Cetedral de Sal

The Cathedral of Salt is just outside of Bogotá in a town called Zipaquirá. The Catholic Cathedral was built by the miners inside the tunnels of an old salt mine and is 200 meters below ground. Every Sunday, up to 3,000 people attend church services here. Just take the TransMilenio to Portal Norte and then take a small local bus to Zipa. Let the driver know where you are going so he can tell you when to get off. The entrance fee for non-residents is 60,500 COP and includes an audio guide.

12. Stroll in the Botanical Gardens

Opened in 1955, the Botanical Garden of Bogotá is home to almost 20,000 plants. There is a focus on regional plants, especially those that are endemic to the Andes and other high alpine regions of the continent. It’s a quiet, peaceful place to walk around, and there are some food stalls nearby, so you can grab a quick bite as you explore the gardens. Admission is 5,000 COP.

13. See the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Carmen is a Gothic church located in La Candelaria. This church, built in Florentine Gothic style, has a red-and-white striped pattern inside and out that makes it look like a giant candy cane. It was designed by architect Giovanni Buscaglione who was also a Salesian priest in the Roman Catholic Church. Completed in 1938, the church stands almost 60 meters tall (196 feet) and has some incredible Byzantine and Moorish art inside it.

14. Visit Simon Bolívar Metropolitan Park

Created in 1979, this is one of the most popular parks in Bogotá and spans almost 1,000 acres (making it bigger than Central Park in New York!). You can find people exercising, relaxing, or attending concerts here every day of the week. It’s a relaxing place to chill out on the lakes, stroll the walkways, or even pop into the public library. There’s also a children’s museum, a recreation and amusement park, and several sports venues. The park is named after the famous Simón Bolívar, who led the liberation of the region from its Spanish overlords.

15. Explore Parque 93

This is the area of town with some of the best restaurants, nightclubs, and bars in the entire city. The park itself is home to an ongoing rotation of temporary art exhibitions. Located in one of the nicer areas of town, there are a lot of good restaurants and cafés lining the park.

16. Tour the National Museum of Colombia

Situated in the heart of Bogotá, this is the oldest and biggest museum in the entire country (and one of the oldest on the continent). Built in 1823, it’s home to over 20,000 pieces of art and historical artifacts, some dating as far back as 10,000 BCE. The building was used as a prison initially until it transitioned into a museum in 1946. If you’re a history buff or just want to learn more about the country, this museum is a must. Admission is 4,000 COP. It’s free on Wednesdays from 3pm-5pm and on Sundays.

17. Visit the Cathedral Metropolitan Basilica of Bogotá

This Roman Catholic cathedral spans 5,300 square meters, making it the biggest cathedral in Colombia and one of the biggest in South America. It’s been built four times on the same site, the most recent being between 1807-1823. The remains of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, the founder of Bogotá can be found here.

18. Wander Plaza Bolivar

The main square of Bogotá is home to Colombia’s Palace of Justice, the Cathedral of Bogotá, the mayor’s office, and the Capitol Building. These buildings date back to as early as the 16th century, making Plaza Bolivar the historical heart of the city. Under the Spanish, the plaza was home to bullfights, circus acts, and public markets. Now it’s the perfect place for people-watching and admiring the architecture.

19. Head to the Laguna de Guatavita (Lake Guatavita)

Around 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Bogotá, Lake Guatavita is a great place to escape from the city and breathe in some fresh air. This nature reserve is a sacred site to the region’s indigenous people and is apparently where the rumors of El Dorado originated. You can hike up the 150 steps to the top of the crater to admire the views and look down on the lake below (which is said to be hiding the gold of El Dorado). The Spanish actually tried to drain the lake to access the alleged gold hidden below but failed in their attempts. For extra relaxation, head to the hot springs in the nearby town of Sesquilé.

20. Explore the Museo Santa Clara

This museum is housed in a 17th-century church that is actually one of the oldest churches in the entire country. The government deconsecrated it in the 1960s and converted it into a museum. It has more than 148 baroque paintings that almost entirely cover its walls. I think it’s one of the most beautifully decorated churches in Colombia. Admission is 4,000 COP.

21. Get a snack from La Puerta Falsa

La Puerta Falsa (The False Door) is a tiny, yet hugely popular, restaurant with room for fewer than 20 people. The tamales and ajiaco soup have been community staples for generations – over 200 years in fact! This is one of the best places to try traditional Colombian food.

  For more information on specific destinations in Colombia, check out these guides:

• Cali Travel Guide
• Cartagena Travel Guide
• Medellín Travel Guide
• Santa Marta Travel Guide

Bogotá Travel Costs

Hostels – A bed in a hostel dorm with 4-6 beds costs 20,000-35,000 COP per night, while a bed in an 8-10 -ed dorm costs between 15,000-25,000 COP. A private double room costs around 60,000-70,000 COP per night, though they can be found for as little as 30,000 COP. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have self-catering facilities. Many include free breakfast as well.

If you just want to see the main tourist sites, I recommend staying in La Candelaria so you’re within walking distance of everything. If you are staying in the city for more than a few nights and are more interested in enjoying Bogotá’s vibrant nightlife, then I recommend staying in the slightly pricier Zona Rosa or Chapinero.

Budget hotels – Budget hotels are plentiful in Bogotá and a room in a two-star hotel costs 110,000-150,000 per night. Expect amenities like free Wi-Fi, AC, and sometimes free breakfast.

Airbnb is also available in the city, with private rooms starting at 60,000 COP per night. For an entire home or apartment, prices average about 235,000 COP per night.

Food – Colombian food is a blend of indigenous, Caribbean, and European traditions. While ingredients and popular dishes vary by region, common staples include maize, potato, cassava, rice, and all kinds of tropical fruit (dragon fruit, papaya, guava, passionfruit). Fried plantains, chicken soup, tamales, empanadas, meat pies, and roasted piglet are just some of the delicious popular dishes you’ll encounter.

Overall, the food in Bogotá is cheap. If you’re on a budget, you can easily eat for under 45,000 COP a day here. Whether it’s an arepa (a maize dough bun filled with meat or cheese) for less than 4,000 COP, an empanada for 2,500 COP or ajiaco (a hearty dish of chicken breast, potatoes, fresh corn, and more) for lunch for as little as 15,000 COP, there are plenty of cheap options for eating out in Bogotá when it comes to fast food.

For a mid-range restaurant with table service, expect to pay around 40,000 for a three-course meal. A meal at a higher-end restaurant costs at least 70,000 per course. If you want to have a drink, add around 10,000-15,000 COP.

Fast food (thick McDonald’s) costs about 18,000 COP for a combo meal. A beer at a bar costs about 9,000 while buying it at a store is a little over half that price. A latte or cappuccino costs around 4,800 COP.

My favorite places to eat in Bogotá are Mesa Franca, Salvo Patria, El Chato, and Prudencia.

OXXO stores are a great place to stock up on snacks and alcohol — most are open 24 hours. For a week’s worth of groceries, expect to pay around 80,000-90,000 COP.

Backpacking Bogotá Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Bogotá, my suggested budget is 125,000 COP per day. This is assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking some meals and getting a free hostel breakfast, taking the free walking tours, using local transportation or walking everywhere, and limiting your drinking.

A mid-range budget of 230,000 COP per day covers staying in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eating cheap street food for most meals, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities like visiting museums and doing a food tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 500,000 COP per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in COP.

Bogotá Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Bogotá is fairly inexpensive to visit as it’s not as “gringofied” and touristy as other destinations in the country. I didn’t find myself spending that much money while I was in the city despite not trying to save. But, if you’re looking to save some extra money when you visit, here are my suggested ways to spend less in the city:

• Take a free walking tour – There are a few free walking tours available, making for a great introduction to the city. This is the best (and cheapest!) way to explore while getting a detailed overview of the city and its culture and history. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end! I recommend BeyondColombia or the Bogotá Graffiti Tour .
• Eat like locals – It’s easy to eat on a budget here if you stick to Colombian food. Avoid sit-down restaurants and Western food and you can eat for cheap without breaking the bank.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is cheap here, but staying with a local makes it free! Not only will you save some money, but you get firsthand knowledge from a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Cook your own meals – While eating out isn’t too expensive here, if you’re on a budget it is cheaper if you cook your own meals. Head to a local grocery store and save your budget!
• Skip the cocktails – Colombia has a lot of awesome cocktail bars now, but these drinks are expensive. If you’re on a budget, skip the cocktails and stick to beer.
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here is safe so bring a water bottle with you to avoid buying single-use plastic. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Walk everywhere – If you don’t mind walking, this is the easiest and cheapest way to explore the city. Most of the main sights are well within walking distance if you are staying in the La Candelaria area.

Where to Stay in Bogotá

Bogotá is a huge city, and it’s divided into different Estratos, or zones. When booking accommodation, be sure to check the area as many areas in the city are unsafe. La Candelaria is the most popular with backpackers, although it is reasonably safe during the day you should use caution at night.

Two areas of the city considered safer are Zona Rosa and Chapinero; they are both more expensive areas, and they are too far away from downtown to walk to all of the main tourist attractions.

With that in mind, here are some of my suggested places to stay in Bogotá:

• Selina (Chapinero)
• The Cranky Croc Backpackers Hostel (La Candelaria)
• Masaya (La Candelaria)
• Botinico Hostel (La Candelaria)

How to Get Around Bogotá

If you like to walk, stay in La Candelaria. All of the main attractions and sights are quite walkable from here, which saves you money on transportation.

If you are staying in another area of Bogotá, or want to travel by public transport to one of the malls or places of interest outside Bogotá, you are going to need to use the TransMilenio, also known as the BRT (bus rapid transit system).

Public transportation – The main method of public transportation is on the TransMilenio. This is effectively a bus service that has its own bus lane in the center of the main roads in Bogotá. If you want to get anywhere fast, it is often far better to travel by TransMilenio than by car, as the traffic in Bogotá can be dreadful.

To travel on the TransMilenio, you need to buy a TuLlave Card for 5,000 COP and then top it up. This needs to be paid for in cash as credit cards are not accepted. Once you have your card, you just tap the card to enter the station where you are charged 2,300 COP. From there, you can make two changes within 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Using the TransMilenio during the day and in the early evening is safe, but I would avoid using public transport after 9pm, especially if you are alone.

To efficiently plan your route on public transport in Bogotá, download an app called Moovit. Google maps can be unreliable, and the TransMilenio App is ok, but they only have a Spanish version.

Taking the TransMilenio from the airport to La Candelaria is the cheapest and quickest way into the city center. It costs 2,300 COP. When you arrive at the airport, follow the signs to the TransMilenio then take a bus to Universidades. You need to get off at Las Aguas and then walk through the park towards the OXXO. This is the start of La Candelaria. If you are staying anywhere else, you can change buses, or take an Uber or Tapsi Taxi.

Taxis – If you want to get a taxi, then download an app called Tapsi or Easy Taxi. They work just like Uber although they won’t charge your card, so you need to pay cash. It is by far the safest way to take a taxi if you need one.

I would strongly advise against taking a taxi off the street in Bogotá. As a general rule, cabs are not safe for tourists, even during the daytime (more about this in the safety section). If you need a ride, ask your hotel/hostel staff to arrange one for you.

The one exception is the airport taxis as they are safe. A taxi from the airport to La Candelaria should cost you no more than 50,000 COP (and probably less). If you are staying in the North of the city it should cost no more than 65,000 COP.

Although Uber is not legal in Colombia, it is widely used and considered as safe as using Tapsi or Taxi Fast.

Bike rental – If you want to rent a bike to get around, bikes cost around 9,000 COP for a two-hour rental. Just stick to main roads to be safe as even bikers can be mugged.

When to Go to Bogotá

Bogotá doesn’t really have seasons, so there is no bad time to visit. Because of the altitude, it is often cold, and it does rain a lot. The drier months are from December to March, so if you prefer to avoid the rain, this would be the best time to go. Expect temperatures around 14°C (57°F).

If you prefer the heat, the warmest months are from May to June where temperatures average around 20°C (68°F).

The busiest time of year to visit Bogotá is during July and August, during Bogotá Carnival. Prices increase a lot during this time and you need to book accommodations well in advance, however, the city is super lively and it’s a fun time to visit if you want to party.

How to Stay Safe in Bogotá

Safety is one of the biggest concerns for people when planning a trip to Bogotá. They have a common saying in Colombia, “No dar papaya” which translates as “don’t give papaya.” What it really means is though don’t give anyone the chance to steal your stuff by walking around and being flashy or reckless. You need to be very cautious here.

That means no walking around with your phone out, never keeping anything in your pockets (especially when on public transport), and always keeping hold of your bag. If you are eating out, either keep your backpack on your lap or place your foot or a chair leg through your strap. It is very common for someone to try to do a bag swap (meaning they swap their empty bag for yours).

You should also use caution when withdrawing money from ATMs. Avoid the ATMs on the street and go into the bank to use the ATM, that way you can put your money away discreetly without being watched.

There aren’t many common street “scams” in Bogotá. Anything serious is going to revolve around straight-up armed robbery.

Trust me on this. My friend was robbed here. And so was I. I learned what happens when you let your guard down here .

If you do run into any problems, there are tourist police all over the downtown area. Often just shouting loudly can stop a thief in their tracks as the tourist police don’t take kindly to crime against tourists.

Additionally, beware of getting into random taxis as the really serious crime against foreigners here is what is commonly referred to as “paseo millonarios” (“millionaire rides”). The taxi driver picks up a tourist (quite often a solo traveler or a couple) and then makes a stop to pick up some ‘”friends.” They then take the passenger(s) to an ATM and make them withdraw as many pesos as they can get. They continue to drive the tourist around, usually by gunpoint to different ATMs until they have withdrawn all of the money possible. Then they will leave the tourist somewhere to make their own way back. To avoid this, never get in a taxi off the street.

There are a few “no-go” areas in the city, but as a tourist, you shouldn’t ever find yourself accidentally wandering into one of these areas. As a general rule, don’t go south of La Candelaria, and stay over on the eastern side of the city (the mountainside).

I don’t want to be all doom and gloom but, as much as I LOVE Bogotá, there is crime here and you have to really be careful. Do not let your guard down. That doesn’t mean crime is happening everywhere. It’s not. If you use common sense and follow what the locals do, nothing is going to happen to you. I spent so long in Colombia that I let my guard down and that was a mistake.

If you experience an emergency and need assistance, dial 123.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Colombia, check out this post we wrote that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Bogotá Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Bogotá Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Colombia and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Bogotá: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Medellín: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Is Colombia Safe to Visit?

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Colombia?

14 Things to Do in Medellín (and the ONE thing NOT to do!)

My 21 Favorite Places to Visit in Colombia

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

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19 Top Attractions & Things to do in Bogota

Oh, Bogota, the vibrant heart of Colombia, rich with history, culture, and a touch of adventure! Just the place to satiate that wanderlust of yours. It’s high time you explored this captivating metropolis.

