A journey through Colombia usually starts in the capital city of Bogota. This is a great place to get accustomed to the country and soak in some culture. Here, you’ll experience the true South American atmosphere and get to know the friendly Colombian people. There are several interesting attractions and plenty of things to do to keep you entertained for a day or two. In this mini travel guide for Bogota, you’ll find our tips on things to do, on which neighborhoods are safe to stay in, what activities are available, and how transportation works in the city.
What to Do in Bogota?
Bogota used to have a reputation of being “unsafe for travelers,” but it has been working hard for years to change that perception. The cheerful residents and the thriving creative scene create a pleasant atmosphere. Nowhere else have we seen a city with as much street art as Bogota. When you’re in Bogota, make sure not to miss the following attractions and tours.
Take a Look over Bogota from Monserrate
The Monserrate Mountain stands at an altitude of 3,000 meters (9842.52 feet) above sea level, offering an impressive panoramic view of the entire city of Bogota. With approximately 8 million people residing in Bogota, only from this height can you grasp the immense size of this city. You can choose to hike up the mountain, which takes about 1 hour, but if you’re not up for a strenuous walk, you can also take the funicular or cable car up and down for approximately $6. Both the hike and the funicular/cable car start here. Before heading out from the city, look up at the mountain to see if Monserrate is not covered in clouds. Once you reach the top, you can stroll through the garden with its unique flowers and plants, and of course, enjoy a spectacular view.
Opening hours of the funicular and cable car:
Monday to Saturday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 5:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Opening hours of the hikers trail:
To go up: Daily between 5:00 AM and 1:00 PM
To go down: Daily between 5:00 AM and 4:00 PM
Learn about Bogota and Colombia on a bike tour
Another cool way to get to know the country well right at the start of your trip is by joining this fun bike tour. They go on small group tours with a guide leading the way and another guide at the back, so you can go at your own pace. It’s not too physically demanding because you’ll make numerous stops at various interesting spots along the way. The guide will tell you all about Colombia’s fascinating history, politics, cartels, and lighter topics like different types of fruits. You’ll visit a local market to taste some things and have coffee at a local café where they roast their own coffee. All in all, it’s a very enjoyable tour and a great introduction to Colombia at a very reasonable price.
Visit the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira
As if there weren’t enough churches in unusual places, Colombians decided to build a 180-meter-high (590-foot-high) underground church in an unused salt mine. The Salt Cathedral is the centerpiece of a large park on a hill, overlooking the city of Zipaquira, approximately 35 km (22 miles) north of Bogota. Take the bus to Portal Norte, and from there, smaller buses go to Zipaquira. We haven’t been there ourselves, but it seems like a fun excursion.
Immerse Yourself in the World of Street Art with the Free Graffiti Tour
Graffiti has been an integral part of urban culture in Bogota for decades, with street artists spreading their creative ideas and political opinions on walls throughout the city. In 2011, the regulations changed when 16-year-old Diego Felipe Becerra painted Felix the Cat on the walls of a viaduct and was shot dead by a police officer. The public reaction was overwhelming, and there was widespread protest throughout the city. Eventually, two police officers were arrested as a result. However, the mayor of Bogota felt that wasn’t enough. He made the unique decision to legalize and actively promote graffiti and street art in certain areas of the city as part of Bogota’s artistic and cultural identity. During the free graffiti tour, you’ll learn about Colombia’s history, corruption, and the stories behind the murals. The free tour starts every day at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM and requires advance reservation.
Experience the Atmosphere at Plaza Bolivar
Around sunset, Plaza Bolivar is always alive with activity. Locals gather here to stroll through the nearby market and grab a bite to eat. You’ll find plenty of street food stalls around mealtime and on weekends. The square is home to several important government buildings, including the Palacio de Justicia, which you may recognize from the Netflix series Narcos. Pablo Escobar paid the guerrilla group M-19 (now a political party) to invade the Palace of Justice, which resulted in a lot of violence and dozens of tanks in the square. You’ll learn more about this during the bike tour.
Visit the Museo del Oro
The Gold Museum is the best museum in Colombia. Here, you’ll find 55,000 pieces of ancient works from indigenous inhabitants of Colombia. They are made of gold, pottery, rock, gemstones, and textiles. These artifacts have provided scientists and archaeologists with a deeper understanding of the lives and cultures of South American civilizations before the arrival of Europeans. It’s very interesting if you want to learn more about indigenous cultures. Admission is free on Sundays, but it tends to be crowded. On other days, admission is approximately $1.
Opening Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
What about transportation in Bogota?
Bogota has a unique public transportation system called TransMilenio. It is the largest Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in the world. It consists of a network of roads exclusively for buses. There are a total of 12 bus lines and 144 bus stations. You can purchase tickets at the bus stations. If you prefer a more comfortable option, Uber is ideal. Download the app, enter your destination, and order a taxi. Taxis usually arrive within 10 minutes, and it’s quite affordable. A 30-minute taxi ride costs around $3.50. Uber is also considered safer than regular yellow taxis in Bogota. Uber is no longer legal in Colombia, but that hasn’t stopped people from using the app anyway.
Tip: Arrange an Airport Pickup in Advance for Your Trip
If you’re flying to Bogota, it’s convenient to arrange an airport pickup in advance. Upon arrival, someone will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name. This way, you can quickly and safely proceed to your hotel after a long flight. An airport pickup costs around $11 per person, and you can book it here.
Best restaurants in Bogota
For typical dishes from Bogota, head to La Puerta Falsa. This restaurant has been around since 1816. Order the famous chicken soup with corn called Ajiaco Santafereño. It comes with rice and avocado. It’s a generous portion that you can easily share for lunch. If you’re looking for something healthy and vegetarian for lunch, Quinua y Amaranto is highly recommended. Find a spot, order the daily menu, and be surprised. For around a dollar or three, you’ll get a soup, main course, and a cup of tea. For dinner, we found Origen Bistro to be a cozy place with an extensive menu. And finally, for delicious Italian food, visit Madre.
Where to stay in Bogota?
If it’s your first time visiting Bogota, you’re probably wondering which neighborhoods are safe and where it’s best to stay. Most tourists stay in the Zona Rosa and La Candelaria neighborhoods. These are the safest areas in Bogota, with many great restaurants and nightlife options. La Candelaria is the historic center of the city and therefore the most beautiful neighborhood in Bogota. It’s our preferred choice as a base. All tours and attractions are nearby, which is convenient in a city with 8 million residents and permanent traffic congestion. The hotels we recommend below are located in La Candelaria. Book as early as possible because these are very popular accommodations that often get fully booked well in advance.
Our Favorite places to stay in Bogota
Selina Candelaria is by far our favorite in Bogota. The interior, combined with the old building, is incredibly beautiful. There are cozy areas and a bar where you can easily meet other travelers, and there’s even a cinema! You can choose from simple to luxury double rooms or a bed in a dormitory. It’s located right in the La Candelaria neighborhood, just a few minutes’ walk from Plaza Bolivar. The building can be a bit noisy due to its age, so bring earplugs. If you’re looking for more tranquility, Hotel Casa de la Vega is an excellent choice. This charming hotel is situated about a 10-minute walk from Plaza de Bolivar and is surrounded by many restaurants and cafes. It has a beautiful courtyard, and the authentic details of the building have been well preserved.
  Selina Candelaria
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  Hotel Casa de la Vega
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