Travel Guide to Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá, the world’s 3rd highest capital city, sits at 2,600 meters of altitude amidst wispy clouds. And locals, an 8 million population known affectionately as Rolos, are proud of their high-altitude city, close to the heavens. A bit rough around the edges and distinctly lacking the tropical vibe that most people associate with Colombia, Bogotá is a real diamond in the rough.
Sure, it’s less sassy than Cali, not as energetic as Barranquilla, and hasn’t got Cartagena’s glorious daubs of vibrant color. Yet delve into Bogota’s cityscapes and you’ll discover a modern metropolis studded with church spires, historic plazas, cobbled backstreets, urban art, chic galleries, good museums, and whimsical bronze sculptures.
When here, visitors should take advantage of the 620 kilometers of cycle paths that crisscross the city, weaving through neighborhoods and slicing through green space and cascading fountains. Each Sunday, entire streets and avenues shut down to traffic, creating even more routes to choose from, and swarms of cyclists enjoy this Bogota pollution-cutting initiative.
The city is also home to a great food scene, and you’ll find everything from vegan organic spots and steak joints to local hole in the walls and gourmet eateries.
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More Colombia travel info:
For more info on travel in Colombia, check out our guide to Salento and the Eje Cafetero and this Cali city guide.
And if you could use some one-on-one help planning your trip to Colombia, consider scheduling a Colombia travel consultation with one of our Local Experts!
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Almost totally unexplored outside of the main cities and a few popular areas, planning a trip to Colombia is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming.
So if you could use some help coming up with a great plan, schedule a Colombia travel consultation with our Bogotá-based Local Expert, Santiago!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where you’ll get to chat with Santi about the trip you’re planning and he’ll share his tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
Where is Bogotá?
Bogotá is a big and sprawling city on the Cundiboyacense plateau, in the Andes mountains, that covers a vast area of more than 1,580 square kilometers (613 square miles).
Located in the center-east of the country, Bogotá is 412 miles (663 km) from coastal Cartagena, 452 miles (728 km) from the Colombian Amazon, 152 miles (245 km) from Medellin and 186 miles (300 km) from Cali.
Why visit Bogotá
Bogotá has expanded at a breakneck pace over the last 40 years and it’s now home to almost 20% of Colombia’s population. While that rapid development has not created the world’s prettiest city, it’s a fascinating place and a must-visit for anyone who wants to understand Colombia’s tumultuous history and see first-hand how the country has emerged from years of conflict and blasted into modern day.
Those interested in colonial architecture can explore the charming streets of the La Candelaria district while art and history fans can keep themselves busy with terrific museums like the Museo del Oro (gold museum) and Botero Museum, home to some of Fernando’s most famous curvaceous figures.
Shoppers can browse an eclectic jumble of treasures at the Mercado de las Pulgas flea market or peruse the shelves of Librería Lerner, a legendary independent bookstore piled high with every genre in multiple languages.
Head to La Candelaria to stroll the heart of historic Bogotá, where it’s impossible to take a bad shot of its beautiful old buildings painted in a rainbow of hues. The cobbled lanes of this 16th century settlement co-exist with powerful modern murals and metal street art – providing interesting and thought-provoking contrasts.
For a little activity on two feet, Cerro de Monserrate, the mountain peak that rises up to 3,152 meters right in town provides good exercise and great views. Not feeling it? Hop a ride on the funicular tram instead!
And the street life here is invigorating; everywhere you go, you’ll pass old-fashioned shoe shine stands (lustrabotas), flower stalls, and fruit vendors selling every type of fresh tropical fruit, and all manner of hawkers and food stalls.
How to get to Bogotá
An Avianca airplane. Photo: BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
By plane
Bogotá’s international airport is well-connected to North America and Europe with many daily direct flights.
In the United States, you have frequent direct flights from Miami, New York, Boston, Dallas, Atlanta, and a few other East Coast cities. Flight times from the US range from 4-5 hours and round trip tickets can cost as little as $300 USD.
In Europe you have non-stop flights from Madrid, London, Paris, and Amsterdam, with travel times of about 11 hours.
If coming from within Latin America, you have direct flights to Bogotá from almost all capital cities, as well as many secondary cities. Most flights are operated by Avianca and Latam.
Domestically, Bogotá has daily direct flights to/from all the country’s major cities, and basically any city that has a commercial airport. For domestic flights the main carriers are Avianca, LATAM, Viva Air, and Wingo. One-way flights cost as little as $50 USD, with travel times ranging from 1-2 hours.
By bus
If you won’t be flying, long-haul buses connect Bogotá with almost everywhere in the country. While for some further destinations or if coming from smaller towns and cities you’ll often have to make a connection, all major cities offer direct bus connections with Bogotá.
Keep in mind that although certain overland journeys may look short on the map, they’re typically quite long in reality. Colombia is mountainous and roads weave and wind their way throughout the entire country, so even a relatively close journey like Medellin to Bogotá or Cali to Bogotá can take 9 hours or more. Coming from the Caribbean coast? You’re looking at 20 hours and up…
Best time to visit
Because Bogotá is not just an outdoors destination, I honestly think it’s great to visit year-round.