Located more than 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) above sea level, the high-altitude capital of Colombia is far larger than most people imagine, comparable in size to metropolises like New York City and Mexico City.

Among the notable tourist attractions, you’ll find the colorful neighborhood of La Candelaria , top-notch museums, and the panoramic views of the Cerro de Monserrate.

Whether you want to delve into the city’s past or immerse yourself in its modern-day charms, these recommendations will help you make the most of your time in Bogota. Join us as we discover some of the best things to do in Bogota, ensuring you have an unforgettable trip to this intriguing city.

19. Catedral Primada

Bogotá’s Catedral Primada is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates beautiful architecture. Located in the heart of the La Candelaria neighborhood, the cathedral has a stunning neoclassical design that dates back to the early 19th century.

This beautiful cathedral is not only a place of worship, but also a cultural landmark representing the city’s history and heritage. As you explore the magnificent interior, you’ll discover intricate stained glass windows, impressive religious sculptures, and beautiful side chapels.

Be sure to also take a stroll around Plaza de Bolívar, the bustling square surrounding the cathedral, to get a true sense of the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

18. Usaquen Market

The Usaquén Market is a popular weekend destination in Bogotá, offering visitors a unique blend of traditional crafts, delicious local cuisine, and lively street performances. The market stands out as a hub for local artists and food vendors, giving tourists an authentic taste of Colombian culture.

Located in the heart of the charming Usaquén neighborhood, the market is teeming with vibrant colors and alluring smells. You’ll find an assortment of handmade crafts like textiles, leather goods, and jewelry, making it a great destination for some souvenir hunting. Additionally, the vast array of mouth-watering street food ensures that even the pickiest eaters find something to suit their taste buds.

Just remember not to fill up on too many goodies – you still have plenty of more sections to explore in this wonderful city!

17. Simon Bolívar Park

Simón Bolívar Park, one of Bogotá’s largest and most visited green spaces, offers a relaxing escape from the bustling city streets.

With an abundance of recreational activities, you’ll never find yourself at a loss for things to do. Rent a paddleboat and explore the picturesque lake, or challenge your friends to a game of soccer, beach volleyball, or tennis.

Or just enjoy a leisurely stroll, wander along the tree-lined paths, marvel at the park’s diverse flora, and be sure to visit the smaller parks and monuments nestled within, such as the Children’s Park, the Forest of Stories, and the Simon Bolivar Monument. There is even an amusement park.

16. Graffiti Tour

When visiting Bogota, a graffiti tour is a must! The city’s vibrant street art scene tells stories of its history, culture, and politics.

Bogota’s street art is not just a form of expression; it’s a movement. There are guided tours led by passionate locals who know the ins and outs of these captivating creations. There are both walking and biking tours.

La Candelaria, a bohemian neighborhood filled with historical charm, is the perfect place to start your graffiti journey. As you wander through its charming cobblestone streets, you’ll discover many hidden gems in the form of intricate art pieces.

Keep your eye out for works by Bacan, a renowned Bogota artist known for their distinct style and thought-provoking themes.

15. Casa de Moneda

The Casa de Moneda, founded in 1621, is a fascinating attraction in Bogotá. As one of the oldest mints in the Americas, it has played a significant role in Colombia’s history.

Now functioning as a museum, visitors can admire the diverse collection of coins, banknotes, and historical artifacts from different eras. An interesting highlight is the machinery used in minting coins throughout history.

The Casa de Moneda also houses a noteworthy collection of Colombian art, featuring works from prominent artists such as Alejandro Obregón and Fernando Botero. The beautiful architecture of the building itself adds to the overall charm, too!

14. Quinta de Bolivar

Tucked away in the lush mountainside, Quinta de Bolívar is a must-see historical gem in Bogotá. Once the residence of the famous liberator Simón Bolívar, this beautiful colonial estate now serves as a museum, showcasing the life and accomplishments of Bolívar.

As you wander through the elegantly furnished rooms, you’ll see art and artifacts, including Bolívar’s personal belongings and intricate paintings that tell his story.

Make sure to take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant gardens that surround the property. Filled with exotic plants, fountains, and statues, these gardens offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

While you’re there, take advantage of the stunning panoramic views of Bogotá, perfect for those Insta-worthy snaps.

13. National Museum of Colombia

Exhibiting a vast collection of Colombian history, art and culture, he National Museum of Colombia houses more than 20,000 pieces ranging from pre-Columbian artifacts to modern art.

The first floor focuses on indigenous cultures and their way of life. You’ll find impressive quetzal feathered headdresses and ancient ceramic figures that tell the stories of these fascinating civilizations. Moving up to the second floor, you’ll be exposed to Colombia’s colonial period, showcasing impressive Baroque-style architectures and religious artwork.

As you head up to the third floor, notice the transition from Colombian history to contemporary art, including pieces by world-renowned artist Fernando Botero.

While strolling through the museum, don’t forget to check out the beautiful central patio garden—a great spot for a relaxing break after diving deep into Colombia’s rich history.

12. Museo Santa Clara

Santa Clara is one of the oldest churches in all of Colombia, and its interior is also one of the most extravagantly decorated.

Built over a 50-year span in the 17th century, the church is filled with ornate features. These include the barrel vault ceiling painted in a gold floral motif and nearly 150 sculptures and paintings of saints decorating the building’s walls.

The church is now owned by the Colombian government, and it has been transformed into a museum. Although there are plenty of beautiful churches to be seen in and around Bogota, the Museo Santa Clara is definitely a must-see landmark in the city.

11. Plaza de Bolivar

The energetic main square in the heart of Bogota is the Plaza de Bolivar. Surrounding the plaza, you’ll find several historic buildings including neoclassical palaces, government buildings and the largest church in all of Colombia.

This destination used to be known as Plaza Mayor, but it was renamed in the 19th century after the military leader Simón Bolívar. The Plaza de Bolivar is the center of the city, and it is what Bogota truly grew around. If you only have the chance to stop at one important destination in Bogota, it should be the Plaza de Bolivar.

10. Parque 93

In Northern Bogota, in the district of Chapinero, you’ll find Parque 93. Also known as Parque de la 93, this is considered to be the hotspot for dining and nightlife in Bogota.

During the day, Parque 93 is an excellent place to sightsee, take a stroll or just enjoy the sunshine at the park itself. There are frequent music and art festivals within the park, not to mention an abundance of rotating public art installations.

In the evenings, cosmopolitan locals and international travelers alike gravitate to the trendy cafes and bustling nightlife venues, and it is a great place to have a drink and mingle.

9. Paloquemao Market

A bit off the tourist trail, the Paloquemao Market is one of Colombia’s most popular farmers markets, filled with captivating tastes and smells. As you wander through the busy aisles, prepare to be amazed by the seemingly endless array of local fruits, vegetables, flowers, and more.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely want to sink your teeth into some mouth-watering Colombian dishes at one of the market’s many restaurantes populares. From the scrumptious arepas to the hearty soups, there’s no shortage of delicious options.

The friendly vendors are happy to tell you all about their fresh goods and share a piece of their culture. Snap a few photos, listen to their stories, and most importantly, enjoy the warm energy that permeates the busy market.

8. Iglesia de San Francisco

One of the most important religious landmarks in Bogota is the Iglesia de San Francisco. Built between 1557 and 1621, the building is the oldest surviving church in the city. Since it is located just steps from the famed Museum of Gold, the Iglesia de San Francisco is a popular place to explore.

Elaborate Christian artwork decorates the walls, making it more like a religious art gallery than a traditional church. Be sure to spend some time admiring the extraordinary altarpiece from the 17th century, which is gilded in gold and decorated with beautiful details.

7. Jardin Botanico de Bogota

The Botanical Gardens of Bogota, also known as the Jardín Botánico José Celestino Mutis, is the largest of its kind in all of Colombia. Founded in 1955, it is an excellent opportunity to admire the staggering numbers of plants and flowers found naturally throughout the country.

Walk through rose gardens and medicinal gardens, and then bask in the view of more than 5,000 orchids in one place. Of special significance is the large building containing five rooms, each of which represents a unique climate zone in the country. You can walk through each and see the plants and atmosphere found in each of these Colombian climate zones.

6. Bogota Ciclovia

The city of Bogota is very pedestrian friendly, and it also boasts the largest network of bicycle routes in all of Latin America. Every Sunday, cycling takes over the city thanks to the weekly Ciclovia.

Between seven in the morning and two in the afternoon each Sunday, many roads are closed to cars. This allows cyclists, joggers or roller skaters to explore the city in a whole new way.

Refreshment stands dot the sides of the road, and there are even performances along the way. Several shops rent bicycles in the district called La Candelaria.

5. Visit Catedral de Sal in Zipaquira

One of the most unique adventures to embark on while visiting Bogota is a trip to the remarkable Catedral de Sal in Zipaquirá. This underground wonder, known as the Salt Cathedral, was carved into the walls of an abandoned salt mine and serves as a popular tourist destination for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.

Getting to Zipaquirá is fairly straightforward, with buses readily available from Bogota’s Portal del Norte bus terminal. Alternatively, you can take the scenic “Tren Turístico de La Sabana” on weekends, offering a fun and leisurely train ride through the countryside.

Once in Zipaquirá, you’ll descend into the mine and witness the breathtaking salt sculptures and delicate lighting that adorn the cathedral’s interior. The incredible skill of Colombian artisans, the artwork and intricate design of Catedral de Sal are truly awe-inspiring.

In addition to the main cathedral, the complex also features a museum showcasing the history of salt mining in the region and its cultural significance.

4. Monserrate

The city of Bogota is dominated by a mountain called Monserrate. At the top of the peak is a church and a shrine, and you’ll also be able to access stunning views over the city below. Also at the top are two lovely restaurants and plenty of souvenir stalls.

There are several ways to get up and down Monserrate. A stone path takes about 90 minutes to hike up, but you can also ride the funicular. Monserrate is easily one of the top attractions in Bogota, and it is a great way to familiarize yourself with Bogota’s layout from above.

3. Museo del Oro

There are several fantastic museums in Bogota, but one of the most fascinating is the Museo del Oro, or the Museum of Gold.

Before Columbus and other European explorers came to Colombia, gold was a significant part of the local culture and heritage. The Museo del Oro explores that, featuring an amazing collection of gold that dates from centuries past.

You’ll find incredible pieces of melted gold made by countless tribes and groups from Latin America, including the famous Pasca golden raft which may have inspired the legends of El Dorado. Onsite there is also a restaurant, gift shop and cafe.

2. Museo Botero

The Museo Botero is named after Fernando Botero, who is the best-known and most influential Colombian artist of all time. Also known as the Banco de la Republica Art Collection, this museum houses Botero’s personal art collection.

When you visit the museum, you’ll be able to see over 3,000 pieces of art dating from the 16th century all the way to today. Entrance is free for all, and it offers the chance to see works by Alejandro Obregón, Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos and countless others.

Most of the collection is made up of paintings, but there also some sculptures and mixed-medium pieces on display.

1. La Candelaria

Arguably the most important district in the city is La Candelaria. This is the heart of the Bogota, and it is where Simon Bolivar escaped, the revolutionary heroine Policarpa Salavarrieta was executed and the revolution began with Grito de Libertad. In addition to all this historic significance, La Candelaria is home to numerous landmarks.

You’ll definitely want to visit the Plaza de Bolivar, and you can’t miss the Palacio de Nariño. Just walking along the streets of this district means you can admire beautiful colonial architecture, and the emerald market is a dazzling spot that many visitors love.

Finally, satisfy your cravings for traditional Colombian cuisine at some of the neighborhood’s authentic restaurants. Classic dishes like arepas, empanadas, and ajiaco are sure to delight your taste buds!

Best Time to Visit Bogota

As Bogota sits high up on a plateau in the Colombian Andes region, the city is quite cool all year round with temperatures averaging 16 to 18°C (61 to 64°F). Outside of the rainy months of April to June and October and November are the best times to visit.

Due to the summer holidays, Christmas and New Year’s, December through March is one of its peak seasons when prices are highest. While the dry weather is lovely for sightseeing or strolling about Simon Bolivar Park, there are rarely clear, sunny skies throughout the day.

After Easter and the Festival Estereo Picnic, the crowds do drop off a bit as the rainy season sets in. While wandering about isn’t too pleasant, there are big events like the International Book Fair and Ibero-American Theatre Festival to attend in April and May.

Although very cool, July and August (winter in Colombia) are the most popular months to visit as Europeans head here on their summer holidays. Prices again rise at its hotels, cafes and restaurants are all packed.

As September is still dry, Bogota remains quite busy with its great jazz festival also going on then. The Rock al Parque music festival in October also attracts enormous crowds despite the rain for around 20 days on average.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Bogota

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Reader interactions.

August 9, 2018 at 3:49 pm

Great article! Bogota is an excellent destination in Colombia. It is full of culture and nice people! I especially love the museums such as the Botero museum and the restaurants of typical food. If you want to travel from Bogota to other cities of the country I recommend to travel by bus.

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• 2 Understand
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.4 By train
• 4.1 By e-hailing
• 4.2 By taxi
• 4.3 By Transmilenio
• 4.4 By gondola lift
• 4.6 By colectivo
• 4.7 By bicycle
• 4.8 Orientation
• 5.1.1 Downtown Day Tour
• 6.1 Performances and festivals
• 6.2 Other activities
• 6.3 Outside of Bogotá
• 11.1 Local food
• 11.2 Casual dining
• 11.3 Restaurants
• 14 Stay safe
• 15 Stay healthy
• 16.1 Embassies
• 16.2 News outlets

Bogotá , officially Bogotá D.C, is the capital of Colombia . One of the world's mega-cities, Bogotá is a global center for finance, politics, culture, shopping, media, and entertainment. The city is a vibrant metropolis with thousands of things to do, see, and discover, including world-class museums and restaurants, glittering skyscrapers and vast financial centers, 500-year-old mansions, palaces, and historic churches. There are over 75 performing arts venues spread throughout the city, including the renowned Teatro Colon. For those who love outdoor activities, Bogotá is home to the Parque Metropolitano Simon Bolivar, the largest urban park in the Americas, and has over 500 km of urban bike paths. The city is always awake, always alive, and most of all, always full of energy.

Boroughs [ edit ]

One of the planet's largest cities, Bogotá is divided into 20 localities or boroughs ( localidades ), and every visit to this city should include at least four or five of them, depending on the purpose and extent of your travel. The district division in this guide partly deviates from the official division.

The "must-sees" include La Candelaria, Chapinero-Zona T, the Zona Rosa, Teasaquillo-Ciudad Salitre, and Usaquen. A little extra time to explore La Macarena in Santa Fé , Parque 93 , and Usaquén 's colonial center would be time well spent.

Understand [ edit ]

With a population of 15 million people, Bogota DC sits approximately 2,640 m (8,660 feet) above sea level in the Colombian Andes region. Its climate is cool year-round. Orientation is relatively easy, as the mountains located in the eastern parts of the city, are generally visible from most parts of the city.

