Things To Do
in Bogotá
Bogotá is Colombia's high-altitude capital seated on a cool Andean plateau, blending colonial streets, modern neighborhoods, and a booming cultural scene. The city offers world-class museums, lively markets, street art, and panoramic viewpoints like Monserrate. Bogotá's neighborhoods vary widely — from the historic La Candelaria to upscale Zona T and the creative Chapinero area.
Its altitude (about 2,640 m / 8,660 ft) shapes the climate and gives the city a distinct energetic but relaxed rhythm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start with warm arepa breakfast at a local cafe, then wander the colorful streets of La Candelaria. Admire colonial facades adorned with vibrant murals while exploring hidden plazas. Chat with street artists and artisans at their workshops for an authentic cultural insight.
Sample traditional ajiaco at a family-run eatery before visiting the Museo del Oro to discover shimmering pre-Columbian treasures. Pause for a cup of tinto at a small corner botanica. Explore the nearby Casa de la Moneda for historic context.
Savor dinner featuring bandeja paisa in a candle-lit tavern. Enjoy a live folklore music performance at a local pena. Stroll back through the neighborhood under the glow of vintage streetlamps, soaking in the timeless charm.
Catch the cable car or hike the scenic trail ascending Monserrate. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and take photos of the sprawling city below. Stop at the shrine and gardens to absorb the spiritual ambiance.
Dine at the mountaintop restaurant with panoramic vistas. Sample local trout accompanied by a glass of refreshing Colombiana soda while gazing at the Andean foothills. Sketch or journal your impressions on a terrace bench.
Descend at dusk to watch Bogotá's lights flicker on across the valley. Treat yourself to hearty hot chocolate with cheese at a street-side stand near the base. Cap off the night by exploring the buzzing nightlife in the nearby La Macarena district.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5 L) at a bar | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (start + a few km) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural scene: museums, street art, festivals
- Excellent coffee and diverse dining options
- Access to Andean nature and day-trip hiking
- Relatively affordable compared with many capitals
- High altitude can affect first-time visitors (shortness of breath, fatigue)
- Traffic congestion and long commute times
- Weather can be unpredictable with frequent rain in certain months
- Some neighborhoods have safety concerns; awareness needed
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hi, how are you?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Bogotá
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic hill with panoramic views of Bogotá — best at sunrise or sunset for cityscapes and dramatic light; cable car and funicular provide access.
Historic colonial neighborhood with colorful facades, cobbled streets, and murals — excellent for street and architectural photography.
Central square framed by the cathedral, capitol, and cultural buildings — great for historic architecture and civic life shots.
Vibrant murals and graffiti provide bold, modern backdrops; guided street-art tours point you to the best pieces.
A calm green space with native plants and seasonal blooms — good for nature and macro photography within the city.
Food in Bogotá
Bogotá Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting chicken, potato and corn soup flavored with guasca — a Bogotá classic often found in traditional restaurants and family eateries.
Must-Try!
A large, hearty platter with beans, rice, chicharrón, ground meat, plantain and avocado — widely available in many restaurants, though originally from the Paisa region.
Corn flatbread served plain, with cheese, or stuffed; ubiquitous at street stalls and cafés across the city.
Corn masa with fillings (meat, vegetables) wrapped in banana leaves — commonly sold at markets and for breakfast.
Hot chocolate served with a slice of cheese melted into it — a local Bogotá treat, especially enjoyed at high-altitude spots like Monserrate.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of Bogotá’s largest markets for fresh produce, flowers, and cooked foods — ideal for breakfasts (tamales, fruit juices) and sampling local ingredients.
A weekend market with artisan foods, street eats, and snacks; good for trying empanadas, arepas, and local sweets.
Look for empanadas, obleas (sweet wafer sandwiches), churros, and fresh fruit juices at kiosks across the city.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A single light handshake is common for first meetings; friends may greet with a single cheek kiss (right cheek). Use formal titles (Señor/Señora) until invited to use first names.
Colombians are generally warm and polite; avoid blunt criticism, and be respectful discussing politics or sensitive topics. Small talk and courteous phrases are valued.
Urban Bogotá leans toward smart-casual; dress neatly for restaurants and nightlife. In business contexts, conservative attire is recommended.
Safety
Tipping in Bogotá
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge is sometimes included (look for 'servicio incluido'); when not included, a 10% tip at restaurants is appreciated though not mandatory. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common; tip porters and hotel staff small amounts for help.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops in major neighborhoods; carry some cash (Colombian pesos, COP) for markets, street food, and smaller vendors. ATMs are common but avoid using them at night or in isolated areas, and notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Bogotá is near the equator, so 'summer' brings relatively drier and sunnier conditions compared with rainy months; daytime temperatures remain cool (around 16–20°C / 61–68°F). Expect crowds during holiday weeks; pack layers for fluctuating temperatures.
These months often see frequent afternoon showers and overcast skies — bring a waterproof jacket and quick-drying clothing and plan open-air activities for mornings when possible.
Generally drier and sunnier with clearer skies, ideal for hiking and sightseeing; holiday periods (late December to early January) can be busy with locals traveling.
March and September can be mix-and-match: occasional rain with comfortable temperatures — good times to visit for fewer crowds and lower prices.
Bogotá at Night
Hiking in Bogotá
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A steep but popular hike from the city up to the Monserrate sanctuary with spectacular city views; can be done in a couple of hours depending on fitness.
High-altitude páramo with lagoons, unique flora and fauna, and longer guided hikes — a great day trip for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
One of the largest páramos in the world; offers remote, windswept highland hiking and a chance to see unique ecosystems — best with a guide.
Short drives from Bogotá to hiking routes and viewpoints; popular for half-day hikes, mountain biking, and scenic overlooks.
Airports
How to reach Bogotá by plane.
The main international and domestic airport serving Bogotá — modern facilities with frequent connections. Located about 15–30 minutes from central Bogotá by car (traffic dependent); taxis, ride-hailing apps and shuttle services are available.
Regional airport near Villavicencio (used for some domestic flights) — an option for access to eastern plains (Llanos) destinations; reachable by short domestic flight or a longer drive from Bogotá.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Form the majority in Bogotá; many residents have mixed European and indigenous ancestry.
Various indigenous groups live in and around Bogotá and contribute to cultural life and markets, though their representation in the city is smaller than in some rural regions.
Present in Bogotá's population and cultural scene, with communities and cultural contributions especially visible in music and food.
A noticeable community of expats, diplomats, and international students due to universities and international companies; contributes to multicultural neighborhoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — local teams attract passionate fans and matches at Estadio El Campín can be lively events.
Cycling is hugely popular for commuting, recreation, and sport; the city’s ciclovía and cycling culture draw both locals and visitors.
A traditional Colombian target game involving throwing metal disks at clay targets with small explosive charges — often played socially with drinks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bogotá.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in Bogotá: many restaurants and cafés offer salads, arepas with cheese, vegetable stews, and veggie-friendly versions of traditional dishes. Urban areas (Zona T, Chapinero, La Candelaria) and specialty restaurants have clear vegetarian/vegan menus.
Vegan choices exist but can be limited in traditional eateries; look for dedicated vegan cafés and restaurants in trendy neighborhoods, and communicate clearly (in Spanish if possible) to avoid dairy or eggs in sauces and broths.
Gluten-free options are available at many modern restaurants, but cross-contamination is possible at street stalls. Learn key phrases or use apps to explain allergies, and choose establishments with clear labeling.