What are the best things to do in Bogotá ? That’s the question on almost everyone’s lips, because if you’re traveling to Colombia, chances are your first port of call is Bogotá!
Whatever the length of your stay, there are places and experiences you can’t miss in the Colombian capital. So in this post we’re going to tell you all about Bogotá’s must-sees.
There’s something for everyone, from the most classic visits to discoveries closer to the locals. Take note of a few ideas and find inspiration for your next stay in the Colombian capital!
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.
Contents
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“Construyendo Paz” city tour
The best City TOUR of Bogota in english
Here’s a great guided tour of Bogotá in English that we really, really, really recommend you take right at the start of your stay in Colombia!
Why should you? Because it’s a tour that uses the pretext of discovering Bogotá’s Candelaria district to talk to you about the history of Colombia, the Colombian armed conflict and the peace process.
It’s a fascinating tour that we really recommend. You’ll pass by some of Bogotá’s most emblematic monuments, but also some lesser-known places, and you can visit the “El Testigo” exhibition in the Saint Augustin cloister and the “Fragmentos counter-monument”, a memorial to the women who were victims of the armed conflict.
We’ll tell you more about it in our post dedicated to this tour of Bogotá in english to understand the history of Colombia, but you can go there with your eyes closed, it’s certainly THE best guided tour of Bogotá there is, and the advantage is that it’s available in English!
Bogota Graffiti Tour (street art)
BEst things to do in Bogota
Bogotá is one of the street art capitals of the world. If you’ve ever been there, you’re sure to have noticed: walls talk! The Graffiti Tour in Bogotá offers a behind-the-scenes look at this mysterious world and some emblematic works in Bogotá’s street art districts.
This guided tour captures the essence of street art in Bogotá, with information gleaned directly from the artists involved. The guides provide first-hand information, regularly updated as new works appear on Bogotá’s walls.
The Graffiti Tour is offered in English! Frankly, there are several Graffiti Tours in Bogotá, but from our point of view, this one is well worth the detour!
City Tour of La Candelaria in English
BEst things to do in Bogota
This is Bogotá’s main attraction, THE tourist district par excellence, but in our opinion it lives up to its reputation. Take time to visit and lose yourself in this historic colonial district of Bogotá. Its colorful, well-preserved houses and walls adorned with street art will surprise you.
A visit to La Candelaria is a must in Bogotá, especially as this is the district where you’ll find other sites of interest such as Plaza Bolivar, the Gold and Botero Museums, Monserrate, etc.
Don’t hesitate to enter any of the churches you find along the way – you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise, such as the church of San Francisco or Nuestra Señora del Carmen, a small Gothic-style church that’s a must-see!
Camila and Maria Paula offer a guided tour of La Candelaria, including the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum (and the Monserrate optional) to understand the history of Bogota.
- Transmilenio bus stops: Universidades / Las aguas / Museo del oro
La Candelaria is the favorite neighborhood of travelers, for the atmosphere and unspoiled architecture of this historic district. It’s packed with hostales, small restaurants and cafés where you can take a break, and we’ll tell you more about them at the end of this post.
Monserrate
BREATHTAKING VIEW OF BOGOTA
Good to know
Unmissable
The sunset from up there is an incredible spectacle not to be missed, and we tell you all about it in our post dedicated to Monserrate. Having experienced it for ourselves, we can’t recommend this unique experience in Bogotá enough. It’s clearly one of our favorite Bogotanos!
Bogotá is a city surrounded by mountains, the best known of which is the Monserrate. From its height of 3,152 metres, the view over Bogotá is spectacular!
At the top, you’ll find the Basilica del Señor Monserrate, the symbol of the city of Bogotá, built after the 1925 earthquake. Up there, you’ll find a few souvenir stores and restaurants with panoramic views.
The Monserrate sanctuary and its white walls can be seen from almost anywhere, making it a real landmark for navigating the city.
There are several ways to get there: on foot, by cable car and by funicular. We tell you all about it in the Practical Monserrate section of our dedicated post.
- Address: Carrera 2 Este No. 21-48 Paseo Bolívar
- Gondola opening hours: MON-FR: 5pm-midnight – tickets on sale until 10.30pm / SAT: midday-midnight / SUN: 10.30am-4.30pm
- Funicular timetable: MON-FRI: 6.30am-4.45pm / SAT: 6.30am-4pm / SUN: 5.30am-6.30pm
- Timetable for footpath: Every day except Tuesday – 5am-1pm to get on and until 4pm to get off.
Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolivar
BEst things to do in Bogota
Plaza Bolivar is Bogotá’s most important square. Located in the heart of the city’s historic center, it is surrounded by the most important public buildings in the city, and indeed in the country: the Primada Cathedral, City Hall, the Palace of Justice and the Capitol.
Not much to do there, just enjoy the atmosphere, the pigeons, the vendors… admire the cathedral, which from our point of view looks better on the outside than on the inside ;-). There are often free events on the Plaza Bolivar, and it’s a good starting point for a stroll in the Candelaria district.
- Transmilenio bus stops: Museo del Oro
- SITP bus stops: Academia Colombiana de Historia / Palacio de Justicia
- Address: Cra. 7 #11-10
Bogota Gold Museum
THE CAPITAL’S FINEST MUSEUM
Good to know
Favorite Museum
For us, this is the most beautiful museum in Colombia, one of Bogotá’s must-sees. The museography is sublime and the importance of pre-Columbian history perfectly highlighted. We recommend you read our post on the Gold Museum to find out more.
Bogotá’s Gold Museum is certainly the most emblematic museum in the city, and I’d even say in the country!
Located in the heart of Bogotá’s historic center, the Gold Museum, completely renovated in 2008, preserves the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian goldsmiths’ and silversmiths’ work. It’s not just a gallery showcasing the treasures found in the country, but rather a real plunge into Colombia’s past.
You’ll discover the main civilizations that populated Colombia, their culture and way of life in pre-Hispanic times. For us, the Museo del Oro is well worth the detour!
- Opening hours: Tues-Sat: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
- Ticket price: $4,000 – Free on Sundays.
- Website : banrepcultural.org
- Transmilenio bus stop: Museo del Oro
- Address: Cra. 6 N° 15-88, Bogotá
Bogotá Botero Museum
Best museums to visit in Bogota
The Botero Museum is certainly one of Bogotá’s two must-see museums.
Located a few meters from the Gold Museum in an old colonial house, this museum presents a fine collection of works that the painter Fernando Botero donated to the country. In addition to the painter’s paintings and sculptures, you’ll find a small collection of works by other international artists such as Picasso and Dali.
The Botero Museum is part ofa complex of museums: on the same street you’ll find the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Casa de la Moneda. Admission is free– what more could you ask for?
- Opening hours: MON-SAT: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. – Closed Tuesdays / SUN: 10 a.m.-5 p.m
- Admission : free
- Website : banrepcultural.org
- Transmilenio bus stop: Museo del Oro
- Address: Calle 11 No. 4-41, Bogota
Santa Clara Church Museum
BEst Museums to visit in Bogota
Built in 1647, Santa Clara is a former church that was part of the convent of the Poor Clares and became one of Bogotá’s museums in 1983. It is an architectural gem representative of colonial Baroque art of the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Santa Clara church preserves its original decoration, with paintings, altarpieces, ornaments and detailed ceiling work! It really is a little marvel!
Contemporary art exhibitions are regularly held inside, making the visit all the more surprising. We really enjoyed this place, which for us is one of Bogotá’s must-sees.
- Opening hours: TUESDAY-FRIENDLY: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. / SATURDAY and SUNDAY: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. – Closed on Mondays
- Ticket price: $2,000 – Free on the last Sunday of the month
- Website : museocolonial.gov.co
- Transmilenio bus stop: Museo del Oro
- Address: Carrera 8 No. 8 – 91
Usaquén
BEst places to visit in Bogota
Good to know
Flea Market
- Best viOn Sundays and public holidays, from 9am, the Usaquen flea market is a great way to discover the Usaquen district!sibility: December to April
- Calm sea: May to November
Located in the north of the city and once a small village, Usaquen has retained its soul. Its tranquil atmosphere invites you to take a stroll, which is rare in Bogotá! Visiting Usaquen is also an excellent choice for a gourmet or gastronomic break, with its range of good restaurants and nice little cafés. You’ll also find handicrafts at reasonable prices.