Asides from being one of Latin America's great capital cities, Bogota is also one of the most modern, multicultural, and cosmopolitan cities on Earth. To understand the sheer size of this vast metropolis, consider that Mexico City and New York City are the only North American cities larger than the capital district. Bogota is the second most populous Spanish speaking city in the World and the fifth largest metropolitan area in the Western hemisphere.

Bogota is a city of many layers, and as such it offers a one-of-a-kind experience to its visitors. Described by the New York Times as one of the world's “greatest cities”', prepare to find a hectic balance between the new and the old; the avant-garde, the modern, and the historic. Encounter 500-year-old plazas overshadowed by towering skyscrapers. Find peaceful tree-lined bicycle routes running through the center dividers of 8-lane avenues. From internationally recognized universities and educational institutions to being one of the globe's leading financial, political, and cultural capitals, Bogota houses an endless number of museums, public parks, and cultural activities. Being the global and regional seat of hundreds of multinational companies, Bogotá is one of the planet's official capitals for business dealings. The city's exposure to European, North American, Middle-Eastern, and Asian influences, brought about by immigrants who came to the city from various parts of the world, ensures that anything from traditional dishes to a renowned steak or sushi restaurant can be found.

The capital district isn't just a city, it's a world within a city. Its Festivals and public parks have earned Bogota international medals and prizes (Such as the UNESCO world city of culture), its museums and cultural institutions including the world's largest gold museum and one of the largest performing arts centers in the western hemisphere, have earned it the name  "The Athens of South America''. The city's ability to create and innovate, as well as to implement technological solutions to global problems have brought Bogota international renown, and its prowess in re-imagining mass-transportation systems on a global scale have placed it on the international stage for innovation and leadership. Many of Bogota's more than 200 public libraries , including the Virgilio Barco, designed by master architect Rogelio Salmona, are among the globe's largest and most renowned libraries, which earned Bogota the title of "world book capital" . In addition to its vast network of public libraries and museums, the city also houses the largest business and events center in the continent, being the host to major events including the 2023 world business forum which be held in Bogota in October. The capital district also possesses the largest vertical garden in the planet as well as the globes's most extensive bus rapid-transit system, all of which earned Bogota the title of the Planet's "green capital" in 2016, and the planet's most eco-friendly city in 2018. Author and poet Gabriel Garcia Marquez rightfully described Bogota as "a beautiful and complex city, a world capital in its own right".

Bogotá's 20 boroughs are divided into 6 geographical sections: The downtown hosts many of the city's most important historical zones including the Historic Center home to The national capitol, the presidential palace, the palace of justice, as well as multiple Government offices, many of Bogota's major museums and monuments, as well as the majority of foreign embassies and consulates. It is also the Capital’s district cultural hub home to hundreds of theaters, art galleries, and festivals year-wide. The Northeast: Traditionally where the wealthiest boroughs in the city are located and home to a population of 3 million people this area combines many of the city's most expensive shopping and entertainment districts including Zona Rosa, Zona T, and Parque del Virrey, as well as multiple high-rise residential and business buildings surrounded by vast parks and monuments. The Northwest is a highly innovative area, and it is also the place where many modern developments have taken place and combines many upscale residences with affluent shopping centers, boutiques, cafes, and nightclubs. The northwest is also a hub for tech and financial companies, as well as the seat of many new business neighborhoods offering headquarters to multinational corporations. Central Bogota-Teusaquillo  is a huge area located in the geographical center of Bogota, home to nearly a quarter of the capital district's 12 million inhabitants, this area houses multiple universities including the National University of Colombia, Bogotá's major sporting venues and outdoor parks, as well as the headquarters for various financial and tech companies. This is a melting pot for Bogotanos of all boroughs and social statuses. The Southwest has a mix of working-class and high-class neighborhoods, home to various office buildings, public parks, civic centers, libraries, and business zones, as well as some of the city's largest shopping malls and the hemisphere’s largest fair and event center; Agora and Corferias. The Southeast is where the city's largest working-class neighborhoods are found. Multiple industrial zones and businesses are located in this area. It was once referred to as the poorest section of the city, although recent administrations have investments millions of dollars in increasing the southeast’s infrastructure as well as its productivity and innovation levels. Now this borough is an increasingly creative district in the city, famous for its inventive artists and musicians.

Due to the city's exponential growth, many neighboring cities such as Chia, Soacha and Mosquera have been absorbed and are now considered within the metropolitan area of Greater Bogotá.

Bogotá has had some mayors who have become darlings of the international "urbanist" community with eminently quotable lines and pro-cycling pro-public transit and - arguably - anti-car policies. First and foremost was Enrique Peñalosa (Mayor 1998–2001 and 2016–2019) who is famous for saying "An advanced city is not one where even the poor move about in cars but one where even the rich use public transit". Under his mandate, the world's largest Bus-rapid transit system "TransMilenio" and the "TransMiCable" gondola lift system were inaugurated in Bogota. The current mayor, Claudia López Hernández, who assumed office January 1, 2020, is again of a leftish-green bent. She ran on a platform of "metro, metro and more metro," promising to bring the decades-long-planned Bogotá metro to fruition. She has continued Peñalosa's policies of shutting down major streets to car traffic on public holidays and Sundays or even week-round under a project called the "Ciclovía" ("cycle way"), which is a popular mode of recreation and transportation for millions of citizens of Bogotá. In the course of the 2019-2020 Coronavirus pandemic , López Hernández expanded the Ciclovía even further, to much public acclaim.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Domestic flights are served by many airlines including Avianca (main Colombian airline), LATAM, Viva, Wingo, Satena and EasyFly. Domestic flights of Avianca are served from the Puente Aéreo terminal, next to El Dorado terminal, and features WiFi access to the Internet from almost every location. There are more than 20 daily flights from the 2 airports in Medellín , over 15 daily flights from Cali and more than 10 from Cartagena . Domestic flights to Bogotá are among the 50 busiest flight routes on earth and heavy competition can net you cheap fares. Taxis are regulated, reasonably priced and safe from the airport. El Dorado is also the third busiest airport in Latin America and the largest by cargo movement.

To get out from the airport into the city there are a couple of options:

• Regulated taxis . You first have to search for a stand where you will have to point out your destination and then they will print out a ticket indicating the price you will have pay. Then, pick up a taxi from the line and explain to the driver your destination. At the end of the journey you will have to pay only what is printed out in the ticket.
• Transmilenio . You can only use the bus system if you have small luggage - you might not be allowed into the stations if you are carrying big suitcases. To get out the airport without having the public transport card, take the bus line "16-14". It's a green bus that brings you for free to the bus station "Portal El Dorado". There buy the Tullave card before going through the turnstile. People with Transmilenio or blue SITP jackets are ready to help (although most of them do not speak English - bring your Spanish phrasebook or use Google Translate). The bus station has WiFi. A lot of bus lines depart from that bus station, you may be able to reach your destination in Bogota with a direct connection.

By bus [ edit ]

The safety of bus travel in Colombia has greatly improved. However, foreigners should be cautious not to travel to areas of unrest and travel only during the day. Do not carry large amounts of cash with you as robberies are known to occur along some routes. Service in the 'upscale' buses are very good and they are very comfortable. Pick the most expensive service (just a couple of dollars extra) as these buses tend to be newer and in better mechanical condition.

Buses run in and out of Bogotá's main station, 4.6543 -74.1155 2 El Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá (Terminal Salitre) . The station is clean and has standard amenities. Located at Dg 23, No 69-59, several bus companies have regular routes to destinations around the country. To get there from the airport, you can take a short taxi ride.

Take into consideration that most of the restaurants serving within the terminal can be expensive by Colombian standards, but well served. In case of need, it may be advisable to order a dish for 2 people or just to check places around the station.

The Terminal is divided in several color-coded areas that indicate the destinations to which companies in that area travel to: Yellow = South, Blue = East and West, Red = North and International, Purple = Arrivals.

In additional to the above, the same governmental agency that operates the main bus station (Terminal La Salitre) also operates satellite stations in the north part of town and another in the south part of town which may be closer to your point of origin or final destination in Bogota:

• 4.59733 -74.1762 3 La Terminal del Sur (South Terminal) along Autopista Sur at Carrera 59 in La Bosa, in the south side of town.
• 4.7703 -74.0422 4 Terminal Satelite del Norte (North Terminal) on Calle 192, #19-43 off of Ave Carrera 45 north of town.

There are multiple bus lines serving El Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá (Terminal Salitre) and one or both of the other stations in the north or south part of town. The below are the major bus lines connecting Bogota to Medellin and to other cities north and east (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Monteria, Bucaramanga, etc) towards the Caribbean coast and the Venezuelan border:

• Expreso Brasilia , toll-free: 01 8000 51 8001 . From Tigo and Movistar phones call #501 or #502 ( updated Jul 2015 )
• Copetran , ☏ +57 7 644-81-67 (Bucaramanga) , toll-free: 01 8000 114 164 . #567 or #568 from Claro cell phones ( updated Jul 2015 )
• Berlinas del Fonce . Travels between Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Cartagena, Cúcuta, Santa Marta and points in between ( updated Jul 2015 )
• Rapido Ochoa , ☏ +57 4 444-88-88 . Travels from Medellin and Bogotá to Arboletes, Barracajermeca, Monteria, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Tolu and points in between in multiple route combinations ( updated Jul 2015 )

Other companies that go to multiple cities and towns in the southern part of the country, connecting Bogota to Medellin and to other cities west and south (Armenia, Cali, Manizales, Florence, Ipiales, Neiva, Palmira, etc.) towards the Ecuadorian border and the Pacific coast. Some may offer onward international service into Ecuador and Peru:

• Empresa Arauca , toll-free: 01 8000 42-87-37 . ( updated Aug 2019 )
• Expreso Bolivariano , ☏ +57 1 424-90-90 (Bogotá number) . Offers extensive routes from Bogotá and Medellin to Manizales, Armenia, Medellín, Cali, Ipiales, Popayan and to other places south. They also offer international service down into Peru. ( updated Jul 2015 )
• Expreso Palmira , ☏ +57 321 890-35-97 (from cell phone) , toll-free: 01 8000 936-662 . ( updated Jul 2015 )
• Fronteras - Continental Bus . ( updated Jul 2015 )
• Coomotor . ( updated Jul 2015 )

In addition to the above, there are also numerous other bus lines connecting Bogota to other cities at varying distances.

By car [ edit ]

The below is distance chart as to how far and how much time it is to travel between Bogota and other major cities by car or by bus on the main highways:

By train [ edit ]

There are no proper intercity trains in Colombia . However touristic steam trains, operated by Turistren , connects Bogotá with the city of Zipaquirá several times per week.

A regional railway system is expected to be launched by 2024.

Get around [ edit ]

By e-hailing [ edit ].

InDrive, Uber, Cabify and Didi cover the city. As of November 2015, Uber rides can take a while to reach you, particularly if you are in the La Candelaria area. You can also use Uber app to hail a taxi. Note that while rideshare apps are commonly used, they are officially illegal in Colombia, so drivers can be hesitant to drive to places where they may be hassled by police (e.g. bus stations). Drivers may ask you to sit in front so that you appear to be a "friend" of the driver instead of taking a passenger for profit through a ride-hailing app.

By taxi [ edit ]

While ubiquitous and affordable – the local yellow taxis are arguably the most visible representative to the world of Bogotá's worst side. Travelers used to being cheated by taxi drivers probably aren't yet acquainted with the paseo millionario , or "Millionaire Ride," where a taxi driver swings by to pick up well-armed accomplices who then rob you, possibly drug you, and almost certainly take you to multiple ATMs to forcibly withdraw a large sums of money. This rather extreme practice is actually pretty common. Taxis should not be hailed off the street—only called through dispatch. Nice restaurants and any place of lodging will be happy to do this for you, and will express genuine concern if they think you are going to try to hail one. Otherwise, call one yourself at 599-9999, 311-1111 or 411-1111. Sometimes it can take a while to get one, though, so it's good to have a back up. If public transit isn't your thing, consider keeping a private car service on hand. They are pretty good deal for the money, when all is considered, and your hotel or business should be able to recommend one.

If calling for a taxi, the driver will want to confirm that it is you who called by asking for a "clave" (key), which is always the last two digits of the phone from which you called to request the taxi. Each taxi has a meter which should increment one tick every 1/10 km or 30 seconds and starts at 25 ticks. The rate chart is printed on a card in the taxi. Nearly all taxi drivers will try to take advantage of you in one way or another; be sure the taxi meter is started when you begin your trip. Tipping is never necessary—be sure to count your change and be on the lookout for both counterfeit coins and notes. There are surcharges for the airport, holidays, and nights (after 8PM). Surcharge details are printed on the fare card. There is a surcharge for ordering a taxi arriving at your house and one for after 8PM, even if you are starting your trip before that time. Holidays and Sundays are also surcharged. Lock the doors of the taxi, especially after dark. If you experience a problem in a taxi or with the driver, dial 123 to report a complaint with the police. You should also call the company with which the taxi is registered.

In other hand If you are interested in a more private and professional option, you can hire a Shuttle Service . This kind of services often have wide range of vehicles and can be paid by credit card so you won't have to worry about carrying cash all the time.

By Transmilenio [ edit ]

Bogota's rapid bus service, the Transmilenio [dead link] is extremely affordable, clean and efficient. It carries commuters to numerous corners of the city in exclusive lanes, bypassing the notorious city traffic. Tickets cost COP$2,950 (Oct 2023) for Transmilenio buses & cable cars and COP$2,750 for SITP buses. You must buy a rechargeable card at any Transmilenio station beforehand for COP$7,000 (Oct 2023). Recharging the card must also be done at a Transmilenio station.

If you have WiFi or a data plan, the easiest way to find a connection is using an app like Google Maps, Moovit (also available in English) or Transmilenio y SITP (has a bit more info).

Riders should keep a close eye on their pockets and avoid flashing expensive items, as there is a moderate risk of pick-pocketing, particularly during peak hours or at night.

The vehicles used in that systems are articulated buses; they are fast and safe, but could be full during the afternoon times. The system also uses different kinds of stations: the simples offers bus services at the right and left sides (north-south;east-west) and the intermediates are usually located in middle points and have complete services, such as elevators, station libraries, bikes parks, restrooms. Alimentadores services (buses that reach zones the articulated buses do not) and the portals , the nine arrival and departure places of the buses, are located near the entrances to the city. Service ends 10–11PM, depending on the station. Intercity buses from the metropolitan area also arrive at these stations.

The sheer number of bus numbers is quite intimidating, but has a simple logic to it. There are actually only ten routes , demarcated by letters (and names, but don't worry about that). J and L routes will take you into the historic/political center, with J buses even stopping right at the Gold Museum. B buses will take you up through the North, with Calle 85 being the closest stop to the popular Zona Rosa, B buses take you to Portal del Norte, where you can catch inter-city buses up to Zipaquirá (for the Salt Cathedral). K buses head out towards the airport.

