Steeped in history and cosmopolitan cool—and freshened by breezes from the surrounding Andes mountains—Bogotá is bustling and unapologetically bold. While Colombia’s capital might not be as immediately charming as Medellin and Cartagena, stick around for a couple of days, and you’re bound to be seduced by its Latin spirit, striking architecture, and burgeoning food scene. Things to do are dazzlingly diverse and range from admiring street art in quaint La Candelaria, visiting the Catholic pilgrimage site on Mt. Monserrate, dancing salsa ‘til dawn in Zona Rosa, descending underground to the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, and sipping freshly ground coffee grown just miles away in the trendy Usaquén district.
Because of its high altitude, Bogota remains refreshingly cool year-round, but it can be prone to downpours—visit December through March to reduce your chance of rain. Highlights of the Colombian capital’s calendar include Festival Centro, a celebration of Latin music in April, and free Festivales al Parque, which sees open-air concerts of different musical genres in the city’s parks throughout the year.
Bogota doesn’t have a subway, but the TransMilenio Bus Rapid Transit is the quickest and most cost-effective way to get around outside of rush hour, when it’s best to avoid hitting the road altogether. Historic areas such as La Candelaria and La Plaza de Bolivar are best explored on foot, while cycling is also a great option—the capital boasts more than 300 kilometers (190 miles) of dedicated cycle lanes.
Colombia’s capital is rife with hidden gems, if you know where to look. The arty and bohemian barrio of La Macarena is a creative hub with quaint parks and a planetarium, and it’s far less crowded than La Candelaria. While Zona G is an off-the-beaten path spot that’s considered Bogota’s premier dining destination. A visit to this ritzy enclave might even result in you rubbing shoulders with a Colombian celebrity.
Local Currency Colombian Peso (COP) | Time Zone COT (UTC -5) | Country Code +57 | Language(s) Spanish | Attractions 31 | Tours 696 | Reviews 15,192 |
Yes, Colombia’s vibrant capital city is certainly worth visiting. Highlights include the cobblestone historic center of La Candelaria and its street art, world-class museums such as the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, and some of Colombia’s best nightlife, fueled by the rich rhythms of salsa music.
...MoreBogota is famous for the grand architecture in the historic center of La Candelaria and for its vibrant street art scene, which is present in all parts of Colombia’s sprawling capital. It's also renowned for its salsa-dancing nightlife and coffee culture—Colombian coffee is held in high regard worldwide.
...MoreYes, with three days in Bogota you can cover the highlights, including La Candelaria, home to Plaza de Bolívar and Teatro Colón; Mt. Monserrate, topped by a 17th-century church; and the Gold Museum. You could also take a day trip to Villa de Leya or Zipaquira's Salt Cathedral.
...MoreBogota is much larger than Medellin, and therefore it has much more to see and do—top picks include the Gold Museum and the historic center of La Candaleria. However, Medellin is considered safer and offers a warmer climate—it's known as the city of eternal spring.
...MoreYes, Bogota is a party city. Indeed, Colombia’s capital is famous throughout Latin America for its nightlife. The best places are Zona Rosa, with plenty of places to salsa dance and drink cocktails, and Zona T, with its nightclubs. La Candelaria sees backpackers enjoying a beer or two.
...MoreBecause of its elevation at 8,800 feet (2,700 meters) above sea level, Bogota can be chilly and rainy regardless of when you visit. However, you’re least likely to experience downpours and icy winds in the South American summer months of Dec.–Feb.
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