Today we’re taking you to a district that’s really off the beaten path in Bogotá: the Distrito Graffiti! A totally transformed district where street art is king.
Bogotá is the street art capital of Colombia. And we say this with the role of street art in Medellin in mind, particularly Comuna 13, but also the transformation of the Getsemani district in Cartagena, or the frescoes in the San Antonio district in Cali.
Bogotá is without a doubt the capital of Graffiti, with a history dating back to the 1980s. And the Distrito Graffiti is the most recent proof. Let’s set off on an eye-popping journey of discovery!
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Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
Distrito Graffiti in Bogota
New street art district
Let’s get out of touristy Bogota and head for the Distrito Graffiti in the north of the city. It’s a must-see if you’re in Bogotá and a fan of street art!
The Distrito Graffit is reached by taking the Transmilenio to the stop of the same name, located in the Puenta Aranda district. This is an industrial zone that the city council, in collaboration with artists, has decided to transform into a gigantic space of expression for Colombian and international street artists.
Each year, a call for projects is launched to renew the works on the 3 main streets that serve as an open-air street art museum.
This initiative by the city council is part of a major evolution in the authorities’ relationship with street art in Bogotá, with the introduction of licenses giving the right to paint on dedicated walls and the offer of official spaces to artists.
A project born of the struggle of Bogotá’s graffiti community following the death of a young graffiti artist killed by police officers in 2011
Colombia’s Bushwick
Distrito Graffiti, Bogotá’s street art district
Let’s face it, the area isn’t exactly the stuff of dreams – it’s right in the middle of an industrial zone – but when you arrive at Distrito Graffiti, you’re in for a big surprise! It’s a real eye-opener.
The frescoes are gigantic and the walls explode with color. The Distrito Graffit consists of 3 main streets entirely covered in street art! This project has brought a very ugly, isolated area of the capital back to life. Now, people come here to stroll and sightsee! We’re no longer afraid..
Distrito Graffiti is clearly reminiscent of Bushwick in Brooklyn, or Wynwood in Miami, neighborhoods with a bad reputation that have undergone a renaissance with the arrival of street artists.
A real discovery and a real slap in the face! The works are gigantic and the show is spectacular! It’s a whole new experience compared with the better-known Candelaria district, where street art is more a part of everyday life in the historic center.
The artists of the Distrito Graffiti
Street art in Bogotá
We were able to admire the work of many Colombian artists. Some whose work we were familiar with, others we didn’t know at all.
Many of the Colombian artists we discovered at Distrito Graffiti are very politically committed. But that’s not the rule, as some graffiti artists focus on the aesthetics of their work above all else.
At Distrito Graffiti, we saw works byColombian artists such as Carlos Trilleras, Toxicomano, Chanoir, Franco, Guache, DjLu, Mugre Diamante, the DXPT collective, Ledania, StinkFish, Chicadania, A tres manos, the APC collective, Jeffry Zapateiro, the Vertigo Graffiti collective (Jade, Cazdos, Yurika, Ecks), the Rodez family, Nómada and Malegria, Sueña, SakoAsko, the VSK collective.. to name but a few.
As for international artists, we discovered Belgium’s Jaune, Spain’s Pez, El Xupet Negre, Sabotaje Al Montaje, Mexico’s Eva Bracamontes, France’s Zdey, Argentina’s Nazza and more.
We discovered this district with a great guided tour that is unfortunately no longer offered, but it’s well worth the detour for urban art lovers and we recommend it for an off-the-beaten-track experience!
How to get to Distrito Graffiti
Distrito Graffiti works can be seen on the following streets: Carrera 53F, Carrera 54 and Carrera 56.
- From La Candelaria, take the “Las Nieves” station to the “Distrito Graffiti” station
- Transmilenio line: F51
- Cabs are another fast and convenient option.
- Journey time: 25 minutes
Where to stay in Bogota
Bogota, Chapinero
Hotel
Top Tours accomodation
Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
An affordable hotel with really nice facilities in the heart of Chapinero and close to all the activity of the Zona Rosa.
Airport, Bogota
Hostal
Mr. Huesped
Dormitory : $50.000 to $100.000/Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
Mr Huesped is a new hostal located about 10 minutes from the airport by cab. For a very reasonable price, it offers comfortable rooms and a great breakfast included!
Airport, Bogota
Hotel
Hotel Marriot Airport
Double room : $400.000 à $700.000
For those looking for an upscale hotel close to the airport, the Marriot hotel is a sure bet. With its free shuttle service between the airport and the hotel, it’s the perfect place to spend a night in transit, in comfort and with all the services that go with it.
Airport, Bogota
Hotel
City Express
Double room : $250.000 to $300.000 COP
For a night in transit, the City Express hotel is perfectly located just a few minutes from Bogotá airport. It’s a favorite with our readers, who want both comfort and convenience, especially the free shuttle bus that takes you directly to the airport.
Bogota, Chapinero
Hotel
Hotel Espacio 94
Double room : $150.000 to $200.000 COP
A hotel located close to Parque 93 in the Zona Rosa, a safe neighborhood full of restaurants and bars for going out.
Bogota, Chapinero
Appartement
Soy Local apartments
Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
Apartments just a stone’s throw from Parque 93 in the trendy Chico district north of the famous Zona Rosa, for those wishing to stay in this area dedicated to parties and restaurants.
Bogota, Usaquen
Hotel
Hill House Suites
Double room : $150.000 to $200.000 COP
A beautiful hotel located in the heart of Usaquen, a stone’s throw from the square.
Bogota, Usaquen
Hotel
Zana Hotel
Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
A simple hotel, with basic decor, but clean, functional, with a warm welcome and perfectly located 2 blocks from Parque Usaquen.
Bogota, Candelaria
Finca
The Candelaria House Hotel
Double room : $250.000 to $300.000 COP
Ideally located just a stone’s throw from the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, The Candelaria House offers beautiful guest rooms set in an antique colonial house in La Candelaria. For old-world charm!
Bogota, Usaquen
Hostal
Usaquen Station Hostal
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
A superbly located hostal a stone’s throw from Parque Usaquen, the nicest spot in the neighborhood. A hostal. cheap, simple, but where the warmth of the welcome makes all the difference.
Graffiti Tour in Bogotá
It’s not a Distriti Graffiti tour, but it’s still a great Graffiti Tour in Candelaria that we recommend!