The system, being one of the world's leading examples of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), runs in dedicated lanes with stations containing offboard fare collection and level boarding, giving it a similar experience to rail without the high capital costs of rail.

By gondola lift [ edit ]

Another cable-car of primarily touristic transportation value is the Teleférico de Monserrate.

Privately owned buses cruise all the main thorough fares and many side streets, and are the principal form of transport for the working class and student class. Though they do follow specific routes, they do not have bus "stops"; you merely call to them like taxis and they will stop for you where you are standing. Placards in the large front windows list destinations, either neighborhoods or main street names. Upon entering you will be asked for the fare; if you are not traveling alone you may be asked "Para ambos?", for example, meaning "For both?", to see if you are paying for just yourself or for your companion. Then you pass through a turnstile to the seating areas. The buses come in three sizes, usually, long (like a school bus), medium and small (called busetas). All have turnstiles. To exit these buses, you go to the back door and either push a button located usually on one of the hand rails or next to the exit, or simply call out "Aqui, por favor!" (Here, please!) or "Pare!" (Stop!). Passengers are often expected to embark and disembark even from the middle of the street.

Sometimes vendors are allowed to enter the buses to sell candy or small gift items (occasionally donating one to the driver for the privilege). Or, you may find entertainers such as singers or guitar players, and even the more creative of the street beggars who will regale you with a long, poetic story of their sad situation before asking for donations. Even in the smallest buses, cramped full of people standing and sitting, it is a common sight. A Grammy-nominated singer named Ilona got her start performing on buses around Bogotá.

You can plan which bus you need to take ahead of time using a combination of Google maps (which shows stops and bus lines) and the SITP website, though that works only for SITP buses.

By colectivo [ edit ]

Colectivos cover practically every major route of the city, and can generally be flagged down at any point on a main road. Watch these small buses for lists of destinations displayed on their windshields, or ask the driver (in Spanish) if he passes the neighborhood or intersection you are going to. Not very comfortable, but they are faster than a common bus and it's also used as a shuttle for routes that don't have so much affluence, it can take you almost anywhere.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Bogotá has Latin America's largest network of bicycle routes, called 'Ciclorutas.' On Sundays and public holidays, many main and secondary roads are closed to cars for the Ciclovia from 7AM-2PM, a special feature of Bogotá, where people can run, bicycle, inline skate or just watch from the side. There are refreshment stands along the way and most parks host some type of event such as yoga, dancing, stretching, spinning, etc. To get a bicycle you can rent a bike or going for a guided bike tour on Bogota's Ciclorutas or participating in the Ciclovia are fun and healthy ways to get to know the city, and to get closer to the people.

Orientation [ edit ]

Something that usually greatly surprise tourists and newcomers to Bogota DC is that the city's streets, boulevards, and avenues are rarely named; rather they are referred to as Carreras and calles counted from the geographical center of the city northwards and southwards, with few exeptions to this rule being the Avenida El Dorado (El dorado avenue), Avenida Jiminez de Quesada (Jiminez de Quesada avenue), and the Autospistas norte y sur (Northern and southern highways).

The capital district is built on a Cartesian coordinate grid system. Although the original city of Bogota in the 1500s (now the Historic Center of the metropolis) was designed as a perfect square, whose center would be the Plaza de Bolivar and would be crossed from north to south by the Calle real (now carrera septima), massive urban growth in the 18th 19th and 20th centuries due to immigrants coming from all over the world and the country, made the original shape of the city change. Now nearly 500 years after its founding, Bogota DC is a booming metropolis over 1,000 times its original size. The city has grown to such an extent that it has absorbed various neighboring cities such as Usaquen, Chapinero, Usme, and Suba, Chia, and Soacha into the Greater Bogota Metropolitan area that now houses a population of over 15 million people (one of the largest metro areas in the world). Bogota has been transformed from a small town of 100,000 people in the 1600s to a thriving and modern global city composed of millions of inhabitants from all over the country and the world. Although this change has been immensely positive, it has also resulted in the original layout of the city being changed. Now Bogota resembles more of a rectangle than a square, composed of the same Cartesian coordinate system, but with some irregular blocks, twisting streets, and diagonals cutting across what is supposed to be a perfect grid. The original Historic center of the city is now more to the south-east of the city, rather than at the geographical center of the city. The apparently straightforward street address system designed by the original founders of Bogota hundreds of years ago, has historically been more of a guideline as to where things are than a precise way to get to places. In the 1950s an update of the street addresses in much of the city was directed towards solving certain inconsistencies in getting around some areas of the city. Most places that tourists tend to visit, have been quite easy to find since that time.

Carreras (roads) are abbreviated as Cr., Kra., and Cra. and run parallel to the mountains from south to north. Carrera numbers increase from east to west, away from the mountains - so Carrera 7 is near the mountains and Carrera 100 is far from them - except for a very few carreras near the mountains that increase in reverse order and that have names like "Carrera 1 E" ('E' standing for east).

Calles (streets) cross the carreras and run from east to west. Calles are abbreviated as Cll. and Cl. For half of the city (the northern half tourists are most likely to visit) calle numbers increase from south to north - so Calle 13 is near the center of the city, whereas Calle 250 is one the last streets before exiting Bogota on the northern side. Calles in the southern half work similarly to 'east' carreras near the mountains: the southern calle numbers increase from north to south, mirroring streets in the northern half. These are called things like "Calle 85 S" ('S' standing for south).

Aside from calles and carreras, there are 'diagonales' and 'transversales'. As their names suggest, they are not perfectly parallel to calles and carreras. However, the same numbering system applies to them. Diagonales are supposed to be deviations from calles, whereas transversales are supposed to be deviations from carreras. So, for example, Diagonal 107 runs sort of east-west and is somewhere around Calle 106 or 108.

Avenidas, abbreviated as Av. or Ave., are usually larger, main streets. Geographically speaking, most avenidas somehow fit into one the four categories mentioned above, although some avenidas twist around. They usually have a classification and number as described above, but they also have a distinct name, like "Avenida Suba", "Avenida Boyacá" and whatnot. So, for example, Avenida Jiménez is a main street and, in the number system, is also called Calle 13.

Each address consists of a street and a series of numbers. For example, Calle 45 No. 24-15 (sometimes written as CL 45 # 24 - 15 or CL 45 24 15), means (1) the location is on Calle 45, (2) of the two intersecting carreras nearby, the one with the lower number is Carrera 24 (since in this case we are talking about carreras, it means the nearest carrera to the east of the location; if we were talking about calles, it would be the nearest calle to the south of the location), and (3) the location is roughly 15 meters from the intersection of Calle 45 and Carrera 24. Furthermore, since the last number, 15, is odd, the location is on the southern side of Calle 24 (if the location were on a carrera, it would be on the west side of it). Even numbers at the end have the opposite meaning.

See [ edit ]

Many landmark events in the history of Colombian and South American independence took place in La Candelaria , the historic mid-16th-century colonial neighborhood that hosts the national government, including the near killing and escape of Simon Bolivar, the execution of revolutionary heroine Policarpa Salavarrieta, known as 'La Pola,' and the Grito de Libertad, known as the beginning of the region's revolution. The district is teeming with history, and there are a lot of interesting museums (arguably the best being the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum ) and old churches. Some of its lovely streets are pedestrian-only. The most important places are Catedral Primada and Palacio de Nariño on Plaza de Bolívar , Iglesia del Carmen, Biblioteca Luis A Arango, the Colonial Art Museum, and the colonial architecture of the houses and buildings. Almost all the museums are free. La Candelaria also contains numerous Catholic churches, many of them centuries-old. The Colombian-American and Colombian-French cultural centers are located in La Candelaria, and a Colombian-Spanish cultural center is under construction.

Outside La Candelaria, the most famous site is up the mountains over Santa Fé at the Sanctuary of Monserrate , which you can see from virtually any place in the city. Take the funicular up, or if you are feeling brave and athletic, hike it. Santa Fé also is home to the National Museum and the Modern Art Museum.

The northern neighborhoods that are so popular for dining and nightlife really don't have all that much to see, in terms of traditional sightseeing, aside from the small colonial center in Usaquén . The park known as Parque 93 is rather pretty, though.

There are a couple interesting sights in Ciudad Salitre , for those either staying out there or those with plenty of time, including the Botanical Gardens and the Maloka Science Center.

Itineraries [ edit ]

Downtown Day Tour [ edit ]

Popular among visitors are the historic Downtown and La Candelaria neighborhood. In fact most affordable lodging and dining options can be found this side of town making it highly desirable by low-budget travelers and backpackers, given its close location to many of the city's attractions. Start your way on Carrera Septima (7) and Calle 16, just arriving Parque Santander. Take the opportunity to visit the world famous Museo del Oro, or Gold Museum for its legendary El Dorado collections. Then continue south one block up to Avenida Jimenez and give your camera a workout at one of Bogota's most famous and historic intersections, where a couple of ancient churches and 19th century buildings collide. Turn east (towards the mountains) and walk up Avenida Jimenez alongside downtown's famous Eje Ambiental or Environmental Axis , which is a section of the avenue that has been closed off to vehicles except Transmilenio, to make way for a generous tree-lined pedestrian sidewalk and an enclosed water stream. Many historic and famous buildings are located alongside the Eje Ambiental, home to Bogota's most renowned and traditional companies like El Tiempo and the Bank of the Republic. A few blocks east just past the Parque de los Periodistas the Eje Ambiental starts bending northwise, so leave the axis and turn south instead via one of the small streets that branch into the neighborhood and make your way up to Calle 12b and Carrera 2, el Chorro de Quevedo , unofficial center of La Candelaria, where it is argued that the City of Bogota was founded back in 1538. Today, bohemian life meets to enjoy arts, culture and music at this spot. On the way make sure to take in the whimsical coloring and architecture of the neighborhood's streets and colonial houses. Continue on Carrera 2 southward a couple of blocks up until Calle 11, and turn west once again just in front of La Salle University: You'll be glad you do since you've been climbing constantly eastward so enjoy your walk back down. Make sure to notice the eccentric street names found on picturesque signs at every corner. Make your way down west on Calle 11 and you will pass by the Museo Botero , museum showcasing some of famous Colombian painter Botero's private art collection and work. Another block down is the Centro Cultural Garcia Marquez , modern cultural center and venue that includes Library, Art Galleries, concert halls and lesson rooms, with year-round events and displays for all tastes and audiences interested in culture and the arts. Continue down west and reach the Plaza de Bolivar , the city's overwhelming main square surrounded by neoclasic government palaces and the Catedral Primada , largest church in the country. After taking in the many sights, you might want to leave the square southbound for a couple of blocks on Carrera Septima to check out the Presidential Palace and its Presidential Guard. Finally turn around back Carrera Septima northward until you find Transmilenio, just about where you started!

Do [ edit ]

Performances and festivals [ edit ].

• On some Friday nights, parts of Avenida Septima are closed in the Centro and you can see all sorts of street performers, live music, magic shows, buy crafts and street food. If you don't mind crowds its worth a visit.
• Check out the Iberoamerican Theater Festival , the biggest theater festival in the world (occurs every two years during Easter Week).

Other activities [ edit ]

• Catch a football (soccer) game at El Campin Stadium . Easily accessible by Transmillenio and with a capacity of 48,000 spectators, it hosts games for the Colombian international squad as well as for professional league home teams Millionarios and Santa Fe. Avoid the north and south section for these home games which are populated by rival supporter groups; instead get a ticket for the eastern or western wings.
• Take a cab or Transmilenio to a working-class neighborhood in the southside. Sit down in a 'panaderia' (bakery), order a "colombiana" brand soda and some good bread. Sit down and breathe the environment of the regular Colombian. Don't narrow yourself to the upscale Norte. Since picking out one of these neighborhoods can be dangerous, the best ones to do so: Santa Isabel, 20 de Julio, The Tunal area.
• Go to Parque Simon Bolivar and chill like rolos (Bogota citizens) do, walk around the city's biggest park or ride the train.
• Ciclovía . Every Sunday and national holiday from 7AM-2PM, major avenues are closed to cars and thousands of people turn out to bike, skate, jog and walk. You can join on foot or by renting a bicycle in the Candelaria neighborhood with Bogotravel tours.  
• Sabana de Bogotá . Who would have imagined that there exists a fascinating natural wonder right in the heart of Bogotá? The wetlands of the Sabana (savannah) de Bogotá is where the rivers slow down a bit to rest on the plateau and “clean up” after flowing down from mountains. The water then continues to flow into the valleys to rejoin with the rivers below, including the Bogotá and Magdalena rivers.  

Outside of Bogotá [ edit ]

Consider an excursion to Zipaquirá with its impressive Catedral de Sal. Shared or private guided tours can be booked in hotels/hostels or you can go there by bus or train.

Learn [ edit ]

Bogotá has numerous educational institutions. Some of the top universities include the National University [dead link] , Universidad de los Andes , Pontificia Universidad Javeriana , Universidad del Rosario, Universidad Externado , Universidad Santo Tomas , Universidad de la Sabana and Universidad de la Salle . However, there are many privately and publicly funded universities and schools.

If you want to learn Spanish, universities are a good option since they have all inclusive plans. They not only offer Spanish courses but also Mandarin, Japanese, French, German, Italian, etc. Also, many embassies have institutions that teach languages, such as the Centro Colombo Americano, the British Council, The Italian Institute, Goethe Institut, The French Alliance and the Brazil-Colombia Cultural Institute (IBRACO).

If you are looking for a more personalized education you can look for some of the Spanish schools in Bogota. Some of them are: Relato, Whee Institute (non-profit) [dead link] and Spanish World Institute Bogotá.

Talk [ edit ]

The Spanish spoken in Bogotá is considered among the most neutral and clear in the world. If you know the basics, you'll probably be fine. Bogotá is full of English academies and bilingual schools, so English is spoken by many people. The most "touristy" areas are full of young students who go to bilingual schools, and generally, they will help you translate. Colombians love to show off the best of their country to reduce the negative image it has among foreigners.

Work [ edit ]

It is illegal to work in Colombia without a proper working visa. Visas can be obtained by employers on your behalf.

There is also a significant market for English and other language teachers.

Buy [ edit ]

Local products worth bringing home include :

• Inexpensive handicrafts and silver jewelry from vendors. One of the cheapest and picturesque places to buy handicrafts is Pasaje Rivas (Calle 9 no. 9). You can access the narrow hall filled with small stores crossing Plaza de Bolívar, where de Major's and president's office is located.
• Coffee-based products
• Leather handbags, shoes, and wallets.
• Uncut and cut emeralds brought in from the world's best emerald mines

In Usaquen you can find a huge flea market on Sundays.

Malls [ edit ]

The nicest malls in town are generally in the North, in Usaquén and the east of Suba : Unicentro, Hacienda Santa Barbara, Santa Ana, Palatino, Cedritos, Santafé and Parque la Colina, Iserra 100, Bulevar Niza.