I like to do active, outdoorsy stuff during the drier and cooler months (December to March and then again from July to August). During these months, there are laid back vibes at live music events and many summer festivals.
When it’s wetter (April to June and September to November), I fill my time trawling the galleries, museums, and cultural exhibits.
When planning your visit, don’t underestimate the effect that major holidays can have on Bogota’s hotel prices. During Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter accommodation rates soar absolutely soar, so you’ll need to book ahead.
How long to spend in Bogotá
I enjoy Bogota as an exciting city break in its own right, but it’s also a super-convenient gateway to the rest of Colombia. You should stay 3-4 days to have enough time to delve into its historical and cultural sites, visit local markets, try Colombian cuisine, and soak up the city’s modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
You could add another 1-2 days for day trips to nearby must-sees such as Zipaquirá's Salt Cathedral or the white-washed, slow-paced town of Villa de Leyva.
You’ll find a year-round events calendar of festivals, exhibitions, and performances - plus plenty of tours to books. I’ve enjoyed cooking classes, coffee tasting sessions, and watched some great displays of folk dancing.
Bogotá has also made some significant contributions to literature, art, and education and there are tours that follow in the footsteps of Colombian authors, artists and literati.
There’s a lot to do here.
Where to stay
Densely populated, Bogotá is divided into 22 distinct districts with three of these considered the prime areas for tourist accommodation: La Candelaria, Chapinero, and Usaquén.
La Candelaria
The historic center of Bogotá is famous for its beautiful colonial architecture, museums, and cultural attractions and is home to many hostels, boutique hotels, and guesthouses.
Casa Deco Hotel - A boutique gem with an interior design that blends antique furniture with modern amenities, and offers spacious rooms with panoramic views of the city in a prime central location in La Candelaria - has a fantastic rooftop terrace. Rooms from $95 USD per night.
Hotel de la Opera - Plush accommodation that harks back to a bygone era of elegance and grandeur in a meticulously restored colonial building. Expect top-notch service, sumptuous furnishings and classical artwork. Close to major landmarks like the Teatro Colón and the Bolívar Square and has a spa and gourmet restaurant. Nightly rates start at around $75 USD.
Selina La Candelaria Bogotá - Boutique property that mixes street art with urban chic in accommodation that ranges from dorm-style rooms to private suites. A social hub for travelers seeking cultural immersion and connection, Selina La Candelaria's rooftop bar is buzzing after dusk. A private room with bathroom costs around $55 USD.
Chapinero
Renowned for its good nightlife, restaurants, and shopping options, this district has some funky residential sections.
Click Clack Hotel - Night owls will love this trendy accommodation as it is close to Zona Rosa's busy nightlife and also has rooftop terrace and popular on-site restaurant. Standard rooms start at $120 per night.
Hotel CityFlats - With stylish interiors, CityFlats offers well-appointed apartments and is conveniently situated in Chapinero with easy access to local attractions and amenities. One bedroom apartments usually cost around $115 USD.
Hotel Viaggio Urbano - Modern accommodation with an eco-focus, contemporary design, comfortable rooms, and a central location in Chapinero. They have standard rooms and furnished apartments. Nightly rates start at $55 USD.
Usaquén
This laid-back district with cobblestone streets has a village-like feel and is home to upscale boutiques, book stores, markets, cafes and restaurants.
93 Luxury Suites & Residences - Spacious suites with kitchenettes are perfect or longer stays in a property that has a fitness center and is within reach of Usaquén's attractions. One bedroom apartments cost around $170 USD.
Hotel Movich Chico 97 - A stylish and modern boutique hotel close to Usaquén Park with excellent amenities that include a restaurant, bar and spa. You can usually find a room for under $100 USD.
Casa Gaitán Cortés Hotel Boutique - Offering a cozy and intimate stay in a quieter area of Usaquén, the Casa Gaitán Cortés Hotel Boutique has built a reputation on personalized service and comfort.
What to see and do
1. Admire all that gold at the Museo del Oro
I defy anyone not to audibly gasp at the dazzling displays of pre-Columbian gold artifacts – they are mesmerizing.
2. Explore La Candelaria
Take a wander through Bogotá's historic district along cobbled streets with rows of colorful colonial-era buildings.
3. Get cultural at Museo Botero
I never tire of admiring the voluptuous sculptures by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
4. Check out the Sunday flea market in Usaquén
On a Sunday, this charming neighbourhood draws the crowds with its flea market of bric-a-brac, vintage clothing and local art.
5. Hike up Cerro de Monserrate
For unparalleled views of the city, do the 3-hour return hike or save your legs by using the funicular railway.
6. People watch in Plaza Bolívar
For me, this is the beating heart of Bogotá - its where people protest, friends gather, shoppers natter and major parliamentary decisions are made
7. Take a bike tour
My favourite way to travel and explore the city! The great guys at Bogotá Bike Tours can help you explore the city on two wheels with guided bike tours, or on your own with pay-by-the-hour bike rentals. Here is a small group bike tour that they offer. If you’re looking for a private bike tour, this one on Viator has good reviews and is offered by Gran Colombia Tours, a reputable local company.
