Are you planning a visit to Bogota? Find here everything you need to know about the best things to do in Bogota! From places to visit, where to stay, when to go and more!
Best Tips and Tours for your Trip to Bogota:
1. Walking tour through La Candelaria
2. Bogota private city tour
3. Tour to the Salt Cathedral
4. The Bogota food experience (sample the best Colombian dishes)
5. Coffee tour (visit a local coffee farm)
Recommended Lodging and Hotels in Bogota:
1. Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina (High-End)
2. Hotel B3 Virrey (Mid-Range)
3. Republica Hostel Cabin Beds (Budget)
Book an airport private transfer service to your hotel in Bogota
Check WayAway for low-cost flights to Bogota.
Here is my list of the best things to do in Bogota :
1. Explore La Candelaria Neighborhood
Take a step back in time by exploring La Candelaria, a reminder of what Bogota was like during the colonial era. Stroll through its picturesque streets and admire the beautiful old mansions that have been very well-preserved.
There is a charming bohemian environment all around, and the walls offer a vibrant display of street art. At first, walk around the neighborhood’s numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants. Then, you can sip a drink while observing the many artists and musicians who frequent the area.
2. Walk around Plaza de Bolivar
The Plaza Bolivar, close to La Candelaria is also a popular spot for locals and tourists. This square is a venue for cultural events and political rallies.
The significant landmarks which you can see all around are: the Cathedral, the Supreme Court of Justice, the Congress and the Casa del Cabido (the palace of the archbishop).
3. Find El Chorro de Quevedo
Find the square where the Spanish founded Bogota in the 16th century. Nowadays, it is mostly a place where local young adults hang out in the evenings, with the walls covered in graffiti art. There are many lively bars and cafes nearby.
A popular legend says that the square is still patrolled by the ghosts of Spanish soldiers. I recommend booking a walking tour through La Candelaria, which starts at this square, to learn more about its secrets and legends.
4. Visit the Museo del Oro (Museum of Gold)
This museum is home to over 55,000 gold artifacts, including jewelry, sculptures, and ceremonial objects, dating back to the pre-Columbian era.
5. Visit the Museo Botero
Did you know that you can appreciate paintings of Renoir, Monet, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Klim, Warhol and Dali, just to mention some, in Bogota? Fernando Botero, the famous Colombian artist, donated his collection of 87 pieces of international art valued at more than U$ 200 million, which you can appreciate here.
Additionally, there are more than a hundred pieces of Botero’s paintings and sculptures. Enjoy the disproportionate paintings that characterize his style known as “boterismo” and smile at his Mona Lisa.
What’s more, the building is beautiful with lovely gardens and a nice café.
To visit this Museum is a great art experience, one of the best things to do in Bogota.
6. Climb Mount Monserrate
A trip to Mount Monserrate is considered by most travelers a must-do in Bogota. Since Monserrate is at 3,152 meters (or 10,341 feet) high, it offers a great view of the city and the Andes mountains. You can either take the funicular or cable car which reaches out in only four minutes or just walk the stepped way to the top.
The hike can be moderate in difficulty, especially if you arrive from a lower altitude city.
As soon as you arrive to the top you will find a little white church, popular for weddings.
Also, a popular belief says that a couple who goes up the hill together, no matter how much in love they are, will end up separating.
Take this Bogota private city tour to go not only to Monserrate but also to the other main attractions of Bogota.
7. The Salt Cathedral
This cathedral is a unique Catholic church located in the town of Zipaquira, one hour away from Bogota. It is built within the tunnels of an ancient salt mine, dating back to pre-Columbian times, and which was active until the early 1990s.
Get out of the big city for one day and visit this small town to get another perspective of Colombia. Book this tour to the Salt Cathedral, including round trip from Bogota. This includes not only the Salt Cathedral but also the other attractions of Zipaquira.
8. Sample Colombian Traditional Food
The best way to get a feel for the city is to go on a food tour on the first or second day after your arrival. It’s also a good way to learn about Colombian culture.
Book the Bogota Food Experience, which takes you on a four-hour tour to try the best food in town, starting at 1:30 PM. You’ll begin by sampling the authentic Ajiaco at the most beautiful restaurant in the Historic Center. Afterwards, you will visit six other family-owned places in the Candelaria neighborhood to sample authentic dishes and have a chance to interact with locals. This tour accommodates both vegetarian and vegan preferences.
This experience receives excellent reviews and is one of the best things to do in Bogota.
9. Visit a Coffee Farm
Colombian coffee is renowned for its excellent quality and distinctive flavor. It has been a vital industry in Colombia for over a century and is now the world’s third-largest coffee producer. The unique taste is attributed to Colombia’s ideal climate and geography, traditional farming methods, and the dedication of its farmers.
Other of the best things to do in Bogota is to visit a local family coffee farm with a traditional Bogota Coffe tour. Experience the century-old artisanal way of harvesting coffee beans. Try plenty of fresh Colombian coffee right where it was produced. The tour includes a locally prepared vegetarian lunch.
This was my list of the best things to do in Bogota. I highly recommend that you learn more about the top 5 things to see and do in Colombia.
Where to stay in Bogota
Recommended Hotels
HIGH-END:
The Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina is located in Chapinero, the most exclusive area of Bogota. It is situated in the center of the famous gastronomic Zone G and is not far from the financial center. The hotel features two restaurants and a 24-hour in-room dining service.
Book a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina here
MID-RANGE:
The Hotel B3 Virrey is a small and modern hotel, located in the exclusive Chico area north of Bogota, close to popular attractions. It features a 24-hour fitness center, and there are restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and banks in the surrounding area. A breakfast buffet is included.
Book a stay at the Hotel B3 Virrey here
BUDGET:
Republica Hostel Cabin Beds is a nice lodging located in Chapinero, a very safe area. It features a garden, a terrace, a shared lounge, and a bar. Public transport is available nearby, and there are good restaurants in the area. The WiFi is very good, making it a great option for digital nomads.
Book a stay at the Republica Hostel Cabin Beds here
When to Go to Bogota
There is almost no variation in the weather of Bogota throughout the year.
It is usually cool and cloudy, and it rains every month, with January having the least amount of rain. The annual temperature ranges between 6.6 Celsius or 44 Fahrenheit.
Indeed, the best time to visit, apart from January, are the months of June, July, August, and September.
Is Bogota Safe?
Firstly, like many other cities, Bogota has certain areas which are safer than others. As a matter of fact it is generally considered safe to walk around the city during the day, but be always aware of pickpocketing. However, it is recommended to exercise caution at night, especially in certain neighborhoods such as the center. Avoid the neighborhood of Santa Fe.
Finally, it is always a good idea to keep informed about the current safety situation and to be aware of one’s surroundings.
For more information on Colombia, check my blogs about Medellin and Cartagena