The chicest area of Bogota, Zona T in the district of Chapinero, is surrounded by the upscale malls of Andino , Atlantis Plaza and El Retiro which holds various upscale boutiques such as Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Gucci, Loewe and many more.

More Affordable Shopping Malls  : Downtown: San Martín, Calima . West and Northwest: Gran Estación, Salitre Plaza, Hayuelos, Metrópolis, Plaza Imperial, Unicentro de Occidente, Titán Plaza. South: Plaza de las Américas, Centro Mayor.

Eat [ edit ]

Bogotá's varied gastronomy includes Michelin-starred restaurants serving traditional and innovative Colombian dishes and other cuisines from all corners of the globe.

Local food [ edit ]

Arepas : Corn flour based pancakes, sometimes made with cheese or slightly salted.

Empanadas : The closest comparison would be pastries. These are popular all over South America, so generally each country/region has their own recipe. The filling usually consists of meat, potato, vegetables and rice wrapped in a corn flour crust.

Tamal : Usually eaten for breakfast. A mixture of meat, chicken, potato, vegetables and yellow corn wrapped in plantain leaves and then boiled. Should be accompanied by a large mug of hot chocolate.

Ajiaco : Traditional thick soup based on three kinds of potatoes, chicken, avocado, dairy cream, herbs, corn, among others, usually eaten for Christmas and other important festivals. Typically from the altiplano region, and considered the city's official dish.

Pizza and burgers . OK, can we really call these traditional Bogotá meals? One could surmise they're from here, seeing their omnipresence. The city does both quite well, and you just need to do a 360° turn to find some.

Casual dining [ edit ]

Options are many for casual dining, unsurprisingly for a Latin American city of seven million people. Bogotanos love food from all over, so you'll find a good mix of Colombian food, as well as cheap food from North America (especially pizza and burgers!) and Asia. Note that the Chinese food is almost always Colombianized, which can be pretty good anyway, but is almost never the real deal. Sushi is likewise easy to find, but usually of below-average quality. The clear exception is (upscale) Wok, which has several locations, and for a North American-price will serve you top-notch sushi and other authentic East and Southeast Asian dishes.

For lunch, definitely try a corrientazo —a small eatery that is only open for lunch, serving people on their lunch break a delicious full meal, with soup, fresh squeezed fruit juice, a meat dish, several starch offerings, and usually additional fruit on the side. You'll know corrientazos by their well-advertised and extremely limited menu, which often consists of only one available main course! Best options are usually traditional ajiaco, bandeja paisa, or fish. Sometimes the advertisement is just "almuerzo" (lunch) on a cardboard sign. Prices are astoundingly low. You can ask a local, where a corrientazo nearby is.

Rotisserie chicken is usually not far away, often called chicken "broaster," and is just fabulous. They'll pass you plastic gloves to wear while you eat it to keep your fingers clean.

If constant meat and starch isn't your thing, the more popular neighborhoods have lots of places just selling fruit and fruit juice/smoothies, often selling ice cream too. The fruit in Colombia is outstanding, and the juice bars are unbelievably cheap.

And there's always Crepes & Waffles, a ubiquitous Bogotá chain that—with such a focus—can't help but be great.

Restaurants [ edit ]

There are a few dedicated gourmet zones, the most impressive of which is Zona G (G for Gourmet). It's a quiet, residential-looking neighborhood jam packed with absolutely incredible, world-class restaurants. Other places to look for high-end dining are (naturally) the Zona Rosa , as well as Parque 93 , the La Macarena neighborhood of Santa Fé , and a little further afield in Usaquén .

For dining with a view, there are two restaurants up at Monserrate that are not at all tourist traps—they are excellent, modern, high-end restaurants. Just outside the city on the road to La Calera is Tramonti, another mountaintop restaurant less-known to tourists, but done up like a Swiss mountain chalet and perfect for watching the sunset and the lights come on.

For specific suggestions regarding restaurants have a look into the dedicated district articles of Bogota.

Drink [ edit ]

Nightlife in Bogotá is very diverse, and you can almost certainly find whatever experience it is you are looking for. There are English pubs, Latin dance halls, electronic music clubs, quiet storefront bars, wacky themed clubs, salsa clubs, a huge indie-rock scene (if Cali is salsa, Bogotá is rock n' roll), megaclubs, cocktail lounges, etc.

The cosmopolitan side of Bogotá nightlife is overwhelmingly to be found in Zona Rosa and Bogotá/Parque 93 . It's a little more spread out and sparse, but you'll find similar places in Chapinero Central , Usaquén , and even Santa Fé and La Candelaria . Chapinero Central and La Candelaria tend to be more bohemian/hipster/artsy/young. Chapinero is also the center of gay nightlife.

Sleep [ edit ]

Because of the low temperatures at night you don't need air conditioning. If you are going to stay in Bogota, keep in mind the location; Most low-budget visitors choose to stay in La Candelaria , the colonial neighborhood in the center of the city. There are many cheap, nice hostels where you can meet travelers from all around the world. The historic district as well as all the major museums and some nightlife options are within walking distance. The deserted neighborhood streets are unsafe after dark on weeknights, though. Pressure from neighborhood groups to oust the remaining criminals has caused police presence to increase but you must always remain cautious. Check the location very carefully before you choose a place to stay, security is worse in the tiny deserted streets uphill and closer to Egypto neighborhood.

You'll find several hotels in the upscale northern districts like the Zona Rosa , Parque 93 , as well as in Ciudad Salitre on the airport highway. Security won't be such an issue but prices are much higher. Nevertheless, you won't have any problem hailing a taxi at 6AM in the morning in the northern districts, because your hotel would be just around the corner from nightclub, or on the way to the airport. On the other hand, you can find low to medium priced hotels and hostels more expensive than La Candelaria's around downtown or near universities, especially in Chapinero Central .

Note than most hostels carry a strict no drugs due to the negative effects that these activities have on Colombians and their way of life. Cocaine use not only supports the violent conflict that has ravaged this country and this city, but also promotes the destruction of the Amazon Rainforest both through its production and subsequent eradication efforts. Child prostitution is also a current issue for many hostels and hotels who are fighting to prevent this from becoming a way of earning an income for young Colombians.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Bogotá is not at all as dangerous as it once was and as it may occasionally have been portrayed in certain movies. Its once high murder rate has dropped to an exceedingly low levels. Bombings and kidnappings are a thing of the past, and should not be a concern to visitors at all .

The principal safety concerns for travelers are pickpockets and the occasional taxi crime. Occasional pickpocketing is still present in the city. Mugging rates have gone down by tremendous levels, due to recent governments' new policies, but while they are not frequent they still occur occasionally. In the eventuality that they do happen (not very common) muggers are usually armed with knives or guns, and you should simply give them what they ask for without a fight—it's never anything worth risking your personal safety for. Most districts and neighborhoods that are frequented by travelers have no problems like this whatsoever. But there are certain areas in neighborhoods, that have a certain problem with pickpocketers and the occasional mugging, these include some areas of La Candelaria (after dark on weeknights—daytime walks and F-Sa nights are perfectly fine, no matter where you are), some very small parts of Santa Fé , and to a much lesser extent the more southern parts of Chapinero close to Avenida Caracas. Visitors need to be just a bit more careful in the South. Trust the locals if they tell you an area is unsafe or dangerous.

Taxi crime is a weird problem here (see "Million Dollar Ride" below). While longer-term visitors will find themselves lazily hailing cabs now and then, it is best to call cabs or order through an app, and not hail them off the street. Any cab dispatched will be safe, while hailed cabs are infrequently, (though once a while), a little bit unsafe. It may take a bit longer, but your safety is worth an extra wait. Hotels and nicer restaurants will always be happy to call one for you, and often offer to unprompted.

The Million Dollar Ride (Spanish: Paseo Millonario ). Although this infamous event is mostly a thing of the past, separate incidents still occur. It occurs when you hail a taxi on the street, the taxi stops, you get in, then someone else gets in with you, and they take you for a ride until you have taken an important sum out of your bank accounts. This is usually accomplished with threats of violence.

ATM muggings . Pay attention when using cash machines that nobody follows you after you have withdrawn the money. It's a precaution foreign visitors aren't always used to taking, but it's not hard—look around as you step up to the machine to see if anyone's paying too much attention, then do the same afterwards. If someone is, abort and/or go into a store or eatery and stay put. Try to use ATMs that are inside (the supermarket Éxito always has them).

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Bogotá's tap water is safe to drink and of high quality. Beware of street foods that may cause an upset stomach. Bogotá has no tropical diseases like malaria because of its altitude.

Altitude sickness is, in fact, the largest health problem affecting foreigners—expect to be panting while going uphill or up stairs at first! Generally, a few days without hard physical activity or time spent in a mid-altitude city like Medellín or Fusagasugá (1½ hr) will do the trick. The nearest cities with a low altitude are Girardot (2½ hr) and Villavicencio (2½ hr). The travel time increases in the rush hour. To decrease the elevation, booking a last-minute flight for example to Cali or Medellin is also a possibility.

If you have heart disease or a respiratory condition, talk to your doctor. El Dorado Airport provides wheelchairs for travelers with special needs. Private hospitals offer excellent health care.

Doctor's offices with English speaking doctors:

• First Aid International, Dr. Peter Jasinski (private), Cell/Whatsapp: +573163008340

Cope [ edit ]

Embassies [ edit ].

• 🇩🇿 Algeria , Cra. 11a #93-52 , ☏ +57 1-635-0520 , +57 1-635-0474 , fax : +57 1-635-0531 . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 🇪🇬 Egypt (Egipto) , Transversal 19 A # 101-10, Localidad de Chapinero , ☏ +57 1 2562940 , +57 1 2561976 , +57 1 6163401 . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (UAE) , Transversal 3 # 86-73, Barrio el Refugio Alto , ☏ +57 16353233 , +57 16355559 , [email protected] . Sa Su 9AM-4PM . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 🇱🇧 Lebanon (Libano) , 88, Cl. 74 #11, Localidad de Chapinero , ☏ +57 13481781 . M-F 8AM-2:30PM, Sa Su closed . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 🇲🇦 Kingdom of Morroco (Maruecos) , Carrera 13 A No. 98 , ☏ +571 2188075 , +57 1 2187147 , +57 1 2188068 , [email protected] . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 🇵🇱 Poland , Cra. 21 Bis #104a15 Localidad de Chapinero , ☏ +57 12140400 , [email protected] . M-F 10AM-4PM . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 🇷🇺 Russia , Cra. 4 #75-02, Localidad de Chapinero , ☏ +57 12121881 . Tuesday and Thursday 9 AM-12:45 PM. . ( updated Sep 2023 )

News outlets [ edit ]

The most important media for Bogotá are:

• El Tiempo is the country's largest daily with a heavy focus on the capital.
• El Espectador has a liberal point of view and also a heavy focus on Bogotá.

For news and travel information on Bogotá in English:

• Colombia Reports
• The City Paper

Go next [ edit ]

• Visit nearby towns like Chia (for Andrés Carne de Res restaurant ), La Calera , Cajica , Tabio , Zipaquira and La Vega . You can find cheap and fast transportation to any of this destinations either from the Terminal de transportes or the Transmilenio North Portal. From most, you can return the same day. But it's a good idea to get out, Bogotá is a chaotic city surrounded by lots of relaxed and peaceful places.
• Choachí is the best kept secret in town. This small village, 50 min by car east of Bogotá, is reached after climbing up and down a tall mountain, so tall you can see Monserrate at your feet. Local cooking, hot springs and a great Swiss restaurant await for you at your destination.
• Parque Nacional Sumapaz to the south of Bogota to see the Paramo. It is closed due to improvements of guides and infrastructure. (August 2016)
• Parque Nacional Chingaza to the east of the town Calera is a different place to see the Paramo. You'll need a 4x4 vehicle or go by a tour. Entrance fee is COP$13,500 for Colombians, COP$39,500 for foreigners and includes an obligatory guide. There are trails up to around 4 hours. Better to start early as you have to leave the parque at 3PM. Apart from the vegetation it's possible to see bears, deers and other animals.
• Laguna del Cacique Guatavita , ☏ +57 1 2826313 . Closed every Monday if Monday is a holiday . This spiritual lake is where the legend of El Dorado originated. The Muisca Indian King used to have religious ceremony in the middle of the lake, painted all his body with gold dust, and threw gold things offered in sacrifice into the lake. English/Spanish guided tour is available. The journey will take little more time than to Zipaquirá. Go to Transmilenio's North Portal and find the intermunicipal route to Sesquilé/Guatavita. Let the driver know that you intend to go to the Lagoon and he'll drop you off at a point where you have to walk - it's quite a hike on a steep hill, but people going by car will often pick you up and take you to the entrance if you ask. Foreigners COP$15,000, Colombians COP$10,000 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
• Bogotá as a hub to visit other places in Colombia As the capital city is centrally located you can easily visit many distinct destinations as the Amazon Jungle (1½ hr by plane), Spanish colonial cities Cartagena or Popayán (1-hr flight), modern cities like Medellín located in an impressive Andean valley or Cali at the foothills of the Andes.

To get to the airport from the city, you may use a taxi or a TransMilenio bus.

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12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bogota

Written by Michael Law and Lana Law Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Authors Michael and Lana Law have traveled to Colombia multiple times, including a recent trip to Bogota in fall of 2022.

Bogota offers an experience like no other in Colombia. Surrounded by lush mountains, the city may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but you can't help falling under its charms.

Wondering how to tackle a day or two of sightseeing in Bogota?

Start by heading to the Plaza Bolivar to see the cathedral and the Museo Nacional de Colombia or watch people feeding the pigeons. One of the fun things to do here for tourists is to have your picture taken with a colorfully dressed llama and send it to your friends back home.

From here , wander up Calle 11 to see the vendors selling goods and maybe have a street-side poet type you a quick poem. Grab a pastry and coffee along the way if you need a bit of a pick-me-up and to counter the effects of 8,660 feet of elevation. If you have the time and inclination, stop in at the nearby Gold Museum, one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.

Then turn your sights upwards and walk up through the colorful streets of Candelaria to Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo. Check out the vendors in the square and then stroll down the surrounding narrow walkways nearby to admire the graffiti art.

When you're done here, call an Uber to take you to Monserrate Cable Car and head up for the best view of Bogota. Enjoy a long, leisurely lunch at the elegant Casa San Isidro and plan out your evening's events in the flashy Zona Rosa.

1. Walk through La Candelaria

2. take the cable car up monserrate, 3. see the sights at plaza bolivar, 4. gold museum (museo del oro), 5. visit the botero museum, 6. salt cathedral de zipaquirá, 7. la perseverancia market (plaza de mercado la perseverancia), 8. go to andres dc for food and music, 9. zona rosa, 10. play a game of tejo, 11. museo nacional de colombia, 12. botanical gardens, where to stay in bogota for sightseeing, bogota, colombia - climate chart.

Highlights: Narrow streets and alleys with colorful murals.