Usaquen is a very pleasant district, and even more so on Sundays during the market when you can mingle with the locals. The Usaquen flea market is a kind of craft fair held in the streets near the central square. Although I’d heard of it when I lived in Colombia, it was a english friend who’s been living in Bogotá for a few years who first introduced me to it, and I loved it!
So if you’d like to visit another part of Bogotá, mingle with the locals, discover the local crafts, savour the small dishes and enjoy the various events that take place during the market, this plan is perfect for you!
The easiest way to get there is by cab. You can also take the Transmilenio and then a cab to finish the journey, or take a bus that will get you as close as possible.
- Transmilenio bus stop: Pepe Sierra
- Bus stop Line M82: Br. Usaquén (Ak 7 – Cl 119b)
- Address Parque Usaquen: Cra. 6 a #119B-05, Bogota
Fragmentos
One of Bogotá’s must-see museums
Fragmentos was one of the biggest slams of our (many) visits to Bogotá. The museum was inaugurated in 2017 following the 2016 peace accords.
Basically, it’s a work by Colombian artist Doris Salcedo in collaboration with women victims of the conflict.
The artist presents this place as a “counter-monument” and a place to reflect on the armed conflict in Colombia. Instead of exhibiting history in the traditional way, the site inverts the usual meaning of the monument, proposing a space for dialogue based on the ruptures generated by the conflict, acknowledging the extreme experiences undergone by millions of Colombians.
The entire floor of the museum is made from large slabs of forged metal. The metal used is none other than the weapons deposited by ex-combatants, which have been melted down. The plates were then forged with hammers by women victims of the conflict…
It’s a powerful, highly symbolic project, and the place gives off an enormous emotional charge when you become aware of the space you’re in. A film traces the history of the work, and the museum is now both a place of remembrance and a venue for temporary exhibitions.
For us, Fragmentos is one of Bogotá’s must-sees.
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday
- Closed on Mondays
- Admission: Free
- Address: Carrera 7 # 6b – 30 Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
Parque Bolivar
BEst places to visit in Bogota
This is Bogotá’s largest park. With its 113 hectares, it is considered the “lungs of the city”. It is divided into several parks that are known independently, such as the “fiancés’ park”(parque de los novios), where you can kayak or ride a water bike on its small lake.
You can also enjoy a leisurely paddle in a small boat on the large lake of the Parque Simon Bolivar . If water isn’t your thing, you can take advantage of the park’s green spaces and, for the more sporty, go for a jog.
If you want to spend a Sunday among the “bogotanos”, don’t hesitate to go there for a stroll or a little picnic– it can be great fun! It’s also a perfect plan if you’re with children. After that, if you want to enjoy the park with fewer people, you’ll have to go during the week, because, as you’ll understand, everyone’s out and about in Bogotá at weekends!
Simon Bolivar Park also serves as an open stage for numerous cultural and sporting events, including the entire series of “Al Parque” festivals.
Botanical Gardens
This beautiful garden is part of the Simon Bolivar Park complex. It features a collection of the country’s most representative flora, in a variety of spaces. It is also a center for research into Colombian biodiversity and offers an interesting cultural program.
If you love nature and plants, this is the walk for you. I have fond memories of Bogotá’s Botanical Garden from my childhood, so if you’ve got kids, this is a good idea for them too!
- Entrance: Calle 63 and 53 between carreras 48 and 68
- Opening hours: Daily: 6 a.m.-6 p.m
Parque de los novios
- Entrance: Calle 63 # 45-10
- Opening hours: Weekdays: 8am-12pm and 2pm-4pm // Weekend: 10am-1pm
Botanical Garden
- Address: Avenida Calle 63 # 68-95
- Opening hours: Weekdays: 8am-1am // Weekends: 9am-5pm // Closed first Monday of each month
- Price: Adults: $2700 / Children under 12: $1400
Bogota’s fruit markets
BEst things to do in Bogota
Good to know
Participate
Tourism is also about participating in the local economy, so when you come to enjoy a place like a market where people work hard, the least you can do is buy a little something. If everyone does this, the merchants may have a better image of tourists who come to steal photos of their stalls.
For a different gastronomic experience and to experience the huge variety of exotic fruits, vegetables and other local produce, there’s nothing better than going to a market place. With Samuel, markets are always our favorite places to go when traveling, where you can feel the pulse of a neighborhood, a city, a country.
