Bogotá is the capital city of Colombia. It is the economic and political hub of the country and, as a result, is rich with information and culture that can best help you understand the complexities of this country.
Have you heard that you can skip visiting Bogotá? Well we disagree and you can read more about the value of visiting Bogotá here.
Where To Stay in Bogotá, Colombia
Parque 93 + Chico: For Those Who Want an Upscale Modern Experience
Zona T: For Those Who Want the Nightlife
Also within the Chapinero neighborhood is Zona T, also known as Zona Rosa. This area is full of life, especially in the evenings as it is considered the nightlife hub of the city. This ranges from restaurants, to elegant cocktail bars, to DJ nightclubs, and more. In addition to the nightlife, this area has a number of popular international restaurants. Accommodations can be adapted to a variety of budgets, including hostels, bed & breakfasts, and luxury hotels. The only thing to consider with this neighborhood is the potential for there to be a lot of noise in the evenings.
La Candelaria: For Those On a Budget Or In for a Quick Trip
La Candelaria is the most budget-friendly neighborhood within Bogotá. It has a plethora of hostels to choose from that can meet your needs and budget based on what kind of traveler you are. In addition, it is centrally located near the museums and historical tours of the city, making it efficient to get to and from the different sites within the city that you want to visit. During the day, the touristy parts of the neighborhood are generally safe. Avoid empty streets and you can ask locals about the safety of the area you are in or the walk that you want to take. While this area is generally safe during the day, the downside of this neighborhood is that you will have to be extra vigilant in the evenings and after dark.
How to Get Around Bogotá, Colombia
Taking Uber to Get Around
Bogotá is one of the few major cities that does not have a comprehensive public transportation system. It does have buses but does not have a metro system (for the moment. They are building one but it will not go to all the regions of the city that you will be visiting while in Bogotá.) Uber will be your primary form of transportation around the city. If you remain in the neighborhoods we discussed above, it will be the most efficient way to get around. The reason we highlight Uber rather than taxis is because they reduce the possibility of being scammed, which could happen as foreign tourists with taxis (or people who pose as taxis). When it comes to Uber, you know the price upfront and the navigation of the car is tracked. In addition, it removes any communication barrier that you may have in Colombia.
Walking Tours to Learn about the History and Culture of Bogotá, Colombia
Free Classic Walking Tour Through the Historical Center (½ Day)
A nice introduction to the city is the free classic walking tour in the historical center of Bogotá. This tour will walk you through some of the highlights of the historical center. The tour will show you the different important historical buildings throughout the center. They will give you an overview of the historical context of the city and country so you better understand the location that you are visiting. In addition, these tours give you a good idea of the other things to check out in the center, including restaurants, bars, and museums. Beyond Colombia is a primary provider of free walking tours in Bogotá and provides them in both English and Spanish. They provide it twice a day.
Colombian Conflict: War, Drug Trafficking and Peace (½ Day)
Another option, with the same company is a tour about conflicts that have occurred in Colombia that make up its unique history. This free walking tour goes through the different causes for these conflicts and their impacts on today’s society. As you walk through the streets of Bogotá, you will learn about the moments of history that have had an intense impact on the Colombian future. These range from great political unrest that culminated in a political assassination to the multitude of societal hardships that led to the rise of the drug cartels and violence in the country over the last 50 years. The guide will also point out the important buildings of the historical center and recommend museums that can add to your experience in Bogotá. If you are interested in the core history of this country, then this is the tour for you. Beyond Colombia is the only provider of this free walking tour in Bogotá and provides it only in English. They provide it once a day.
Graffiti Tour (½ Day)
Colombia has a strong relationship between street art (murals and graffiti) and the history and culture within the society. (This is something you can also explore in Medellin in the famous Comuna 13). The art on the street tells a story of the hardships and challenges that this society has endured in the past and the future hope, resilience, and happiness that Colombians feel. This Original Bogotá Graffiti Tour is the first tour of this kind within Bogotá and continues to be run by artists that are involved in the street art scene of Bogotá. If you are interested in the intersection between art, history, and culture, this is the tour for you. The organization provides tours daily and can help organize your tour via WhatsApp.
Viewpoints Over the City
Montserrat (½ Day)
Montserrat is a church and monastery at the top of a mountain overlooking the city of Bogotá. It has some of the best views of the city. This mountaintop has more than just the church complex. There is also a small market that includes stalls of souvenirs and restaurants where you can find traditional food from this region of Colombia. However, the main activity here is to take in the view, and it looks spectacular during a beautiful sunset. There are two ways to get to the viewpoint:
Hiking To the Top
If you are interested in a challenge, then you can hike up the stairs to the top of the mountain. It is best to do this hike in the morning or early afternoon while there are many people on the trail. The trail closes at 4 PM. The hike itself takes at least an hour and this really depends on your physical condition and your ability to acclimate to the high elevation of the city. However, it is a really rewarding experience. To get back down, you can purchase teleferico or funicular tickets at the top of the mountain (so you don’t have to hike the round trip).