La Candelaria neighborhood is the most colorful area of Bogota, in more ways than one, and one of the best places to visit to get a true sense of the city. This historic district of buildings from the 1800s is riddled with narrow streets and walkways, and spills down from the mountains on the far eastern side of the city.

The most intriguing aspects of this area for tourists are the art-clad walls displaying eye-catching murals that range from abstract to pictures of daily life.

It's a delightful place to wander around by day, with unexpected scenes around every corner. Discover a graffiti-covered building, a cozy coffee shop, a narrow cobblestone walkway, or a small market selling local crafts.

One of the sights here is the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo , where most days you'll find a small pop-up market of local arts and crafts. Just off the plaza heading downhill is Calle Jon del Embudo , a famous, narrow street lined with small shops and restaurants along with some of the city's most famous murals.

For a coffee and a snack, check out Casa Galeria Cafe , with a pleasant and colorful courtyard.

It's important to note that La Candelaria actually includes places like Plaza Bolivar, but the historical architecture is located east of the modern area that surrounds the Plaza.

If you want to stay in this area of the city, the Hotel de la Opera is a quaint boutique hotel in a wonderful location.

Highlights : Views over the city, a mountain-top church, and restaurants.

Bogota is big, and the best way to truly get a handle on the city and the surrounding countryside is to take a trip to the viewpoint at Monserrate. Reached via either a scenic four-minute cable car ride or via the slower funicular, or for those with energy to spare, a 1.5-kilometer walk, this wonderful oasis of calm provides incredible vistas. People have been coming here in some form or another since the mid 17th century.

At the top, you'll find the Sanctuary of Monserrate , a functioning neo-Gothic church dating from 1925. As you climb the stairs from the cable car or funicular stations, you may notice that you are short of breath. This is due to the elevation, a gasp-inducing 10,341 feet (3,152 meters) above sea level.

Catch your breath and soak up the incredible views , snap a selfie or two, then make your way to one of the two wonderful dining establishments. Choose from either Italian at Casa San Isidro or typical Colombian food served in a renovated home from 1924 at Santa Clara House .

Given this is one of the most popular things to do for both foreign tourists and locals, lineups can be long, and the waits sometimes substantial. Peak time is from 10am until 3pm, and you may want to avoid going on Sundays when the rate is lower, and the locals tend to flock here.

Highlights : The cathedral, Palace of Justice, pigeon feeding, photo ops with llamas.

Home to the city's most important buildings, this huge square is always filled with people and pigeons. Lots of pigeons! You'll know you are in the right place when you see the giant statue of Simon Bolivar facing the Palace of Justice.

Other notable buildings in Colombia's largest square include the Nacional Museo de Colombia and the impressive Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception .

The plaza is a great place to visit to enjoy a bit of people watching, get your photo taken with a llama , or do like the locals and feed the flocks of pigeons. If you're traveling with kids, there are a number of fun things to do for children, with pigeon feeding and llamas topping the list. The area has a fun vibe and an assortment of interesting characters wandering about.

Take a stroll down a few of the side streets to find restaurants, shops, vendors selling souvenirs, and other interesting sights. Where else can you find a poet to type you a poem on the side of the street?

Highlights : An extraordinary collection of gold pieces from the pre-Hispanic era, free on Sundays.

Just the name of the museum should be enough to pique your interest. It's well worth a stop to see some of the most remarkable pieces of this coveted mineral displayed. Spread over three floors, the museum showcases over 34,000 pieces from the pre-Hispanic era.

Fascinating carvings primarily depicting women and animals are displayed, complete with descriptions in Spanish and English. In addition to gold pieces, the Gold Museum also displays pieces made from stone, ceramics, and even bones.

Admission to the museum is free on Sundays.

Highlights : Paintings and sculptures by Fernando Botero, Picasso, Dali, Monet, and others.

Colombia's most famous artist, Fernando Botero, has a style that is most likely unlike anything you've ever seen. His artwork, both in sculpture and in paint, is something that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

The Botero Museum is a free attraction . Just walk right in and tour the galleries to see some of his most famous works. The artist self-curated the assortment, which includes 85 of his own pieces and another 100 works by various other famous artisans including Picasso, Dali, and Monet.

One of the must-see paintings here is Botero's version of the Mona Lisa , which shows the famous lady as if she had eaten one too many of Colombia's famous arepas.

Highlights : Former salt mine with an underground cathedral.

Located in the small town of Zipaquirá, a couple of hours from downtown Bogota, the Salt Cathedral is one of the most unique tourist attractions in Colombia . It's quite a feeling to enter the mine shaft and walk on a gentle incline, eventually ending up over 600 feet below ground . Along the way are the 12 stations of the cross and multiple salt caves.

Eventually you'll make your way to the main attraction, a cathedral complete with pews, a massive cross, and a spectacular marble carving in the floor. The whole scene is softly lit and truly something that has to be seen to be fully appreciated.

Several other smaller chapels are also located nearby and are worth a look.

Beyond the cathedral area, the place takes a dramatic turn to the commercial. Located in additional caves off the main roadway are all manner of trinket sellers, food stalls, and mineral shops.

Highlights : Meat and produce market, restaurants serving traditional Colombian cuisine.

If you want to have a true local experience that includes shopping and eating like a resident, a trip to La Perseverancia Market is in order. Known colloquially as Persa, this small market is located near the National Museum of Colombia.

All manner of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats , and other items from around Colombia are available from small sellers. Be sure to ask for your "rebaja ñapa," which roughly translated means a discount and gift. The seller may mistake you for a local!

It's not all about shopping here, in fact many people think La Perseverancia Market is more about eating. Attached to the market is an incredible food hall, with a multitude of restaurants serving typical Colombian fare from a central open-air kitchen. It's loud, crowded (especially at lunch), and all a bit crazy but very, very fun. The food is exceptional — all the fresh ingredients from the market find their way into dishes that include the famous Ajiaco soup.

Highlights : A quirky Bogota restaurant spread over multiple floors with live entertainment.

Andres DC is a Bogota institution when it comes to dining. The original restaurant is located in Chia, about an hour from Bogota and consists of multiple dining rooms, dance floors, and kitchens. The décor is way beyond eclectic; some people say it's like the American children's chain restaurant Chuck E. Cheese for adults.

If spending two hours in Bogota traffic is not your idea of fun, head to this highly-authentic-feeling copy of the original, located in the Zona T in the El Retiro Shopping Center .

It's not really a place to go for a romantic dinner, but it's a fun thing to do in Bogota at night with a small group. The music gets louder almost on the hour, with live bands playing, and on a Friday night, the place will be packed. If you're looking for some nightlife in Bogota without a lot of hassle, this is the best place to visit.

The menu is extensive and expensive by Colombian standards. Food offerings run the gamut, from huge steaks through to seafood and all manner of fried items.

Highlights : Shopping by day, dining by night.

If you've had your fill of street graffiti, culture, and historical buildings, then make a beeline for Zona Rosa. This modern and hip area of Bogota is the premier destination for shopping during the day, and dining and having a good time in the evening.

Modern buildings are home to high-end boutiques , American and European chain stores, and all manner of restaurants. Wide sidewalks make strolling here a pleasure, especially if you have your hands full of all your recent purchases.

Highlights : A traditional Colombian game of throwing disks at explosives on a target board.

Ask any Colombian what they do for good times with friends and they may tell you that they throw steel disks at a board filled with clay, where they aim at explosive packets of gunpowder hoping they will explode. They aren't just making this up, this is an actual Colombian pastime called Tejo.

Tejo is similar in nature to the game known as cornhole. The idea of Tejo is to try and get the disks to stick in the center of the tray of clay. If you hit the explosive packets, everyone cheers, and you get additional points.

This is another fun thing to do with a group of friends, and the venues generally serve food. Grab a meal and play a game. Tejo La Embajada on Carrera 24 is a reputable establishment, but there are many nearby, and you can also find Tejo places in La Candelaria.

Highlights : The best collection pertaining to Colombian history in the world.

The Museo Nacional de Colombia is the granddaddy of all museums in the country. Contained within its formidable walls is the largest, oldest, and most complete collection of Colombian history in the world.

The collections are spread over 17 galleries divided up into four different areas: archeology, ethnography, art, and history. You'll not be short of things to see and do; over 2,500 items are on display at any point in time.

Although the main attractions are the items on display, the architecture of the building itself should not be overlooked. Built in 1823, it has served many purposes over the years and was once a prison. The Museo Nacional de Colombia has been operating here since 1948.

Highlights : Plants and trees from Colombia, greenhouses, and walking paths.

Bogota, with its manic traffic, may seem like a concrete jungle at times; however, a trip to the Botanical Gardens of Bogota is an excellent way to escape to a quiet oasis of green. Pleasant walkways wind their way through stunning examples of flowering plants, trees, and ferns from all over Colombia. Water features, including ponds and waterfalls, are home to a variety of aquatic plants.

Not to be missed are the greenhouses, home to an incredible assortment of humidity-loving plants from many of Colombia's unique ecosystems.

Bogota is huge, and the traffic can be brutal, so choosing the correct area to stay is critical. Tourists looking to sightsee and enjoy the historical nature of the city should stay in La Candelaria . Those looking for a more modern area of the city with high-end shopping and dining should look to Zona Rosa . Another good option is the Corferias area, where you can find top name brand hotels. If you are only transiting the city, fine hotels can be found minutes away from the airport.

• Hilton Bogota Corferias : For luxury and location, it's hard to beat this hotel. This modern and sleek tower is located in Corferias and ensures you are central to most of Bogota's main attractions. Large rooms with commanding views of the city, excellent service, and a first-class restaurant make staying here a pleasure.
• Hotel de la Opera : This historical hotel is located in the heart of La Candelaria and offers old-world charm at a reasonable price. Colonial-style rooms are large and comfortable. You'll be able to walk to many of the key sights from your front door. Breakfast with cooked-to-order omelets is included.
• Courtyard by Marriott Bogota Airport : If you want something close to the airport, this is a good option. Comfortable rooms are quiet, with large windows; breakfast is included, as is a free shuttle to/from the airport.
• La Colina Hotel Cottage : This hotel is a fun and funky boutique option for those looking to spend less without skimping on luxury. The property is located in the hills in the northern part of the city and will require a bit of commuting.

The best time to visit Bogota is during the months of December, January, February, and March . At this time of year, it's dry, and although it's never particularly hot in Bogota, these are also the warmest months of the year.

The second best time to visit is in July and August, when it's also dry but daytime temperatures are slightly cooler and it's a bit less sunny. The rainy months of April and May are best avoided.

Although Bogota is only 4 degrees off the equator, the climate is driven by its altitude of 8,612 feet above sea level. This high altitude means cool days and cold nights no matter what time of year you visit. Days here are a mix of sun and cloud most days and when the sun shines, it's warm almost hot with an intense equatorial sun, when the clouds come or you step into the shade it gets cold fast.

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Bogota Travel Tips: A Complete Guide to Visiting Bogota, Colombia

If you’re planning a trip to Colombia, then you’re most likely going to be visiting Bogota, the country’s capital city. You’ve probably landed on this post because you’re doing research about the city. If that’s the case, then we hope that you’ll find everything you want to know prior to visiting Bogota in this travel tips post.

This guide aims to answer every question you might have, such as how to get to Bogota and get around the city, where to stay and eat, and how to stay safe and avoid altitude sickness.

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Table of Contents

Introducing Bogota, Colombia

The sprawling city of Bogotá, Distrito Capital (Bogotá, D.C.) is located in the center of Colombia, on a high plateau known as the Bogotá savanna. Situated at around 2,640 meters (8,660 ft) above sea level, it’s considered one of the world’s highest capital cities along with La Paz, Bolivia and Quito, Ecuador.

Before the Spanish arrived, the area was inhabited by the Muisca people and their city was called Bacatá . In 1538, a new city was founded by Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, who named it  Santa Fé de Bacatá . Later, in 1550, it became the capital of the viceroyalty of New Granada up until 1819. In 1810, the people of the city started to revolt against Spanish rule, but had to continue to contend with Spanish military loyalists until 1819. This was when Simón Bolívar took the city after his victory at the Battle of Boyacá.

In 1821 Bogota was made capital of Gran Colombia, which was a self-proclaimed state that incorporated modern day Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Panama between 1819 and 1830. After this state dissolved, the city stayed the capital of New Granada, which later became the Republic of Colombia. In 2000, the capital’s name was officially changed from ‘Santa Fé de Bogotá’ to ‘Bogotá’. 

Over the past few centuries, Bogota has evolved into one of the most vibrant Latin American cities. It’s the largest city in Colombia and also the fourth most populous city in South America.

Is Bogota Safe to Visit?

Probably one of the biggest questions you’ll have before visiting Bogota will be, is it safe?

Unfortunately, the answer to that will be different depending on who you ask and their experience when visiting the capital.

Bogota is the biggest city in Colombia and, just like any big city in the world, that also means crime is more prevalent. We’ve heard and read stories about many petty crimes happening in the city. There are also some scary and violent stories on the internet. However, this doesn’t mean that you should skip visiting the capital. Quite the opposite. We think you should definitely spend a few days in Bogota, because there’s a lot of  interesting things to do  there.

Progress has been made on improving safety in recent years and we generally felt safe during our visit. However, it’s good to be aware of a few things prior to your trip. Below, we’ll list a few health and safety precautions you should bear in mind before and during your travels around Bogota. For more official safety advice please visit the Government’s website .

Have Travel Insurance (The Most Important Bogota Travel Tip)

Often at the end of most people’s travel planning checklists is insurance. However, it is one of the most important things you should be thinking about when planning your travels. Travel insurance will give you protection if you get ill, injured, have things stolen or suffer last-minute cancellations.

Whilst purchasing travel insurance can feel like a waste of money, if something happens during your trip, it’ll quickly become one of the best investments you’ve made.

We never go anywhere without travel insurance, so make sure to buy one prior to your visit too. There are many different companies out there offering varying levels of cover depending on your needs. We personally use  SafetyWing , who offer a high level of coverage at a much more affordable price than most other insurers.

SafetyWing also allows you to sign up even if your trip has already started and you completely forgot about travel insurance in the midst of all your travel planning.

Crime Related Bogota Travel Tips

• Follow the ‘no dar papaya’ rule, which means don’t make yourself a target for crime.
• Hailing down taxis is not recommended as some drivers can take you on a ‘Millionaire’s Ride’, or in worst case scenarios sprinkle a drug known as  burundanga somewhere on the back seats, which sedates you and makes it easier for them to access all your money.
• Don’t walk alone at night. Even La Candelaria can become unsafe after dark, so pre-book a taxi or get an Uber instead.
• Be extra vigilant in busy plazas, bus terminals and on public transportation. Keep your valuables hidden where possible and wear your backpack on your front just like the locals.
• Phone snatching is probably the most common type of theft you could encounter. Make sure not to walk out of a building with your phone in your hand. Instead, look where you have to go before you leave a building, so you won’t look lost.
• Try to avoid using public transportation during rush hours. It’ll be super crowded and you’re more likely to get pickpocketed. We used  money belts  to store our cash and travel cards and always felt more secure with these on.
• We recommend having a physical SIM card or an eSIM so you have a local phone number with 4G coverage. For an eSIM you can use  Airalo , which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone.
• Make sure to also have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark , which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 
• Research and book your accommodation in safer neighbourhoods, so you don’t have to worry about your belongings when you’re out exploring.
• Protests can happen on short notice, which can impact roads and transportation. Make sure to check the local news for up-to-date information.