8. Brush up on history at Museo Nacional de Colombia
History lovers will enjoy this collection of exhibits and artifacts all related to Colombian history.
9. See and understand the city’s urban art via a Street Art Tour
Bogotá's vibrant street art scene mixes sculpture, mural and graffiti art in neighborhoods around the city. Some of Latin America’s best street art is here, so there is a lot to see. To make the most of your time and to also understand the cultural, social, and political messaging in much of the art, we recommend a tour. This private street art tour on Viator has great reviews. Viator doesn’t list the tour operator, but it’s Hansa Tours which has hundreds of good reviews.
10. Entertain the kids at Maloka Interactive Center
This interactive science exhibits is perfect for families with small children.
11. Stop by El Chorro de Quevedo
This is a little fountain in a square (with the same name) in the Candelaria district. It’s a special place for Bogota locals as it is believed to be the birthplace of the city
12. Relax in Parque de Simon Bolivar
Pack a picnic and a book to enjoy the relaxation of this lush green city space
13. Visit La Quinta de Bolívar
This little house is an important part of South American history as it is the former residence of the independence fighter, Simón Bolívar.
14. Take a day trip
There are a whole bunch of great places near to Bogotá that make for excellent day trips. They’re also a welcome break from the urban chaos that is Colombia’s capital. Here are a few favorites:
Villa de Leyva: This charming colonial town with cobblestone streets and historic architecture was used as the setting of a Zoro movie
Chicaque Natural Park: Keen to get up close to nature? You’ll see dozens of birds in the hiking trails of this leafy cloud forest reserve.
Guatavita Lake: Discover the legend of El Dorado in a peaceful setting by a lake and surrounded by soaring mountains peaks
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá: This underground Salt Cathedral is an absolutely incredible place! It’s more of a half-day trip, so is best combined with another visit to make good use of your day.
Connect with Santiago in Bogotá for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
Dining in Bogotá
If, like me, you like to mix it up and eat a little bit of everything, then Bogotá’s culinary scene will suit you perfectly! There’s everything here, from traditional Colombian soul food to international flavors prepared using cutting-edge culinary trends.
A multi-cultural city melding culinary influences from its populace that has come from all over the world, Bogota’s people have peppered local dishes with European know-how, African cooking styles, Asian spices, and Middle Eastern culinary traditions, plus dynamic top-notch chefs from all over the world.
The street stalls are superb too, offering tasty foods like empanadas, chorizos, and almojábanas (cheesy bread). Coffee, an integral part of Colombian culture, takes center stage in Bogotá's cafés.
Drinks to wash down a meal are generally non-alcoholic as Colombians tend to save alcoholic beverages for social gatherings. Try mazamorra (corn drink), masato (fermented rice drink with cinnamon) and dozens of delicious fresh fruit juices.
Must try Bogotá foods
Ajiaco: A hearty soup made with chicken, three types of potatoes, corn, capers, and herbs, often served with rice and avocado. I could live on this!
Bandeja Paisa: A gut-busting dish that typically including beans, rice, ground meat, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), avocado, fried egg, and plantains. Only for the hungry!
Tamal: A traditional Colombian food made with seasoned meat (pork or chicken), rice, and vegetables, all wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Yum.
Arepa: Flatbreads made from cornmeal that can be plain or filled with cheese, eggs, or meat. My favourite.
Lechona: A festive dish made by stuffing a whole roasted pig with rice, peas, and spices. It's often served during celebrations and special occasions.
Changua: A comforting soup made with milk, eggs, and green onions. It's typically seasoned with cilantro and is often eaten for breakfast.
Empanadas: Delicious fried or baked pastries filled with meat, cheese, or potatoes - sold on every street corner in cities throughout South and Central America, with Bogota no exception.
Great restaurants
Andrés Carne de Res Chía
Lively, raucous atmosphere and a popular menu or Colombian grilled meats makes this a fun place to eat if you’re in a group.
La Puerta Falsa
Historic setting and a temping menu of Colombian comfort food at dirt-cheap prices, including decadent chocolate completo.
Casa San Isidro
Charming, friendly vibe and an inviting fusion menu that skillfully mixes Colombian produce and recipes with international flavors.
Restaurante El Gato Gris
Expect a diverse menu packed with a range of options for every appetite from pasta and steaks to Colombian-inspired dishes
Harry Sasson
Looking for a place to indulge? This high-end restaurant is perfect. Expect gourmet Colombian cuisine in an elegant ambiance and sky-high prices
Criterion
Impeccable fine-dining from a kitchen that combines French culinary techniques with Colombian ingredients.
Central Cevicheria
Head here for super-fresh seafood and ceviche, in a casual dining setting - I love this place!
Local by Rausch
Modern and stylish and dedicated to showcasing the best local Colombian ingredients - this place has an award-winning menu and is always crowded.
Wok
Colourful dishes served in a place with a funky, youthful decor - the variety of Asian-inspired recipes are a hit with students and young professionals alike.
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