You’ll discover fruits that you’ve never tasted before and that you can’t find in the US. You’ll also find medicinal herbs, meat and fish traders, traditional kitchen utensils and, above all, the life of a traditional market.
Live this off-the-beaten-track experience by chatting with the merchants, who will be delighted to let you taste their products and tell you all about their business.
The city’s most important market is Paloquemao, also known for its flower market, which starts at 5 a.m.! Early birds beware! Closer to the historic center is the La Perseverancia market, renowned for its food court: the perfect place to sample the region’s typical and popular dishes at low prices.
- Paloquemao Market address: Calle 19 # 25-04, Bogota
- Opening hours: MON-SAT: 4am-4.30pm / SUN: 4am-2.30pm
- Paloquemao Market address: Calle 19 # 25-04, Bogota
- Opening hours: MON-SAT: 4am-4.30pm / SUN: 4am-2.30pm
Favorite things to do
English-speaking guide to visit Paloquemao or La Perseverancia
Quinta Camacho and its unusual architecture
Visit Bogota
Good to know
Best place for a great coffee
Coffee break at Café Cultor! (Cl. 70a #9 – 44, Bogotá) a really nice place, which we mention in our post listing all our good addresses in Bogotá.
If you’re heading to Zona G to eat, we recommend you take a moment to make a detour to the Quinta Camacho neighborhood. This is one of Bogotá’s historic districts, distinguished by its architecture. A stroll through this neighborhood will take you no more than 20 minutes, but will transport you back to the Bogotá of the 1940s, when English-style brick houses began to spring up in this area of the capital.
Have fun looking for these houses behind the buildings; you’ll find quite a few on carrera 7, carrera 11, rue 69… in short, you’ll have to wander around the streets to find them, before settling down in one of the area’s cafés or restaurants for a gourmet break.
Quinta Camacho is a booming district. In addition to restaurants, design boutiques, bookshops and galleries have set up shop in recent years.
That’s it! We could have listed lots more, but we’ll stop here for now! Bogotá, like all the world’s capitals, is a city with tons of things to do. We’ll be updating this post as we make new discoveries and discover our favorite things to do in the Colombian capital, which we love so much.
Where to see English and Dutch-style houses: Between streets 67 and 72 and from Carrera 7 to Caracas Avenue
BEst places to stay in Bogota
There are many different areas to stay in Bogotá. While everyone knows Candelaria, the capital’s historic center, other neighborhoods can also be interesting for their quieter atmosphere, the presence of numerous restaurants and bars, or their proximity to the airport.
Where to stay in Candelaria
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, Candelaria
Hotel
Hotel Casa Deco
Double room : $200.000 to $250.000 COP
A hotel recommended by our readers, with a pretty nice terrace! Views of the mountains and the Monserrate, pleasantly decorated rooms and a warm welcome.
Bogota, Candelaria
Hotel
BH Bicentennial
Double room : $200.000 to $250.000 COP
Sam has stayed here and the hotel is up to the standards of fine modern European hotels. Ideally located on the Plaza de los Periodistas, it’s close to the Transmilenio, the Monserrate and the entrance to Candelaria.
Bogota, Candelaria
Hostal
Masaya Hostal
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $150.000 to $200.000 COP
Masaya is the success story of 3 Frenchmen who opened this renowned hostal in Bogotá. Since then, smaller ones have sprung up in Santa Marta and San Agustin, the sign of a job well done!
Bogota, Candelaria
Hostal
Explora Hostel
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
A tastefully decorated hostal in the heart of Candelaria, with helpful staff and impeccable cleanliness, offering good value for money.
Bogota, Candelaria
Hostal
Botanico Hostal
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
Located in the Candelaria district, Le Botanico Hostal is renowned for its warm welcome and friendly staff. Its highlight: its garden and terrace overlooking the Monserrate!
Where to stay Usaquen
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, 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.
Where to stay in Chapinero
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.
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.
Where to stay around the airport
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.
Practical info
For all practical information on Bogotá, visit our general post and our dedicated posts:
Hello, I spent 1 month in Colombia in 2009 (Bogota, Montería and covenas) and a trip is planned for 2022. Your blog/site is a real pleasure to read and will help me prepare for this trip. I really, really liked Colombia, the people, the different landscapes… Monteria, despite its size, seemed like a small town to us (neighborhood by neighborhood), and we enjoyed walking around it. And what a pleasure it was to picnic in Parc Bolivar!