Tourism police are present in the touristy areas of Bogota, and will help with any crime-related issues.

Health and Safety Related Bogota Travel Tips

One thing you want to avoid on your holiday is getting sick, especially in a foreign country where you might not even speak the language. Here are a few of our personal health and safety related tips to reduce the risk of getting ill or injured during your trip. For more official information, check out Colombia-specific health advice from the  National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) .

• Drinking tap water in many big cities in Colombia is considered safe. However, it can still upset you stomach if you’re not used to it. We recommend using a filtered bottle such as  WaterWell  or buying bigger bottles of water and filling up a reusable water bottle if you’re concerned.
• Make sure to drink enough water to avoid dehydration and other issues such as altitude sickness. Bogota is located at 2,640 meters (8,660 ft)   above sea level, which means you could get altitude sickness there.
• Be aware of hailing down taxis which might have a drug, known as  burundanga , sprinkled somewhere around the back seats.
• Don’t leave your food or drink unattended, especially in bars at night, to avoid getting spiked.
• There are many pharmacies in Bogota where you can buy medicine, so only bring your prescribed medication and some basic painkillers.
• Make sure to watch where you’re going otherwise you may end up in a random hole with a twisted ankle. More than anywhere else we’ve been in South America , Colombia is just full of pavements with uncovered manholes.
• You may want to search the reviews for information on hot showers when booking your accommodation! Hot doesn’t always mean ‘hot’ as you might know it. Bogota is relatively cold because of the altitude and having daily cold showers wasn’t the favourite part of our stay.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Bogota, Colombia?

As highlighted before, Bogota is located at an altitude of about 2,640 m (8,660 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest capitals in the world. It is important to know that  anyone can develop altitude sickness  and its symptoms can be less or more severe depending on the person. Symptoms of altitude sickness include dehydration, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, heavy breathing, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

To avoid altitude sickness, we recommend spending at least one or two full days in Bogota. If you can spare more, that’s even better. Luckily, most other places you might have on your Colombia itinerary such as Medellin, Salento, and Cartagena are located much lower.

Try to avoid drinking too much alcohol on your first day and don’t eat too many heavy foods either. It’s very important to stay hydrated to avoid dehydration and headaches. In addition, you can also buy some altitude sickness tablets at one of the pharmacies.

Can You Use English in Bogota?

The official language in Colombia is Spanish. Generally speaking, in big cities like Bogota there very likely will be some people who speak English, especially in the touristy areas. You can definitely book English speaking tours and many of the museums have descriptions in both languages.

However, don’t rely on only using English, especially if you’re planning on using the public transport system or exploring the city without guided tours. We highly recommend learning some basic phrases in Spanish prior to your visit. It’ll come in handy when taking taxis, ordering food in restaurants or asking for directions. Colombians are very friendly and helpful.

Don’t forget to download the Google Translate app, which can be a lifesaver. Practicing a country’s native language is always nice and people will appreciate your efforts.

Top Tip  – You can always ask the person if they speak English first, but come prepared in case they don’t.

Best Time to Visit Bogota

Thanks to Bogota’s location, expect much cooler temperatures all year round compared to other areas such as the Caribbean coast. The average temperature in the city is around 15°C (59°F) during the day, which does drop at night. Probably the driest months to visit are between December and March, although it can still rain in the afternoon.

Bear in mind that December and January are considered the peak holiday months, so the main tourist attractions will be more crowded.

It’s always good to have some extra layers with you and something waterproof before you head out for the day.

How to Get to Bogota?

By Plane  – Obviously the easiest and least time consuming way to reach Bogota is by flying to El Dorado International Airport (BOG). It is South America’s busiest airport. Depending on where you’re coming from, there are many direct flights between Bogota and other major cities in North, South, and Central America, as well as from Europe. You can check where you can fly direct to Bogota from on  this website.

Find Flights to Bogota ✈️

By Bus  – If you’re coming from Ecuador , then you can opt to take an international bus from Quito. The most common border crossing route is via Rumichaca between Ipiales in Colombia and Tulcan in Ecuador. From Ipiales, you can travel to Bogota the next day.

Currently, it’s not advised to cross the land border between Colombia and Venezuela. There’s also no road crossing between Colombia and Panama.

Bus travel between cities in Colombia is a popular and affordable way to travel for both locals and backpackers alike. Travelling by bus will also give you the chance to stop at other places of interest along the way. Our main online sources that helped us to find bus routes and companies operating to and from our next destination were  Busbud.com  and  Rome2Rio .

How to get from Bogota Airport to La Candelaria?

By TransMilenio  – The most affordable way to get from El Dorado airport to La Candelaria is by public transport. Just follow the signs to the free shuttle called Feeder (16-14 Airport ) that takes you to Portal El Dorado station. From there just hop onto the TransMilenio bus that goes towards Universidades. We’ll discuss how to use the city’s buses in the next section.

If you’re arriving at unsociable hours, we recommend opting for an airport taxi that will drop you off directly to your accommodation.

Airport Taxi – An easy way to reach your accommodation is by booking an airport taxi. This is the safest and easiest way if you have a lot of luggage and don’t feel confident taking public transport in an unfamiliar city.

You can pre-book your taxi at the booth outside the arrivals building. You’ll have to tell them your destination and they will calculate your fee.

It’s normally a set fee depending on the distance, but to La Candelaria or Chapinero it can cost between 70,000 – 90,000 COP ($17 – 23 USD).

Best Ways to Move Around Bogota

Whenever we can, we enjoy exploring a new place on foot. You can discover so much more whilst walking than by taking taxis everywhere. La Candelaria – Bogota’s Historic Centre – is definitely walkable and we suggest exploring some of the main sites on foot. It’s also a great way to acclimatise to the high altitude before you head up to Monserrate.

If you’ve just arrived in the city, it’s always a good idea to  join a free walking tour  where you won’t just see, but also learn, a lot about Bogota.

Top Bogota Travel Tip. Many people challenge themselves with a hike up to Monserrate. It is a great activity, but make sure to do this in the morning, as for safety reasons the path is closed after 1PM.

Another fun way to get around Bogota is by bike. We were pleasantly surprised by just how many dedicated cycle lanes there were in this huge city. Hopping on a bike is definitely a much faster way to get around, and we read that hotels and hostels sometimes offer bike rental services to their guests.

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you’ll also see that many main roads are shut to vehicle traffic so that people can cycle or run along those roads. We absolutely loved this initiative in the big cities across South America.

In case you don’t fancy navigating on your own but do want to get to know the city this way, we recommend joining a bike tour around Bogota .

For places located a bit further away from La Candelaria, we recommend using Bogota’s bus rapid transit system (BRT) called TransMilenio. The buses run in dedicated lanes throughout the city, which makes it a fast and affordable way to get around.

It’s worth noting that the system can feel a bit confusing for someone new to the city. There are 12 different bus lines which are marked from A to M and are also colour coded. You can use this bus map to find the nearest bus stop to where you’re staying in Bogota. Maps with all the bus services on them are also available at every station.

In order to use TransMilenio you’ll need to purchase a bus card, known as a tullave card, first (7,000 COP / $1.75 USD). Then you can top that up with however much credit you need for your bus rides across the city. A one-way journey is normally 2,950 COP ($0.75 USD). For more information on rates and routes you can check out the official website .

There are also some Urban Services, known as the Integrated Public Transport System (SITP), which are blue buses that don’t travel in dedicated lanes. Now, you can use your bus pass on these services too and a one-way journey is slightly cheaper at 2,750 COP ($0.70 USD). If you change buses within 110 minutes of leaving the last one, then a transfer to another SITP bus, or from a TransMilenio to a SITP bus, is free. However, a transfer from a SITP bus to a TransMilenio bus is 200 COP ($0.05USD).

Another way to get around Bogota is by taxi. The safest way to use taxis is to pre-book them through your hotel / hostel staff. This is especially true if you’re heading to the airport. You can also download some apps such as Tapsi, Cabify, or Easy Taxi to book a ride.

Drivers can drive a little aggressively and the traffic in Bogota is a bit mad! Many people use motorbikes to avoid the rush, and they can come out of nowhere from any direction, which can feel quite chaotic when you’re in a car. Seatbelts are also rarely available in the back seat.

It’s always good practice to have a local SIM card so you can follow your route on Google Maps. We always do that to make sure we’re not taken the long-way around or somewhere completely different to where we want to go.

Now, Uber is actually not legal in Colombia, but in big cities such as Bogota it’s well-used. However, never try to take an Uber to the airport. Both you and the Uber driver could get into trouble because it’s monitored there more than anywhere else.

Where to Stay in Bogota?

Bogota is a huge city, so naturally there are going to be districts where it’s not recommended for visitors to stay.

If you’re short on time and want to be close to the main attractions, then the La Candelaria neighbourhood is a great place to base yourself. There are plenty of hotels and hostels in this area depending on your budget and needs. La Candelaria is also filled with cafes, bars and restaurants, and is generally a walkable district. Below are some places you can check out:

• Selina La Candelaria
• Arche Noah Boutique Hostel
• Candelaria House Boutique
• Botanico Hostel

Located to the north east of Bogota, Chapinero is a trendy and bohemian neighbourhood. Although you won’t find many attractions here, it’s a good base for those who’re in the city for longer, or just want to stay away from the main tourist areas. It also has a great LGBTQ+ community, trendy cafes, restaurants and markets. Find accommodation in Chapinero here.

You can also consider La Zona Rosa , which is known for its nightlife, the financial district for any business-related travel, or Teusaquillo which has a lot of green spaces.

Where to Eat in Bogota?

There are plenty of places to eat in Bogota and you definitely won’t get hungry as you’re exploring the city. Below are some of the favourite spots we ate at during our stay:

• Quinua y Amaranto is a small restaurant in La Candelaria serving great vegetarian and vegan food. Definitely come here to get a lunch menu.
• Nativa Arte y Comida Natural  is a vegan restaurant that also offers some nice lunch deals.
• Mercy Vegan Food is another small vegan restaurant with very friendly staff.
• Usaquen Market is filled with street food vendors and sit-in restaurants and cafes. The options here are endless.
• Vegoto Fast Food is another great vegan restaurant in Chapinero serving some great lunch menu’s.
• Juan Valdez Cafe is basically the Starbucks of Colombia. Whilst it’s a large chain, we definitely enjoyed popping in here for a quick coffee and some pastries.

Do you want to learn more about Colombian cuisine? Then make sure to book a street food tour to have a fantastic gastronomic experience.

• Things to do in Bogota, Colombia’s capital city
• Things to do in La Candelaria, Bogota’s Historic Centre
• How to Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira from Bogota

Final Thoughts on Bogota Travel Tips

Before arriving to the Colombian capital we did a ton of research. Backpacking across Peru and Ecuador, we also met fellow travellers who shared their own experiences in Bogota. We definitely received mixed feedback on the city, so didn’t arrive with very high expectations.

Although we were cautious and stayed vigilant, we definitely enjoyed the city more than we thought we would. We visited most places on foot or by bus and never had an issue. Whilst you can sometimes end up in unfortunate situations through no fault of your own, if you follow the general rules around safety you’ll most likely be fine.

Have you ever been to Bogota before? If so, what was your experience? If not, would you feel more confident spending a few days in the city after reading our guide? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

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👍Really detailed and useful guide. Thanks.

Thank you Karan, we’re glad you found it useful!

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BOGOTA ACTIVITIES

Where to go.

• Coffee Region
• Pacific Region
• Caribbean Region
• Boyaca & Santander

Top Places to Visit in Bogota

La Candelaria: La Candelaria is the historic neighbourhood in the city. Located a few minutes walk from Bolivar Plaza and home to la Casa de la Moneda, the Botero Museum , among other important museums and landmarks. La Candelaria lends you hours of walking down narrow, colonial streets lined with colonial-style houses and buildings.

Gold Museum: With more than 55,000 pieces of gold on display, the gold museum showcases shiny artefacts from Colombia’s indigenous cultures. Learn how these pieces were created and about their significance. Temporary exhibits are also common.

Monserrate Peak: The mountaintop el Cerro Monserrate is an iconic symbol of the city of Bogotá located 3,152 meters, or 10,341 feet, above sea level and is by far, the best view of the city's landscape. Visitors can make their way to the top on foot, by train or by cable car. Once at the top, you can visit the beautiful church, buy some handicrafts at the small market, or simply take in the amazing view.

Historic Churches in the City Centre: Bogotá is home to some magnificent and impressive churches. Particularly worth a visit are the Iglesia de San Francisco and Iglesia de la Tercera. These two churches offer any tourist an incredible glimpse into the artistic and architectural contrasts of the colonial churches in Bogotá . 

National Museum: Located in the city centre, the National Museum is the largest and oldest museum in the Colombian capital, it exhibits a wide range of artwork, anthropological and ethnical artefacts, historical documents, indigenous cultural pieces, and several temporary exhibitions that exhibit both national and international collections.

Bogota Tours

Cooking & Food Tour Bogota

Coffee Farm Day Tour from Bogota

$0 12 hours.

Bogota Birding Day Tour

Historic City Tour Bogota

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira Tour

Bogota and Cartagena Highlights Tour

Best things to do in bogota.

• Walk through La Candelaria: La Candelaria is Bogota’s historic district, a very interesting area for a Bogota day tour. Featuring Spanish colonial buildings, museums and a big square called Plaza Bolivar, visitors can spend hours meandering through this area that seems to be frozen in time.
• Take a cooking class in Bogota :  With years of experience and a love for culinary arts, the expert chef will show you how to make a dish commonly found on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
• Sample Exotic Fruits:   Paloquemao Market is the ideal place to try many exotic Colombian fruits such as lulo, granadilla, guanabana, mangosteen and more. Many visitors have never even seen these delicious fruits and a lot of people also enjoy them blended into a smoothie. Make sure you include this market during your tour in Bogota.
• Visit a coffee farm: The coffee triangle region in Colombia is where most of our famous coffee is cultivated and processe. However, around Bogota you can still visiting coffee farms where you can learn all about the coffee making process. This is a great alternative if you don't have time to travel to the coffee region. 
• Ciclovia: On Sundays from 7:00 a.m. at 2:00 p.m. more than 120 kilometers of roads in the city become a space for citizens to run, walk, tour the capital by bicycle, practice aerobics or learn to dance. This program is more than 40 years old and is considered the first of its kind in the world.
• Birding in Bogota: Bogotá might not seem at first glance like the best place to base yourself for a Colombia birding tour, but that really couldn’t be further from the truth: a dedicated birder could happily spend at least a week birding in and around Bogotá and rack up a species list well into the hundreds, with around 10 endemic species seen. If you love birding and nature, check out one of our Bogota Birding tours.
• Visit a flea market:  If you are visiting Bogota on a Sunday, the traditional flea market in Usaquén could be a good experience to at tour your Bogota tour. At the flea market, you can buy handicrafts and appreciate the architectural beauty of the town, which became part of Bogotá in the 1950s. Find unique pieces of art and souvenirs at this market  and then have lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants.
• Night life:  Bogota offers many options to go out and party or "rumbear". Although there are bars and clubs throughout the city, the Zona Rosa is full of bars and restaurants and is the largest sector to enjoy the nightlife.