Note: If you have just arrived at this higher elevation for the first time, it is best to take the hike slowly. Bogotá is at a high elevation of 8,612 feet (2,625 meters) and going up Montserrat is a challenging hike that only goes up in elevation. Here are some tips to best acclimate to the altitude of the region:
- Eat smaller meals when first at elevation. This will help you feel better throughout the day.
- Avoid alcohol. It will decrease your oxygen level and you need as much oxygen as possible at a higher elevation.
- Drink as much water as possible! This will also help with the headaches that may appear due to the altitude.
- If things truly get worse, find a way to get to a lower elevation, and, in the meantime, you can try to get to a clinic or hospital to get some additional oxygen.
- When walking, take smaller and slower steps with deep breaths. The slower, the better.
Taking the Teleferico or Funicular
The second way to get up, and the easier option, is to take the teleferico or funicular to get up to the top of the mountain. You can purchase roundtrip tickets from the ticket office at the base of the mountain. As you go up to the top, you will see the city unfold below you. This will allow you to truly appreciate the expanse of this city. If you feel that you cannot hike up the mountain, then this is a worthwhile alternative that gives you the same views. It is worth doing this experience close to sunset to be able to see the sun set over the city.
Colpatria Tower (2 hours)
The Colpatria Tower is the tallest viewpoint within the city of Bogotá. At 48 stories up, you can see the buildings all around and crawling up the mountainsides. To visit this viewpoint, you can purchase tickets at the base of the tower. At the 48th floor, you can walk around the whole tower, getting a 360 view of the city below. It is particularly popular for the sunset so make sure you get there early to see the sun go down.
Neighborhoods to Explore
La Candelaria
If you are doing any exploration in the historical center of Bogotá, then you are going to be exploring La Candelaria. The tours listed above (Free Classic Walking Tour and the Colombian Conflict Tour) are a great place to start with exploring and understanding the area. This neighborhood is rich with history, including the Plaza de Bolivar and the pedestrian streets around it, the churches throughout the center, the Museo del Oro, the Botero Museum, the different government buildings, and more!
Usaquen (Especially Around Parque Fundacional de Usaquen)
The area around the Parque Fundacional de Usaquen has a market every Sunday that displays local and indigenous artisanal artwork. It is a great place to wander, grab some food, stop at a coffee shop, and get some souvenirs that come from and support indigenous communities.
Zona T - Shopping and Nightlife
Within the Chapinero neighborhood is Zona T. This is a shopping hub and nightlife center within Bogotá. You can spend time wandering through the malls in this area and find some nice restaurants, bars, and clubs to try out. One that is incredibly popular is Andres D.C. Carne de Res. This restaurant feels cheesy but it is incredibly popular with locals and has great food and drinks. If you go on a weekend, there may be a live band later in the evening and people often get up and dance around the tables. It is both a meal and an experience.
Zona G - The Bohemian Area
Another cute region within the Chapinero neighborhood is Zona G. This is a smaller bohemian area that is full of boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars, some of which can be more high-end. It is known for its great variety of options and is worth wandering through.
Museums Worth Discovering
Museo del Oro (Museum of Gold) (2 hours)
The Museo del Oro is an archaeological museum that celebrates and explains the pre-Columbian gold artifacts that have defined different indigenous cultures within South America. It explains the trade, culture, and rituals of the people here and how gold was integrated into each of these aspects of life. It has beautiful displays that celebrate the largest collection of gold artifacts in the world.
The Botero Museum (2-4 hours)
Fernando Botero, from Medellin, Colombia, is one of the most famous artists of the country. While his sculptures can be found in public spaces in both Bogotá and Medellin, it is also important to visit this museum to see his collection of paintings as well. Some of his most famous pieces of art can be found in this museum. He is known for playing with proportions of objects, people, and animals.
The museum is located in a beautiful colonial complex with artwork spread throughout the two floors of the building. It is part of a larger collection of museums, including Museo Casa de la Moneda (a museum about the history of money in Colombia and the production of money today), which can be visited in conjunction with the Botero Museum.
Parks to Wander Through
Jardín Botánico de Bogotá José Celestino (2 hours)
We don’t often recommend botanical gardens because they may be similar from one location to another. However, the one in Bogotá is truly special. It is an expansive garden that includes plants from all around the world, exhibited in different garden exhibitions. In addition, the botanical garden has constructed a few architecturally beautiful greenhouse structures that celebrate the different ecosystems that can be found within Colombia. This is a quick way to get a glimpse into everything that the country has to offer.
Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar (2+ hours)
Down the street from the botanical gardens is the Parque Metropolitano Simon Bolivar. (And yes, you can absolutely walk between these two parks.) This is the largest urban park in the city and is a place where people from Bogotá go for picnics, celebrations, relaxation, fun, and more. You can come here with a picnic to enjoy people-watching and taking in this large park. In addition, you can rent pedal-boats on the lagoon or buy some kites and fly them along with the other families in the park.
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We are Kevin and Melina, two avid travelers who have decided to take our hobby of traveling into our new lifestyle.
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