In 2009, military controls were very frequent on the Monteria-Cobena road. Did you encounter this situation during your road trip to santa MArta?
Thanks to both of you
Hello,
Thank you for your message, we’re delighted to hear that you want to return to Colombia and that our blog inspires you! We went through Monteria quickly but we don’t really know it. Nice if you like off-the-beaten-track destinations 🙂
As for controls, there are always police on the roads, but not necessarily systematic ones. We only had one checkpoint between Bucaramanga and Playa de Belén. But nothing exceptional.
Hello
Bogota is such a bore! Besides, you don’t visit Colombia for its cities but for its nature. I haven’t met a traveller who has enjoyed this city. As in any big city, the inhabitants are not friendly. The only nice thing is that the museums are free, or almost. You’ll have to update your Uber service, which has recently been banned.
Hello and thank you for your comment 🙂
Well, what I loved most about Colombia were the people. Especially in Cali. But then with the corona virus. It’s a bit colder.
Thank you for this very interesting and useful blogspot. I’m gutted to have to go back but….
Thanks for your message 🙂 We’ll have to come back! In the meantime, welcome back and once you’ve arrived, “Stay home”!
I’m here now and Bogotá is an interesting city, although I’m not a fan of big cities. And despite the Covid, the people are friendly and open. Uber buses are forbidden, but they work very, very well! It’s true! I took one an hour ago. Of course, I can’t wait to discover the village side of things that I love…
I’d like to qualify, I spent 3 months in Colombia and after a stint in other Latin American countries, all I wanted to do was return to this INCREDIBLE country, in particular to spend some time in Bogotá because I’ve met a LOT of travellers who told me they loved the city and that you just had to take a little time to soak it in. And I’ve only been in Bogotá a few days, but I have a feeling I’ll be here for a while. On the contrary, I find the people very nice for a capital city… Damn, I’ve been to some cities in Colombia, I must have missed my trip…
Hello,
First of all, great article! I need to choose a university and your blog really helps! One small question, as I plan to spend a year in Bogota, what neighborhoods should I avoid during the day or at night?
Hi, to put it very simply, the north of Bogotá is richer and safer, and the further south you go, the poorer and more dangerous the neighborhoods… it’s unfortunate to say, but it’s the sad reality. At night, generally speaking, in all neighborhoods, you need to remain vigilant, preferring to travel by cab, and avoid traveling alone, preferring to stay in a group whenever possible. Once you’re there, you’ll make friends, and with them and your acquaintances in general, you’ll know where you can go alone, where it’s better to avoid, and where you can go accompanied by people who know the area well.
Hello, thank you and bravo for your site, super useful!
I’m going to Colombia with my boss in 1 month for work. After the meetings in Bogota, we’ll have 2 days free. As I already know Bogota and Cartagena, I’m looking for a quick trip with an overnight stay to see other aspects of Colombia. We’re not too tight on budget and we can fly to save time. Do you have a particular city or place to recommend? Do Baranquilla or San Augustin seem feasible in 2 days? I’d be very grateful for your advice 🙂
Hello Augustin and thank you for your compliments! We really appreciate it 🙂
To answer your question, in two days and if you haven’t already done so, I’d advise you to go to Salento, discover the pretty village of Eje cafetero, take a tour of a coffee finca and admire the Cocora Valley. From Bogotá, you can fly to Pereira, and from there it’s easy to get to the region. Here are a few articles to give you an idea
Article on Salento: https://mytriptocolombia.com/visiter-salento-village-patrimoine-incontournable/
Practical article on Salento: https://mytriptocolombia.com/salento-guide-pratique/
Article on Cocora: https://mytriptocolombia.com/vallee-de-cocora-trek-incontournable/
Bravo for this site! We’ve just arrived in Colombia for 15 days with friends and we can’t do without your advice
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much Meriem, we really appreciate it! Enjoy your trip to Colombia and don’t hesitate to tell us about your impressions and tips here or on the Facebook group 😉
I’ll know which site to go to when I go to Colombia! Ultra complete all that. Muchas gracias 😉
Thank you so much for your comment! We’re so glad you liked it and that it was useful. 🙂