Surroundings of

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira: The famous Cathedral is the most pospular place for a day tour from Bogota. This Cathedral was built inside a network of monumental chambers and tunnels that were left behind when commercial mining operations stopped. Guatavita Lake: The peaceful lake, located about 2 hours by car from Bogota, was once an important ceremonial site for the ancient Muisca civilization which later gave rise to the legend of El Dorado . Chingaza National Natural Park: If you love hiking or birding this is the perfect destination. The park is located in the mountains and outside of the city offering easy access to good montane elfin forest and paramo.  Chicaque Natural Park: This natural park is located just half an hour by car from Bogota. It is located next to a huge rock canyon that protects the cloud forest of Chicaque and ancient oak forests. 258 species of birds have been recorded there.

When is the best time to visit Bogota?

Festivals: Any time is good to visit Bogota, however if you want to be part of a festival these are the good times to go:

• March: The Ibero-American Theatre Festival , the most important theatre festival in the world, takes place every two years, bringing together artists from all over the world. 
• June - July : Every year, Bogota offers a free, three-day rock and metal festival:  the Rock Park Festival.  This Picnic Stereo Festival, is the second largest rock festival in Latin America. 
• July :  Indiebo Independent Film Festival.  This 10-day festival aims to raise awareness about society issues with the help of culture. You wild find different projections in cinemas, parks and other unconventional places.
• August:   Carnival of Bogota: Founded in 1538, Bogota celebrates its birthday on August 6. Visitors can expect several events in La Candelaria to mark the occasion.
• August : The Summer Festival,  celebrated during the second week of August. You will find cultural events, live music, events for children, international sports tournaments. 
• October : Artbo  is one of the most important cultural events inthe country. This fair gathers more than 75 art galleries and features  about 500 artistes. It has for mission to promote the local art scene of Colombia nationally and beyond. 

You can enjoy other festivals like the Indiebo Independent Film Festival, ArtBo, among others. In addition to this, you can enjoy film festivals such as Eurocine, the Documentary Film Festival, the Bogotá Film Festival, the Documentary International Show, and the French Film Festival, and from November 7 to 10 you can enjoy of the Madrid Fusión gastronomic festival.

The weather in Bogota is known for being unpredictable. The sky could be clear and blue, then the next hour it can be pouring down rain. It’s best to always carry a jacket and umbrella while exploring Bogota. The average temperature in Bogota is 15°C, or 58°F. 

The warmest months are from May to June. 

The best transports in Bogota

Getting there: Bogota is located in the centre of the country and is often where international flights arrive and depart. El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is located in the western part of the city. It’s best to fly into Bogota since the city is surrounded by curvy roads because of the Andes Mountains.

Moving around: There are different applications to request taxi service such as Easy Taxi, Tappsi and Uber. For all your transportation in Bogota, make sure you have cash on hand.  A key part of the public transportation system in Bogota is the TransMilenio system. TransMilenio is a bus rapid transit system that runs all over the city. You can take TransMilenio to and from the El Dorado Airport, to the historic city centre of Bogota (Candelaria, Monserrate, Gold Museum, etc.…), to the neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the city (Suba, Usaquen, etc.…), and to most of the tourist attractions zones.

Is it safe to travel to Bogota?

Colombia is the biggest city in Colombia and like in any other big city in the world, you can encounter some petty theft.

These are some  simple tips  that should keep you out of trouble:

• Don’t flash large amounts of money in public
• Look out for pickpockets on public transportation
• Call or use a smartphone app to arrange for a taxi instead of hailing it on the street
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep your phones and cameras out of sight
• Don’t wear flashy jewellery
• Avoid taking cards or passports out with you

Traditional

The good and varied gastronomy , which forms a fundamental part of the cultural diversity of the city, is one of the strongest attractions of Bogotá. Learn which are the typical dishes of the region!

Arepa: An arepa is cooked dough full of possibilities. The most basic kind of arepa is filled with cheese and butter, but these babies can get extravagant. Some arepas are served filled with various meats, egg, cheese and crispy potato bits.

Empanada: They are a food prepared with corn flour and depending on the region they are filled with different ingredients. In the region of central Colombia they are stuffed with meat, spices and potatoes.

Ajiaco: The ajiaco santafereño is the most representative dish and a cultural reference of the cundiboyacense highlands. It is a soup prepared with chicken breasts, three different types of potatoes, cob and guascas (a spice), usually added milk cream and capers and accompanied by avocado slices.

Fritanga bogotana: A group of fried foods typical of the region. A plentiful chop with pork ribs, beef, chicharrón, among others, usually accompanied by ají, chimichurri and guacamole.

Masato: It consists of a creamy drink made with rice, cloves, cinnamon, among other ingredients. Its artisanal preparation is made in clay pots and it is kept in fermentation vessels so the flavor concentrates more.

Home to more than 8 million people, Bogota, Colombia is nestled along the Andes Mountain Range. The capital city sits 2,640 meters, or 8,660 feet, above sea level. Due to its high altitude, visitors should take a day or two to get acclimated before doing strenuous activities like hiking or sports. 

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Huge crowds protest Colombian president’s planned reforms

Protesters call Gustavo Petro’s policies ‘dire’ as his government attempts to reform healthcare and other sectors.

Tens of thousands of Colombians have taken to the streets in several cities to protest against President Gustavo Petro’s social reform agenda.

About 70,000 people demonstrated in Bogota on Sunday, according to estimates provided by the city government. Large rallies also took place in other cities across the country in opposition to Petro’s proposed economic and social reforms.

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Protests have been a constant since the former leftist fighter took office in 2022, but have gained momentum as Petro has floated the possibility of rewriting the constitution to spur social reforms blocked by a hostile congress and conservative business groups.

A Senate committee earlier this month rejected a proposed health reform aimed at stripping power from insurers and expanding access to healthcare. The opposition has been angered by the government’s move to take control of two main insurers it said had failed to correctly care for patients.

The government is expected to propose a new version of the health reform once the new legislative session begins in July. Pension and labour reforms are also being debated by lawmakers.

Marches have also previously taken place in support of Petro’s reforms.

“This government’s policies are dire. The health system, despite its flaws, was working and now Petro is putting an end to it by plunging patients who have no healthcare or medicine into a crisis,” Monica Leon, a 45-year-old doctor told the Reuters news agency.

‘Topple the government’

President Petro said in a post on X that the protests were large in Medellin, Bogota and Bucaramanga but “weak” in 18 other cities.

“The main goal of the marches is to shout ‘Petro Out’ and to topple the government,” Petro said, calling the protests a “soft coup” to thwart reforms. He called for a massive pro-government march on May 1.

When Petro came to power two years ago he was the first leftist to govern a country traditionally run by conservative elites.

However, he lost majorities in the legislature a few months after his inauguration, and his approval rating has plummeted.

Seventy percent of Colombians say the situation in the country “is getting worse”, according to the Invamer polling group.

Petro’s ambitious policy of “total peace” – attempting to bring an end to six decades of armed conflict – has also faced reversals.

Concessions to armed groups have been controversial, with frequent violations reported.

'Brit sex tourist' arrested in Colombia after 'touching 14-year-old girl' in public

Footage shows the alleged British paedophile on a street in Bogota, Colombia, holding the hand of a 14-year-old girl schoolgirl allegedly 'sold for sex' by her Venezuelan mother

• 12:06, 21 Apr 2024

An alleged British paedophile has been arrested in Colombia alongside a Venezuelan woman accused of pimping out her 14-year-old daughter to foreigners in a case police have called "perverse".

Locals are said to have tipped off cops after seeing the male suspect, accused of sexually abusing the youngster, "acting strangely" with the teenager. CCTV footage published by Colombian TV station Citytv showed the unnamed man walking down the street holding hands with the girl alongside a woman identified as her mum. The youngster appeared to be in school uniform and was carrying a small rucksack on her back.

It also published footage showing images of the middle-aged man “inappropriately touching” the child inside an unidentified restaurant believed to be in the Colombian capital Bogota.

The young girl, whose face was pixelated, appeared to be kneeling by the table on the floor while the man touched her as he sat opposite her mum. At one point the youngster was filmed reaching up for a Coca-cola on the table and taking a sip of her drink while her mother fiddled with her phone.

The Venezuelan woman was arrested in Ciudad Bolivar, a neighbourhood of Bogota in the south of the capital. She and the man, who police have confirmed is foreign and the TV station says is British, have now been handed over to state prosecutors so they can decide whether to release them or remand them in custody pending an ongoing investigation. The pair were also filmed being taken away in handcuffs after their detentions.

Police chief German Gomez said a person who was part of a neighbourhood watch-style organisation alerted police after checking his cameras because of a repeated ‘anomalous situation’ involving the teenage girl, the male suspect and the youngster’s mum.

He said: “He checked the cameras because this anomalous situation repeated itself over several days, in which both the mum and the foreign man are walking with the girl and entering a retail centre where he’s allegedly fondling the youngster. It’s a perverse case. The foreign man was arrested for sexually abusing a girl under the age of 14.

CityTv said the suspect, who it described as British, had been in Bogota for several days and was allegedly practicing “sex tourism.” The teenage girl has now been placed in the care of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare. Police are probing whether her mum was operating a child prostitution ring in Bogota.

Another Colombian city, Medellin, declared war on sex tourism at the start of the month after a US national was found with two little girls at a hotel in the city Medellin’s Mayor Federico Gutierrez announced the six-month suspension of sex work in certain parts of the city and limited operating hours of some of its bars and clubs.

He ordered the crackdown after an American was arrested when a concerned local said he was with the two girls aged 12 and 13 at an exclusive hotel in Medellin. The 36-year-old Ohio-born man flew back to the States after being released on bail because of a “lack of evidence” against him. Colombian NGO Valientes Colombia reported last year more than 320 children had been sexually exploited in Medellin, where the problem is said to be worse than in Bogota.

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Colombia’s opposition mobilizes supporters against Petro

Tens of thousands join protest in bogota.

Colombia’s political opposition and some business associations organized major protests against the reform agenda of President Gustavo Petro .

The protests were organized by conservative and far-right political parties and received the support of the truckers’ association, surgeons and scientists.

In Bogota , some 80,000 people joined the protests that ended with a mass gathering on the Bolivar Square in the heart of the capital.

Other major protests were reported in Medellin and Cali .

Opposition politicians had called on their supporters to mobilize in rejection of Petro’s proposal to organize a constituent assembly to secure legislative approval for his reforms.

The president and his ministers have been trying to convince Congress to approve labor reforms, and major overhauls of the country’s healthcare and pension systems.

These reforms have been fiercely opposed by the far-right Democratic Center party, liberals and conservatives.

According to Carolina Arbelaez, a former representative of the conservative Radical Change party, “this is a march in defense of democracy and the institutions.”

We also mobilize because of what is happening in terms of public order. The figures of what is happening in Cauca and Nariño are very worrying, with the territories at the mercy of criminals.

Former congresswoman Carolina Arbelaez

Until Sunday, the opposition has had little success in organizing anti-government protests.

This has changed in part because of the participation of the truckers, the surgeons and the scientists who oppose the government’s policies for their own particular reasons.

Petro further upset conservative public opinion by a recent announcement that he will take part in the Labor Day protests on May 1.

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A Colombian's Nordic Adventure: Embracing Happiness in Finland in 2023

J orge Reyes, a 28-year-old professional from Bogotá, Colombia, embarked on a life-altering journey in 2023, relocating to Finland without a prior visit, compelled by the Nordic nation’s title as the “happiest place on Earth.” Reyes’s curiosity about the Finnish way of life led him to pursue a job opportunity in Helsinki, where he found his new home.

His decision was underpinned by Finland’s reputation for safety, robust education systems, and a society known for its harmonious coexistence—contrasting sharply with his Caribbean background of sun-soaked beaches and sweltering temperatures. Social media also played a role, with Finland’s high happiness ranking sparking his desire to experience the Finnish lifestyle firsthand.

Upon securing a position as an account executive at a Finnish startup, Reyes navigated the logistics of moving with remarkable ease, thanks to the support of his new employer. He quickly realized that language barriers were minimal, as people speak English so well here. However, building friendships proved to be a slow process, as the Finnish are known for their reserve. Still, once friendships are formed, they are enduring.

Reyes expresses a strong sense of safety and a connection to nature in Helsinki, where trust and community spirit are palpable, and families are comfortable leaving children to sleep outside. The Finnish forests provide a sanctuary for stress relief, contrasting with the urban hustle he was accustomed to.

Financially, Reyes finds himself with more disposable income and enjoys a working environment with less bureaucracy and a high level of respect for his contributions. Despite the absence of racism and an inclusive attitude in bigger cities, he misses the vibrancy of his native culture, although he is gradually adapting to Finnish customs.

Finland’s high quality of life, public services, and natural beauty, despite a cost of living that mirrors its standard of living, continue to attract foreigners seeking a balance between modern conveniences and serene natural settings. Expats considering Finland are advised to research thoroughly and prepare for the financial implications, housing arrangements, and cultural integration necessary for a successful transition.

Relevant articles:

– I moved to Finland after reading it’s the happiest place on Earth. It’s exceeded all my expectations. , Business Insider, Dec 28, 2023

– Moving to Finland: A Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads , deel.com

– Living in Finland as an Expat , april-international.com

– Challenges and opportunities: An expat in Finland. , medium.com

Tens of thousands of Colombians protest against the leftist president’s reform agenda

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Thousands of Colombians took to the streets Sunday in the latest rebuke of leftist President Gustavo Petro’s reform agenda.

The demonstrations took place in several cities, including the capital. Protesters filled Bolivar Plaza outside the presidential palace in Bogota.

While protests have been a constant since the former leftist guerrilla took office in 2022, they’ve gained momentum of late. Petro has floated the possibility of rewriting the constitution to spur social reforms that he’s been unable to advance in the face of opposition by a hostile congress and conservative business groups.

Petro recently suffered an important defeat when Colombia’s congress refused to pass legislation to boost state control of the country’s health care system aimed at improving and lowering the cost of medical care.

In response to the defeat, Petro ordered by decree the takeover of two of the country’s top medical insurers, on which millions of Colombians depend.

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